Canon EOS 7D (Body Only) Reviews: Digital SLR Camera

Here’s a list of the questions other shoppers have asked owners of the Canon EOS 7D (Body Only)

1. Is moving up to the 7D a worthwhile upgrade from my current model a 40D. Are the photographs of a much better quality? I do not need to blow them up to giant size but just to A4 for club competitions etc,
   
   David asked on 11 Jan 2011
   1. In my humble opinion, the 7D is definitely a useful upgrade, image quality is super, more ISO to choose from, virtually noiseless at 1600 ISO. Hope this helps.
      
      Pradeep replied on 30 Jan 2011

       
   2. Well the 7D is certainly an impressive camera but if you don't want to blow your pictures up any larger than A4 I would stick with your 40D which is a good camera. On the flip side, depending on your shooting style, the 7D has 10 more autofocusing points which provide a more accurate focus. Also, the 7D provides a much faster burst frame mode for shooting fast pace action like sports. Finally there is the 18 megapixel sensor to think about, I think that's 8 more than the 40D?
      
      And the thing that sold me, the VERY impressive 1080p video mode! I am an amateur student cinematographer and my 7D goes everywhere with me! So if video is something that you feel you would use frequently I would highly recommend the upgrade!
      
      Hope this is of help!
      
      Matt replied on 14 Mar 2011

       
2. Hi I am thinking of upgrading from my 400D to either the 60D or going the whole hog and getting a 7D. Does anyone have any opinion's on the choice.
   I tend to a lot of landscape, but mostly wildlife photography.
   Thanks.
   Tony.
   
   Tony asked on 08 Feb 2011
   1. I did just that, I had a 400D, was thinking of upgrading to 60D, then decided on the 7D.
      My thoughts - 18MP gives you plenty to play around with. Metering system is very good. Excellent 8 Frames per second.
      Finally all my old lenses fit on the 7D as it is a crop sensor.
      
      Pradeep replied on 08 Feb 2011

       
3. I am thinking of buying a 7d but have heard that photoshop CS5 will not open raw files?
   
   jeffrey asked on 10 Feb 2011
   1. Photoshop doesn't natively support the .CR2 format. However, you can download a plugin to help Photoshop read the files! Or as an alternative, the software that canon provide isn't your usual bundled nonsense, it's actually quite good. It can covert your unkown .CR2 into the widely accepted .TIFF format which is fine for editing and looses very little of the original data.
      
      Hope this helps!
      
      Matt replied on 10 Feb 2011

       
4. what will you recommend, 60d or 7d? im upgrading my 500d model
   
   ruel asked on 04 Apr 2011
   1. It depends on what you are looking for from the camera. And to be honest lots of the deciding features are user preference. I prefer the layout of buttons on the 7D, but the 60D has a flip out screen which is useful for high and low angle shots. Technically however, te cameras are very similar.
      
      Matt replied on 04 Apr 2011

       
   2. I upgraded from 400D to a 7D. I do recommend the upgrade - this camera has vastly improved features, good build, more mega pixels, more frames per second...
      You will definitely appreciate the difference. You could possibly try and check out the model in a shop perhaps?
      
      Pradeep replied on 04 Apr 2011

       
5. Should I purchase a 7D rather than the 60D, I want to use the video function for my web site movies, in particular close up shots, and wonder it the extra cost is worth it?
   
   Chris asked on 11 May 2011
   1. Well when you look at the specs, the 7D is slightly superior with stills and the like. However, the 60D has the articulating screen which is handy for video shooting and manual audio controls. I would still recommend the 7D because of its dual digic-4 processors but the 60D is seriously worth a look at. You can read more about the 60D here - http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos60D/
      
      Matt replied on 12 May 2011

       
   2. If your budget permits, go for the 7D, but the 60D is a serious contender for video as well.
      
      Pradeep replied on 15 May 2011

       
6. Hi, I love shooting wildlife,
   Deers/kingfishings/dragon flys ect.
   Currently have a 1000D is it worth upgrading to the 7D?
   Also will be looking at getting a 2nd hand 100-400 white lense.
   
   Sam asked on 27 Jun 2011
   1. Hi,
      
      Given the 7d's speed, an upgrade would certainly be an enhancement to any wildlife photographer's toolbox. Also, the 100-400 white lense with a 7d would make a pretty awesome wildlife package. If I were a wildlife photographer, that's what I would go for on my budget.
      
      Hope this helps.
      
      Steve replied on 27 Jun 2011

       
7. Considering that people now knows the capabilities of the Nikon D7000, if given the opportunity to buy another dslr would you still go for the 7D? I'm after for a very good or superb image quality that enables me to crank up the ISO without sacrificing good image quallity. I'm confused between the D7000 and the 7D as far as high ISO performance is concern. I've used both brands before so UI is not an issue neither with the glass issue because I've got none at the moment. Please advise..
   
   Albert asked on 05 Jul 2011
   1. For me personally I would choose the canon everytime as I am a student filmmaker, with the canon offering a wider choice of frame rates and picture style editing it makes alot of sense.
      
      With ISO I have found that the 7D, even at reasonably high ISOs, that is performs quite well in low light with minimal noise. During video shooting where noise is more noticeable, I can shoot at ISO 1600 without too much distortion, however honestly I have no way to compare, or opinions on, the Nikon as of yet.
      
      One thing to note if you are after image quality/size is that the D7000 offers 16MP whereas the 7D boasts 18MP. Having said this, I believe they both use a similar APS-C sensor. If your budget can stretch for it, you may want to consider a full frame model such as the 5D mk 2 which will provide higher resolution images and better performance in low light.
      
      The D7000 has more auto focusing points than the 7D, which would seriously make me consider the Nikon over the 7D because auto focus always cones out a tad soft.
      
      Matt replied on 06 Jul 2011

       
8. Having read a few reviews I am concerned over comments regarding poor image quality due to noise at ISO greater than 200. Also, I have Elements 5 and Adobe Camera Raw which currently deals with my RAW files from my EOS 20D effectively. Will this also apply to RAW files from the 7D?
   
   ray asked on 26 Aug 2011
   1. Hi Ray,
      
      Last week I took a series of shots with the 7d in an abandoned railway tunnel using long exposures and very high ISOs, I have not noticed any perceptible difference in noise levels in these shots than from shots taken less recently on either of my previous two Canons (400 & 40).
      
      I use neither Elements 5 or ACR for post processing, preferring Lightroom 3 initially, so I cannot supply you with a definitive answer to your second question. However, I can think of no reason why 7d RAW files could not be handled by software that manages 20d RAW files (although processing times may be increased due to the larger file size of the 7d RAWs).
      
      Hope this helps.
      
      Steve.
      
      Steve replied on 26 Aug 2011

       
9. I currently have a Canon 400D and I am looking to upgrade. At the moment I am stuck between the 7D and the 5D Mark II, in your opinion which one would better suit macro-photography?
   
   Natalie asked on 30 Sep 2011
   1. Both are good. I would take into consideration the crop factor of the 7d.
      
      Pradeep replied on 01 Oct 2011

       
   2. Hi Natalie,
      
      I had the same confusion for months and then I decided to go with 7D. However, that dosen't mean 7D is better. Both are excellent cameras. I don't have a 5D Mark II but I have tried it out several times in stores.
      If I were more into macro, I would choose a camera which would produce shallow depth of field, more colour depth and of course the full frame advantages.-that's 5D Mark II. 7D can give you everything but it's cropped sensor can't match the performance of a full frame sensor.
      The disadvantages with 5D Mark II is that it's a bit old now, its metering and focusing system is older than 7D and it has a 9 point AF.
      If you don't need 19 point AF or a more versatile camera that can shoot anything from still to moving subjects on a snap, can live with a bit older focusing and metering system, you can go for 5D mark II.
      
      If you are a professional photographer and plan to enlarge and print your work, 5D Mark II would be better. But if you are an enthusiast and do more of online and digital viewing, 7D would be as good. You won't probably notice the difference.
      
      Finally, it's totally up to you and what suits your style. You can't go wrong with either. If you are really confused, take a piece of paper and list down the advantages and disadvantages of each in 2 columns. Give +1 for each advantage and -1 for each disadvantage. Calculate the final sum.. and there is your winner.
      
      Good luck!
      
      
      
      Victor replied on 03 Oct 2011

       
10. I am looking to upgrade from my 550D. I now know that wildlife is my preferred photography having just been on two safaris. I felt the shutter speed let me down on the 550d and now feel ready to be more creative. Is the EOS 7d worth considering for good image quality for wildlife photography?
    
    Grateful for any advice.
    
    Karen asked on 04 Dec 2011
    1. Hi Karen, I have been impressed with the image quality to date, I use mine for underwater photography. You will not be disappointed with the 7D
       
       Dave replied on 04 Dec 2011

        
    2. The 7D is a fantastic camera, really will give you some great shots. However, if you are upgrading from a 550D can I suggest (as they are very similar) that you go one step more and get a 5D mk2? It has a full frame sensor so will be better in low light and will provide crisp images. The price has dropped recently in anticipation of the 5D mk3.
       
       Having said that, the smaller sensor in the 550D and 7D mean that all lenses magnify further, essentially giving you a longer lens, which is good for wildlife photography. From personal experience, I used my 7D and the 70-200mm 2.8L lens too fantastic results. Hope that helps!
       
       Matt replied on 05 Dec 2011

        
11. I am thinking of getting the 7D believe it is more camera than i need but just want to buy a good camera once, instead of upgrading in a little while. Not sure what lens to go with it as a general lens thought about the Canon EF 17-40 mm f/4.0 L USM instead of kit lens, any body got thoughts on this?
    
    ian asked on 25 Dec 2011
    1. I was in exactly the same boat actually. I started with a xxxD camera. But got frustrated with them being outdated every few months. So when i decided on an upgrade, i wanted to future proof it.
       After alot of researching. I narrowed it down to the 60D and the 7D. But the xxD series is also prone to being outdated fairly often. No doubt the 7D will be sooner or later. But it struck me as a later rather than sooner kind of camera.
       If you are asking if i would recommend the 7D. I would have to say absolutely. All the fancy extra features are not useless unless your a serious professional. They are handy to any user.
       Regarding the lens. I got a Canon 18-200mm and have never wished i decided on anything else.
       One thing you have to remember about the 7D is that it is not a full frame sensor. So if you get a Canon "L" lens, the focal length wont be as true representation.
       I dont know your photography style but i would have to recommend the 18-200mm to anyone. it doesn't go wrong.
       
       Andrew replied on 25 Dec 2011

        
    2. I agree with Andrew, I bought the 18-200 also (among others) and as an all rounder for the 7D, it's perfect.
       
       Steve replied on 26 Dec 2011

        
12. I am thinking of getting the 7D but keep reading on the web about lots of people having focussing issues and having to return the camera to Canon two or three times to get it sorted. Have they overcome the problem on later ones?
    
    colin asked on 09 Feb 2012
    1. Hi, I have been using the camera since the end of September and I have not been experiencing any focusing issues. I am well pleased with the overall performance ofthe camera.
       Hope that helps
       
       Dave replied on 02 Mar 2012

        
13. I am thinking of getting the 7D but keep reading on the web about lots of people having focussing issues and having to return the camera to Canon two or three times to get it sorted. Have they overcome the problem on later ones?
    
    colin asked on 09 Feb 2012
    1. I'm not entirely sure if the issue has been fixed, but I must admit I experience the focusing issue. Having said that I use the video mode and manual focus more often than photo mode and auto.
       
       The issue can be fixed yourself, by following a step by step guide that goes through how to change a setting in the menu that tells the camera how to focus. Hope that helps!
       
       Matt replied on 02 Mar 2012

        
    2. see my earlier answer, but I also like the second paragraph that I need to investigate
       
       Dave replied on 02 Mar 2012

        
14. Is it worth upgrading from eos 450d to 60d? How big differnce between them? Please suggest me. I am confused
    
    Thanks.
    
    Rinzin
    
    Rinzin asked on 12 Apr 2012
    1. If you can upgrade. Upgrade. It will be worth it.
       
       Andrew replied on 13 Apr 2012

        

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