Canon 7D Review

The EOS 7D was Canon’s impressive return to the top of the APS-C DSLR range, which is aimed not so much at beginners but rather at die-hard amateur photographers and professionals. From the viewfinder to the autofocus to the features and the image sensor, Canon has reworked everything that makes such a camera.

Short evaluation

Pros

• Good image quality at very high resolution, but requires good lenses
• High speed for deceleration-free working
• High functionality for photo and video
• Excellent processing (exception: interface covers)
• Large (largest in its class), bright, precise viewfinder

Cons

• Some options can only be set via direct dialling keys
• Autofocus auxiliary light per flash salvo
• Flash could pop up higher

Attentive observers of the international “rumour mill” already knew it: Canon introduced many years ago this high-end APS-C-DSLR with the EOS 7D. A water- and dust-proof magnesium housing, a CMOS sensor with 18 megapixels and with ISO 100 – 12,800, up to 8 frames/s, two Digic 4 image processors, a new 19-point autofocus, a new dual layer exposure measuring system with 63 areas, a 100% viewfinder with 1.0-fold magnification factor and translucent LCD for the insertion of grid or spirit level as well as FullHD film recording with full manual control incl. Sensitivity and refresh rate are just some of the key technologies that the EOS 7D incorporates.

This new innovative strength is certainly due not only to the 5,000 photographers with whom the new camera was developed, but also to the significant loss of market share in the DSLR sector, where Nikon is now on a par with Canon. The EOS 7D is supposed to be a true high end device and is full of technical equipment. It is intended to be a “universal weapon” for a wide variety of photographic tasks and meet the needs of demanding amateur and hobby photographers as well as professionals and professional photographers. The model name should not irritate you – the EOS 7D “only” has an APS-C sensor (focal length extension factor 1.6) and is classified in the hierarchy between the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II, both of which are still available.

Canon produces the CMOS image sensor itself and has incorporated the latest research results. It resolves 18 megapixels and has an improved microlens structure that is even closer to the light-sensitive photodiodes and covers 100% of the sensor area. In addition to an extended sensitivity of ISO 100 – 12,800, the dynamic range has also improved. To prevent dust from sticking to the low-pass filter located in front of the sensor, Canon has applied a fluoride coating to the sensor, and any dust that sticks is also mechanically shaken off. The image sensor is read out via eight channels and the images are further processed by two Digic 4 image processors. The enormous computing power makes it possible to further improve noise suppression – also in combination with the low-noise CMOS sensor. So the noise at ISO 6.400 should correspond to the noise at ISO 1.600 with a Digic-3 image processor. The EOS 7D can process up to 8 fps. With JPEGs you run out of breath after 126 images, with RAWs already after 15 images. Then the recording frequency slows down according to the memory speed of the CompactFlash memory cards. The highest UDMA speed class is supported by the 7D.

In addition to photos, the EOS 7D is also particularly suitable for video recording. These are recorded in FullHD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels). Practically everything is manually controllable, aperture, exposure time, sensitivity and even the refresh rate. The videographer has the choice between PAL with 25 frames per second, NTSC with 29.97 frames/s or “Cinema” with 23.976 frames/s. If the resolution is switched down to 720p or VGA, the 7D even records 50 fps with PAL and 59.94 fps with NTSC. The recording length is limited to a maximum of 29 minutes and 59 seconds or ends at the latest when the file size reaches 4 GBytes. The storage format used is the highly effective H.264, an MPEG4 format. The storage container is MOV (Quicktime). The dedicated video recording button makes it even easier to switch to video mode and start and stop recording. A microphone connection allows stereo sound to be recorded, otherwise the 7D uses an integrated mono microphone.

The EOS 7D is the first DSLR to feature a 100% viewfinder with 1.0x magnification. This makes him the largest viewfinder on APS-C cameras. Instead of replaceable matt screens, Canon has integrated a translucent LCD, which allows a grid or a two-axis spirit level to be displayed directly in the viewfinder. The spirit level shows not only whether the horizon is straight, but also whether the camera has been tilted, which avoids falling lines. Especially users of tilt and shift lenses will appreciate this spirit level. Of course, the EOS 7D has a dipping button for optical control of the depth of field.

The exposure measurement system has been fitted with a completely new sensor. It was christened iFCL (intelligent Focus Colour Luminance), is based on CMOS technology and has 63 measuring fields. It is a dual layer sensor that reacts to different colors in two layers: One is sensitive to red and green light, one to blue and green. Earlier sensors emphasized red light much too much, which could lead to incorrect exposures. The distance setting is also taken into account during measurement in order to optimally expose the main subject. The user can choose between multi-field, center-weighted, integral, selective at 9.4% of the subject, or spot metering that takes only 2.3% into account. The exposure times can range from 1/8,000 s to 30 s. Exposure correction is possible in third or half steps in the range of +/- 5 EV and can be combined with the exposure bracketing function, which takes three pictures with a maximum distance of three f-stops each. Ideal for HDR recordings, for example, which have to be put together later on the computer.

Also the autofocus was revised. It now has 19 cross sensors, whereby the middle one is sensitive up to F2.8. In the case of manual autofocus field selection, the camera even distinguishes between taking pictures in portrait and landscape format. A zone measurement is also possible, which is limited to five autofocus fields. The AF is sensitive up to a light value of -0.5. An auxiliary light for even less light, on the other hand, has only been realized using the internal flash, alternatively the auxiliary light of an attached system flash unit is used. If lenses do not focus properly (front or back focus), the user can store correction values in the camera memory for up to 20 different lenses.

The 7D is the first EOS to integrate a wireless flash transmitter (Speedlite transmitter). This eliminates the need for an external control unit. Also new is the possibility to manually adjust the flash output, but also a power correction in the range of +/- 3 EV is possible. The charging time is only 3 seconds and the guide number is 12. The illumination angle is 15 mm (24 mm according to 35mm). The fastest shutter speed the flash can synchronize is 1/250 second.

The EOS 7D screen has also been improved. It resolves 920,000 pixels (VGA) and measures 3″ (7.6 cm) in the diagonal. An ambient light sensor located next to the screen automatically adjusts the screen brightness. A viewing angle of 160° and improved readability in bright lighting conditions should provide more comfort. The air layer between the protective glass and the liquid crystal display was filled with an optical liquid so that fewer reflections occur. In addition, the protective glass is made of a particularly hard material, which should prevent scratches. The EOS 7D’s “knight’s suit” is generally robust: the body is made of a magnesium alloy and is reinforced with gaskets to withstand external influences. It is protected in a quality class with the EOS-1N against splash water and dust. The controls have been enlarged for improved ergonomics. In addition, the operating functions can be individually adapted to provide faster access to frequently used settings.

A LiveView function is available via the screen. Manual focusing is then possible with a 5x or 10x magnifying screen. A contrast autofocus is just as much a part of the equipment as facial recognition, the insertion of a grid or the live histogram. In addition to the focus, the exposure measurement for LiveView is also carried out via the CMOS image sensor. Alternatively, a Quick autofocus can be set, in which the mirror briefly folds down, the monitor image stops and the focus is measured using the 19 cross sensors of the actual AF module.

In addition to the microphone input (stereo jack plug), the Canon EOS 7D also has an HDMI mini output, a PAL/NTSC video output and the connection option for the wireless transmitter WFT-E5. In addition, a BG-E7 multifunction handle can be connected, which, in contrast to the camera, accepts two LP-E6 lithium-ion batteries instead of one. Remote releases RC-1 and RC-5 are available as additional accessories.

Ergonomics and workmanship

The EOS 7D is a real bolide. It weighs a proud 915 g – without a lens, of course; together with the new EF-S 18-135 mm IS lens, it even weighs 1.366 kg. This is not for a backpack tour or for a holiday, but rather something for serious photography. In terms of price, the camera clearly addresses ambitious photographers and even professionals. With its solid and large case, the 7D is also perfect for strong man’s hands. The housing is made of a magnesium alloy, but the thick powder coating is deceptive. The robustness is underlined by numerous seals designed to protect against dust and splash water. At the memory card compartment, however, sponge rubber was used to save money, so it should not be able to withstand splash water.

Generous and grained rubber coatings on the handle as well as on the back and on the left of the lens provide the necessary secure hold in the hands. On the handle side, there is a large memory card compartment that holds a CompactFlash type I or II card, making the EOS 7D even compatible with old MicroDrives. On the left, however, two “rubber lobes” close the numerous interfaces. This may be waterproof and cheap to produce, but it is not nice. A total of five connections are hidden here: Flash sync socket, remote release cable connection, HDMI mini interface, combined USB and AV socket and stereo microphone connection. The “cheap solution” with cable entry at the battery compartment – neither beautiful nor rare.

The Li-Ion battery, which is accessible via the bottom of the housing, has a capacity of 1.8 Ah at 7.2 V, with which it can supply the camera with power for around 800 shots according to the CIPA standard measurement procedure. It also contains a small button cell CR1616, which serves as a buffer battery and ensures that the camera does not lose its “memory”. This battery should be replaced every few years. The metal tripod thread is “as specified” in the optical axis and is made of metal – nothing else can be expected from such a camera. The possibility of screwing a multifunction handle under the camera is also “befitting the status”. This not only doubles the battery life and improves handling in portrait format, but also offers many control elements.

An outstanding feature is the optical viewfinder. For the first time in an APS-C SLR camera, a 100% viewfinder is combined with 1.0x magnification. This makes the 7D viewfinder a leader in its class and does not need to hide from full-frame cameras. It is simply gigantic in size and offers numerous fade-ins – even on the screen itself. What Nikon has been doing for years, e.g. fade in grid lines, is also good for a Canon. That way you don’t have to change the viewfinder mat screen. The information below the viewfinder is almost as good as that on the upper status display, which is of course illuminated. This even goes so far that some functions can only be set via this display, but not alternatively via the camera menu. But you don’t notice this “relief” in the still extensive menu, the camera is just bursting with functions.

The fact that the EOS 7D is not for unneeded beginners manifests itself in the operating concept. Numerous buttons for the direct adjustment of camera functions instead of self-explanatory menu orgies and motif programs are what makes the hearts of ambitious photographers beat faster, but can put beginners before initially unsolvable tasks. However, old Canon rabbits will also have their entry difficulties, because Canon has dared to revise the operating concept. There the thumb sometimes wanders blindly to a button that no longer exists and therefore reaches into the void. However, this revision took place together with professional photographers, so that the bottom line is that after a period of familiarization for old hands, the operation is better done by hand. Even beginners who dare to approach the 7D will cope better with it than with a 50D.

All buttons feel high-quality and durable and are easy to operate. The only inglorious exception is the joystick navigator, which you hardly need thanks to two control wheels, with which you can navigate wonderfully and above all much more fluently through the menus. With all the nice buttons and the outstanding viewfinder you shouldn’t forget the screen. With 3″ (7.6 cm) size and 920,000 pixels resolution, it plays in the upper league, even if it looks almost small on such a large camera. Of course, the EOS 7D has a LiveView function with histogram, magnifying glass, exposure preview, 2-way spirit level (horizon and tilt), autofocus and everything else you could wish for – it can only be rotated/swivelled.

Equipment

Canon has placed great emphasis on individualisation with the EOS 7D. You can adjust the function of numerous buttons yourself, the behavior of the camera is largely configurable, and three user memories on the program selector wheel allow you to save settings for your favorite subject worlds. Also the Canon-typical MyMenu is not missing, in which preferred menu items can be directly stored and quickly reached. Also installed via direct selection key: Canon’s visual styles. Here, the user can configure various image settings. This may only make photographers smile tired with a highly sophisticated RAW image processing workflow, but if you need quickly available images in JPEG or prefer to invest your time in creative photography instead of image processing, you can stamp your images with an individual stamp. In this context, the “dynamic extension”, which is now common with all manufacturers, is worth mentioning and can be found in the Canon user menu under “Tonal value priority”. It mainly provides more detail in the lights, with a slight increase in shadow noise.

Full flexibility is offered, for example, by the white balance. Be it fixed presets for typical lighting situations, where Canon is already almost economical here (as there is only one fluorescent lamp preset), a manual adjustment based on an image or the color temperature input – here, one misses little. For those who take it very seriously, the fine correction on the blue-red and green-magenta axes or alternatively a white balance series are available. Canon, on the other hand, does not have the ability to customise the automatic sensitivity setting. The working range is ISO 100 to 3,200 – neither upper nor lower limit can be moved. You can also manually set ISO 6.400 and – after activation in the function menu – even ISO 12.800, if you need it.

Canon’s flash system is considered a leader, but some functions have been painfully missed so far. This doesn’t mean settings such as manual flash output levels, long-term synchronisation or flashing onto the second shutter curtain, which is of course all possible with the EOS 7D, but wireless flash control. For this you always needed an external master flash. Such a flash is finally no longer necessary, because the internal flash now serves as an alternative control unit. Up to three flash groups can be controlled individually and from the camera on one of three adjustable channels, so that you don’t get in each other’s way with other photographers. For example, you can adjust the ratio of background to oblique light directly at the camera without having to “run” to the flashes. The flash menu is the most extensive one we’ve ever seen in a camera. The mobile Blitzstudio is thus quickly adapted to the requirements or ideas of the photographer. The internal flash may also contribute to the exposure as a master, or it silently controls the external “light cannons”. With a guide number of 12 at a light angle of 15 mm (24 mm corresponding to 35mm) the light dispenser can be seen, but in view of the camera size its opening height is less satisfactory. It could lift itself a little further to illuminate the close-up area of bulky lenses evenly and without shadows; you should never forget to remove the sun visor of the lens before using the flash.

The high continuous shooting speed of up to 8 frames/s should not only inspire sports photographers. With fast movements, you should be able to capture moments that can only be captured with a lot of luck or skill. Despite the current fastest memory card with 600x write speed (about 90 MBytes/s) we could not reach the promised 8 frames/s. More than 6.9 fps with RAW and 6.7 fps with JPEG were not possible. Despite manual exposure and autofocus off, not even 7 frames/s were possible. That’s still a lot, especially since the speed of RAW is maintained for 22 and JPEG even for an incredible 700 images at a time – you’ll never need that much with JPEG. Even with full intermediate storage, series production rates remained at a high level. The writing speed scratches at the 60 MBytes/s mark, which makes a very fast memory card worthwhile if you need these speeds.

Not only photographers, but also hobby filmmakers will enjoy the EOS 7D. FullHD movies in 1,920 x 1,080 pixels resolution are no problem at all. Even the refresh rate is adjustable – no matter if you want to use NTSC, PAL or cinema refresh rates. At a resolution of HD or VGA (1,280 x 720 or 640 x 480), the refresh rate can be doubled again to record motion sequences and fast sequences as well as pans even more smoothly. Of course, aperture, exposure time and sensitivity can also be adjusted during filming, so that there are virtually no limits to the play with depth of field, brightness and tracking effects.

Unfortunately, the microphone sensitivity is controlled automatically, and an external, acoustically decoupled stereo microphone is strongly recommended. As befits professional filmmakers, the focus is manually adjusted. Although you can press the AF button and adjust the focus automatically during the movie, it doesn’t look nice and it’s not fast. The film sequences are saved as Quicktime movies using the state-of-the-art MPEG-4 codec H.264. The length of the film sequences is limited either by the maximum file size of 4 GBytes with FAT32 or by the maximum recording time of 29 minutes and 59 seconds – depending on which barrier is reached first. Professionals shouldn’t be bothered by this, because movie sequences are usually only a few seconds long and are later cut together to a coherent film using the storyboard.

Lens

The EF-S bayonet of the EOS 7D not only allows the connection of full-frame lenses, but also of those that are limited in the image circle. Canon’s APS-C format has a focal length extension factor of 1.6, which means that in order to compare the image impression of the attached lens with a 35mm camera,the focal length has to be multiplied by 1.6. What costs wide-angle costs, leads on the other hand to more telephoto focal length, which is the driving force of Canon anyway. A nice side effect of the small sensor is the fact that the often problematic edge areas of the lenses are simply faded out with blurring, darkening and highly visible distortion.

The fact that Canon changed its lens bayonet to the electronic age quite early was a wise step in retrospect. Focus and aperture are controlled electronically, there is no susceptible and expensive mechanics. In addition, many years of market leadership ensure a large selection of lenses for beginners to professionals. For Canon, the image stabilizer is clearly located in the lens. Not every lens is stabilized, but the viewfinder is stabilized with image-stabilized lenses, for the autofocus the quieter image also offers advantages.

To match the EOS 7D, Canon has launched two new zoom lenses, the 18-135 mm was available for testing. The image stabilizer already belongs to the good sound at such a set zoom, due to the focal length extension factor it corresponds to a 29-216mm lens. When focusing, the ultrasonic motor is missed, which is noticeable in the speed, but the volume is bearable. Thanks to internal focus changes

neither the overall length nor the front lens rotates, which is important for the use of polarizing filters. However, there is no distance scale for manual focusing. If the camera is otherwise outstandingly fast in all other respects, it allows itself an average of 0.5-0.6 s for focusing. For this you have a universally usable focal length range – for subjects like sports photography, however, a more suitable lens with more telephoto focal length and ultrasonic drive is recommended. However, the 18-135 mm is definitely a better entry-level lens and clearly preferable to the classic 18-55 mm in terms of workmanship and price/performance ratio.

However, there is hardly anything wrong with the autofocus module itself. 19 cross sensors provide precise focusing, the middle autofocus sensor is even more sensitive to light and precise, which improves performance with F2.8. In addition to automatic focus point selection, of course with optional subject tracking, the autofocus can also be limited to a single measuring field. But it is also very practical to select a group of autofocus measuring fields, e.g. the middle nine or optionally four on the left, right, top or bottom. In low light the autofocus remains quite reliable, even a dark -0.5 LW is enough for the module to be able to focus. Less beautiful is the autofocus auxiliary light, which works with an uncomfortable flash salvo. A bad habit that even made it into this camera class.

You can also use manual focusing, which is possible without any problems thanks to the large viewfinder. The AF sensors remain active and light up when they detect something “sharp”, even the typical beep sound when the focus is set does not go away. If, on the other hand, you prefer to focus with pixel accuracy and with the help of a digital magnifying glass, ideally from a tripod, you can do this in LiveView mode. In addition to the autofocus, there is also a focus magnifier that can be moved freely in the image field.

Picture quality

The 18 megapixel APS-C sensor places high demands on the lenses. Canon engineers are aware of this, and so the standard zoom of the 7D is not a cheap 18-55 mm, but the zoom stronger and new 18-135 mm. Whether this moderate zoom giant, however, knows how to exhaust the sensor is questionable. This combination found its way to the DCTau test laboratory where it was measured. The evaluations in this test are based on the results, but if you are interested in resolution diagrams, etc., you should look into the laboratory protocol, which is subject to a fee. Owners of a digitalkamera.de laboratory test flat rate (depending on the booking period 4.16 to 9.90 EUR per month) can view the protocol without extra costs, all others pay 1.40 EUR. The 7D was also tested with the Canon 50 Macro, for this test the same prices apply.

One of the most exciting questions as to whether the lens can achieve the resolution can be answered with “yes, but with restrictions”. Especially in the middle of the picture the resolution is surprisingly high. With an open aperture, however, you have to live with a clear edge drop at all focal lengths. The most constant is the resolution at medium focal length, the strongest drop is not at wide-angle, but at telephoto. If the lens is dimmed to F7.1-F8, the resolution in the center of the image decreases slightly because diffraction blur occurs, but the uniformity of the resolution up to the edge of the image increases significantly, especially at wide-angle and medium focal length. With Tele, the edge drop remains visible. Unusually for Canon, the 18-135 mm has its weaknesses regarding the resolution in the telephoto range.

It looks a little different with the edge darkening. The vignetting is visible in all three focal lengths, especially in the outermost corners of the image, at the wide-angle the strongest and at the medium focal length the least. When dimmed, the edge darkening is reduced, but is still strongest at wide-angle and telephoto. If you like, you can activate the vignetting correction of the camera. It works adapted to the lens, so it knows when and how much it has to correct. Side effects are a higher noise in the image corners and a slight loss of resolution. The correction is not absolutely necessary for the 18-135 mm, especially if you dim down. The image looks slightly different when distorted. It is clearly visible in all three measured focal lengths. The wide angle is strongly barrel-shaped, which is particularly disturbing in landscape and architectural photography, while the distortion is cushion-shaped at medium focal length. Absolutely, it is smaller than in the wide-angle, but subjectively it is perceived more strongly and more unpleasantly. The lens has the least distortion, but still visible in the form of a cushion, in telescopic position.

The high resolution suggests what the test images confirm: Fine image details are processed very aggressively in favour of the high resolution, which leads to all sorts of unpleasant disturbances such as aliasing, color artifacts and moirés due to fine structures. Here Canon is much more aggressive towards competitors in this segment. Thus, those who want to edit the images should use the RAW format for this reason. If you don’t want to edit, JPEG’s crisp results are sure to be appealing. More restrained, especially in comparison to earlier Canon cameras, is the sharpening, where the bright side of an edge is sharpened more, which can lead to slight white clipping or double contours, but in view of the enormous resolution could only be noticed at very large exposures if you know what you are looking for.

The noise, on the other hand, is excellently suppressed. Up to and including ISO 3.200, it is at such a low level that this room for manoeuvre can be used to the full without any worries. At ISO 6.400 and above all 12.800, the brightness noise becomes much more aggressive – but it is painful in view of the light sensitivity. The input dynamics are at a very good level up to ISO 1.600, but from ISO 3.200 on it starts to break down by more than one f-stop. The tonal value reproduction is also designed to be “crisp”. While the lights are somewhat softer and the shadows much softer, the medium image brightness is clearly divided in order to suggest more contrast and sharpness. The shadow value in JPEG is not full, but it is used well enough, the black is rather a very dark grey. The light value, on the other hand, is very good.

JPEG compression is divided into two quality settings at each resolution level. The better quality works at the limit of the visually lossless and shows no artifacts, the higher compression saves half the disk space and is still usable. However, the resolution levels of 18, 8 and 4.5 megapixels are far too far apart, so that the user has hardly any leeway for the desired setting. The particularly reliable exposure metering and the automatic white balance work with the usual reliability, whereby one should be particularly careful with warm artificial light (incandescent lamps, candles, etc.) to ensure that the camera does not reproduce the light situation with too much colour cast or warm tone. If necessary, a preset or manual adjustment is helpful.

Bottom line

 

With the EOS 7D, Canon has succeeded in setting new standards in the APS-C DSLR segment. For a long time, the Nikon D300 or D300S had nothing to oppose, but now this has clearly shifted in favour of Canon. But the camera manufacturer has also pulled out all the stops and significantly revised and improved the autofocus module, viewfinder, equipment and above all the operation compared to the EOS 50D. Although the arrangement of the control elements forces some long-time Canon photographers to get used to them, the familiarization is worthwhile. Even with the image quality, the EOS 7D breaks all previous records, at least in terms of resolution – however, a good lens is a prerequisite. All in all, the EOS 7D practically doesn’t afford any blatant weaknesses, and so the ambitious amateur photographer as well as the professional gets a tool at hand that is second to none.