Canon EOS 7D now official, coming end of September for $1,899
By Ross Miller 
posted Sep 1st 2009 12:13AM
posted Sep 1st 2009 12:13AM
Update: Canon's press release has now gone live. Price is $1,699 body-only or $1,899 with an EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens, and target launch is set for end of September.
Read - Press release
Read - Hands-on
No surprise here. Looks like an awesome camera, minus the fact that it won't be cheap.
http://www.ihatecanon7d.tk/
18MP on an APS is just awful or so I heard.
I have a 50D, and a 5D. The 5D is a full frame sensor, 12 megapixel, the 50 D is a 2 years newer 15 megapixel. I really like the 50D but there is no denying its noisy at higher isos and lacks the same "per pixel sharpness" of the 5D.
Sensor Technology gets better over time, but this seems odd seeing as canon just dropped the number of pixels in their G series camera.
Or you can shoot RAW and tell photoshop's Camera Raw to import the actual image at 10 megapixels. Duh.
@ neoforklore
The point isn't about handling 18MP files, people dislike cameras with high pixel density because it sacrifices low-light performance and general image quality to achieve the high pixel count. More pixels, same sensor size means smaller photosites.
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=19356
pricing is here.
$1699
I get the feeling 5DmkII users got f@cked.
...wait, let me check...yeah, I'm feeling pretty f@cked right now.
7D looks fantastic, but you couldn't pay me to trade my 5DmkII in for a 7D.. it's still far superior
You should have no reason to feel screwed. A full frame camera will always be better than a cropped sensor camera.
I see no problems here. I've got a 5D mkII (which still works great: www.igorbass.com), and I will be getting the 7D as a second body for when I want to do wildlife or sports photos. Great as the 5D is, the AF and fps rate are its weak points.
The 5DmkII is a 1Ds-Lite, and this is the 1D-Lite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZp9WMy4ihg
Ummm...that was a funny youtube video but there is no reason I would want this over the 5dII that I have, other than the speedlight master capability. I have no need for 24p, and neither do the vast majority of people doing consumer video.
Did you buy a 21mp, full frame, "low" fps camera for birds, action, or exclusively sports? Because the 5d is for low light and landscapes and general use.
if you bought your 5d to do the things this camera was meant to do, yeah, you did get fucked.
I don't feel that 5D2 owners got screwed at all! I'd much rather have a full frame body. By the way, there's a comparison of all 3 canon DSLRVs at http://blog.planet5d.com/7z4
Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet! Clickity buy baby.
I am very much in a surprised state because of this surprising announcement that has just surprised us all.
1080p 24p with "jello" or " jelly" video effect. I think nikon and canon know what I'm talking about. Nikon d90 and d5000 and the canon t1i. Go handheld and get the jello effect. Go tripod and get an awesome shot..remember though to use exposure lock on the Nikons or you'll get that light fade effect. So being that I demoed this camera last week..I can clearly say it has the sharpest HD video out there but of coarse the "jelly" effect is in all it's glory here. Bummer.
But aren't the Nikons way worse than the Canons?
I thought the Canon 5D Mk II and Rebel T1i did better than the "jelly" Nikons?
The jelly effect on the Nikons is definitely worse than the Canons. About double, actually. In my book the effect on the Nikons makes them almost unusable, while the Canons are usable but not ideal.
We don't know if the 7D will be affected by this yet. It does have a lot more processing power than previous DSLRs offering HD video, so we can hope.
5D is full frame...This is APS-C...just like my 40D.
I saw the price and thought....Full frame for that price?...Too good to be true.
Is this full frame? If so I am so getting this!
no :(
Aw. I guess no one would buy the 5D if they made it full frame. Still might have to get it though.
Sony just announced a new full frame camera, the A850, for only $300 more than this 1.6x APS-C body.
Should I spend the extra dough and grab a 7D instead of a T1i!?
Do you really need video that badly?
Just get the Xsi and save your self money for glass.
I would know, I have the T1i.
Yeah I really want the video. I was hesitant with the T1i cause of the lack of external Mic, and 20fps 1080.
Reason I wanna shoot video with a DSLR is just convenience. I don't wanna have to bring to school a DSLR kit... and then a camcorder.
no, get a 40D.
well, let me explain. it depends what you are using it for. The 7D looks like it will be really really good for birds and sports.
The 40D is no slouch. If this is your first DSLR and you are planning on using this for fun and stuff too, just get the 40D, master it, then move on up. The bigger body is worth the price of admission alone. If you end up not liking photography, the beefier 40D will last far longer as a general camera than the Tl1. Its cheap, one gen old, and has a great feature set. Spend the cash on lenses and you will be far happier.
However, if you've been shooting for a while and feel the 7D: ie you want the new focus system, you're sick of your viewfinder, you like to shoot birds etc etc..then by all means get it. Its a pretty good deal, and fills in the "I want to upgrade but the 5D isnt what I need" gap. You are really paying for the AF, the burst speed, and the new IS and viewfinder....the only one I would actually care about is the viewfinder. The focus is cool, but I would never buy a first generation autofocus system. Oh and flash sync is nice if you do studio work. But if you do studio work I doubt you'd be shouldn't be asking buying advice on engadget ;-)
"just get the 40D, master it, then move on up."
Anyone who's new to photography shouldn't be concerned too much with mastering any one particular camera. Growing as a photographer has nothing to do with your camera. Understanding how to be a good photographer has nothing to do with your camera.
I think you'll notice a trend among buyers of DSLRs, that they think a better camera will make them a better shooter. A better device only enhances the abilities of those who have already acquired the skills needed to utilize them. Until then, literally ANYTHING will do.
As for studio photography, the official Canon Press Release names it as an "Integrated Speedlite Transmitter" which will be completely and utterly pointless for anyone who does studio work. Nobody that I know of even uses Speedlights except for doing some small outdoor thing. Now, if they integrated a Pocket Wizard transmitter then maybe I'd go and buy a 7D.
@Noah
Totally agree with you. I've been using a G7 for the last 3 years just to learn the ropes.
I was planning on upgrading to a T1i when it came out (a couple things held me back) and to be honest I wouldn't even mind getting an XS... just want to move up to a DSLR.
Of course when video recording came to the DSLRs the story changed completely... so that's how I arrived at my dilemma. Spend the extra dough for the 7D or just get the T1i. (After reading a little more on them I'm just gonna get the 7D)
Canon to Nikon
"All your base are belong to us"
Sorry couldn't resist :P
Nikon to Canon:
Sorry, all circuits are busy right now. Please try again later.
Canon to Nikon:
You have no chance to survive make your time!
Nikon to Canon:
Prepare for downcount!
Engadget readers to commenters above:
Please stop.
Isn't this basically the 60D? What would the 60D be compared to this if it came out??
This sounds sweet:
"Capture images exactly as you see them
The Canon EOS 7D features an Intelligent Viewfinder that offers photographers 100 per cent frame coverage. With 1.0x magnification* - a first for EOS - photographers see a large bright image that helps to fully immerse them within the shot. A transmissive LCD incorporated in the viewfinder allows photographers to choose between various overlay features - such as AF points, the spot metering circle and composition grid – providing a range of tools that help when framing a shot. The EOS 7D is also the first EOS to introduce a Dual-Axis Electronic Level – in the viewfinder and on the LCD - that indicates both pitch and roll angles. This feature is particularly useful when shooting landscapes to ensure a level horizon, or when used in conjunction with a Tilt and Shift lens to level the camera."
I have no idea how they could come out with something in between this and the T1i... this is just so awesome and relatively cheap at the same time.. I am wondering if they are going to phase out the x0D line up now...
Nope, there are way too many new features for it to be the 50D replacement (i.e. the 60D)- Canon have basically created a new range here to fit between the 50D and the 5D mark II. You can expect incremental upgrades from the 50D to 60D, not a whole range of new features which even out-do current higher level models including the 5D MII.
So what will be replacing the 50D in the future? It's a pretty big jump from the Rebel T1i to the 7D... and they can't make the 50D forever...
I've always enjoyed the feel of the 20, 30, 40 and 50D... they fit better in my hands. The Rebel's grip is too small and .
Hopefully they will continue to make something between the Rebel and the 7D.
"A new range" ?? jesus people, why do you all still insist on putting Nikon and Canon's cameras in ranges? EVERY OTHER CAMERA they release overlaps one of your fictional ranges. And even then, next year's "Entry level model" is going to be better than the prosumer model from 2 years ago, the "pro" model from 4 years ago. Compare the 400D to the 1D, all the 1D has is more AF points and stronger plastic.
@neofolklore
uh... 'cause Canon have come out and said it's a new range for them- maybe try reading the press release next time yeah? ;)
Why on earth is this camera bundled with a 28-135mm!!!??? Give it either the 18-55 IS, or one of the two new ones (15-85 or 18-135).
I'm beginning to think that the 28-135 is a misquotation. 28-135/1.6 equals 17.5-84.375, so I think the numbers given in the article are 35mm equivalent ratings of whatever lens comes with the 7D.
If I needed a good reason to move away from the Pentax system, I think I just got it.
Because the K7 is not a viable alternative to this camera? It's $500 cheaper, has in body stabilization, in camera-HDR, is significantly smaller and lighter, and has many of the same specs such as the 100%VF and horizon level. I don't really see this camera as a viable reason to switch from another system such as Nikon/Pentax/Sony.
If this was $1800 and Full Frame, then I would think differently. Judging on Canon's mistake with the 50D pixel density, I think we all need to wait on the verdict for image quality on this beast.
Problem is that, in my case, the K7 isn't a viable alternative to this, and my investment in the system just isn't large enough to justify sticking with it. I want a camera with worthwhile in-body flash control. I occasionally do shoot sports, so the high frame rate is desirable. I'd like a camera that doesn't make plaid patterns out of shadows at anything past ISO 200, which the 50D doesn't do. I've started to move into commercial photography, shooting bands and weddings, and I'll eventually want a full-frame option. It also doesn't help that I have huge hands that don't fit well around the K7. I've started to hit the limitations of the Pentax system, and it's time I start moving away from it.
I wish that Canon were willing to put in-body IS on their cameras. I hate the idea of having to pay for it in every lens I buy. For several years, that's kept me using Pentax. It's the only reason why I'm even considering the Sony A850, despite the fact that their system is still not fully fleshed out.
i dont get it , if its a crop sensor why is it being sold with a 28-135mm kit lens ? why not an 18 - __ ?
they have been doing that for a while now with the 40D and 50D.. makes no sense to me as its like a 45-210mm lens on this crop factor.. I'd get the body only.
I use the 28-135mm lens with my 40D and it works great. The lack of "wide" on the low end of the scale hasn't ever really been a problem for me, but having the extra on the long end has been nice.
@rtewng: huh? 40D and 50D bundles used to include the 17-85 IS USM. Not a great lens, but at least it has got some wide angle...
The new 15-85mm is probably too expensive for a kit lens, $799 on amazon.
Just so everyone knows.... it is up for sale on amazon already. Get your preorder in early or your stuck with no camera like the Panasonic GH1.
I CAN SEE THE FUTURE: Someone named "Eugenia Loli-Queru" will show her o-so-hotness here and say how great this is that it has 24p video.
LOL! You sir winz!
why wait? head to canon.jp's site. find the EOS digital product page, click the EOS movie link, and then select 7D sample movie. i'm downloading it now.
Macjonny speaks the truth, I telepathically beamed these thoughts to him from the future.
LOL I don't think she's going to comment here now, I saw her leave a comment on Gizmodo complaining that she's been trolled for bringing up the need for different frame rates- I think she feels hard done by.
"The price is amazing for what you get (again, for video stuff). Real 24p, and 60p, and even real-er 30p at 29.97 fps -- something that I had been shouting about in these forums and I was trolled against for asking this feature"
... her words
BTW anyone else missing iKurt? These posts don't feel the same without his fevered fanboyism.
I needed an upgrade from my 20D (only after 4yrs of use). 10 extra megapixel and 1080p is enough reasons to upgrade and its priced perfectly for the amateurs/prosumers.
I guess the only people who are disappointed are the ones who just bought a 50D and ppl expecting full frame under $2k.
Wireless flash control? That's pretty neat, right?
And does the fact that it uses CF instead of SD cards give a hint as to it's place in the canon lineup? Or do only the Rebels use SD?
Double digit Canons have use CF ever since.
This is an exciting camera. Might be time to upgrade my 40D.
I'm a big disappointed they didn't include GPS or WiFi built-in. Those both seem like natural (and inexpensive to implement) features for a camera at this level. I'm also a little perplexed that Canon is holding on to Compact Flash so much. CF cards are getting harder and harder to find in high capacity. Other than those things it really looks like Canon has been listening to photographers, and is giving them what they want.
I really like the wireless flash control. I can get rid of my transmitter, and quit worrying about replacing the $11 batteries in it. Nice.
Compactflash is still faster and more durable than SDHC that's why it's the preferred format for professional photographers. Also large capacity cards aren't a huge priority for professionals; their livelihood depends on their shots, shooting on multiple smaller cards gives them a fail safe in case one of the cards becomes corrupted. Better to lose a few shots rather than a whole days shooting on one card.
WiFi is a $699 addition with the transmitter grip which includes bluetooth tethering for gps:
New Wireless Connectivity
Canon is announcing the availability of the new WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter (WFT) exclusively for the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter offers professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work. The WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter opens the door to new possibilities in remote and Geotagged shooting applications. Photographers can fire up to 10 cameras simultaneously from across the room or across the country while maintaining control over camera settings and remote live view on a laptop or smart phone.i The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter can also transfer and display images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible televisions and photo frames. Geotagging is now possible via Bluetooth, using compatible GPS devices to append coordinate data to the images.
Yeah, I saw that WiFi is an optional add-on. But at $700, they'll sell about 6 of them (most people willing to spend that much probably would be buying the 1Ds Mk3 or 1D Mk3). And requiring that add-on to geotag is kind of ridiculous. Both functions could have been included in the camera for less than $10 in parts.
For all of us worrying about the noise levels this new sensor would bring, seems like Canon have done an admirable job of controlling it, in fact the noise levels are better than the 50D. This camera is turning out to be better than I hoped :)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=8559827&postcount=1294
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
EF or EF and EF-S?
so on the next go round we will have a dedicated movie setting accessed via dial? or does it start with the newest 1D/1Ds model that hasnt been rumored but i'd imagine it is on its way to implement all the technology namely DiGiC 4
I've been shooting with my xsi for a year. I am looking to upgrade. I am interested in shooting sports, my kids, and family vacations. I am not interested in video on my DSLR. Whould the smart move be to wait for the anticipated price reduction of the 50D and go with a 50D?
Damnit I JUST BOUGHT A 50D LAST WEEK.
I've been using the 5D Mark II, and I've seen some high ISO photos with the 7D. The 7D's APS sensor cripples it at high ISOs. It's noise is really bad in comparison to the 5D Mark II at ISO 3200 and above. But then Nikon's D700 and D3, with the 12.3 megapixel sensors eat Canon's lunch when it comes to ISO 6400 and higher. Even at ISO 1600, which I've shot a lot with the 5D Mark II, it can't match Nikon's speed demons. Now, at ISO 800, the 5D Mark II makes gorgeous photos with detail only surpassed by the D3X and Sony's 24.6 mp cameras (if you keep their speeds to 400 ISO and below).
You say the 5D can't match Nikon's speed demons, the only way they get such high frame rates is by reducing IQ, you either have to drop to 12bit shooting instead of 14bit to get the higher rates or shoot in DX! The 5D mark IIs rates are at 14 bit. It's a bit of a marketing trick really, if you want the highest frame rates possible with a Nikon you have to drop your IQ. As an example the D3X at 14bit drops to 1.8fps, when people compare the fps between a Canon and Nikon they aren't really comparing like for like. These figures make the 7D's 8fps at 14bit the more impressive!
However, i'm not disputing the quality of the Nikons images, they've proven themselves especially at high ISO. All i'm saying is if you want high fps on a Nikon you have to realise the type of photography it's useful for, it's not going to give you the best image possible but for something like sports photography it's ideal.
You say the 5D can't match Nikon's speed demons, the only way they get such high frame rates is by reducing IQ, you either have to drop to 12bit shooting instead of 14bit to get the higher rates or shoot in DX! The 5D mark IIs rates are at 14 bit. It's a bit of a marketing trick really, if you want the highest frame rates possible with a Nikon you have to drop your IQ. As an example the D3X at 14bit drops to 1.8fps, when people compare the fps between a Canon and Nikon they aren't really comparing like for like. These figures make the 7D's 8fps at 14bit the more impressive!
However, i'm not disputing the quality of the Nikons images, they've proven themselves especially at high ISO. All i'm saying is if you want high fps on a Nikon you have to realise the type of photography it's useful for, it's not going to give you the best image possible but for something like sports photography it's ideal.
Sorry about the double post! Stupid comment system!
sample images and movies
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http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/samples/eos7d/
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This is a great bridge from the 50D. Though it would have been amazing to have the 1.3 crop instead. Better balance with speed and sensor size for those that don't want to go to a 1D body.
if people are willing to spend this much on a camera, youre better off saving a bit more and getting the 1d or 1ds. I was in that situation about 6 months ago and took the plunge for the 1d mkiii. Best decision of my life. Paired with my L glass, there is nothing better on the market.
Couldn't agree more. bought my 1D Mark lll in April and will never look back. Build quality and IQ is unsurpassed.
Let's look at the 7D and the current market from the low light shooting point of view.
The typical light of human interiors is about 1/60th at f/4 at ISO 400. For a group shot, when DOF is important, the settings should be 1/60th at f/8 at ISO 1600. And if you shoot moving subjects (dancing for example) and need DOF and want to get sharp images, it should be 1/250th at f/8 at ISO 6400 or more desirably 1/500th at f/8 at ISO 12800. And that is for typical lighting. But what about so called low lighting? A night bar or a wedding ceremony with candles light only? You say forget it, and I agree with you. It’s too much to ask. But that is what you need, ISO 12800, to take a perfect shot in low lighting conditions.
Do we get such a camera on the market now? No. Are any of the camera makers going to that direction? Yes. And it’s Sony with its promising Exmor R sensor (at least on the paper). And I am already desperately waiting for Sony A750 or A950 with Exmor R sensor. I also hope that Nikon can surprise us with a good low light camera, too. So far they were the best.
So, for the Canon DLSRs. Honestly, I am very disappointed. Canon took the direction to deliver more pixels at high lighting conditions, which is important for those who need to print posters. But Canon failed at low lighting. The new Canon 7D delivers miserable results above ISO 1600. To see it yourself, visit http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM, select 7D and Nikon D3X (we need the Nikon image as a reference; we do not compare cameras here) still-life at ISO 3200, double click the images to go to 100%, and then look at the red fabric at the left upper part of the images: there are virtually no details in the 7D image. Now reselect 7D still-life at ISO 1600 at look again at the same fabric. The result is somewhat better, but is still disappointing. So, the point here - you cannot shoot with 7D at ISO 3200.
Now you need to choose between the higher resolution of 7D at high lighting and high quality at low lighting of some other cameras like Nikon D3X, D700.
From IBC2009 in Amsterdam: http://www.flickr.com/photos/40809477@N00/sets/72157622227264431/show/with/3914478592/
7d racked and ready for video.
New products are always more advanced than older ones. The good thing is that all recent cameras are able to satisfy 99% of your shooting needs. Instead I would concentrate on taking the most out of my camera and lenses.
About the integrated Speedlight wireless transmitter that is the most important upgrade in 7D, 5D users will have to use the external transmitter or the Speedlight 430EX/580EX to command other flashes.
No reason to talk about video since these are cameras and video is only a gadget.
If you are still looking to buy the new Canon 7D you may what to visit http://www.couponshouse.com/calumet/6152/coupon-promotional-code.htm; sometimes they post useful discount codes.
Enjoy.