- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How it compares
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Canon EOS 7D
- 17.9 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
Released September, 2009
Rated 81% by by DPReview (Oct, 2011)According to Sony, one of the key technologies that it was waiting for before launching an A700 replacement was a suitably high-resolution EVF.
Conclusion Check out the Canon EOS 7D
First reviewed December, 2011
Features Key features of the Canon EOS 7D
17.9 MP
APS-C
Rated 81% by by DPReview (Oct, 2011)When movie shooting is engaged (either from stills shooting mode or in the dedicated recording mode), the camera crops its field-of-view dramatically.
megapixels
| 0 MP | 10 MP    | 20 MP |
EOS 7D by girl-from-TN (Apr, 2010)But for still photography, I am so impressed with everything about this camera - it has made a huge difference in my results, everything from focussing and exposure accuracy to final image quality with the high megapixels.
EOS 7D by Nathaniel-Nguyen (Mar, 2011)The photos are 18 Megapixels for RAW and the file size are large (if you do not have a fast computer-reconsider).
sensor size
EOS 7D by J.-Collar--Hikin-Fool (Mar, 2010)This gives me the absolute best of both worlds - the 7D's 1.6X sensor extends my telephotos for wildlife shooting and the full frame 5D gives me great wide angle landscapes.
EOS 7D by DPReview (Nov, 2009)The EOS 7D uses an APS-C size sensor and therefore you can't quite create the same DOF effects as on the full-frame EOS 5D Mark II but you still get a much shallower, more cinematic depth of field than with any digital compact camera.
viewfinder size
EOS 7D by Anthony-Pantliano--The-Photo-Guy (Dec, 2009)It's a terrific SLR that shines in photo quality, control placement, speed, and viewfinder size and coverage.
EOS 7D by DPReview (Oct, 2011)With an electronic viewfinder, there is no such connection, so the size and brightness of the finder is dependant only on the current state of the technology.
body size
148 x 111 x 74 mm
126 x 94 x 64 mm
127 x 97 x 79 mm
EOS 7D by Azeri (Jan, 2012)The HD picture quality is very nice, but shooting is challenging unless you use a tripod or lightweight lens, which then limits what you can shoot.
EOS 7D by DPReview (Oct, 2011)You can adjust both how thick an outline is applied, and its color, (from a choice of red, white or yellow), to ensure it's always easy to see.
focus points
| 0 | 61   | 70 |
EOS 7D by E.-Hung (Jan, 2010)I can tell you that I love my EOS 7D better despite the fact that the Nikon has 51 focus points and a 2nd SD slot.
EOS 7D by R.-Mcmillin (Nov, 2010)The manual even indicates that the camera will normally focus on the closest object, so I wonder what the point is of having 19 focus points?
Performance Real world tests of Canon EOS 7D
DxOMark image quality
EOS 7D by Seki (Feb, 2011)The picture quality is awesome, 8 FPS is awesome for shooting my nephews baseball/soccer games.
EOS 7D by Anthony-Pantliano--The-Photo-Guy (Dec, 2009)At any rate, 99% of the time, colors are natural, exposure is accurate, and dynamic range is great.
DxOMark low light performance
EOS 7D by The-ShoX (Jan, 2011)The camera have excellent low light performance, where you can take lots of great pictures without using the flash (I have still not used the flash once)!
EOS 7D by Gexbert (Nov, 2010)I'm also enjoying the improved low light performance, and the dedicated controls for all the camera functions.
shutter lag
| 0 ms | 273 ms  | 200 ms |
EOS 7D by DPReview (Oct, 2011)The advantage of such a system is that you don't need to cock the shutter or wait for it to mechanically trigger, which improves the shutter response time.
EOS 7D by TrustedReviews (Dec, 2011)It can take a picture within about a quarter of a second of being switched on, and in single shot mode it has effectively zero shutter lag, and can shoot as fast as you can press the shutter until the memory card is full.
continuous shooting
EOS 7D by Sergio-H.-Seipke (Dec, 2009)8 fps burst speed is notoriously faster than the 6.4 fps I was used to.
EOS 7D by Jonathan-Reneberg--Jon (Mar, 2010)This camera is much heavier, but the burst rate is almost scary fast!
battery life
800 photos
1,100 photos
500 photos
EOS 7D by nate42nd (Aug, 2010)The owner's manual is great (like all Canon DSLRs) and the battery life has been spectacular!
EOS 7D by SeaHuntFan (Mar, 2011)the battery life is excellent, I have two and that is enough for hundreds of shots.
Our analysis How does it stack up against its top 10 competitors
pros
-
HD video -
Generic -
Gives you more flexibility when framing your shot -
131 ms -
Opaque -
Built in flash -
89.4% -
74 mm -
148 x 111 x 74 mm -
1/8000 s
cons
-
5,000 s -
APS-C -
66.0 -
22.0 bits -
Sep, 2009 -
3" -
920 k dots -
854 ISO -
0.62x -
11.7 ev -
12,800 ISO -
No automatic HDR -
17.9 MP -
None -
The screen is fixed in place -
19 -
800 -
No geotagging included -
None -
No automatic stitching
Reviews Word on the street
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 | Rated by 454 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by Jeff (Oct, 2010) Rated 100% by by Michael-Laferriere (Oct, 2010) Rated 100% by by TJ (Sep, 2010) |
Lens
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 60% by by Christian-Skorik--Christian-Skorik (Dec, 2010)I am disappointed in the muted colors, low contrast, and lack of sharpness this camera imparts on its pictures, even when paired with excellent lenses (re: Canon 10-22, 17-55 2.8 IS, 200 2.8 L, etc).
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 100% by by E.-Bickel--Elizabeth (Dec, 2010)The standard 28-135 lens that comes with the kit is an inexpensive walk around lens.
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 100% by by Lynn-May (Oct, 2010)to be very true concerning Sigma and Tamron lenses where quality control can be quite lax.
Sensor
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 80% by by S.-Flask (Apr, 2011)The IQ results were good, and I primarily upgraded to the 7D for the better AF system, the weather sealing and better high ISO performance.
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 100% by by Manny (Dec, 2009)The jpeg has a 18mp, 8mp, and 4.5mp size the raw has a 18mp, 10mp, and 4.5mp size.
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Oct, 2009)£1699 / €1999 / $1699 body-only is starting to step on the toes of the 5D Mark II, which lacks some of the newer innovations and weather-sealing, but does offer that coveted 21 megapixel full-frame sensor and even better ISO performance.
Focus
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 100% by by Enche-TjinWith the additional all cross type AF points, auto focus is fast and accurate.
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 100% by by J.-A.-Howell (Jul, 2011)It may not have Ultrasonic focusing, but it's still very quick and pretty quiet.
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 100% by by RickyKeep in mind that although the HD video feature is nice, it can be a little clumsy to use since there is no AF while filming.
Video
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 100% by by L.-Kron--Workation-Guy (Dec, 2009)I shot an HD video of a rental condo I own and the video feature worked very well.
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 80% by by Anthony-Pantliano--The-Photo-Guy (Dec, 2009)The HD movie mode is nicely done as well.
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 84% by by DPReview (Nov, 2009)Not only can it capture video at 1080p and a choice of 24, 25 or 30 fps, or 720p at 50 or 60 fps, the 7D also offers full control over shutter speed, aperture and ISO in movie mode.
Photography
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 100% by by Michael-Guerra (Mar, 2010)It is an excellent accompaniment to the camera manual, and, like Peterson's book, full of good general photography basics.
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 100% by by Digitalmaster (Feb, 2010)My shots come out crisp and this is the first camera I have used that has taken excellent sports photos.
Canon EOS 7D | Rated 100% by by Zanjum28 (Jun, 2012)Lightning fast 8fps, even if you don't shoot sports you might need it if you're in a bind and need that crucial shot to be sharp.
Competition What else you should consider
 | 1 | Nikon D7000 Significantly more dynamic range Nikon D7000 vs Canon EOS 7D |
 | 2 | Canon EOS 6D Largest sensor 6D vs 7D |
 | 3 | Nikon D5100 2-way tie: Has a flip out screen Nikon D5100 vs Canon EOS 7D |
 | 4 | Canon EOS 30D 5-way tie: Fast max shutter speed 30D vs 7D |
 | 5 | Canon EOS 60D Most shots per battery charge 60D vs 7D |
 | 6 | Nikon D7100 Best image quality as rated by DXOMark Nikon D7100 vs Canon EOS 7D |
 | 7 | Nikon D60 Smallest Nikon D60 vs Canon EOS 7D |
 | 8 | Canon EOS 7D MII Fastest rapid fire mode 7D MII vs 7D |
New duel?
Let the battle continue or dare to compare.
Popular Questions
October 11, 2012
Nikon D7000 or Pentax K-5 or Canon 7D
Which one?! All of these are great cameras and I have been comparing them on this website as well as on dpreview. I am more into outdoor photography (landscapes) and family photographs. Choice of...
Visitor
40
Answers August 7, 2012
Mainly film, movies, low light, action, drama, short and rain shots
Im not a beginner nor an expert, I am looking for a camera to bring my imagination to life and to achieve that cinematic and film look without the grain and noise, I shoot a lot of lowlight and I...
Visitor
18
Answers April 27, 2012
I want to use for both portraits (babies) and equine photography (speed events)
I am finding that I shoot in alot of terrible lighting situations where flash is not possible, such as barns and arenas and don't want to set off anyones horse with a flash. I have a beginner and...
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15
Answers Latest Questions
August 7, 2012
Why is D7000 called entry-level?
Hello, i want to know why this great camera is entry-level and the canon 7d is pro. Thank you.
Visitor
2
Answers January 7, 2013
Quality pictures
Pictures of my kids playing sports (soccer &softball ) and everyday pictures of my family. I also scrapbook. I'm looking for quality!
Visitor
1
Answers June 10, 2012
Hi, which is better?
Photo quality, low light, What are the differences between camera setting, what are they? Thanks.
Beginner II
4
Answers Unanswered Questions
- 40 discussions
- View more
April 12, 2013
Which is better for macro ?
Which camera is better for macro and wildlife photography ?
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0
Answers January 17, 2013
Is the EOS 7D or K-5 II better for???
Hmmmmm, I wonder if anyone has seen this camera comparison post? Canon_EOS_7D-vs-Pentax_K-5 at snapsort.com <http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_7D-vs-Pentax_K-5> From what I understand and in...
Visitor
0
Answers January 6, 2013
Beginner need help picking up a decent camera thinking about a DSL
I'm a beginner when it come to photography and videos I have a web site where I upload pictures and videos. for party and promotion. I'm looking for a decent camera that take good video and good...
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0
Answers Community Find out what the Sortable community is saying about the Canon EOS 7D
79
people have recommended the
Canon EOS 7DTop Canon EOS 7D experts at Sortable
Philip-Davis 
Expert III
superfine-helios 
Beginner II
Sean-Stephens 
Intermediate I
Brenden-Sherratt 
Expert I
Nikon D7000
- 16.1 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
23 more Sortable users recommended the Nikon D7000 over the Canon EOS 7D.
View all discussions | View comparison 
Beginner II
2
votes If you are already a canon user, stick with the Canon 7d - there's not enough difference in these two cameras to justify switching brands. The best option for you is to invest a bit more money a...
- 1 comment
- June 21, 2012
- Reply to: I want to use for both portraits (babies) and equine photography (speed events)
Expert III
0
votes For hockey try the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM <http://lenshero.com/lens/Canon-EF-70-200mm-f2.8L-IS-II-USM-lens> . For pr0n try a prime lens like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L or the Canon EF...
- 0 comments
- May 1, 2012
- Reply to: Mostly indoor sport (ice hockey) and nude & erotic art (studio)
Expert I
0
votes You are not going to go wrong with either of these cameras, at this point it is your own personal choice, because the cameras are quite similar. Although the Faster shutter speed of the Canon 7D...
- 0 comments
- April 12, 2012
- Reply to: ACTION, WILD LIFE, LAND SCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY.
Canon EOS 60D
- 17.9 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
6 more Sortable users recommended the 60D over the 7D.
View all discussions | View comparison 
Beginner II
2
votes I currently own a Canon 60D so I can tell you more of what it can and cannot do. First off, both camera are quite the same when it comes to image quality (if you test them using the same lenses,...
- 3 comments
- May 16, 2012
- Reply to: Going to use camera to mainly take pictures of wildlife and sport
Beginner II
2
votes First of all, most of the advice you are getting is good if you don't have any money to spend MORE on lenses and a better (for your kind of shooting) camera. So, all money being equal, most of a...
- 0 comments
- June 12, 2012
- Reply to: Ability take great macros
Intermediate I
1
vote When it comes to sports, the 7d is far superior to it's baby brother 60d. As for the Canon 100mm macro, I can't say enough good things about it, especially the newest L version with hybrid IS. of...
- 0 comments
- June 20, 2012
- Reply to: Taking wildlife (rain forest), outdoor sports
Pentax K-5
- 16.1 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
10 more Sortable users recommended the Pentax K-5 over the Canon EOS 7D.
View all discussions | View comparison 
Beginner I
-1
votes I marked the Canon, but I would say Canon or Nikon, never Pentax. And I will tell you why. It is true that out of those three the Pentax is the best one (not far but it is) the problem is that if...
- 0 comments
- November 21, 2012
- Reply to: Nikon D7000 or Pentax K-5 or Canon 7D
