Review: Canon EOS 7D

The Canon EOS 7D.

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This 18-megapixel DSLR camera has dual image processors for fast operation including burst mode of up to eight frames per second (JPEG).

It is well made and rugged, with extensive sealing against dust and moisture. There is automatic dust removal by filter shake.

The high-resolution 75-millimetre LCD can be used for camera function display and selection and most settings are also displayed on the body-top LCD and in the 100 percent coverage viewfinder.

There is high-definition (1920x1080) video capture and a socket for an external microphone. Live-view shooting now has face-detection auto focus.

Like: This camera is ultra responsive with seemingly no time lag between imagining the picture and having it saved on the CF card. The 8fps burst speed is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. Auto focus and auto exposure are almost always spot on.

The extra resolution of the sensor does not appear to have come at the cost of added noise. Up to ISO1600 images are smooth and clean.

Dislike: Only having three-frame auto bracketing is poor. Nikon brackets nine and Pentax seven, which is ideal for creating high-dynamic range sets. The low-light auto-focus-assist lamp is still the dreadful pulse-flash method.

Verdict: Canon now has an APS-C size sensor camera to compete with the Nikon D300s, filling a gap in its product line.

Choosing between the Canon and the Nikon is easy - buy the camera for which you already own lenses. If starting from scratch, the Nikon feels the more "professional" and is certainly better for low-light work because of the better focus-assist system.

At the risk of derision we might sum up the differences this way: the Nikon is from Mars and the Canon from Venus. The choice is between the handsome Nikon and the gorgeous Canon.

* The Canon Eos 7D is $3190 from www.photowarehouse.co.nz

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