Adding a new camera to their high end DSLR offerings, Canon slotted the new EOS 7D squarely between the well-received 50D and the revolutionary 5D mkII. But the new 7D promises to be one of the most capable cameras in the entire Canon lineup.
18 megapixels. Compatibility with a wide range of Canon and aftermarket lenses. Full 1920 X 1080 HD video resolution. What more could you ask for in a high performance SLR? The new Canon EOS 7D raised eyebrows when introduced at the beginning of Sept. 2009 with its wide range of capabilities. For slightly less than the competing Nikon 300S (itself a superb camera), the new Canon matches it feature for feature in most cases, shoots at an incredible 8 FPS, and has an all new sensor.
That sensor, in fact, has proven to be somewhat controversial among Canon fans who were hoping for a full frame rather than a new APS-C sized sensor. With the addition of 18 megapixels to the smaller sized sensor, some have worried that the new camera will be more prone to noise than the 15 megapixel EOS 50D. Canon, however, states that the new 7D will feature superb low light performance. Time will tell whether it will be Canon or the megapixel critics who will be proven correct, but it seems unlikely that Canon would release a camera that would not at least outperform the 50Ds already great low-light performance.
Of course, the price of a camera with the 7D's outstanding capabilities will shock some, at a whopping $1699 for the body only or $1899 with a kit lens. But, put in perspective, that is actually slightly less expensive than the competing camera from Nikon, the 300S. On the other hand, for serious amateur photographers and pros looking for a solid all-around camera at a reasonable price (considering that many pro cameras are priced in the many thousands of dollars), the 7D is good value.
