Tag Archives: Canon 7D

straight from “photography bay” (+)

We know how much you all into photography and film.making. As a result we will try to help you spend better your xmas money (whatever is left anyway)

1. 18 Megapixels is Too Much

Canon has been steadily increasing the megapixel count of its DSLR models year after year.  Many balked at the jump from 10MP in the 40D to 15MP in the 50D.  While the noise control in the 50D was impressive, it left many wondering whether it could have been that much better if Canon had just left it at 10MP or maybe a jump to 12MP instead.  Now, the 7D comes along with 18MP and the same gripes are cropping up.

2. 1.6x Crop = Smaller Pixels and

Speaking of crop, those 18 megapixels are packed into an APS-C sized sensor. Smaller sensor, smaller pixels, more noise – right? Not sure; however, that hasn’t stopped some groaning about upping the ante after the 50D with even more pixels.  These naysayers would be much happier if those 18MP were packed into a full frame sensor on the 7D.

3. 1.6x Crop = Lenses That Aren’t So Wide

In addition to the pixel size and noise complaint, a 17mm lens on the 7D will look a lot different than it would have with a full frame sensor in there.  The sports and wildlife guys and gals get the goods, but the landscape guys are left in the cold and have to spend $1000 more to get their kicks with the 5D Mark II.

4. What’s Up With the 28-135mm Kit Lens?

Didn’t Canon just release a new EF-S 15-85mm IS USM lens?  Wouldn’t that be a better focal range to pack in a kit than the 28-135mm lens on a crop-sensor body?  The 15-85mm range is equivalent to a 24-136mm angle of view in a 35mm or full frame camera and is a natural substitute for the Canon EF 28-135mm IS lens on crop-sensor cameras like the Canon 7D.  Instead, Canon continues to stick in the 28-135mm lens, which has a 45-216mm equivalent angle of view.  That sure does miss out on a lot of coverage on the wide end.  This odd packaging may just affect US customers as I have seen other kit combos, including the EF-S 15-85mm lens, packaged with the 7D overseas.

5. Video? We Don’t Need Your Stinking Video!

Who needs video in a DSLR? Well, truth is some love it; however, others hate it.  In fact, some photographers consider such a feature to be nearing heresy.  A still camera that captures movies?  Isn’t that a little silly?  If you’re in this crowd, I would suggest that you consider the work of Vincent Laforet, among many others, who have done some incredible things with the large DSLR sensor (be it full frame or APS-C).  This message doesn’t resonate with everyone thought, and for that reason it’s on the “hate it” list.

6. You Live Outside the US and Are Being Hosed on the Price

I’m not sure about the worldwide pricing variances; however, I have seen many comments from the photographers in the UK and elsewhere in Europe who are very displeased with the pricing.  With a US retail price of $1699, a UK price of £1699 and a European market price of €1699 is hardly fair.

7. Canon 5D Mark II Users Feel a Little Cheated

Not all; however, some 5D Mark II owners feel like they really got the raw end of the deal since the 7D outshines the 5D Mark II in several categories (see 7 Things to Love…).  I can somewhat understand this frustration, particularly for those who purchased the 5D Mark II with video capture as a key concern.  And, I don’t even need to mention the gross disparity in AF features.  If the AF on the Canon 7D is as fancy as it looks and works the way it is supposed to, Canon’s going the have a lot of 5D Mark II users scratching their heads as to why the 5D Mark II has such a dated AF system in it.