Canon EOS 7D First Impressions

Been eyeing this dSLR for some time now since it was launched last September 2009. During the annual PhotoWorld Asia last week-end, was able to check out both the 5D Mark II and the EOS 7D and decided to go for the latter. Here are my first impressions.

The Canon EOS 7D is not any bigger or heavier than my old trusty 40D, aside from the re-orientation of the controls and buttons. All the goodness is found inside.

• 18-megapixel CMOS sensor with dual (2) DIGIC 4 image processors
• 8 frames per second continuous shooting
• 1080p (1920×1080) Full HD video recording
• 19 focus points
• ISO 12800!

This camera is shoots real fast and focuses quickly too. My Canon 40D shoots 3fps 6.5fps and this one can do 8fps. That coupled with 1080p video recording and I’m sold. The 7D is a close contender to the 5D Mark II — it’s a debatable issue on which one is better but I think it depends on where you are coming from.

For me, since I got a couple of precious EF-S lenses that I already use and don’t want to let go, the EOS 7D was a sure winner. The 19 points of focus is pretty cool and allows you some creative focusing of subjects that can’t be done with most other models.

And that doesn’t even count the fact that the 7D (body only) costs Php85,000USD 1,448INR 122,791EUR 1,380CNY 10,549 compared to the 5D Mark II at Php129,000USD 2,198INR 186,353EUR 2,094CNY 16,009.

Hopefully, from now on, I can do some HD video footages for my reviews and coverage here. Watch out for my review perspective of the Canon EOS 7D soon.