Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

In the last six years or so I've moved from a 300D to a 20D to a 5D, then back to a 40D in search of a balance between image detail, features and shooting speed. Image size was never really an issue as I'm not a pro, and the 50D just wasn't a big enough step over the 40D to make me upgrade a year ago. I love the 40D, it was the most "sorted" camera I'd ever used. So when the 7D came out I agonised over it and tested it a few times in shops - with mixed results since its version of RAW wasn't supported by Photoshop or DXO at the time. Then in a moment of madness I made the jump. And I'm VERY glad I did.

18 megapixels isn't where it's at for me with this camera and lots of tests have shown that it's still not quite got the resolving power of the full-frame 5DmkII - but then I've hardly taken a shot at more than medium image size or mRAW in the month I've owned it. What's really brilliant is the redesigned focusing and metering system, the unbelievable frame rate, the battery life (and a menu with information about the battery), the hi-res screen and real-world application of live-view tech that takes everyday photography to a completely new level (eg, held at arms length above your head). Also just how well balanced it feels in the hand and, I never thought I'd say this about a digital SLR: the movie mode. You might only use it once a month, and it sucks up a ridiculous amount of disk space but but it blows away handycams I've used for image quality.

There are a few minor downsides: for my liking JPGs are a bit soft, but I've ramped sharpness up in user settings and there is an "instant RAW" button that allows you to shoot an emergency duplicate RAW file without fiddling in the menus or having it on all the time with associated workflow problems. Also, in truth up to even large standard print sizes you'd be genuinely hard pressed to tell the difference between this and a good 40D image (or indeed a 20D image), but getting a good image is easier thanks to better metering and focus, and it's atarting to become more intuitive as I've got used to the camera. However if you use higher ISOs, pixel peep or crop images the difference in resolution becomes very noticable.

To sum up, the 7D is a genuine upgrade. Not just more megapixels, fancier menus and other augmented bits and pieces. It looks almost the same as a 40D/50D, and it still feels comfortably familiar as a consequence, but it is a new camera in almost all areas and a big leap forward for upgraders. Of course technology is no substitute for technique and there are many other DSLRs that will deliver stunning results at a fraction of the cost, new or second hand. But for die-hard amateurs like myself (or maybe canny pros) who have been on a Canon mid-range DSLR journey of discovery, this is the promised land.

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Update 27 March 2010: Now been using the 7D for 5 months. I really like little electronic processing touches like auto lighting optimisation and lens-specific vignetting compensation that recognises my Canon lenses. Also, three custom dial settings let you store presets for certain situations - effectively replicating (with your own tweaks) some of the auto settings on the 40D. So I'm using C1 to dial in immediate shutter priority with AI Servo, centre-point focusing, partial metering, and full auto ISO for action shots. C2 is set up allowing me to achieve flash subject and background illumination in aperture priority mode by overriding the higher speed flash sync I've set as standard in custom functions. Finally I've set C3 to give me access to ISO expansion without fiddling with the menus. Speaking of ISO, since auto now goes up to 3200 with pretty good results I've been using manual and aperture priority more and more, letting the ISO do the work while I get DOF and shutter speed just right. Not one for 35mm purists obviously - but it proves the 7D's flexibility. Sadly, full resolution HD movies defeat my laptop and Adobe Premiere though they stream from the camera OK, but downsizing the resolution works fine (and uses less disc space). Still loving it!

Upgraded from XTi (400D) as it apparently blew a fuse after 2 1/2yrs of heavy use. Hopefully this one will last longer. Took some getting used to, and I feel like I need a higher iso for the same aperture with this camera, especially if auto light optimiser is on (so it is not). That being said, within a couple of days of learning all the AMAZING new features, I'm taking pictures my XTi never dreamed of. Birds that take up a small amount of the frame can be blown up to full frame in near-perfect detail. Now its just a matter of balancing aperture to shutter speed to get the right depth without blurring. Thank you so much Canon. Pleasure doing business.

I bought this camera while at the airport and benefited from a lower price, I am a canon 1d user but wanted the video and the extra pixels for some of my fashion work, I am very surprised and happy with the build quality of this camera, being a 1d user I had my doubts on the quality of previous lower end camera's for professional work, The Video from what I have shot is super quality, I only wish my skills match what the 7D can do, (hopefully in Time is will get their) many option are available so it should keep amateurs and professionals very happy, Canon have upped their game on this camera, weather sealed, the menu functions great with lots of quick select buttons, shooting at higher ISO doesn't seem to damage the quality too much plus the auto ISO function comes in handy when shooting video and stills when light drops.
The camera handles very well with much less button pushing than other models, the screen looks great also as does the bright viewfinder, there are so many functions on the camera it really pays to have the manual to experiment, though straight out of the box and on Program mode it gives very good results with excellent auto focus and metering, the file size is huge and when shooting raw can fill up a card very quickly though canon have give you the a choice of shooting at 3 different raw size settings, (I still have to try out the lower settings.
I used it in the studio and was very happy with the results, I shot over 800 images and 5 minutes of video and the battery was still going strong.
Having hands like buckets I was surprised at how comfortable it was to us in holiday but as I shoot mostly in vertical (portrait mode) I bought the BG-E7 Battery Grip, this really helps if you shoot portraits and adds weight and balance to the camera when using L series lens, with the added grip you can add another battery which doubles the frames you can shoot, the shutter release button on my grip works great and doesn't feel any different than the on on the camera body (some reviews of the battery grip have noted that its like a hair trigger) I haven't noticed this.

So overall a very fine camera, lots of functions, great image, fast focusing and capture rates of up to 8 frames a sec more or less,
It will definately have a place in my camera bag and be used often.