Calling all 7D users (especially in Yorkshire)

The23rdman

The23rdman

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Dean
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Okay, I've sold my D700 and I'm hoping it's not a mistake. I loved the body, but my continued failure to find any Nikon lens that works properly wore my patience down.

I'm considering a 7D and 5DII combo, but I've not had an opportunity to test a 7D and, well, you hear soooo many reports on it's low iso ability, etc.

Is there anyone in the Leeds area with one I can come and have a play with to fire some test shots off?
 
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I'm away at the moment, but have a 60d (same sensor) - am in Keighley but do pop over to Leeds occasionally.
If you do want to have a play, drop me a message a week on Tuesday (when I'm back) if you haven't got anything sorted and I'll see what I can do :).
 
Dean, further to our pm conversation I might be able to help you. I have some photos in my Lightroom back catalogue from all the cameras I have owned, 7D, 1D3 and 1D4. If you want I can send you a few in RAW so you can view them yourself. Obviously they won't be the same image but it might give you an idea.

Andy S
 
geebus said:
I'm away at the moment, but have a 60d (same sensor) - am in Keighley but do pop over to Leeds occasionally.
If you do want to have a play, drop me a message a week on Tuesday (when I'm back) if you haven't got anything sorted and I'll see what I can do :).
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Many thanks, but I need it sorted before the weekend. I might go play with a 60D instead though - forgot they shared a sensor.

EMA747 said:
Dean, further to our pm conversation I might be able to help you. I have some photos in my Lightroom back catalogue from all the cameras I have owned, 7D, 1D3 and 1D4. If you want I can send you a few in RAW so you can view them yourself. Obviously they won't be the same image but it might give you an idea.

Andy S
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PM sent. :)
 
I'm nowhere near Yorkshire, but as a 7D owner, I can't imagine it will even come close to the D700 for high ISO performance. On the 7D noise starts to creep in and become visible when viewing at 100% from ISO 400 and above, esp. when using Lightroom. This means you have to be quite careful in PP not to exaggerate the noise when sharpening. Of course when not viewing at 100% and printing, it is not a big issue, unless you screw up the sharpening.

Just worth keeping in mind if you are used to viewing nice clean images at 100% from a D700.

I've never used a 5D, so no idea how that would compare.
 
Dean, you are probably already aware but it's difficult to compare the 7D to the D700 as the D700 will have the edge as a full frame sensor. Its more in the league of the 5DMKII, which I can tell you will blow you away with its ISO handling capabilities.
 
I know what I'm letting go with my D700, but I don't like the resolution of Nikon. I've come to realise that noise isn't so big a problem in prints.

I'm considering a two camera set-up with a 7D and 5DII. I'd go straight for a 5DII but I'm too concerned about the AF being lousy.
 
I'm watching with interest how things turn out after getting rid of the D700 and moving to higher resolution Canon lineup. I guess I would have to agree that if it is the resolution you do not like then the 7D and 5DII is the only option without going to a D3x which is insanely expensive and has not so good high ISO capability anyway.
 
The23rdman said:
I know what I'm letting go with my D700, but I don't like the resolution of Nikon. I've come to realise that noise isn't so big a problem in prints.

I'm considering a two camera set-up with a 7D and 5DII. I'd go straight for a 5DII but I'm too concerned about the AF being lousy.
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I was at a crossroad a few months back where I was coming back with lots of out of focus shots. From what I have gathered and I did research a lot the AF on the 5DMKII won't match up to your D700 or the 7D. But there are ways of overcoming it and living with it. The center point is brilliant, so I use that if I can, but sometimes the outer points have to be used and what I do is a double press of the back button focus. This helps me ensure the focus is locked on the right area. So ultimately I decided to keep the 5DMKII's (as I have 2 of them) and work on my technique purely because in some areas it comes out of top and can't be beat such as the beautiful resolution.
 
If you're concerned about the 5D AF, then I'd forget the 60D as that will be more of the same AF wise to the 5D. The 60D is much the same as the 50D was, and the 40D before it. I believe the 5D has invisible additional helper AF points around the centre that the XXD line does not, so I wouldn't expect any great difference between a 60D and 5D for AF. 7D AF is a big leap over XXD, and can also move AF points according to camera orientation, so if you're placing a face in the upper part of the frame, then you can make sure the 7D AF concentrates on that area regardless which is a nice touch. I don't know if the D700's AF could do that.

If you're unsure and are thinking of a 5D MkII AND a 7D, have you considered a 1D MkIV? Might be the best all round compromise and will give you the best AF Canon has to offer as well as decent high ISO performance.

EDIT: Page 32 of this PDF details the 5D MkII AF arrangement. 50D is very similar to 60D, however Canon have removed AF microadjust from the 60D.

http://downloads.canon.com/CDLC/EOS50D_5D-MarkII-WP2.pdf
 
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texfoto said:
I'm watching with interest how things turn out after getting rid of the D700 and moving to higher resolution Canon lineup. I guess I would have to agree that if it is the resolution you do not like then the 7D and 5DII is the only option without going to a D3x which is insanely expensive and has not so good high ISO capability anyway.
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Tis true. The D3x is just a stupid price considering it has the same sensor as the Sony A900!

hsuffyan said:
I was at a crossroad a few months back where I was coming back with lots of out of focus shots. From what I have gathered and I did research a lot the AF on the 5DMKII won't match up to your D700 or the 7D. But there are ways of overcoming it and living with it. The center point is brilliant, so I use that if I can, but sometimes the outer points have to be used and what I do is a double press of the back button focus. This helps me ensure the focus is locked on the right area. So ultimately I decided to keep the 5DMKII's (as I have 2 of them) and work on my technique purely because in some areas it comes out of top and can't be beat such as the beautiful resolution.
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That is interesting. So what do you think your keeper rate is with the outer points using this method? Are you using fast primes?
 
NaturS said:
If you're concerned about the 5D AF, then I'd forget the 60D as that will be more of the same AF wise to the 5D. The 60D is much the same as the 50D was, and the 40D before it. I believe the 5D has invisible additional helper AF points around the centre that the XXD line does not, so I wouldn't expect any great difference between a 60D and 5D for AF. 7D AF is a big leap over XXD, and can also move AF points according to camera orientation, so if you're placing a face in the upper part of the frame, then you can make sure the 7D AF concentrates on that area regardless which is a nice touch. I don't know if the D700's AF could do that.

If you're unsure and are thinking of a 5D MkII AND a 7D, have you considered a 1D MkIV? Might be the best all round compromise and will give you the best AF Canon has to offer as well as decent high ISO performance.
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I was only looking at the 60D to take some test shots as it has the same sensor. It's not in my thinking to buy.

Oh, yes, I'd LOVE a IV, but I have £3500-3700 to buy body/bodies and lenses and the IV will leave me with virtually nowt.
 
I know noise has been a hot topic where the 7D is concerned but not really found it to be a problem TBH, even when shooting a rugby match using ISO3200/6400.

A little PP noise reduction soon gives you perfectly usable images (IMO).
 
Russ, that is what I'm hoping, but I do need to see for myself before committing to buying one. I'd kinda decided to hold fire on a 5DII simply because the MarkIII is coming early next year.
 
The23rdman said:
Tis true. The D3x is just a stupid price considering it has the same sensor as the Sony A900!



That is interesting. So what do you think your keeper rate is with the outer points using this method? Are you using fast primes?
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fairly high to honest. the only lens I struggle with is the 70-200 2.8 IS, which due to its weight puts pressure on my shaky hands, so i am equally as susceptible to changing focal plane as the camera is to misfocus. Otherwise the 85 1.8, 24-70 2.8, 50 1.4 etc are all generally very good.
 
Do you find you have to focus/recompose too much though or do you just hold it on the point and crop?
 
The23rdman said:
Do you find you have to focus/recompose too much though or do you just hold it on the point and crop?
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Very little recomposing to be honest. Most of the time I have a focus point available close to where I want to focus. I may do a little cropping in PP, but for me the shot in focus is my biggest concern. The 5DMKII has resolution to spare in that respect. I've never used other systems that have more points, but its just about manageable with the ones the 5DMKII has. Any more and you could easily spend your whole time flicking through them.
 
Why not put a toe in the water and go for a 2nd hand 1DMk3 and (new?)lenses or even a mk2 as the AF is regarded as brilliant, they have AFAIK good noise control and the bonus of a 1.3 crop?

Matt
 
The23rdman said:
Russ, that is what I'm hoping, but I do need to see for myself before committing to buying one. I'd kinda decided to hold fire on a 5DII simply because the MarkIII is coming early next year.
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Do a little search on my username as I've posted up some rugby shots that were taken using high ISO.

I did do a little PP on them as I tent to always shoot in RAW but only used the NR available in Lightroom.
 
hsuffyan said:
Very little recomposing to be honest. Most of the time I have a focus point available close to where I want to focus. I may do a little cropping in PP, but for me the shot in focus is my biggest concern. The 5DMKII has resolution to spare in that respect. I've never used other systems that have more points, but its just about manageable with the ones the 5DMKII has. Any more and you could easily spend your whole time flicking through them.
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Cheers.

MatBin said:
Why not put a toe in the water and go for a 2nd hand 1DMk3 and (new?)lenses or even a mk2 as the AF is regarded as brilliant, they have AFAIK good noise control and the bonus of a 1.3 crop?

Matt
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1DMk3 is a downgrade resolution wise from my D700. I had a 1DsII before the D700 and that is just unacceptably old tech. A right pain to use and awful ISO capabilities. I loved it at iso 100 though.
 
Visit Jessops or jacobs if theres one around and take a compact flash with you :)
 
John Mc said:
Visit Jessops or jacobs if theres one around and take a compact flash with you :)
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You are really not up with current events, John. No camera shop has even a shelf copy to try. Tsunami after effects. :)
 
This is going to sound like heresy, however, I've seen quite a few 5D MkII's and 7D's in various Currys/PC World locked behind glass cabinets... Also try John Lewis for 7D's on display.
 
For the record on the 7D vs 5DMkII autofocus, the 7D isn't only out of the 5D's league, it's virtually incomparable. The 7D has almost a spooky sense of what to lock on to. It is fantastic.
 
The23rdman said:
You are really not up with current events, John. No camera shop has even a shelf copy to try. Tsunami after effects. :)
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Fair enough, I know the Jessops in Glasgow have one on display as i was playing with the continuous fire mode the other day wisihing i had something simular as im trying to make my mind up too :P

Good luck on trying to Find one to try out :) i don't think you'd be upset with it tbh.

Edit: Or like Ian Said, Try Curry's,pcworld or John lewis. Knowing from working there, you'll get to play with the thing whilst the advisor trys and talks you into taking it on finance. But i'll warn you, the battery might not be charged as they have a habit of leaving them on and in the camera 24/7 :(
 
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Have you asked Gav on Leeds Strobist if he's about . He might let you have a play with his .
 
BigJohn said:
Have you asked Gav on Leeds Strobist if he's about . He might let you have a play with his .
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James (comment above) has kindly offered me the chance to have a go with his. :)
 
Dean, I've not read the whole thread, but a short while ago I bought a 7D to compliment my 5dii. I have to say that I do notice that the 7d images do suffer more from noise. Back to back in a dim church the 5d wins by a significant margin in my book.

The other issue is full frame.

Cut a long story short, the mrs bought mrs bought be another 5dii for my birthday (lucky me - I know) and I feel much happier. I like having two identical bodies to work with.

I guess, bottom line is whether you are going to use it in low light.

Once again, hands up to not having read the whole thread :-(

Cheers.

Dav
 
Dean, have a look here for 5dII stuff linky and here for 7d stuff linky much bigger resource of samples for you to look at.
 
Feel free to pop over and try mine if you are in the Manchester area.
 
FlyTVR said:
Dean, I've not read the whole thread, but a short while ago I bought a 7D to compliment my 5dii. I have to say that I do notice that the 7d images do suffer more from noise. Back to back in a dim church the 5d wins by a significant margin in my book.

The other issue is full frame.

Cut a long story short, the mrs bought mrs bought be another 5dii for my birthday (lucky me - I know) and I feel much happier. I like having two identical bodies to work with.

I guess, bottom line is whether you are going to use it in low light.

Once again, hands up to not having read the whole thread :-(

Cheers.

Dav
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I'm seriously considering a 5DII as well, mate. Might be a good combo for what I do.

tiler65 said:
Dean, have a look here for 5dII stuff linky and here for 7d stuff linky much bigger resource of samples for you to look at.
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Awesome, ta, bud.

faddy said:
Feel free to pop over and try mine if you are in the Manchester area.
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sorted now, thanks, mate. :)
 
Samples would still be good, mate, thanks.
 
Sorry I've been a bit busy this evening. I will sort some for you tomorrow.
 
I'm thinking of upgrading to a 7d or 5d mkii at some point soon. From reading lots of reviews and posts on Here I'm swaying towards the 7d for the FPS, AF, 1.6x extra reach and more choice of Canon lenses. I tend to shoot more moving stuff at longer focal lengths. Would the 7d at f2.8 have a similar equivalent ISO performance to the mkii at say f4 with the same lens or is the differene greater than that? Or does it not work like that? This thread has been really useful, thanks guys!
 
Some very unscientific 100% crops. I didn't do them that exact so there are of varying sizes ratios etc but should give you some idea.


7D, ISO 200, f8, 1/400
IMG_3530.jpg


crop1.jpg



7D, ISO 800, f5, 1/50 (too low really)
IMG_3816.jpg


crop2.jpg


7D, ISO 1600, f4, 1/125
IMG_4050.jpg


crop3.jpg
 
Just for comparison with the 1DmkIV, ISO 4000, f2.8, 1/200
Crop4full.jpg


Crop4.jpg
 
Chris_topher81 said:
Would the 7d at f2.8 have a similar equivalent ISO performance to the mkii at say f4 with the same lens or is the differene greater than that? Or does it not work like that? This thread has been really useful, thanks guys!
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I would probably say that the 5D would still produce a cleaner image at the equivalent ISO if it were in the mid ISO range, though I don't really think that the 5DII at 12800 would be less noisy than the 7D at 6400. If you are talking about on the lower end of the spectrum, the images would probably be too similar to call in terms of noise alone to make any real life difference, though the f4 image would be much sharper and be a nicer image overall than the f2.8 image on the 7D at any reasonable equivalent ISO setting.
 
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