Canon 7d Allrounder?

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I have the opportunity to upgrade my body from a 550d and have been looking at the 7d as an option.

I dont have specific area of photography but enjoy sports (rugby & motorsport), portrait, landscape, very busy nieces and nephews, the odd wedding but mostly as a guest.

I dont think I need a full frame and a 5Dmk2 would be a stretch and just leave me with a Sigma 50mm, where as the 7d I could get a decent lens bundle and still come in under the 5Dmk2, I'm not overly concerned by the crop factor and never had an issue with the 550d.

I'm not really here to debate the lens v body debate, I'm after an all round body which is going to last me a fare few years, with a better built body, bigger size as the 550d is a little on the small size, microadjust are features I'm looking at.

Is the the 7d an all round camera suited to my needs?
 
Well there isn't anything in the list you've put up there that I don't think my 7D would be good for so that would be a yes - an good all rounder it is.
 
550D and 7D share the same sensor and (I guess) processing electronics. The pictures should be "the same" assuming you have an in-focus shot. Focus system on the 7D is, of course, much more advanced (but expect to have to learn it). Better body, microadjust, larger viewfinder etc... If those are important, then go for it, but don't expect a quantum leap in image quality - there won't be one.
 
When we talk image quality I'm happy with what I'm getting with the 550d and what will be improved with some new lenses in the new year, but how is the 7d and 5d comparable? obviously full frame sensor will make a difference in larger prints but are we talking from 4x6 up, or A3 and up if its the latter I cant see me needing to print larger than A3 at an extreme.
 
I recently bought the 7D and now feel, after using it for a while that I could of saved some money and gone for the 60D.
The main reason I went for the 7D was the build quality and materials, but I don't think I will ever actually test it to it's fullest.

I made my choice and am happy with the 7D, it does everything I want and does it very well. But I could of saved £400 and still got a great camera.

This could change though, as I'm still new to photography, and I may grow into the camera more. I really would like the high ISO and sensor of the 5D mkIII, but it doesn't exist yet. So the 7D will keep me amused until the 5DmkIII is relsased and has come down to a better price.
 
Thats another concern is the "imminent" new models rumored to be coming!

Looking at the time scales the 7d is approximately 18months old and we are looking at another 12-18months before the mark 2 arrives, what I dont want to do is upgrade now and have a new release in the next 6months or so, but if we constantly waited for the newest model I dont think anything would be purchased!

I'd love to wait for the 5DmkIII but I doubt I would be able to justify paying the release price.
 
I bought my 5D2 September 2010. The rumours then were that the 5D3 was imminent and would be out in "early 2011". I'm still waiting....

Unfortunately, I can't tell you about 5D2 vs 7D in prints. We've not actually printed anything from the 7D yet...
 
The 7D is actually 26 months old but its really anyones guess when a mk2 will appear considering its the first of its line and how mixed up the releases have been by events in Japan and Thailand.
 
JRJ said:
When we talk image quality I'm happy with what I'm getting with the 550d and what will be improved with some new lenses in the new year, but how is the 7d and 5d comparable? obviously full frame sensor will make a difference in larger prints but are we talking from 4x6 up, or A3 and up if its the latter I cant see me needing to print larger than A3 at an extreme.
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The biggest print I ever do is A3 and I can't see any really significant difference between MFT, 20D and 5D so I think you'll be fine :D With my cameras the only real differences are at the very highest ISO's.

If I was buying a new Canon APS-C I think it'd be the 60D as it has the same sensor (and some report slightly better high ISO performance than the 7D and also there seems to be an almost complete lack of complaints about "focus issues" that seem to beset some other cameras) plus it has an articulated screen which I think is very useful.
 
woof woof said:
If I was buying a new Canon APS-C I think it'd be the 60D as it has the same sensor (and some report slightly better high ISO performance than the 7D and also there seems to be an almost complete lack of complaints about "focus issues" that seem to beset some other cameras) plus it has an articulated screen which I think is very useful.
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Gotta say unless you really need the AF features of the 7D and micro adjustment for lenses then the 60D is an incredibly good camera.

A lot of the 7D focus issues were because, as arad85 said, you really have to learn the system. It certainly took me a while and I got some dissapointing results the first few times out.
 
I upgraded from the 550D to the 7D and it was about the best thing I've done. The 550D is a great camera, but apart from IQ the 7D is a much better all rounder. AF and FPS have been a revelation. I then gave the 550D to the wife and got a 5DMkII to compliment my 7D. The 5D came with a 24-105 f4 L lens and that works brilliantly with both bodies. If it's not on one its usually on the other. As is often said, you might be better off upgrading your lenses rather than your body though.
 
I have a 7d as well as a 5dII and I have had xxD bodies in the past too. To me the 7d fits exactly where you want it to - a good "all rounder". Go get one - I think you'll be well happy.
 
Seriously...
 
This is a feature which is stopping me considering the 60D, I just dont get how Canon can include it on the 50D yet delete it from its replacement model?!?
 
This is a feature which is stopping me considering the 60D, I just dont get how Canon can include it on the 50D yet delete it from its replacement model?!?
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Probably because they want to tempt you with the 7D
 
JRJ said:
This is a feature which is stopping me considering the 60D, I just dont get how Canon can include it on the 50D yet delete it from its replacement model?!?
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Now, I've never used the micro adjustment, but its nice knowing its there... however, to remove it from the "upgraded" version is just stupid!!!!!

I'm upgrading the 50D to a 7D, I dont like SD card bodies, they are usually smaller and I hate SD cards. I know its the way technology is going but I dont care, I like my big chunky cards :D
 
Moved up from a 500d to a 7d and it is so lovely. It feels big, strong and rugged in your hands. Inside, it has a huge buffer that just keeps giving, one of the main reasons my 500d failed me: it just gave up prematurely and was exhausted just as I had started getting into things.
 
I found the jump from the 400D to 7D was massive but I didn't realise how massive until I left the 7D at home and took the 400D away on holiday with me.........

Then you realise how much like a toy the 400D feels in comparison and when being able to shoot at 1/8000s make the difference shooting in bright sunlight when you want the lens wide open.

Not such an issue going from the 550D but the greater ISO range has proved invaluable when trying to shoot at a rugby match this time of year. I've been starting off at ISO1600 for the last couple of matches and that's where the ISO range ended on the 400D.

Don't get me wrong, the 400D (and I'm guessing the 550D) is still a good camera which gives great results but the 7D definitely has more of a "pro" feel to it due to it's size/weight, AF system and it's a lot more "tweakable" (yes I've just invented a new word) depending on the task in hand.
 
Just popped into my local Jessops while out shopping to get a decent feel for both camera's unfortunately they only had a 7d in stock, what a difference the weight, quality and the speed is something else, I'm pretty much settled on it now just waiting on Kerso to get back to me with a price.

While there I was discussing the lack of micro adjust on the 60D with the pretty clued up sales guy, the way they described it was that the 7D was the true upgrade for the 50D and the 60D slotting in between the 7D and the 600D.
 
JRJ said:
the way they described it was that the 7D was the true upgrade for the 50D and the 60D slotting in between the 7D and the 600D.
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Which is where the 50D is anyway :lol:
I wouldnt ever upgrade a camera every time a new revamp is released. Maybe 2 updates (from a 40D to a 60D, but not from a 50D to a 60D) but I would rather progress up the ladder to a 7D than take a side step with a 60D, plus the reasons in my other post still apply
 
MJ Stebbings said:
Which is where the 50D is anyway :lol:
I wouldnt ever upgrade a camera every time a new revamp is released. Maybe 2 updates (from a 40D to a 60D, but not from a 50D to a 60D) but I would rather progress up the ladder to a 7D than take a side step with a 60D, plus the reasons in my other post still apply
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Without knowing the Canon lineup very well I think he means that the 50D was upgraded to the 7D not to the 60D. The 60D is just a new level in the Canon line up.
 
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vrapan said:
The 60D does not have AF micro adjustments????? :) seriously?
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Reading feedback on the net the 60D doesn't seem to need it :D and there are all sorts of rumors about what sort of voodoo Canon have used to get rid of all those nasty focus errors that so many people over at DPR got all the time :D

Whatever the reason, complaints about 60D focus issues seem to be about as common as hens teeth and that's gotta be better than spending ages fiddling with MA settings and test charts.
 
vrapan said:
Without knowing the Canon lineup very well I think he means that the 50D was upgraded to the 7D not to the 60D. The 60D is just a new level in the Canon line up.
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:thumbs:Thats exactly what I was trying to say hmmmm
 
tijuana taxi said:
Hens tooth here on post 19 http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=368394
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Why are you quoting my for sale thread? I have not indicated at any point any issues with focus! Unless you can explain I think making reference to my thread which has no relevance at all is bang out of order!

This kind of comment could disrupt a sale and I'd like a mod's view on this!

Mark
 
Don't be so daft, I quoted post 19 which specifically stated the chap had focussing problems with his 60D

So not bang out of order and think before you go in all guns blazing and getting stroppy
 
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I match your one (possibly) dubious link with any number you like on 7D focus issues :lol:

And tongue out of cheek for a mo... I'm sure that the 7D is a fine camera and personally I take all of these faulty kit issues we read about on the net with a whole plate full of salt but if I was going for a new Canon APS-C I personally would go for the 60D for the screen :D
 
Totally agree about all the issues you read about, probably a tiny majority when compared to satisfied owners. Can state now my 7D focusses fine with no problems of high ISO dandruff, would be equally happy to buy the 60D too (or the 550D or a Nikon or a Pentax)
 
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7D is a good all rounder, cant fault it to be honest, good at action and just fine at landscapes too
 
For what its worth I upgraded from a 40D to a 7D and found it to be a great camera straight from the box. It's well built & robust and provides all the flexibility I need. The price of the body has come down about £150 during the course of the year too.
Better to make a buying decision and stick with it rather than second guess when the 'replacement' might be launched (unless there is a firm date - in which case I haven't seen it) - the 7D will certainly last you a fair few years.
 
Mondo74 said:
I have a 7d as well as a 5dII and I have had xxD bodies in the past too. To me the 7d fits exactly where you want it to - a good "all rounder". Go get one - I think you'll be well happy.
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This +1
 
I'd say 7D is probably the best all-rounder if you don't require full frame. It's worlds apart from the 550D, as said the AF system is in a completely different league and 8 frames per second is delicious compared to the 3.7fps of the 550D.

I'm tempted to get one.
 
JRJ said:
This is a feature which is stopping me considering the 60D, I just dont get how Canon can include it on the 50D yet delete it from its replacement model?!?
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Probably because their support staff got totally ******ed off at the number of times they had to 'fix' cameras where lusers had totally screwed it because of the MFA. Just look at the number of forum posts from people who have tried doing the adjustment and failing because they've done it wrong.

And, if it is so important, how come there were never any complaints about its ommission on the 40D?
 
hollis_f said:
Probably because their support staff got totally ******ed off at the number of times they had to 'fix' cameras where lusers had totally screwed it because of the MFA. Just look at the number of forum posts from people who have tried doing the adjustment and failing because they've done it wrong.

And, if it is so important, how come there were never any complaints about its ommission on the 40D?
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Because it wasn't available on the previous model would be my guess lol :-)
 
hollis_f said:
But it was available on the 1D at the time.
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Which in no way could be considered the precursor to the 40d, so not a good comparison, by that logic the 40d should also have had better weather sealing and focussing and frame rate?

People are complaining of the removal of a feature from a product line, not the ommision of one from a superior line.
Hth hand etc ;)
 
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