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MillimeterCanon EOS 7D Review
Jan 28, 2010 12:00 PM, By Jan Ozer
HDSLR provides striking images with good depth of field and little noise.
The 7D rendition of DSC Laboratoriess CamAlign ChromaDuMonde chart.
Testing
I started testing by running some resolution tests on the 7D and the 24mm-105mm lens using the DSC Laboratories CamAlign ChromaDuMonde chart. As with all tests on a tripod, I used a support system from Redrock Micro. The 7D produced fabulous results in terms of clarity, color fidelity, and resistance to noise. Specifically, I compared the results with the output of two other camcorders, the Canon XH A1 and the JVC GY-HM700U.
All the cameras did a good job capturing high-resolution detail. In terms of contrast and color accuracy, however, the 7D was miles ahead, easily outclassing the other two. I've worked with the XH A1 a lot, usually with excellent results. However, the 7D in automatic mode produces a much more striking image than I could achieve with the other two camcorders, even after extensive customization. Playing back the test videos in my video editor, the 7D was also less noisy than the other camcorders, which all recorded under identical lighting conditions.
Many times in the past, when testing camcorders on these charts, I would take a still shot with my Canon Digital Rebel camera to provide an image that I could input into my video editor or Photoshop to compare with the frames captured by the videocamera. The Digital Rebel frame represented the reality that the camcorders were attempting to match in terms of detail, contrast, and color fidelity. With the 7D, the footage that I shot was better than the stills from the Digital Rebel, and it was already video. If I were shooting charts for a living rather than ballets, concerts, and the like, I would throw away all my camcorders and simply use the 7D.
Next, I wanted to run some tests to get a feel for depth of field, so I loaded the 7D up on Redrock Micro's The Event hybrid rig and started bugging friends and family. As an aside, I found the rig indispensible when shooting off tripod. The microFinder loupe on the back (not included with the rig) was helpful for assessing focus and getting a video-like feel from the camera. I also liked the microFollowFocus attachment on the camera's left (also an option). It provides easier access to focus adjustments, which you can address with your hand on the grip. Absent this attachment, you'd have to remove your hand from the grip to focus. Even with the shoulder support on the back, you'd likely tilt the camera at least a bit, and things would get dicey if you were shooting a high-action scene and trying to focus at the same time.
I'm about 4ft. from Rosie, who's about 3ft. from the notebook (but very close to buying a tent).
The first test was my daughter Rose sitting at my desk. I toggled between focusing on her face and focusing on my laptop behind her—where, for some reason unbeknown to me, she was shopping for a tent online. I say unbeknownst because the closest either of my girls have come to camping is in the outdoor department at the local Walmart.
This was shot using ambient fluorescent lighting in my office; I'm about 4ft. from Rose, who's about 3ft. from my notebook. I'm pretty amazed by the depth of field and lack of noise in the video, not to mention the crispness of detail that reminds me yet again that Rose didn't wash her face after breakfast. (Please don't tell her mother about this video.)
Continue the discussion on “Crosstalk” the Millimeter Forum.