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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.
After watching the results from the first interview, I decided to try Auto ISO (with shutter again at 125 and f/stop at 4) and then completely Auto. This time, I brought the JVC GY-HM700U along to perform some other tests and kill two birds with one stone. Both were manual-focus cameras, and because the dancer moved around a lot, I focused before each shot.
In both shooting modes, the 7D was noticeably noisier than the JVC, and the image was slightly softer. Both of these results are probably attributable to the wide-angle lens, which can be softer than a longer lens. Speaking with others who have shot with the 7D, I've found that connecting a large viewfinder to the camera or using an optical viewfinder is essential for accurate focusing; I wish I had either alternative at the shoot. Moreover, its minimum aperture of f/3.5 couldn't compete with the JVC's Canon lens, which opened to f/1.6. You could probably throw in a bit of user error there as well; I'd have to spend lots of time with the 7D to figure out the optimal ISO setting.
What does this add up to? Overall, the 7D has fabulous potential for some well-defined roles. With a decent lens under normal shooting conditions, the 7D will produce amazing depth of field and a relatively noise-free signal, even if you're just getting to know the camcorder. Under more challenging conditions, you'll need a lens that's up to the task and a monitor, time to experiment, or both.
There's nothing groundbreaking here. We all know that you have to get to know a camera to produce the optimal results. The difference, though, is that the 7D is devoid of the focus and exposure tools that we're used to using. Instead, it throws a completely new variable, ISO, into the mix, not to mention the need to assess the capabilities of whatever lens you attach to the body. If you're transitioning over from a film camera, the learning curve is probably minimal. If you're used to shooting with integrated camcorders, give yourself plenty of time to experiment before you take money from a client.
bottomline
Company:Canon
www.usa.canon.com
Product: EOS 7D
Assets: Outstanding depth of field and little noise in images.
Caveats: Devoid of familiar focus and exposure tools.
Demographic: Videographers who want striking depth of field. Photographers who want video capability.
Price: $1,699 (MSRP)
Continue the discussion on “Crosstalk” the Millimeter Forum.