In summary
A DSLR for serious enthusiasts who require advanced creative controls, live view shooting and Full HD video recording.With the introduction of the EOS 7D, Canon has created a ‘pro-sumer’ DSLR that is a step up from the EOS 50D but has a smaller sensor than the EOS 5D Mark II. Offering 18-megapixel resolution, the 7D is the first EOS camera outside the EOS-1 series to be equipped with Dual DiG!C 4 processors. It also boasts a 3-inch LCD with VGA resolution and supports live view shooting as well as Full HD video recording at selectable frame rates. . . [more]
Full review
With the introduction of the EOS 7D, Canon has created a ‘pro-sumer’ DSLR that is a step up from the EOS 50D but has a smaller sensor than the EOS 5D Mark II. Offering 18-megapixel resolution, the 7D is the first EOS camera outside the EOS-1 series to be equipped with Dual DiG!C 4 processors. It also boasts a 3-inch LCD with VGA resolution and supports live view shooting as well as Full HD video recording at selectable frame rates.
Clearly targeted at both serious photo enthusiasts who are upgrading to a more capable camera body and professionals who want a second, more compact camera as a back-up unit, the 7D offers many features that were formerly only provided on Canon’s professional DSLRs. It also includes several ‘firsts’ for the EOS system, notably a 100% FOV viewfinder with 1.0x magnification and a transmissive LCD overlay that eliminates the need for interchangeable focusing screens.
Other ‘firsts’ include:
– a new 19-point cross-type AF sensor with Zone AF plus a dedicated AF processing unit;
– a Dual Axis Electronic Level that indicates both pitch and roll angles in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor;
– +/- 5 EV of exposure compensation plus +/- 3 EV of exposure bracketing;
– an integrated Speedlite Transmitter that lets users operate the EOS 7D as a master flash in a multi-flash set-up;
– Full HD EOS movie support and the first EOS with full manual control of exposure and user-selectable frame rates.
It is also the first EOS camera outside the EOS-1 series to offer in-camera copyright data input. This feature will prove valuable for both professional photographers and enthusiasts who sell shots to stock libraries as it will eliminate the extra step of embedding copyright data in image files when shots are edited.
But that’s not all; popular features from other EOS models, like Auto Lighting Optimiser and Peripheral Illumination Correction are also included and the standard ISO range of 100 to 6400 can be pushed out to ISO 12,800, should the need arise. The drive and shutter mechanisms have been updated to enable the shutter unit to work at speeds up to 1/8000 second. This mechanism is rated for 150,000 cycles, as befits a ‘pro-sumer’ camera.
In addition, the reflex mirror system has been redesigned, with a new mirror stopper for the downward phase of the mirror’s travel. This changes the sound of image capture, providing quieter image capture.
The EOS 7D will be offered in Australia as body-only or in three body + lens kits. The Super kit (RRP $3499), which we review here, includes the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. The Premium Kit (RRP $3699) provides the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens and the Platinum kit (RRP $3799) provides the body with the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens.
Build and Ergonomics
As a flagship APS-C format model, the body of the EOS 7D is built for durability. It has a lightweight magnesium alloy chassis and glass fibre-reinforced polycarbonate cladding and similar dust- and moisture-resistant sealing to the EOS-1N camera body.
The magnesium alloy chassis in the EOS 7D. (Source: Canon.)
The control layout has many features in common with the EOS 5D II, albeit with a few minor changes. The lens mounting plate is more closely integrated into the camera body than on previous, ‘dual-digit’ models, giving it a smoother look. However, the grip is relatively wide and unlikely to suit users with small hands and/or short fingers.
The sensor for the optional RC-1 and RC-5 wireless remote controls is embedded in the finger notch on the grip, which provides added handling comfort and security. An LED lamp that doubles as self-timer indicator and red-eye reduction lamp is located between the grip and the lens. On the opposite side of the lens lie the flash pop-up button with the lens release button and depth-of-field preview button ranged below it.
Front view of the EOS 7D with the 18-135mm lens, which will be offered in the ‘Super Kit’. (Source: Canon.)
Angled front view of the EOS 7D with the 15-85mm lens, which will be offered in the ‘Platinum Kit’. (Source: Canon.)
The rear panel also looks a lot like the EOS 5D II and includes the same 3-inch Clear View II LCD screen, which offers VGA (920,000 dots) resolution, 100% field-of-view coverage and a viewing angle of 170 degrees. It also carries the same joystick and Quick Control Dial wheel, the latter sporting a central setting button and rotating, ridged peripheral ring. This dial controls the same functions as the dial on the EOS 5D II.
Rear view of the EOS 7D showing the LCD monitor, Quick Control Dial and other controls. (Source: Canon.)
The viewfinder in the 7D is brand new and is one of very few finders on APS-C-crop DSLRs to provide full field-of-view coverage both vertically and horizontally, along with 1.0x magnification. When shooting subjects that require precise cropping, it’s noticeably better than the EOS 5D II’s finder, which only provides 98% coverage and 0.71x magnification.
Although the focusing screen in the 7D is non-interchangeable, a transmissive LCD overlay screen (another ‘first’ for the 7D) makes the viewfinder usable with all types of lenses and for all subject types. This new display also gives users the option of showing different items on the viewfinder screen. While other cameras provide static overlays of AF points and metering areas, with the EOS 7D, users can choose which information they wish to see and adjust displays or hide them with ease.
Display options include: grid, spot metering, AF points display, hide all, zone AF, spot (single-point) AF, AF point expansion and Dual Axis Electronic Level display for preventing sloping horizons. The latter can display both roll and pitch in one-degree increments, either in the viewfinder or on the LCD.
Display options available for the EOS 7D’s viewfinder. (Source: Canon.)
The power on/off slider has been moved from just below the Quick Control Dial to the left side of the top panel, directly behind the mode dial. The joystick above the Quick Control Dial is the same as on previous models and serves the same functions. Above it is a new button that engages live view shooting and starts and stops video recording.
Another new button is located left of the viewfinder, doubling as a one-touch RAW+JPEG button and direct printing control. In shooting mode, if the camera is set for just JPEG or just raw file capture, pressing this button switches it to RAW+JPEG mode. To the left of this button is another new button, which toggles the Quick Control screen on and off.
Below this button lies the same array of buttons as on the EOS 5D II, starting with the Menu button and ranging downwards through Picture Style, Info and Play buttons to the Erase button in the lower left corner of the rear panel.
The top panel of the EOS 7D, shown with the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, which is provided in the Platinum Kit. (Source: Canon.)
The mode dial on the left side of the top panel is identical to the mode dial on the EOS 5D II. It carries settings for Full Auto, Creative Auto, P, Tv, Av and M shooting modes plus three Camera User memory banks where frequently-used groups of settings can be stored. The data LCD on the top panel is slightly smaller than on the EOS 5D II but covers a similar array of functions. The same button controls are ranged along the front of this LCD, although they’re slightly smaller than those on the EOS 5D II.
Unlike the EOS 5D II, the EOS 7D has a built-in, pop-up flash and is the first in its class with an integrated Speedlite transmitter. This feature will be welcomed by professional photographers (particularly wedding and portrait shooters) who like to work with multiple flash setups.
The flash release button sits just above the lens release button on the front panel. The flash has a guide number of 12 (m/ISO 100) and the head rises approximately 40 mm above the top panel when it’s in use. This isn’t quite enough to prevent shadowing with some lens hoods (although, since no hoods are supplied with the kit lenses, it may not concern some purchasers).
Sensor and Image Processing
The sensor in the EOS 7D is a brand new Canon-developed and manufactured CMOS chip with approximately 19 million photosites. It delivers an 18-megapixel image file at maximum resolution. According to Canon, the new chip is designed to produce high image quality plus a wide dynamic range and deliver sharp images with natural colours at both high and low ISO settings.
The CMOS image sensor in the EOS 7D. (Source: Canon.)
Advanced micro-manufacturing processes have been used to reduce the amount of circuitry around each photodiode, enabling as much as possible of the surface area to be utilised for light capture. New construction technologies have been applied to make the diodes more light-sensitive and gapless microlenses above each photosite (a technology pioneered in the EOS 50D) further improve light-gathering efficiency, particularly at high sensitivity settings.
Coupled to the sensor are Dual DiG!C 4 processors, which have been developed to handle the camera’s 18-megapixel resolution and fast burst shooting speed.
Each DiG!C processor provides a four-channel readout and, with each shot producing more than 250MB of image data per second, the dual processors enable 8-channel processing. Thanks to fast single-line readout from each line of photodiodes, despite its higher resolution the 7D is approximately 1.3x faster than the 50D at moving data from the sensor into the processing pipeline, enabling up to eight frames/second continuous shooting.
The dedicated analog/digital processing unit also supports 14-bit processing, which quadruples the levels of tonal subtlety achievable by 12-bit processors. This results in richer, more accurate colour rendition and smoother tonal gradations.
The new sensor also supports a wider sensitivity range than the EOS 50D, with a standard range of ISO 100-6400 and expansion to ISO 12,800 when expansion is enabled in the Custom Function menu (C. Fn 1-3). Unlike the 5D II, which provides an ‘L’ setting at ISO 50 plus two ‘H’ settings at ISO 12800 and ISO 25600, only one expansion setting is offered in the 7D.
As expected, the 7D supports both JPEG and CR2.RAW file capture, with three JPEG sizes and two compression levels available. A new mRAW setting joins the RAW and sRAW modes provided on previous cameras, giving photographers greater flexibility for raw shooting. Any raw file size can be combined with any JPEG size and compression level for RAW+JPEG capture for additional versatility. The table below provides a guide to typical file sizes.
|
Quality |
Pixels |
File size |
Maximum burst * |
|
|
JPEG |
Large/Fine |
5184 x 3456 |
6.6MB |
94 (126) |
|
Large/Normal |
3.3MB |
469 (1169) |
||
|
Medium/Fine |
3456 x 2304 |
3.5MB |
454 (1122) |
|
|
Medium/Normal |
1.8MB |
2178 (2178) |
||
|
Small/Fine |
2592 x 1728 |
2.2MB |
1739 (1739) |
|
|
Small/Normal |
1.1MB |
3297 (3297) |
||
|
RAW |
RAW |
5184 x 3456 |
25.1MB |
15 (15) |
|
mRAW |
3888 x 2592 |
17.1MB |
24 (24) |
|
|
sRAW |
2592 x 1728 |
11.4MB |
38 (38) |
|
|
RAW+JPEG |
RAW/Large |
5184 x 3456 + 5184 x 3456 |
31.7MB |
6 (6) |
|
mRAW/Large |
3888 x 2592 + 5184 x 3456 |
23.7MB |
6 (6) |
|
|
sRAW/Large |
2592 x 1728 + 5184 x 3456 |
18MB |
6 (6) |
|
* Figures in brackets denote capacity with a 4GB UDMA card, based on Canon’s testing.
Video
Video capture has been upgraded since the EOS 5D Mark II with the ability to select from three different frame rates: 30, 25 or 24 frames/second for Full HD recording and 60 and 50 fps with the other resolutions. (This feature is also offered in the up-coming EOS 1D Mark IV and will be provided for 5D II users in a firmware update early next year.)
Movie size options. (Source: Canon.)
Like the 5D II and 1D Mark IV, the 7D provides three resolution settings: 1920 x 1080 pixels, 1280 x 720 pixels and 640 x 480 pixels, all recorded in the MOV format using H.264 compression plus Linear PCM audio recording. Typical recording times with a 4GB memory card are shown in the table below.
|
Movie resolution |
Frame rates |
Recording time with 4GB card |
File size |
|
1920 x 1080 |
30/25/24 fps |
12 minutes |
330MB/minute |
|
1280 x 720 |
60/50 fps |
12 minutes |
330MB/minute |
|
640 x 480 |
60/50 fps |
24 minutes |
165MB/minute |
Movie recording will stop automatically if the file size reaches 4GB or after 29 minutes and 59 seconds of recording time. A new movie file will start when the Start/Stop button is pressed again. Using a stabilised lens with the IS function switched on can reduce movie shooting times and the camera’s internal microphone can pick up sounds made by the camera, such as autofocusing noise. Use of an external microphone minimises this pickup.
Controls and Functions
Canon has upgraded the autofocusing system in the EOS 7D with a new AF sensor that has been designed from the ground up to provide fast and accurate focusing. Like the sensors in Canon’s EOS-1 series models, it uses a dedicated processor to handle AF calculations. The chip itself has been developed to ensure changes in ambient temperature have little or no effect on AF performance.
The AF sensor unit in the EOS 7D. (Source: Canon.)
The focus detection array consists of 19 high-precision, cross-type AF sensors. Dual diagonal cross-type sensors in the centre of the frame at f/2.8 and f/5.6 provide greater accuracy at wide lens apertures. The AF sensor is coupled to the camera’s Dual DiG!C 4 processing chips, which use advanced algorithms to analyse the scene and deliver fast and accurate focusing in a wide variety of conditions.
The new 19-point all cross-type AF system can be displayed in the viewfinder to show focusing priorities. (Source: Canon.)
Many more AF options are provided in the EOS 7D than in lower-priced cameras. (Source: Canon.)
AF modes can be customised to suit almost any situation. Photographers can select any AF point individually or opt to work with any of five AF zones. C. Fn III-6 provides additional selection options via AF point expansion and Spot AF modes. In addition, C. Fn III-12 lets users link the orientation of the AF point or zone selection to different camera orientations. Users can choose between 1. Horizontal; 2. Vertical with the camera grip at the top; and 3. Vertical with the camera grip at the bottom. This is convenient when you wish to use the same AF point or zone, regardless of the camera’s orientation.
Autofocusing calculations make extensive use of Canon’s Light Source Detection system, which takes account of artificial lighting sources and makes appropriate adjustments accordingly. The EOS 7D’s new Intelligent Macro focusing can also track the object or the camera’s movement when shooting close-up, to ensure focus is never lost.
The metering sensor in the EOS 7D, which measures colour and luminance data at each AF point. (Source: Canon.)
A new iFCL (Focus, Colour, Luminance) 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor measures colour and luminance data at each AF point. In the dual-layer design, each layer is sensitive to a different wavelength band; one covering red/green and the other green/blue light. The metering algorithm combines data from both layers to provide an accurate light reading that takes account of colour information.
During metering, the system looks to see which AF points – in addition to the selected points – have achieved (or almost achieved focus. the metering system takes readings from these points and combines them with readings from all other zones to provide consistent shot-to-shot exposures. The exposure compensation range has been expanded to cover the equivalent of +/- 5 f-stops and, to satisfy photographers interested in HDR photography, the 7D also offers +/- 3 EV of exposure bracketing.
The viewfinder and top data LCD panel will display up to +/- 3 stops with arrows at either end when you extend beyond this range. The main monitor will display the full +/- 5 stops of exposure compensation allowing users to set an exposure value that is up to 8 stops away from the metered value.
The Auto Lighting Optimiser function, which was previously only supported in the Full Auto, P, Av and Tv modes is now available for manual exposures. In addition, Highlight Tone Priority – first offered in the EOS-1D and 1Ds Mark III models – is also provided in the 7D. This setting shifts the dynamic range to favour the highlights, at the same time narrowing the usable ISO range to ISO 200-6400. It’s useful for recording detail in subjects with lots of highlights, such as a bride in a white wedding dress. A small ‘D+’ icon in the viewfinder indicates when it is active.
Some functions are essentially unchanged, including the overall menu structure and joystick control system. The latter is used with the two dial wheels and setting button to lock in camera settings. The EOS 7D provides a total of 70 Custom Function settiongs, located within 27 sub-menus.
The Custom Function menu is divided into four sections to simplify access to adjustments. (Source: Canon.)
Standard EOS features like Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View shooting mode and support for EF and EF-S lenses are also included. The first is similar to the dust-reduction system in the EOS 50D and includes a fluorine anti-static coating on the low-pass filter repels dust plus a more efficient vibration system than previous systems.
Face Detection AF has been added to the standard Quick mode and Live mode settings for Live View shooting. Contrast detection AF is used for the Live and Face Detection AF modes and the image sensor is used for focusing, while phase-difference detection with a dedicated AF sensor is used in the Quick mode for faster autofocusing. Both systems are comparatively slow so it’s best to focus manually when precision is required and Canon provides facilities to magnify the image to check focusing accuracy. The Live View image is interrupted briefly when focusing in the Quick mode as the mirror must be raised to allow the sensor to operate.
Purchasers of the EOS 7D can choose from a wide range of Canon lenses covering all possible shooting requirements. Many different accessories are also available for the 7D, including EX-series Speedlites and macro ring and ‘Twin Lite’ flash units and transmitters, dioptric adjustment lenses, the BGE7 battery grip, WFTE5D wireless file transmitter, two remote control units, AC adapter kit and OSK-E3 Original Data Security Kit.
The Kit Lenses
Canon provided two of the lenses that will be offered with the 7D body for us to review. The EF-S 18-135 lens, which will be offered in the lowest-priced Super kit, doesn’t quite match the build quality of the camera body. However, the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, which will be offered in the Platinum kit is in every way a better partner for the 7D. A separate review of the EF-S 18-135 lens has been posted on the Photo Review website. A review of the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens will be posted on the Photo Review website shortly
Playback and Software
Essentially these features are the same as in the EOS 50D and other Canon ‘pro-sumer’ cameras. Users can opt to display a single image or index of four or nine thumbnails. AF points can be shown in full-screen image playback mode and users can also zoom in on the displayed image and magnify a selected area up to 15 times, rotate, protect or delete selected images and select Auto Playback to view a slideshow of all images on the memory card.
Pressing the Info button lets you choose between four display options: single image with or without shooting data, image plus histogram and detailed shooting data or image plus histogram and abbreviated data. The histogram can be brightness only or brightness plus RGB. Highlight alerts can also be displayed.
The software disk contains the standard Canon bundle of applications, comprising Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility, ZoomBrowser and, Picture Style Editor; PhotoStitch, WTF Utility and Original Data Security Tools (Windows only). We’ve already covered these applications in our review of the EOS 50D.
Firmware Alert
With complex cameras, it’s not unreasonable to expect a run of firmware updates shortly after they are released. These updates correct problems that have been identified in the first batch of cameras to come off the production line and deliver the performance levels the designers intended.
Accordingly, while we were conducting our tests, Canon issued a firmware update to correct autofocusing, colour accuracy and flash triggering problems in the new camera, which had only just been released to reviewers and was not available in retail outlets. Firmware Version 1.0.9, which was posted on Canon’s website on 19 October, largely solved issues we identified in the first body we were given to review.
On 27 October, Canon issued a notice that “in certain camera settings and shooting conditions”, with images recorded in the continuous shooting mode, “barely noticeable traces of the immediately preceding frame may be visible. This phenomenon is not noticeable in an image with optimal exposure. The phenomenon may become more noticeable if a retouching process such as level compensation is applied to emphasise the image.”
A firmware update is currently in development to fix this problem, although the release date has still to be set. Other issues that have been identified in the interim, may also be addressed at the same time. We didn’t notice this problem in any bursts of shots we took with the camera body we reviewed but anyone who does should contact Canon’s Services and Support Centre (ph; 13 13 83).
Performance
Still pictures from the test camera looked as sharp and colour accurate as you would expect from a pro-sumer DSLR with professional specifications and almost-professional pricing. Video quality was outstanding, particularly in low light levels and with the 24 fps frame rate. Audio quality from the built-in microphone was also well above average. However, the overall handling of the camera for shooting video was no better than the EOS 5D II, for the same basic reasons: DLSR cameras are designed primarily for shooting stills.
The heavier camera bodies provide added stability but they can be tiring to hold still when shooting video. Best results are obtained when you mount the camera on a tripod, frame and focus the shot and then press the Start/Stop button to initiate video recording. (The mirrorless design and lighter, more compact bodies of the Micro Four Thirds System cameras are much easier to use in video mode.)
The autofocusing system in the review camera wasn’t quite as accurate as the AF system on the EOS 5D Mark II we used for comparison. Canon has already released one firmware update to improve this function and we feel another is probably in the pipeline to tweak it a little more and deliver the top-notch performance this camera deserves.
Patchy autofocusing may be one reason we were unable to reach the resolution levels we expected our Imatest tests when shooting JPEG files with either of the lenses we reviewed. Shooting raw files pushed resolution close to the expected levels – but not above them.
Resolution remained relatively high throughout the review camera’s sensitivity range with a gradual decline as sensitivity was increased. The graph below shows the results of our Imatest tests with the EF-S 15-85mm lens with both JPEG and CR2.RAW files.
Long exposures were almost noise-free up to ISO 6400, after which noise became visible. However, image noise in a six-second exposure at ISO 12800 was less intrusive than we’ve seen in shots taken at ISO 3200 with most of the DSLRs we’ve tested. Applying long exposure noise-reduction processing reduced the visibility of the noise without substantially softening the image.
The test camera’s flash performance was also above average. We found no evidence of vignetting in flash exposures with the kit lenses and exposure levels were even across both lenses’ focal length ranges. With all ISO settings, the flash had sufficient power to produce correct and evenly-balanced exposures.
Noise levels were also comparatively low in flash shots taken with high ISO settings, although some colour noise could be seen at ISO 12800. However, overall image sharpness was barely affected at this sensitivity level and very little noise could be seen in flash shots taken at ISO 6400.
Auto white balance performance was similar to other Canon DSLR s we’ve reviewed. Shots taken under incandescent lighting retained warm cast, while shots taken with fluorescent lighting were close to colour cast-free. For both lighting types, the pre-sets slightly over-correct colours but the manual measurement system delivered a neutral colour balance with both types of lighting. Plenty of in-camera adjustments are provided for tweaking images as you shoot.
The review camera powered up in less than half a second and shot-to-shot times averaged 0.28 seconds. We measured an average capture lag of less than 0.1 seconds when the viewfinder was used for shot composition and 0.3 seconds with Live View mode. In both cases, lag times were eliminated by pre-focusing. It took 0.8 seconds, on average, to process a JPEG file, 1.6 seconds for each RAW file and 1.8 seconds for each RAW+JPEG pair.
For our burst capture timing tests we used a 32GB Kingston Ultimate 266x CompactFlash card. In the High-speed burst mode, we recorded a burst of 10 Large/Fine JPEG frames in 1.2 seconds, which equates to eight frames/second. It took 2.4 seconds to process this burst.
Changing to raw file capture, we recorded a burst of 10 shots in 1.3 seconds, which is also equivalent to 8 fps. It took 5.5 seconds to process this burst. For RAW+JPEG recording, the camera captured 10 frames in 1.6 seconds. It took 9.1 seconds to process this burst.
Buy this camera if:
– You want a capable DSLR camera with a 1.6x crop factor sensor for wildlife photography with telephoto lenses.
– You require fast burst speeds and a generous buffer capacity.
– You’d like the ability to shoot both still pictures and HD video clips with the same camera and would appreciate the jack for fitting a stereo microphone for video recordings.
– You could make use of the extended sensitivity range for still photography and video capture.
– You want most of the adjustability of the EOS 5D Mark II without paying $2100 more.
Don’t buy this camera if:
– You’re not prepared to install firmware updates.
– You require consistently precise autofocusing (some improvement is still required to match the 7D to the 5D II).
– You require a wider AE bracketing range than +/- 3 stops.
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IMATEST GRAPHS (based on test shots with the 18-135mm kit lens)
JPEG images
Raw images converted with Digital Photo Professional.
SAMPLE IMAGES
Auto white balance with incandescent lighting.
Auto white balance with fluorescent lighting.
30-second exposure at f/3.5, 35mm focal length, ISO 100.
15-second exposure at f/10, 35mm focal length, ISO 1600.
6-second exposure at f/16, 35mm focal length, ISO 12800. No noise reduction processing.
6-second exposure at f/16, 35mm focal length, ISO 12800.Long exposure noise reduction.
Flash exposure; 85mm focal length, ISO 100, 1/160 second at f/5.6.
Flash exposure; 85mm focal length, ISO 1600, 1/160 second at f/5.6.
Flash exposure; 85mm focal length, ISO 12800, 1/160 second at f/5.6.
One frame from a high-speed burst: 135mm focal length, ISO 3200, 1/8192 second at f/9.9. No flash.
26mm focal length, ISO 200, 1/160 second at f/11. No flash.
94mm focal length, ISO 12800, 1/10 second at f/11. No flash.
135mm focal length, ISO 800, 1/30 second at f/5.6. No flash.
Enlarged crop from the above image showing resolution.
135mm focal length, ISO 200, 1/250 second at f/8. No flash.
Enlarged crop from the above image showing resolution.
Additional sample images can be found in the reviews of the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lenses.
Specifications
Image sensor: 22.3 x 14.9 mm large single-plate CMOS sensor with approximately 19 million photosites (18 megapixels effective ), RGB Primary Colour filters and a fixed low-pass filter in front of the sensor chip
A/D processing: 14-bit (Dual DiG!C 4)
Lens mount: Canon EF and EF-S lenses
Focal length crop factor: 1.6x
Image formats: Stills – JPEG, CR2.RAW, mRAW, sRAW, RAW+JPEG; Movies – MOV (Video: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM)
Image Sizes: Stills – JPEG: 5184 x 3456, 3456 x 2304, 2592 x 1728; CR2.RAW: 5184 x 3456; mRAW: 3888 x 2592, sRAW: 2592 x 1728; Movies – HD: 1920 x 1080 at 30, 25, 24 fps, 1280 x 720 at 60, 50 fps SD: 640 x 480 at 60, 500 fps
Image Stabilisation: Lens-based only
Dust removal: Canon Integrated Cleaning System (with fluorine coating on low-pass filter)
Shutter speed range: 30 to 1/8000 sec. in 1/2 or 1/3 stop increments, Bulb; X-sync at 1/250 sec.
Exposure Compensation: +/-5 EV in 1/3- or 1/2-EV increments
Exposure bracketing: AEB +/- 3EV at 1/3-stop or ½-stop increments
Self-timer: 2 or 10 second delay
Focus system: TTL-CT-SIR phase detection AF with 19 selectable cross-type AF points (f/2.8 at centre); manual selection of single AF points, Spot AF, AF point expansion and Zone AF; AF can be selected separately for vertical and horizontal shooting; AF microadjustment via C.Fn III-5
Focus modes: One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing (MF)
Exposure metering: 63-segment TTL full-aperture metering via Dual-Layer SPC; Evaluative (linked to all AF points), centre-weighted average, partial (approx. 9.4% of viewfinder at centre) and spot (approx. 2.3% of viewfinder at centre) modes
Shooting modes: Program AE (Full Auto, Creative Auto, Program), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, manual exposure, 3 User-defined Custom registers
Picture Style/Control settings: Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Defined 1 – 3
Image processing: Highlight Tone Priority, Auto Lighting Optimiser (4 settings), Long-exposure noise reduction, High-ISO noise reduction (4 settings), Peripheral Illumination Correction
Colour space options: sRGB, Adobe RGB
ISO range: Auto (ISO 100-3200); Manual selection from ISO 100-6400 (ISO can be expanded to H: 12,800)
White balance: Auto, Preset (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, White fluorescent light, Flash), Custom (1 setting can be registered), Color temperature setting (2500-10000K); Blue/amber and magenta/green correction in +/- 9 steps; +/- 3 levels of white balance bracketing
Custom Functions: 27 with 70 settings
Flash: E-TTL II Autoflash; GN 12 (m/ISO 100); approx. 3 sec. recycle time; Auto, Manual, Multi-flash modes; Integrated Speedlite Transmitter
Flash exposure adjustment: +/- 3 EV in 1/3- or 1/2-EV increments
Sequence shooting: Max. 8 fps for 126 JPEG/15 CR2.RAW
Storage Media: CompactFlash cards Types I & II (single slot)
Viewfinder: Pentaprism with 100% coverage, -3.0 to +1.0 dpt adjustment, fixed focusing screen (transmissive LCD)
LCD monitor: 3.0-inch Clear View II TFT colour LCD with approx. 920,000 dots (VGA); 160-degree viewing angle, anti-reflective coating; Display options: Quick Control Screen, Camera settings, Dual Axis electronic level
Live View modes: Quick mode (Phase-difference detection); Live mode, Live face detection mode (Contrast detection); Manual focusing (5x/10x magnification possible); Grid overlay (x2) and Histogram options
Video Capture: Yes (1920 x 1080 at 30, 25, 24 fps, 1280 x 720 at 60, 50 fps, 640 x 480 at 60, 500 fps)
Data LCD: Yes
Playback functions: Single, Single + Info (Image-recording quality, shooting information, histogram), 4-image index, 9-image index, image rotate possible; Playback zoom: 1.5x to 10x; jump by 10 or 100 images, jump by screen, by shooting date, by folder, by movie, by stills; highlight alert; histogram; movie playback enabled (LCD monitor, video/audio OUT, HDMI OUT)
Interface terminals: USB 2.0 Hi-speed; 3.5mm dia. stereo mini jack (NTSC/PAL selectable); Type C HDMI mini OUT terminal, external microphone input (3.5mm stereo mini jack); remote control for N3 Type and wireless Remote Controller RC-1/RC-5; extension system terminal for connection to Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E5D
Power supply: Battery Pack LP-E6
Dimensions (wxhxd): 148.2 x 110.7 x 73.5 mm (body only)
Weight: Approx 820 grams (body only)
Retailers
CamBuy
www.cambuy.com.au
Digital cameras, lenses and accessories with 100% genuine Australian manufacturer’s warranties.
Ph: (02) 9029 2219
Camera House
www.camerahouse.com.au
Ph: 133 686
The largest speciality photographic retail chain in Australia.
Camera Pro
www.camerapro.net.au
CameraPro Pty Ltd
Suite 607, 180 Queen St, Brisbane 4000
Tel: 07 3333 2900
Australian owned and run company based in Brisbane.
Camerasdirect
www.camerasdirect.com.au
Retailer of digital camera equipment and more.
Secure online shopping and delivery across Australia.
Ph: 1300 727 056
Camerastore.com.au
Camerastore.com.au
Ph: 1800 155 067
Camera-Warehouse
www.camera-warehouse.com.au
Comprehensive range of digital cameras and accessories online (www.camera-warehouse.com.au) and an online print service (www.royalexpress.com.au).
Digital Camera Warehouse
www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au
174 Canterbury Road 367 High Street
Canterbury Northcote
NSW 2193 VIC 3070
Ph: 1300 365 220
Electronics Warehouse
www.electronicswarehouse.com.au
1300 801 885
Australian retailer of Vapex rechargeable batteries offering factory direct prices and fast, free shipping Australia wide.
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Photographic Equipment & Supplies – Retail & Repairs. Click here for list of stores.
Ted’s Cameras
1800 186 895
Big range of cameras and photographic products with stores in most states and online.
Rating
RRP: $2699 (body only)
Rating (out of 10):
- Build: 9.0
- Ease of use: 8.5
- Image quality: 7.5 (JPEG); 8.5 (RAW); 9.0 (video)
- OVERALL: 8.8
