Canon today took the wraps off their newest EOS DSLR camera body, the Canon EOS 7D. The 18-megapixel Canon EOS 7D is described as a mid-range DSLR. With a suggested retail price of $1700, the Canon EOS 7D comes in $1000 cheaper than the suggested price on the Canon EOS 5D Mark II that we reviewed this summer. Like the Canon 5D Mark II, the Canon 7D also includes Full HD video recording at resolutions up to 1920 by 1080 pixels. But even though the Canon 7D is a less expensive mid-range option, Canon has included some interesting new features that even their high-end cameras still lack.
The Canon EOS 7D will be able to shoot bursts at 8fps for more than 15 seconds, recording a total of 126 Large-size JPEG files. For shooters who want more flexibility in their image files, the Canon 7D features a dedicated RAW / JPEG button to add RAW shooting on the fly. The 18-megapixel sensor on the Canon EOS 7D is backed up by a pair of Canon's proprietary imagers, in a dual DIGIC 4 processor design. The camera's APS-C sized CMOS sensor is also capable of impressive video recording. Shooting in Full HD, buyers can record video at either 24p, 25p or 30p framerates for more compatibility and flexibility in editing. You can also shoot videos in a 16:9 aspect ratio HD format, or step down to standard definition and shoot videos up to 60fps.
The CMOS sensor should be quite sensitive, especially in low-light situations. Canon says the EOS 7D will be able to handle ISO settings from ISO 100 up to ISO 6400, with a special high-sensitivity mode to shoot in ISO 12,800, presumably at a reduced resolution. Around back, the camera will use both a Live View mode to shoot without the optical viewfinder, or you can use the new Intelligent Viewfinder with an LCD overlay that can be illuminated for easier night time shooting. The Live View screen is a 3-inch, Clear View II LCD panel with 920,000 dot, or VGA resolution.
The Canon EOS 7D will use a 19-point Autofocus system, with some specialized modes to help track moving subjects, or focus close on a macro subject. One of the more interesting features on the new Canon EOS 7D is the Dual Axis Electronic Level. The Level provides an artificial horizon over the image on the rear LCD in Live View, or it can help out in the viewfinder as well. As we're frequently off kilter by a few degrees in our shooting, we like the idea of an onboard level to help frame shots, and Canon is touting the benefits of this feature for architects and other for whom perfect angles are key.
In addition to the new Canon EOS 7D, Canon also introduced an accompanying accessory, the Canon WFT-E5A wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter affixes to the Canon 7D and allows for Wi-Fi control of the camera using 802.11a/b/g network, or even an Ethernet network. The transmitter also allows the Canon EOS 7D to geotag photos using a compatible GPS receiver over Bluetooth.
The Canon EOS 7D will start shipping at the end of this month. The camera body will be available for $1,700. A kit with Canon's 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens will also be available for $1,900. The Canon WFT-E5A wireless transmitter will be available in early November and will retail for $700.
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