Camera Preview: Canon EOS 7D
Currently I am shooting with the 10mp Canon 40D. I've been very happy with the results, but of course, more would always be nice. So I keep an eye on new cameras coming out. I pay the most attention to Canon, because it's what I've been using for years, what I am familiar with, and I like the way their interfaces work.
Based on reviews, the 50D was a bit of a snooze when it came out. 15mp (5mp more than I had), but only marginal improvement in real resolution -- that is, the ability to resolve detail, measured in lines per inch on a standard test pattern. The rest of it's feature changes were refinements over the 40D, but nothing revolutionary.
Then the 5DMkII came out and it was really, really drool inducing. 21mp, jaw-dropping image quality and HD video recording capability. But the 5D uses a full frame sensor, while the 40D uses a smaller APS-C size sensor. And I have an investment in glass (photographer speak for lenses) for the smaller sensor. So for me, taking the range of my zoom lenses into account, switching to the 5D would cost at least $7K and perhaps $10K or more for the full telephoto range.
Now, Canon has just announced the new 18 mega-pixel, APS-C size sensor EOS 7D, with many of the features of the 5DMkII (lots more megapixels, better focus, better exposure, better image processing, HD video, etc.), but with the compact sensor of the 40D line. And at a price of $1699. Given that I'd have to replace my battery grip as well, I could get into this camera for around $2K. I'm not quite drooling yet. I have to wait to see the competitive reviews to see if the camera is worth it. Those will come out soon after it ships, expected to be around the end of September. Too soon to drool, but my mouth is getting moist.
At Canon USA:
Previews at Digital Photography Review:
