We were weighing our options between the 7D and the 5D Mark II for the past month but hubby decided to get the former, mostly for its video capability features.
When I look at the 400D beside the 7D, it seems like a toy dwarfed by the size of the latter. The buttons would also intimidate one who is used with lesser functions (read: me).
Key features of this model:
- Canon 18-megapixel APS-C size CMOS image sensor
- full HD video capture @ 1920×1080 (720p and VGA sizes also available)
- Dual Digic 4 processors, EF/EFS lens mount
- 3.0-inch LCD with 920K pixels
- 8 frames per second burst mode
- completely redesigned AF system and viewfinder
- wireless flash control
- high quality ‘Intelligent’ pentaprism style optical viewfinder
- vast sensitivity settings from ISO 100 – 12800 (with expansion enabled)
- broad shutter speed range of 1/8000 to 30 sec. (bulb available)
- 63-zone dual layer metering sensor
- CF/CF2 memory card compatibility
- Canon LP-E6 Li-ion power source.
All these wrapped in a tough magnesium body that can withstand both dust and all weather conditions.
—-
The Canon EOS 7D, though not the first to offer HD video recording got high rating for this feature. It offers 3 resolution levels for video recording, at 1920 x 1080 pixels (1080P) at 30, 25 or 24 frames per second or 1280 x 720 pixels (720P) at 60 or 50 frames per second and 640 x 480 (VGA SD) at 50 frames per second.
Far different from the layout of the 400d and other EOS cameras are the position of the buttons, a joystick and a round switch. A first for the EOS line, the switch enables Live View and Video mode with greater efficiency than other Canon models. Start/stop is engaged using a button centered in that same switch. The addition of this controller shows Canon’s commitment to the betterment of hybrid photo and video shooting. By using a different release button for movie mode, one can capture still images during video capture, there’d be a slight interruption in the movie but very minimal.
—
Gotta love this camera! For a lazy shutter like me, the autofocus works well even when I’m set to manual.
(Shot today at 3PM; <used a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8> – ISO Speed 100)
—
I’ve read about users having issues with the autofocus but so far, I have none. (Hopefully I won’t have any). The AF system has 19 autofocus points, each of them a cross-type, optimized to detect both horizontal and vertical features. This feature is something I’ve yet to familiarize myself with.
I found this from hubby’s files….taken during the Vienna Air King. Will elaborate about this camera as I progress and hopefully present a video too.