Posted by Craig Schultz on November 11, 2009 at 11:36 PM
Since I was interested in the 7D to replace may Rebel XTi, I was glad to find this review by a good landscape photographer. For anyone else interested in this camera please check it out.
Comparisons to Canon Rebel XSi, 1DsMkIII, Nikon D300, Canon G11 and G9. Sad, but it appears the AA filter is way too strong for this camera.
Looks like I'll be using the Rebel for a bit longer...
Craig
Posted by John Mumaw on November 12, 2009 at 9:22 AM
You might consider checking out a much more comprehensive review first before you come to any conclusions.
Posted by Craig Schultz on November 12, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Thanks John, I read that one too, but I've read far more problem reports on news groups to put much faith in that review. Seems like Canon cherry picked that camera for them. "Real" users have reported lots of focus issues, softness in their shots, etc.
In fact, Darwin tried 3 cameras and they all did the same thing, so I'm more inclined to believe his perspective than a review site that makes their living by giving reviews using manufacturer supplied cameras (i.e. don't bite the hand that feeds you, so to speak).
I can understand the 7D being behind the 1DsIII IQ wise, but all the landscape shots I have seen do have the same mushy, almost out of focus look to them that Darwin shows in his review. Here's another landscaper showing similar results compared with the original 5D. And another comparing it to the 5DII and 50D.
Either Canon has a lot of dud 7D's out there or this is really how the camera performs. I haven't completely made up my mind, but at this point it's not looking good for the 7D.
Posted by Kurt Bowman on November 12, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Craig, I might suggest renting one and looking for yourself before deciding (check out Camren in Denver). Many photographers are biased about the equipment they use (which is why they use it). I have been using the 7D since the day it came3 out and have had absolutely no issues with the focus or softness. Now, I am not a landscape photographer either. I shoot mostly wildlife, macro, some “artsy” stuff and some sports, so maybe that is the difference. Feel free to click on my recent posts in the galleries, I hope you would agree they are sharp.
The auto-focus on this camera has been lighting fast and very accurate for me as well. I think you will always find more negative responses from people on a lot of forums, because people like to complain more than they like to give praise. It doesn't mean that more people have found problems than have not. This is why I suggest you try it for yourself first before believing someone else...because I have also shot with a Rebel and to say it is sharper than the 7D is (in my opinion) a ridiculous claim Darwin is making.
Posted by Craig Schultz on November 12, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Kurt, thanks for the reply. I agree that forums are about complaining for the most part, so I try to take it all with a grain of salt. But it's very concerning to see reviews from multiple folks getting similar results and from multiple cameras. This just seems too similar to the Canon 1D MIII fiasco with auto-focus.
I would agree with you that saying a Rebel is sharper than the 7D sounds crazy, but his testing/pictures prove it out as do the other links I posted. Why is the XSi sharper when the same lens, aperture, focal length and framing are used? I could write off his review entirely, but he tried 3 cameras with the same results.
In any case, I agree with the rental option. I'll wait until the raw development companies get full support for the camera and then rent it for a weekend to see how it really compares.
Discussion
4 repliesComparisons to Canon Rebel XSi, 1DsMkIII, Nikon D300, Canon G11 and G9. Sad, but it appears the AA filter is way too strong for this camera.
Looks like I'll be using the Rebel for a bit longer...
Craig
In fact, Darwin tried 3 cameras and they all did the same thing, so I'm more inclined to believe his perspective than a review site that makes their living by giving reviews using manufacturer supplied cameras (i.e. don't bite the hand that feeds you, so to speak).
I can understand the 7D being behind the 1DsIII IQ wise, but all the landscape shots I have seen do have the same mushy, almost out of focus look to them that Darwin shows in his review. Here's another landscaper showing similar results compared with the original 5D. And another comparing it to the 5DII and 50D.
Either Canon has a lot of dud 7D's out there or this is really how the camera performs. I haven't completely made up my mind, but at this point it's not looking good for the 7D.
The auto-focus on this camera has been lighting fast and very accurate for me as well. I think you will always find more negative responses from people on a lot of forums, because people like to complain more than they like to give praise. It doesn't mean that more people have found problems than have not. This is why I suggest you try it for yourself first before believing someone else...because I have also shot with a Rebel and to say it is sharper than the 7D is (in my opinion) a ridiculous claim Darwin is making.
I would agree with you that saying a Rebel is sharper than the 7D sounds crazy, but his testing/pictures prove it out as do the other links I posted. Why is the XSi sharper when the same lens, aperture, focal length and framing are used? I could write off his review entirely, but he tried 3 cameras with the same results.
In any case, I agree with the rental option. I'll wait until the raw development companies get full support for the camera and then rent it for a weekend to see how it really compares.