Canon 7D Shooters

I've had my 7D for about 2 months, and I've noticed quite a bit of noise in the 100 to 400 ASA. My 20D did not have noise at those settings. Took it back to the camera store where I bought it, and they tested the demo 7D from their case. It too had noise at those settings.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? I'm trying to determine if it's a global issue with the 7D or an issue with a small number of cameras. Going to call Canon, but need to have a little more info before I do.

Dottie - How are you comparing the noise between the 7D and the 20D? Are you looking at 100% screen views? If so, you're doing a little injustice to the 7D because it's got so much more resolution than the 20D - so you're blowing up the image much larger, which will make noise more apparent.

Also, the pixels on the 7D are quite a bit smaller than the 20D, and as such will probably be noisier at every ISO on a pixel-by-pixel basis. But in a final print or screen image where the two images are the same size, the noise should be roughly equivalent. And you've got a lot more resolution in the 7D.

For what it's worth, I have seen no noise in my 7D until getting to ISO 1600 & 3200. Whether the noise is objectionable or not is subjective so I'm not making a distinction there. I simply do not see noise of any kind below 1600, see some at 1600 and a little more at 3200. Of course, all that is predicated on making a proper exposure in-camera. if I blow the exposure such that I have to significantly lighten an image later, noise can show up on any camera at lower ISO's. Not saying that you're blowing the exposure, just that's what can happen. Hope you get it worked out. My 7D has been a joy to use and I'm totally happy with it.

As John noted, exposure can be key. The most minimal noise you can get will come from exposing the image so that the histogram is just barely short of clipping in the highlights (or possibly just barely clipping a few highlights). Then you lower the exposure when processing the RAW file. This will maximize the amount of light captured and minimize noise.

That said, if you have dark areas and look closely, you're likely to find noise. And if you have to raise the exposure, your really likely to find noise.

I've noticed the noise level on my 7D to be similar to my old XTi when viewed at 100%. I've also noticed that it cleans up better than the XTi when using Define 2.0.

The 7D can produce great images at very high resolutions if exposed properly. I find that above 800 a touch of Noiseware Pro solves any residual noise. The attached image is one my wife made during our last trip to Tanzania. I have posted this with her permission and images from both of us are licensed to Nature's Vision Photography, our joint photography business.. The techs are ISO 1600 F 5.6 1/320 EV + 2/3 7D with 100-400.

Thank to all that have shared their ideas. I believe that I may be under-exposing somewhat so this is probably causing some of my problem. I've been shooting a lot of large white birds here on the TX coast and I try not to blow out the whites, therefore the BG is under-exposed. I will have to think different exposures compensations for different subjects.

I think the dark backgrounds you're mentioning explain quite a bit of the issue. You are using an 18 MP APS camera - shadow noise is unavoidable to some extent, but shouldn't be a huge issue in real use unless you try to brighten the dark areas.

Dottie, if you do end up calling Canon, i'm sure we would all be curious about the response you get from them.

Garry

Proper exposure is the key, as mentioned before. I would add that I found my 50D to have had more noise at a given ISO, than my 7D.

Hi Dottie, I've battled this same issue ever since I purchased my 7D. I can understand what every one is telling you and it's the same thing I have been told as well. But, with that said I find it difficult to take when I've upgraded to a better camera with higher resolution, etc and get what I feel is worse photos than before. (I upgraded from a XT) I called Canon about this and was told they have never heard any one mention this. They then explained how it may be noticable because of the higher resolution over my other camera and it will clean up nice in post processing. I'm only an hobbiest with photography but again a camera that cost four times the money as my last camera and is rated so much better, I don't think it should require so much additional post processing. I know the more experienced photographers will murder me on this but I don't want to spend my time sitting in front of a computer doctoring my photos, when I didn't have to before. I'm still trying to fine tune my technique with the 7D over the XT and hope to get this resolved as well. There's my story of my 7D experience for what it's worth. You are not along in what you see in regards to the noise. Best of luck to you.
John

Hey John (and Dottie) perhaps folks on here could help determine the problem (or confirm that your camera has one) with some sample comparison shots? Something like the exact same shot or shots taken with both the 7D and your previous camera at the same ISO (or range of ISOs). That might illuminate what you're seeing and help everyone. (And maybe should also be it's own thread.)