Canon EOS 7D

It's been widely rumored for some time, but it now looks like the Canon EOS 7D is official:

gizmodo.com/5349829/canon-7d-dslr-first-hands-on-18-megapixels-24fps-full-hd-video-for-1900

18 MP 1.6x crop APS-C sensor, 8FPS,100% viewfinder, improved video capabilities over the 5DmkII and a host of other things.  Sounds very interesting to me and it could be a nice complement to the 5DmkII.  Lots of video production folk have been working with the 5DmkII for video and it looks like the 7D has made some significant improvements (hope audio handling is one of them) and should be quite popular.

More info:

www.dpreview.com/news/0909/09090105canoneos7d.asp

www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos7d/

If the image quality is good, this sounds like quite a crop-sensor body. The feature set is impressive, and addresses some of Canon's shortcomings in comparison to Nikon -- specifically the auto focus system.

Agressive price for the feature set, I like it! But... You still can't rave about the AF from what I see.

Since there's no mention of (nor allusion to) improved audio handling at all in the PR, I doubt there's any.

_Man_

You may be right, but I don't think it is something that would necessarily make the press release.  One can hope and it's not a deal breaker for me.  I do know Canon is aware of the complaints about the audio handling on the 5DmkII. 

Canon EOS 7D is a high-end DSLR camera features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, Canon's X0D series was, for many years, essentially the default choice for keen enthusiasts, professionals and aspiring-professionals.

Yep, until the D300 came out and we all switched back to Nikon =)

Nope, my Canon 40D still takes fine photos. The limitation, at least in my case , is the person holding the equipment, not the equipment itself.

Pssst, I'm kidding Scott! (mostly). Love my d300 but I use both brands

I knew you were kidding, Sam. I just had to return the shot.

Have to admit I'm more than a little tempted to upgrade to this from my XSi...

The EOS 7D is a very interesting camera body. Anyone in the market for a 50D should seriously consider spending a couple hundred more for the 7D.

The 7D does have a couple of things that should have been incorporated into the EOS 5D Mark II: more auto-focus sensor points and an actual movie record button/switch.

For the time being, the 7D also boasts exclusive 1080p/24 and 1080p/25 frame rate capabilities. The 5D Mark II only shoots HD in 1080p/30, but Canon is currently working on a firmware update to add 1080p/24 and 1080p/25 modes. That firmware update should be available early 2010. Originally Canon wasn't planning on such an update but reconsidered after hearing a lot of complaints from 5D Mark II owners. It's possible they might have become worried they would lose significant 5D Mark II sales to the $1000 less expensive 7D.

I own a 5D Mark II and some L-series glass. The big strength of the 5D Mark II is its big 24mm X 36mm "full frame" sensor. The 21 million pixels on its sensor are significantly larger than the pixels on the 10Mp Digital Rebel XTi (my old and now sold DSLR). They're about 150% larger than the sensor pixels found on the 7D. That makes a difference in image quality, such as improved color and contrast as well as getting more flattering images from your lenses. For example, my old XTi had a tough time getting tack sharp images from my 24-70 f/2.8L zoom lens. This wide angle zoom works far better on my 5D Mark II -and I can see the full wide angle view at 24mm.

The choice between spending $1700 or $2700 on the 7D or 5D Mark II should largely be decided on whether you want to move up to a full frame sensor body or if you need to stay with a APS-C or APS-H "crop body" system. If you have a significant investment in EF-S series lenses then the 7D is the best choice. Those lenses will not work with a full frame body like the 5D Mark II.

Engadget has a good run down on the video capabilities, pros and cons.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/canon-eos-7d-impressions-for-filmmaker-wannabes/#continued

As a "two brand" shooter I am pleased to see Canon improving this stuff with every new release, but I reaallllly hope it kicks Nikon in the ass into getting this stuff right sooner than later.  My best glass are Nikkors and I intend to hold off on Full Frame Nikon until it's right.  The D4 rumors sound great, and if I have to spend $5k to get it right the first time around I'll do it, but until then I'm happy for Canon to lead the way.
http://nikonrumors.com/2009/11/14/rumor-nikon-d4-in-primary-field-trial.aspx

Laforet is now on twitter.  He just linked this 7d video:
http://j.mp/4HIT8M

http://twitter.com/vincentlaforet

Wired on DSLR video:
http://www.wired.com/rawfile/2009/11/video-dslr