Canon 7d NOW: Can it compete today?

[@quazisanjeed6395]

Some reviewers argue, ISO is the Achilles Heal of Canon 7D. I find it difficult to agree with. This is a sports/wildlife camera. I shoot wildlife in broad daylight or at worst, under overcast conditions. The highest ISO I need in such situations is 1600 at f/5.6 which always gives me shutter speeds well over 1/1000. The resultant noise is easily manageable in post-processing making the image fully presentable. However, for curiosity purposes I bumped up the ISO to 6400 on my 7D and shot some images indoors. Yes, there was noise but, I saw the same issue with 5DII and 5DIII as well at that sensitivity. In spite of that reality, this is hardly an issue these days with the advent of AI Denoise. These artificial intelligence denoise softwares can skillfully remove all the noise leaving the details intact. Recently, I processed a noisy image taken by EOS 70D at 25600 ISO and the AI Denoise processed image looks presentable. Bottomline is; Canon 7D is still a relevant camera and, will remain so for the foreseeable future.

[@MattsNotes]

I agree with all of the above! Perhaps I'll include a study of the likes to yours to include in my 5d mark ii video coming up :) thanks for your comments

[@quazisanjeed6395]

@@MattsNotes, I own that legendary DSLR also (5DII). For landscape and indoor shooting purposes, nothing like it.

[@robertoorru5191]

Indeed! Nevertheless I disagree: I own a 7D and two Olympus micro four thirds, and in my experience I can shoot at 800 iso with no problems whatsoever, even if I try to keep iso low not because thisfantastic camera can't stand it but because with ANY camera dynamic range is better at low iso.

[@alwynsmit3546]

The Canon 7d. The camera Nikon didn't have an answer for until the D500. That's how good the 7d was. In fact, it's so ahead of it's time, it still holds it's own

[@MattsNotes]

@@alwynsmit3546 I agree entirely. It's probably the most solid (physically and photo spec wise) camera at its current used price point today!

[@antoniojimenez7103]

I still have and still use my 7D as my go to camera. I love it and plan on keeping it for years to come. Great video.

[@MattsNotes]

Thanks for your kind words! I love hearing that people still keep this camera in circulation. It deserves a long life of use!

[@williamswallows6909]

What lenses do you have? Anything thing up to 300mm? If so, how is the quality fully zoomed/300mm?

[@jonathanterrazas3815]

How do u upload the images to a laptop

[@nofearfpv1743]

I have it, almost 12years of very rough handling still works great. Best for me for Birds, plane or sports. Not much for video. About 3 years ago while out in the woods, it fell down jerked the USB port and would not power on. Let it be for a while. Took it out last year charged the battery, and wow, magically worked. It is sporting Sigma 150-600 C now almost permanently. I like shooting birds.

[@MattsNotes]

That's a great wildlife setup! I love that 150-600 contemporary lens. Great optics and a bit lighter than their sport model. On the 7d I bet it's a real fun setup with that crop!

[@KeithCasper]

This is answer I was looking for today. This is reassuring. I'd really like to get a MK II, but like a musical instrument it's probably mostly about making something good, thanks!

[@birajadas293]

Mine is 10 years old still going strong

[@mcmoose64]

I loved my 7D . It was a great camera and capable of producing great images , if you keep it below iso1600 and get your exposure right . Even when noise intrudes , it has an almost film like quality . I only retired it when the rear control dial stopped working in manual mode . I replaced mine with a 6D , which gave better low light performance and much better noise control . Sadly , the 6D had a much inferior auto focus system and to my mind , an inferior control layout . I eventually picked up a used 7D mkii at a great price and haven't looked back. These days I use the 6D for "serious"portraiture and landscapes ,and my 7ii for everything else. I still pull the old lump from time to time if shooting black and white high ISO for the film like grain . You really can get some stunning high contrast results from it if you use it deliberately .

[@MattsNotes]

That dial was an issue on a lot of old canon bodies. Same thing happened to my 5d mark ii! I love the 6d and I agree with your statements. Also, was your thumbnail from Thailand? Chang beer is great haha

[@mcmoose64]

@@MattsNotes yes , taken about 10 years ago . Not a bad drop on a hot day , not that there is any other type of day in the land of smiles .

[@pjvmusic]

I git my 7D as a gift from my uncle like 2 years ago I believe. Its great! At least compared to the 20D that he gave me WAY back in the day lol glad to see that some people are still using it. I want to upgrade but this is still putting out great photos.

[@MattsNotes]

Both of those are great cameras! Thanks for the comment. I think the 7d is an awesome choice for years to come, especially if you're doing mainly photography and not a lot of video

[@hunter48820]

Glad I found you, Matt. I have had the 7D for years but it's also been stored for years since the smart phones are so easy to use for what I take pics of. I'm interested in getting my camera back out and using it and your video was very helpful. I'll be looking for more helpful hints from you in the future. Thanks, Andy :-)

[@MattsNotes]

I truly appreciate your comment Andy! That old 7d will take photos leaps and bounds better than any smartphone out there. I actually used the 7d this evening for a "professional" job doing product photography :)

[@LorrieWhittington]

Good video. I have a 7D. I bought it in 2014, but its not been out for a long time. Photography took a back seat to motherhood. She is now a teen and it's time to go back outside! I was toying with selling it and getting a new camera, but don't think I would get my moneys worth, plus I feel I am almost starting from scratch. Anyway, your video has encouraged me to keep my 7D. I plan on using my prime lens and doing some street photography. Cheers. :)

[@MattsNotes]

I genuinely appreciate this comment! These kinds of stories warm my heart, and your comment motivates me to get out and make some images. It's awesome to hear that you're doing street photography as well! I wish I did more of that with the 7d for this video. Which prime lens are you using?

[@LorrieWhittington]

@@MattsNotes Hi there...nothing special, just the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8, which to be honest, does the job. I have thought about buying the next one up, the more expsensive Canon EF 50 mm-f/1.4, but the consensus seems to have been, that for the money, the f/1.8 does the job just as well. I also have a Sigma 18-125mm. I've pretty much stuck to those two lenses for the past few years.

[@guyphoto9437]

I’ve shot as a pro for a long time, am now partially retired, meaning I only shoot who and when I want. I have many Canon cameras and lenses and have shot tons of models, graduating seniors, portraits, weddings and fashion with a Canon 7D. It’s strength is in shooting sports, which I did as a stringer for a few newspapers, because of its high frames per second shutter speed. I still have two of them, both with battery grips, (every camera I own other than the Canon M-50 has a battery grip). The 7D, unlike all amateur cameras, beginning with the 60D, has a magnesium alloy body, and as you stated is weather sealed. It also has a 200,000 shutter count actuation. The magnesium alloy body means you can hang heavy lenses on it all day long. Do that with a 60 to 90D and you’ll regret it because they have plastic bodies. The 50D was the last of the D series cameras to feature a magnesium alloy body. I never shot video and could care less about the video capability of a camera. If I ever want to shoot video I’d buy a video camera. The main drawback of the 7D was grain at higher ISOs. That was solved with the 7D MKII. However, adobe raw, and/or Topaz remove noise so well that the 7D can compete with the best modern day cameras. You’re right about the 7D, its a tank and a hell of a camera even though its a bit long in the tooth. Remember the best photos are made about six inches behind the viewfinder.

[@MattsNotes]

Wow! Very well put and the last bit is incredibly quotable. Thanks for sharing this and for the view!

[@blizzbee]

Correct!!! The canon 7D video has to be 7 minutes length 👍🥳💥🤪🌝

[@bam00j]

I'll say till now, 7d is the most underrated camera I know, for video, it's colour is amazing, it's photo is so amazing, if you know how to use it, I'll say, you can achieve the same result you'll get with a 6d mkii with a 7d

[@MattsNotes]

I agree! I think when shot in a standard picture profile and not edited a ton in post production, the 7d video quality is great!

[@Graymanone]

Still have mine! Yes there are newer cameras out there but It still does what it was designed for. For basic photos and portraits I don't think there is an issue. It's more about the shooter and their skill level than cool guy gear.

[@MattsNotes]

I agree! I still think the 7d is cool guy gear haha. It's comfy in the hands and very well rounded

[@Richie_]

I got my 1st DSLR, Canon 400D 2 months ago and I am getting the 7D next week.

[@alaryani100]

This camera is great for photography in and out of the studio

[@MattsNotes]

I completely agree!

[@TheRandalljburke]

great video thanks for sharing

[@MattsNotes]

Thank you! I appreciate your comment

[@alfredodiaz3163]

my anxiety📈📉📈📉📈 when your hand kept going back and forth when the camera was propped on the railing lol

[@MattsNotes]

Hahaha

[@quazisanjeed6395]

Hello Mr. Canon EOS 7D is primarily a pro-grade sports camera. It's not a camcorder. Therefore, mainly it should be judged on its sports/wildlife photography strengths. And on that count, it is still a supreme imaging equipment. It can comfortably compete with any modern sports camera.

[@MattsNotes]

I 100 percent agree. I do think it is a good option for hybrid shooting with its full HD compatibility when it comes to social media posting. Thanks for your comment!

[@WolfQuantum]

Recently picked up the 6D for my full frame (1st) for landscape and portraiture. Put more into the glass. While ordering a nice 70-200/2.8 to compliment my 24-70 2.8 I added a 7D in excellent condition. The 7D will be my wildlife/sports camera with those same lenses.

[@quazisanjeed6395]

@@WolfQuantum, I agree with both of your DSLRs i.e., 6D and 7D. I used both so I know they are excellent performers. Currently my landscape shooter is 5DII. Due to the ongoing mirrorles hype, old great DSLRs are available cheap. Yes, I've also invested in quality glasses as an enthusiast. For sports and wildlife photography, you may need little longer reach. I suggest to consider EF 100-400mm L IS II. Although I'm not using it as I already own EF 400mm f/5.6L and EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II to serve these purposes. However, I know about 100-400mm as my fellow wildlife photogs are using it happily.

[@WolfQuantum]

@@quazisanjeed6395 Lucky for us that we can pick up weather sealed, pro build type bodies inexpensively. With weather sealed lenses it's nice to be able to go out in the elements when you can find some of the best shots. I had moved from a Nikon D90 as my first real digital (shot a Nikon F4s and FM back in the film days) to the Sony a6000 with a couple of nice primes. They are great cameras and I've made some great 16x20s with them. I still like that DSLR feel in a lot of ways and I really like having rugged bodies. To upgrade with mirrorless it would have cost a lot more even before the glass. This way it's good glass and great bodies. I'm very tempted to pick up a 5D Classic before long. I've not shot one, but the output I've seen is they have a unique and almost film like image quality. Best to you and may you always find the best light.

[@brandon315]

Hi, what battery grip are you using with the 7d in this video? Thanks 👍

[@MattsNotes]

Sorry for the late reply. I believe that was the genuine canon battery grip I was using there (I sold the 7d when moving unfortunately but I'll pick one up again in the near future since they're cheap right now lol). The 3rd party grips are good too in my opinion (vello, Wasabi, etc). The canon brand ones just feel a bit better in the hands as far as build quality. I usually get my grips from "Keh.com" as their secondhand options are always super cheap. Hope this helps!

[@quazisanjeed6395]

Previously I used Canon 50D and 70D and never into videos. Recently I've bought two used Canon 7D bodies. Because I'm convinced these can serve my wildlife photography needs perfectly for many years to come. Moreover, on many copies, its shutter life outperforms the factory rated life. For me, it makes a killer combo with EF 300mm f2.8L IS II + EF 2x III converter. Just love it.

[@MattsNotes]

Those are all great cameras and a very top knotch lens! I appreciate your comment and thanks for the watch!

[@PritinChachadpc]

Hey can somebody help me, does a third party battery grip of Canon 7D mark ii work on canon 7D.!?

[@MattsNotes]

Hey buddy thanks for the view! From what I've seen and read, those mark ii grips both 1st and 3rd won't fit into the classic 7d unfortunately :(

[@clubbinmag3]

I have several high end cameras, but the canon7d is still a bad Ass go to camera. When I have to get the job done and don’t have time to play, this is the one. Video & photo. The body is the tuffest I’ve ever seen & if you added magic lantern, you can shoot right next to my Red or Ari.

[@MattsNotes]

Thanks for your comment! Have you seen the breaking bad episodes when they use it? They strapped it to a shovel like a Gopro and paired it with their cine cameras. Thr 7d is a very tough camera!

[@onway78]

I have a Canon 7D if I have an error download my video onto my computer how can I fix that problem from the memory card

[@hlee1390]

Can you please tell me what cheap camera lens I could buy

[@MattsNotes]

Do you have the 7d and any lenses for it yet? I'd say you can't go wrong with the 50mm f1.8! I've seen this lens on keh.com for just 55 dollars and it's fantastic for professional use

[@shutterbuginfinity]

I have canon 7d is a great all round camera

[@andreibratu7492]

I currently have the 4000d and i am thinking into upgrading to a used canon 5/6/7D mostly mark 2 , are they worth comming from the 4000d or should i get the 60/70/90D series?

[@MattsNotes]

Hi thanks for that comment! I'm doing a 4000d video pretty soon here as I have this camera, and most of the above cameras that you've listed are planned for this summer. What kind of stuff will you be using this camera for?

[@andreibratu7492]

@@MattsNotes more photography, potrets , wildlife , automotive and landscape . Can t wait for them,you got a new subscriber😃

[@MattsNotes]

Any one of those cameras could be a nice choice for you! My go to option would be to get the 7d, and use the remainder of your budget to treat yourself to a nice, fancy lens :). Thanks for subscribing! I appreciate your kind words!

[@hannibalcosta]

I bought the 7d three years ago and I have no complaints. I just didn't learn how to use auto focus while shooting - the focus works all the time in manual mode. Do you know how to use AF while recording video?

[@MattsNotes]

Sorry for the late response, but I generally just use manual mode. If I'm filming myself, use single AF, then try not to move out of focus lol

[@JLeoH]

Doesn't this camera have 7 stops dynamic range and 8bit color output? I had the 60D for a few months back in the day and have had a grudge against Canon since. Check out the D3000 ccd, D200 CCD and D300/s. The latter has HD ready video and the sensor is vastly superior.

[@MattsNotes]

I agree. Most of these old cameras (and tons of current releases) are capped with 8 bit color unless one is willing to record externally or cough up more change for 10 bit recording. The dynamic range could be worked with using nd filters but still not the greatest. For hybrid shooting on a budget, I think the 7d is valid as well as those other cameras you've mentioned!

[@bam00j]

Canon 7d has 11.7 stop of dynamic range

[@MikeLeePhoto]

Hi Matt, have the 7d , 7dmk2 & the 5Dmk2. i get the results I want why change?

[@hidayatali2635]

It's better option then Cannon 60d ?

[@MattsNotes]

They're both great cameras but it depends on what your uses are! I think the 7d would suit wildlife or photo centric needs, whereas the 60d can be better for video options

[@hidayatali2635]

@@MattsNotes just for good photography purpose..

[@MattsNotes]

For photos I think the 7d would be slightly better. It has faster auto focus and a much more weather resistant body. The 60d has a nice flipping screen and lightweight body, so either would be a decent choice! If it's my opinion however, I'd chose the 7d for photos :)

[@dax6497]

Can someone explain to me whats a fixed screen and whats the downside to it?

[@tiltil9442]

It won't flip or swivel and can hence only be viewed from straight behind the camera body.

[@dax6497]

@@tiltil9442 thank you!

[@planetdee3587]

It sucks that the EF mount is coming to an end.

[@MattsNotes]

I agree. If there's a silver lining it would be that the old EF lenses should be a little cheaper in the coming years. I'm certainly holding onto my Canon lenses for a long time!

[@planetdee3587]

@@MattsNotes at this rate I am just going to keep my entire setup until my cameras do not work anymore.

[@georgebowden6748]

Hi from Oz, I've only just picked up on your channel so thanks for a great video. I still use my 7D 9that I've had from new) with a new Tamron 100-400mm & am really pleased with it's exceptional results. I have been thinking of getting a 90D but am a little concerned about the lens compatibility with its larger sensor, should I take the risk or stick with my trusty 7D that I still love & enjoy ?. I should add that I'm not too concerned about the video side of the cameras (to which the 90D is exceptional, apparently) as I only really bother with stills. Your thoughts would be very much appreciated.

[@MattsNotes]

Hi George and thanks for your comment! The 90d and the 7d share nearly the same size sensor, as they're both "crop sensor" so lens compatibility shouldn't be an issue (that's a solid lens by the way and pairs well with the 7d for wildlife)! Higher pixel count aside, the 90d really just has a tilt screen, and maybe newer autofocus over the 7d. Surely there's more new tech in the 90d but I would still go for the 7d if I'm just doing photography, then I can save that extra money and get a lens :) The 7d is still a remarkable and very relevant camera today! I think technology progression in photography hasn't moved much past what it was when the 7d came out anyways!

[@georgebowden6748]

@@MattsNotes hi, thanks so much for your valued opinion, perhaps I will invest in some more quality lenses & keep using the 7D until it fails. Thanks again & stay safe

[@abrarhaque3343]

Someone is selling it with bettery charger bettery grip,2 lenses on £300 .I offered him 200£ he said 210£. Is this a best price

[@MattsNotes]

That is a fantastic price! What lenses are included?

[@abrarhaque3343]

@@MattsNotescanon 28-105mm ,70-300mm,1 bettery,crgr, transport case ,6sd cards,1 filter, bettery grip n canon 7D body.210£. brought it home r8 now🥰

[@MattsNotes]

@@abrarhaque3343 WOW that is an incredibly good deal! You're pretty much set for every kind of photography with that!

[@abrarhaque3343]

@@MattsNotes actually I wanted a canon 5D series like mark 4 or 2 or the classic.bt this one was still great for 2020 n 90D is also expensive as the 5ds.also it's full frame. So didn't w8 to deal with him.he was nice.n the lenses also go with my canon 500D .that was also 2nd hand.came with 3 lenses,1 bettery. Crgr n bag .7D also came with the bag. Thank u for your reply ❤️

[@mahiletnigusie8841]

Would give us the tutorial How a single person can record himself a video that has movement by doing sport or teaching by using 7D camera

[@MattsNotes]

Thanks for this suggestion! I'll put this on my to make list 😀

[@cyester]

I've been looking at getting a 7d for a few months, the prices in this video are totally misleading (from what I've seen). Rarely ever see them under $200 and one with a low shutter count (50k or under) is usually $275-$300.

[@MattsNotes]

I mentioned that they could be found for around 200, but the price did go up a little since making this vid. That said, I did a 5 minute Google search, and found a few used options for $240, under 32,000 shutter actuations! Amazon has a couple at the moment

[@ChillingwithMalc]

"Classic".. I still use a 1938 leica. 😆

[@MattsNotes]

Historic camera haha

[@nukie16]

problem with 7d is that it overheats around 8 to 10 minutes of recording

[@bam00j]

Not true, it overheats but not within 10 minutes, say within 1 hour and it depends on the heat of the environment, besides, I've used it to cover a wedding from morning till night and what I do is that each time it overheats, I switched it off for few seconds, remove th battery and puts it back on and it never disappoints

[@dustingatlin6208]

It doesn’t overheat after 10 minutes. I’ve ran mine at 1080p/30 frames video for an hour straight with no problems.

[@proudman6651]

This is not because of overheating. It is due to the limited file size the camera can save in one time. The size is limited to 4GB which is around 12 minutes of recording full HD. BTW, that doesn’t mean something is wrong with camera. The manufacturers do it on purpose in DSLRs to avoid extra taxes back in the date if DSLRs are considered video aimed cameras in EU.

[@mimafuceia4929]

200.00 for a 7D??? What the hell are you smoking? This video is only 6 months old, and I've currently been searching EBay for weeks, and the cheapest 7D was 450.00 and that was with 156K shutter count! It was all chipped and dirty too. On *AVERAGE* you can expect to find a used 7D between 600 to 800 for a decent body with lower actuations. This 200 dollar statement couldn't be more false. Maybe if the camera is on it's last legs and only has another 5 months left in it before it explodes then yeah maybe then. Also, "The camera holds up" uhh yeah I would say it more than holds up, it's still easily the standard! I'd still buy a 7D mk2 before the 5D mk4, or the 90D and that's not because of the price tag difference....

[@MattsNotes]

Yes, the prices have went up incrementally after making this video (taxes and tariffs, and season changes), but doing a 5 minute Google search, you could still find a decent body as I'm writing this. Amazon has a few in stock for around 225 USD after shipping and under 32,000 actuations. 600 to 800 is outlandish for the mark i, and another 5 minute Google search, I've found the mark ii for that base price lol. Try KEH, and mpb as well; they routinely run these cameras reasonably inexpensively. Mercari had about five of these in the last two weeks for between 150-250 dollars with and without lenses. I bought both of mine for less than $150. The one in this video was about 80 bucks, not in great shape as I've stated in the video, but it works lol

[@SubZero____]

my xiaomi mi9 its beter than 7d lol 😂😂😂😂

[@HumanClouds]

No it’s not