The Canon 7D - An Overlooked Gem

An often overlooked gem of a camera is the original Canon 7D. The 7D appeared in 2009. It's rugged, versatile, reliable and is loaded with professional features. I went shooting at the Tenhave Woods nature preserve in Michigan to demo the 7D.
Check out my website and blog for some thoughts on image making at: jstefanphoto.com/

[@quazisanjeed6395]

As an enthusiast, this is my First camera for wildlife photography. I found one used (24k shutter count) in September 2020 and bought it for $ 350/- because I knew it's a gem. I didn't buy it when it was first released as I wasn't aware of its multidimensional strengths then! Now, after 12 years of nature and wildlife photography, I know what kind of high-end DSLR it is. I don't regret the late discovery of this treasure, better late than never. My second camera in the wild is Canon 70D, another wonderful toy due to its DPAF feature. For capturing landscape images and occasional indoor friends and family portraits, my legendary Canon 5DII is always ready with a smile on its face. Yes, I prefer older model DSLRs for photography simply because - they deliver superb image quality.

[@jeffstefan3027]

Quazi, I agree. There's something about the older DSLRs that's like magic. It sounds like you do great work.

[@adude394]

Thanks for posting this! On the recommendation of a friend who is an expert photographer, I upgraded from the EOS 300D I had used since 2003 and picked up a used 7D and a used 20D, along with some decent-quality lenses. I consider myself still a beginner, because until recently, I had almost never used anything other than full auto. Now, I'm sticking mainly to Tv and Av modes. With all the videos I've watched about this camera, you're the only one I've seen who has made it a point to mention the 1.6 crop factor, which will actually be of great use to me.

[@guyphoto9437]

Old video but I just saw it and I agree with you about how great the Canon EOS 7D is. I'm a pro photographer and have two of them. I bought one when they first came out and the second one about a year later. I've used them a lot and they work flawlessly and have produced a ton of images that made me money. I shoot people; graduating seniors, portraits, models, etc. I also have other full frame professional Canon cameras but I never sold my 7Ds and won't, I still use them, they are rugged and of course have that famous Canon color when coupled with Canon lenses. As for people asking which is better the 7D or the 70D--the 7D has a higher shutter actuation and a magnesium alloy frame, which means you can hang a heavy L lens like the 70-200 L 2.8 with no problem. The 70D has a plastic body and I've known photographers who hung heavy lenses on a 70, 80, or 90D and broke the camera. The 7D was built for professionals, the 60D on up series was built for amateurs with video more in mind than durability.

[@jeffstefan3027]

Great comments. Thanks.

[@homeking9819]

Your pro broh, I gree with you

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

i sold some fuji gear (xt1 18-55 and 50-230xc lens) a few years ago now and bought a panasonic fz1000 bridge camera because the fuji lens choice was a bit limited and expensive for a hobbyist i just couldnt justify the £ of lenses, had the bridge for a couple years now but just sold it - im at the point were i need a larger sensor and to be able to swap lenses - i like to take my camera out with me and shoot other motorcyclists out on the road or take it to trackdays etc so im weighing up the following... 7d, 7dmk2, M5 or M50 - or Nikon d7200, sony a7ii - i had considered a return to fuji with an xs10 or xh1 but you still have to pay through your nose for lenses.. really like what the m5/m50 produces but the EFM lenses stop at 50-200mm anything else has to be an adapted EF lens for a longer reach and then the camera becomes a bit unbalanced due to the small nature of the M5/m50 - so i started having a proper look at the 7dmk2 on flickr and came across the 7d - its still producing some absolutely MEGA images from what iv seen, even fast moving motorcycles on the track using one of the 70-200 2.8 usm lenses or 100-400 usm lenses, would you say its a mistake to buy a 7d and one of the two mentioned lenses? or should i spend the extra on the 7d mk2?

[@guyphoto9437]

@@s1dew1nd3r4 It's certainly not a mistake to buy a Canon7D or 7D MKII to couple with the lenses you mentioned. When I'm out and about I always carry a 7D with the EFS 15-85 lens on it. That lens equates to 24-136mm on a full frame. I've used it many times with the 70-200 2.8 lenses and 100-400 lenses, and the image quality is excellent. An advantage is the nifty fifty 1.8 lens which is equivalent to an 85mm lens, providing you with a handy portrait lens. Which to choose is up to you, depending on the deal you can get, either camera will serve you well. I'm more familiar with the 7D and highly endorse it but have heard good things about the 7D MKII also.

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

@@guyphoto9437 so right now i can get a pristine 7d mk1 with 6 months warranty for £169 - a good condition 7d mk2 is going to cost me £380, im sure the 7d mk2 IS better but is it THAT much better?

[@msure3367]

Very good, cant justify getting rid of it.

[@quazisanjeed6395]

Only the ignorant about photography gets rid of this great imaging equipment. In fact, we need them too! Because that's how we find this gem in the used market.

[@quazisanjeed6395]

Now one year later, I can proudly declare the 7D is a wonder camera. So, I bought two used bodies with low shutter counts. What a lovely gem they are. By default I'm an old DSLR lover. So, last year I bought one 5D Classic and one 1D Mark IV, both used but in excellent conditions. Bottomline is; I love my old DSLRs and don't see any need for MILCs. I don't do videos so, least concerned about it. Thank you for the video. BTW, lovely images.

[@jeffstefan3027]

Quazi, thanks for the comments. I've always wanted a 1D which is an indestructible camera. I love my old DSLRs also.

[@quazisanjeed6395]

@@jeffstefan3027, I suggest you look up MPB used camera store. It shows products available in the EU and UK. Very recently I found excellent quality used Canon 1DIV DSLRs available with them at attractive prices featuring low shutter counts. I bought mine from B&H used department last November for 1k dollars with a shutter count of 42k.

[@kuriostraveler]

Thank you for tris video. I own a 7D that I bought new in 2012 and I was considering buying another one. I shot some professional videos with it and it was simple and great quality. You made me fall in love again with it and yes! It will be my backup

[@jeffstefan3027]

Thanks, Patricia for the kind comments and it sounds like you have great success shooting!

[@snjert8406]

I fully agree. I got one used from a local camera store (with warranty) as well as a handful of lenses over time and I keep finding more and more things to like about this thing. As you said, I'll be holding onto it hahaha

[@jeffstefan3027]

The 7D is too good of a camera to let go of. Wise move!

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

@@jeffstefan3027 is it still decent these days for shooting passing motorcycles? - around 3 years ago i sold a few bits of fujifilm gear i had and replaced it with a bridge camera panasonic fz1000 but iv sold that now and i want an interchangeable lens camera so i have a larger sensor and more options with lenses so was looking at the 7d, 7d mk2 or the nikon d7200 but im quite keen on the 7d because i can get a pristine example with warranty for £170 - the 7d mk2 is going to set me back £380 so its more than twice the price of a mint 7d mk1 - i can put the money saved towards a USM 70-200 2.8 lens. Is the 7d MK2 THAT much of a jump over the mk1?

[@jeffstefan3027]

@@s1dew1nd3r4 The 7D is great for any object in motion, including passing motorcycles. In order to really get good shots you need to use AI Servo mode. Here's a great tutorials kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHbIYmOJZsZ5bcU. Good luck!

[@JMXCzw]

Thanks a lot... Looks really good for its age.

[@jhovyjhov]

Just bought 2nd hand 7d with 18k shutter count this January 2024. I'm really impressed on how fast the AF of this camera! Looking forward to learn more about wildlife photography and just needed to get used on setting this up since I'm a Fuji xt100 user 😊

[@jeffstefan3027]

This will be a great camera for you. It's still used for shooting sporting events, air shows and the like. It's fast, reliable and easy to use. Good luck with it.

[@spena8057]

This is one awesome camera. Thanks for the review.

[@jeffstefan3027]

Thank you and I'm glad you liked it.

[@hotvrod08]

Still my pick from my small arsenal for sports and birds.

[@jeffstefan3027]

The 7D is hard to beat for action shots.

[@GingersnapCreeper]

I would love to see a light painting tutorial!

[@jeffstefan3027]

Hey, Ginger. I'll get on it. Thanks!

[@5krunningdad769]

very good info. i'm a beginner and not looking to spend too much and for about $250 in the used market the 7d looks like a good choice. thanks for posting

[@jeffstefan3027]

Glad you liked the video and good luck shooting.

[@Roti_Gardenia]

I have a love/hate relationship with my Canon 7D, beend using it since 2016

[@GingersnapCreeper]

I am thinking of buying one....what do you dislike about it?

[@Roti_Gardenia]

Ginger Callahan here are the reason why you should & shouldn’t buy it. Go buy it if you consider yoself as a hobbyist like me, & never want to get into photo/video biz. 1. Bcs this camera is has the decent sensor amongst other Canon APS-C during it’s time (released in 2009) 2. It can produce decent footage with some basic quality video 1080p FHD @ 30 & 24fps. It’s also recommended for those whom consider to start filming daily stuffs or vacation videos with quality footage. You might need other filming gears like stabilizer/gimbal to make the most out of it. Trust me, back in the day, this camera is quite famous amongst amateur & professional filmakers as it’s an alternative to Canon 5D & way cheaper. 3. The color science from Canon has always got me fell in love with em. 4. The body are like Tanks. It’s super durable & weather sealed. Mine only had few scratches. so it’s worth the money. Skip this camera if ya ever thought of making money out of it bcs : 1. It sucks low light even at ISO 800-1000 since it’s an old APS-C with old technology. It has a lot of digital grain which me & some other professionals won’t like it. You can get newer & latest APS-C cameras in market that capable to produce decent image even in lowlight with less visible grain/noise. (am referring to camera that comes after 2014 - today) 2. Softer images, I think since Canon releases their 80D with more sophisticated sensor, they however overcome this issue & capable producing sharp images/footages on par to today’s standard. 3. No Dual-Pixel AF, only Contrast Detecting AF, it’s quite an obsolete AF features & too slow when focus hunting the subject. Contrast Detecting AF is really pain in the arse when hunting subject in an indoor/lowlight condition. Face Detection isn’t as good as Canon sensor with Dual-Pixel AF 4. No Continuous AF once you hit the Record button in Movie Mode. It’s only accessible to focus peaking before you start hitting the Rec button. Unless you’re willing to focus it manually, & I’m sure it’s gonna be tedious & frustrating. 5. Movie Mode only allows you to record 60fps in 720p HD. The movie file size is saved as “.MOV” & not “MP4” , which it might takes a lots of your hard drive space. 6. CF Card & one card slot only. Who uses CF card anymore these days, aight? It’s expensive than SD Card & not so many card reader includes CF slot. The obvious reason why it has became an obsolete relic these days.

[@GingersnapCreeper]

@@Roti_Gardenia Thank you so much! You have given a lot to consider. I am a professional photo editor by trade, but I need a better camera for shootings subjects for my composites. (currently shooting with a Sony A300) I want a more professional-grade camera, but don't have a lot to spend. I wanted the 7D when it first came out but was a bit out of my price range. Now it is affordable, but I'm afraid the technology is obsolete by today's standards. I want clear, crisp images and that is really my only requirement. I mostly shoot in a studio, and outside but I would like a camera that can handle low light conditions. Do you have any recommendations on other cameras? Thank you again for your help!

[@unbroken1010]

@@Roti_Gardenia you can buy a CF to SD adapter not making it a quote Relic

[@alwynsmit3546]

Sharpness depends more on glass than the camera. I'm still shooting an old Nikon D300s & I have razor sharp images when using good glass & getting everything right. Even my D7000, that had a terrible AF system could produce great results when everything came together at the same time

[@utube321piotr]

Pls don't confuse the field of view with focal length. APSC cameras have narrower field of view but the SAME focal length as full frame cameras. It is the focal length that will render the shape of subjects face regardless the size of sensor. Otherwise, great information and I am looking to buy a 7D in 2023.

[@freemanchrisx]

The Canon 7D is the ultimate APS-C sensor camera, I've got an EF-S 18-135mm Nano USM IS on mine, and there is nothing it can't do. If I need a little extra reach I slap on my EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM and I've got the equivalent of 480mm at the long end. I'll never let go of my 7D, 18mp is right in the sweet spot. I've also got a 5D Mark II for full-frame work, really wanting to add a 12.8mp 5D, but that's just me being greedy.

[@jeffstefan3027]

xfire, I use both the 7D and 5D Mark III but sometimes I just like using the 7D. I agree- I know of no other APSC sensor camera that is better. Good luck with yours!

[@matteosvlog1035]

Watching this in 2022, got my first 7D a few days ago and Im a beginner and loving every shots I take with Canon 7D. I got mine with 3K SC from my dad.

[@jeffstefan3027]

Matteo, good for you! 7Ds are going up in price and value, so hang on to it. 7Ds are made to last a lifetime, so enjoy it.

[@ActualCounterfactual]

Still use my 7d as a backup and will never sell it, AMAZING value for money ratio, solid workhorse, the only negative point is that ISO noise is a bit too much in the higher ranges.

[@jeffstefan3027]

You're right about the ISO noise, but overall the 7D is hard to beat.

[@reyalpEleluku]

I bought mine in December 2019 for $300 au. It had only taken 18000 shots at that time. It is a very fine camera which I use for birds in flight photography.

[@jeffstefan3027]

reyalpEleluku Very cool!

[@TheoBunge]

Just bought used 7D as an extra (back up) - all I'm using at the moment - great camera - having fun.

[@jeffstefan3027]

I know how you feel! Whenever I go and shoot with my 7D I stick with it for a long time. It's a pleasure to use- and ultra reliable.

[@golivevidlivestreamingvide1584]

Still my main go to Camera.

[@tactinov8605]

I have two 7d bodies and two 1ds and loving it so much! darn im a ok boomer 😆

[@jeffstefan3027]

Great cameras. I tried to buy a 1D twice but the sensors were damaged, so that was disappointing. The 1D is an awesome camera, if you can find one with a good sensor. Sounds like you have one of the good ones. Hang on to it!

[@eddwingregg6999]

Which 1Ds is best?

[@jeffstefan3027]

@@eddwingregg6999 I would ask 1D owners, since I don't own one. My guess is probably the Canon 1DX Mark III is the best with the Mark II coming in a close second, but they cost tons and tons of money. The 1DX Mark III body only is around $6500 and the Mark II is around $5,500. I believe you would have to make a lot of money doing photography and have a real need for a camera of this caliber and cost.

[@johnnevin5706]

a nice video I purchased two 7d mk1 built like tanks & they are keepers

[@jeffstefan3027]

John, the more I use my 7D the more I like it. In my opinion, you made a good decision buying these.

[@jennym.9099]

Nice presentation! I love my 7d!

[@jeffstefan3027]

Thanks, Jenny. 7Ds are hard to beat, and I use my all the time.

[@jennym.9099]

@@jeffstefan3027 New sub here.

[@eagta3347]

I have 1dx, 6d, 7d, t6i and 40d. I will pickup the 40d from time to time just because of the solid build quality. Love the 7d as well however 1dx is a tank but just a little too heavy.

[@jeffstefan3027]

You have a ton of cameras!

[@eagta3347]

@@jeffstefan3027 call me an addict

[@eagta3347]

@@gymbrown911 i sold the t6i and have the t6s now, love it

[@allend6137]

I miss my 40d .. It was my first DSLR. The shutter broke and I chose to purchase the 7d instead of fixing it. That camera was the best 👌🏾

[@eagta3347]

@@allend6137 speaking of the shutter, I'm at 15k now and starting to get Er99 lol

[@TheRandalljburke]

great video thanks for sharing

[@jeffstefan3027]

randallson, thanks!

[@Ichijoe2112]

Ok perhaps in 2009, with the closest Body being the 50D 15Mpx 1500$ (in 2008), so the 7D, with it's presumably better sealing 1x vs 10x vs 100x vs the entry level 1000x series. Make it an obviously better choice. The additional 10 AF points over the 9 thats on the 5/6D 40/50D is also a plus. But, when the 70/80, and more importantly the 90D came out, what was the point of the 7D? About the only thing I can think of might be the bust speed, reportedly on par with the 1D series. Which was only possible (at that price), because it WAS APS-C.

[@microdac]

Very good. Thank you!

[@jeffstefan3027]

Thanks, Microdac. I'm glad you liked it.

[@Richie_]

I'm getting one next week.

[@jeffstefan3027]

Rich_Lex, good for you! You will love this camera.

[@hobbiesfordays499]

I just bought an R7 and I'm suppose to sell my 7D. I'm finding so many 7D MKI praise videos! How could I possibly sell it now?

[@jeffstefan3027]

I would hold on to the 7D. If for no other purpose it's a great backup camera.

[@johnnevin5706]

I would love to see a light painting tutorial too

[@jeffstefan3027]

John Nevin I have a video on this channel called Pop Your Shots with Light Painting. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4LZeZ9tpbqmqdE I hope this helps!

[@UncleTerry]

Bought mine in 2011 and still going strong only DSLR I have. Would like to pick up another used canon DSLR for Astrophotography. Get tired of having to switch my settings for regular shooting.

[@jeffstefan3027]

Very cool about the astrophotography. 7D bodies hover around $300, so they aren't terribly expensive.

[@UncleTerry]

@@jeffstefan3027 was thinking about a Canon t3i because of the articulating screen. Seen some on ebay anywhere between $230 to $345 depending on any used gear their selling with it. I also read that their reletivly easy to modify for Astrophotography.

[@jeffstefan3027]

@@UncleTerry I have an old t2i and although they are consumer cameras, they are very powerful and packed with features. Good camera.

[@jonnjonnzz0111]

Try the Canon 6D for astrophotography.

[@Uwildlife]

@@UncleTerry They say 60 D is nice for astrophotography. I think there are two versions of 60D's one is dedicated for astrophotography. 6D seem to be nice too. Am telling based on reviews but haven't used any of them. My 70D broke and going to have a used 7D tomorrow for 170 € but 40k shutter count. Hope I'll enjoy it just as the 70 D.

[@okay1904]

Jef, yes please, do kindly share your technique for achieving these images in Lightroom. something you called "light painting"

[@jeffstefan3027]

I have a video posted called Pop Your Shots with Light Painting. This is a common term and the video shows you how to do it. Thanks for asking!

[@alphaseries7825]

I Bought this 7d for 225 dollars its condition is rough but its working fine should I kept it or give it back to seller..???? Plzz reply I am so confused.

[@jeffstefan3027]

ALPHA, sorry I have not replied in 8 months! I've been off-line for awhile. I hope you've kept your 7D. In my opinion, it is one of the must durable cameras made. I even saw someone on KZbin set one on fire and it still kept working. You can't drag it through the mud like a Canon 1D, but it is still a very reliable, durable camera. I'm even shooting with it today for a new video. If you still have it, don't let it go.

[@timeverett5738]

I still use one today, 2024

[@jeffstefan3027]

Good for you. It's a reliable workhorse like no other camera in its price range along with being a pleasure to shoot with.

[@62patounet]

It's not necessary to use manuel mode. Use aperture mode it's quite easy !

[@jeffstefan3027]

True, but I like the complete control of manual. I grew up on manual film cameras, so manual mode is burned in my brain.

[@62patounet]

@@jeffstefan3027 You have a true control on aperture mode..... also !

[@donngoma7620]

Between the 7d and 70d Wich one is good for events photography.

[@jeffstefan3027]

I would guess the 7D since it shoots continuously at 8fps where the 70D is at 7fps. Both are great cameras so you can't go wrong either way. Both camera bodies seem to go for about the same price in eBay in the 300-400 dollar range.

[@levyfrancis3489]

Should I care about shutter count while buying a used 7d

[@jeffstefan3027]

Sorry for not answering earlier. Shutter count to me isn't really to relevant unless it's near a camera's upper limit. That being said, it depends on how much you shoot and most cameras go WAY beyond their published upper limit shutter count.

[@camilacoppie1885]

hi! I need help, I dont know how to put the timer

[@kensmith8701]

Camila Coppie push the Q button, scroll down to shooting (drive mode) mode (at the bottom of the screen) where you set single or continuous shooting. In there you will find timer selection. 10 or 2 secs.

[@Cristasphoto]

I bought one for the birds as they move sooooo fast. But then so does this shutter apparently...

[@jeffstefan3027]

The 7D is a great camera for rapid-fire shooting. I have a friend who owns dozens of good cameras and the only one he takes to air shows is a 7D. Good luck with the birds!

[@Cristasphoto]

@@jeffstefan3027 Thank you. :)

[@leslieadkins6276]

What # lightroom do you use?

[@jeffstefan3027]

I use version 11.1 and have stand alone Lightroom 5 on another machine which I rarely use anymore. I do all my photo processing on an iMac. Most any version of Lightroom is good in my experience.

[@ElementForLife78]

What's better the 70d or 7d?

[@jeffstefan3027]

Both are great cameras. The 7D is older than the 70D and is less expensive used. Here's a comparison of both cameras: cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-7D-vs-Canon-EOS-70D In the comparison test above the 70D wins out.

[@ElementForLife78]

@@jeffstefan3027 OK thanks, I'm currently using the 700d If i wanted to upgrade to something better than the 70D do u have any other recommendations? Maybe something with in body stabilization? I want to shoot sports like basketball and skateboarding and also something good for portraits

[@jeffstefan3027]

@@ElementForLife78 If you're looking to get really serious, I would recommend a 5D series camera. I've shot professionally for years with a 5D Mark III. The 5D Mark II is an excellent camera, also. I have a video on the 5D here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJOpaX6tfaidis0 Also, it's not the camera so much, but the lenses. A good telephoto is useful for sports and portraits. A 70-200mm zoom is a great lens for both.

[@jeffstefan3027]

Just one more comments- image stabilization is a lens function and not a camera body function. It depends on the lens you buy- some have it and some don't.

[@abdiasr482]

"I have no idea why anybody would shoot video with that"... for when you see a UFO right?

[@JMXCzw]

Hi. Why do you say so? I am looking to buy this for wedding videography. and what would you recommend for around the same budget.

[@abdiasr482]

@@JMXCzw I was commenting on something he said that was funny. The camera is great for video, the only problem I see is when it comes to video, it doesn't have auto focus so you would have to manually focus, but sometimes that's good because you have complete control over what you want to focus on. I had mine for over 8 years and still is an amazing camera. I also but an adaptor for the FC to sd card because it makes it easy to upload in to my computer.

[@JMXCzw]

@@abdiasr482 thanks a lot. Much appreciated. 🙏

[@jeepjoseph9036]

@@JMXCzw why would you use a 7d for a wedding in the first place? They overheat, not the greatest image quality, not the greatest video and it only has one cfast card slot. Not a good idea. Not as reliable as an sd card so it can fail, if it fails and the files corrupt you can get sued because you won't have any photos or video and it will overheat during the wedding

[@Ichijoe2112]

Honestly unless you need an APS-C Camera, (And then you should be looking at the 10x range (i.e. 50/60/70/77/80, or 90D range.), for the 200€ or so Dollars burning a hole in your pocket, you couldn't do worse than a 5D MkII, and that should make any Dinosaur brained wannabe Photographer happy. As it looks like a 35mm Body hur-dur... And more importantly still, actually operates like one! Nothing is quite as infuriating as trying to faff 'round with Crop factors, and how that plays into your Apature settings, which leads you down the dark side of taking a mortgage out to buy some f2.8 glass, when f4 on FF just works!

[@Mme.Swisstella]

The 5d mkii is, in fact, 35mm.