7D Classic Good Enough for Pros?

[tpatana]

One of my favorite shot was with Rebel XTi, another with 7D. Currently I have better bodies.

However, after getting 5D3, I tried 7D couple times and I hated the AF. I shot similar event I had been shooting recently with 5D3, and normal keeper (for focus reasons) on 5D3 was ~90%, 7D was <50%.

But given certain restrictions, there's nothing wrong with 7D. New cameras just do certain things better.

 

[sagittariansrock]

I remember the excitement when the 7D first came out. For a long time, it was THE camera to buy with the best video features and the AF and build quality was as good as it got. Its a little sad to read some of the comments above, which clearly indicate that time and technological advances wait for no one.

To the OP, it is easy to say that a 1DX, 5Diii and 7Dii are better cameras. But I assume you are asking due to budget constraints? In the 7D price range, you are probably comparing it to a used 5D/5Dii, 1Ds Mkii, maybe a new 70D, 6D etc. In which case it is the ruggedness and speed of the 7D vs slightly better image quality of the FF cameras vs the benefits of buying a new 70D (which is also meant to be a good camera). The answer comes back to what features you value most, the subjects that you shoot and the environment in which you do it.

I wouldn't say the difference in IQ is slight from the 7D to FF (implying 6D, I suppose). From what I have heard, 70D is at least a stop better than the 7D.
I don't think it is sad, this basically underlines the fact that the basic factors like understanding lighting and composition will be relevant for eternity, while tools such as the 7D are just transitory.
It is interesting to listen to Steve Jobs talk about how modern technology becomes obsolete in such a short time (interesting because you realize he understands how short-lived his legacy will be):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zut2NLMVL_k

 

[Hillsilly]

You're right, by slight, I'm more referring to the original 5D and the 1Ds Mkii - especially at higher ISOs. I haven't used a 6D, but the large number of people suggesting that it currently has the best overall image quality of all Canon bodies puts it is in a total different league. A 6D vs 7D decision is probably the classic example of what I was inferring - two very different cameras designed for totally different uses.

A 1Diii would be an interesting option. There's even the new 11-24mm to provide more wide angle problems.

 

[lol]

I'm a big fan of the original 7D and it may even be the camera I took most shots with ever. I've recently got the mk2, must be better right? Yes and no! It boils down to what you can get out of your kit relative to your needs. The 7D classic was by no means perfect, but it could do, let's say 95% of what I wanted. The mk2? Maybe 96%. As things get more advanced, they do more and more, but for a lot of things we reached an area of "good enough" long ago and we are chasing smaller niches of improvement. I could buy 4 used 7D classics for the cost of one mk2. So in that respect, the value of the classic is phenomenal.

Also through the years, I find myself doing more and more, with less and less. For less demanding shots I'd be equally happy using my old 600D as I am the 7D2. But if the going gets tough, then for sure either 7D becomes more interesting.

 

[danski0224]

Nope.

Now that the 7DII is out, the 7D will receive a silent firmware update, bricking it

 

[300D]

I am a hobbyist, and cannot use my camera all the time so my skill level seems to stay rather average; but I like to try out different areas of photography to discover what really interests me. So when I decided to purchase a new camera in 2010, the then current and well specified 7D found its way to the top of my list. The main feature of interest to me was the 19 point focusing system, because it gave me an ‘entry level’ introduction to the more sophisticated focus systems of modern cameras.

I bought the 7D and have found it to be a very adaptable camera. It’s not perfect but I have learned my way around its functions and some of its limitations, and enjoyed the process. I have discovered that the more sophisticated focusing systems are useful to me, and I will look to retain this feature in future cameras.

While I know it has fallen behind by current standards; it still exceeds my photographic abilities, and is still capable of stunning pictures in the hands of a proper photographer, as others here have shown. In truth, I’d be more concerned that the camera might go out one day and upgrade its owner!

So I argue for the 7D as a currently relevant camera. It still produces good image quality in most situations, albeit with a little effort than in more recent cameras, and is a great trainer for the more sophisticated focusing systems. As for the Pro’s, I see no reason not to use it , dependent on where and how that work will be displayed.

At the end of the day it’s about learning to capture great moments, convey emotion, and tell a story. One day I hope to be able to achieve all those things, and the 7D with the right lenses and a good eye is still a very useful tool to help do that.

Here are a couple shot from my 7D, not all bad I hope?

 

[sanj]

do pros care much about equipments? somewhat but probably not whole lot... emily soto still use her 7d to deliver her images, zhang jingna proved and used her canon 350d to deliver outstanding quality of images, see link below...

http://blog.zhangjingna.com/2010/10/equipment-and-where-money-comes-from.html#.VOTl0y5c7Lg

but do pros need new high end cameras, i think the answer is yes... it is probably all about business...

i am NOT a pros, i am more like a HOBBYIST; who like to learn more and more, daily. i care more about learning techniques, so i have learn a lot from number of people in this forum and other pros (absolutely at no cost... lol... that is my wife's rule when letting me learning photography.)

however, if i can deliver these following examples with canon 7d, i bet you that there are number of pros still can... (note: those noise are mine... )

Yes they do. And no 7D is not up to mark for a professional.

 

[Besisika]

A good experienced professional photographer will get the job done with whatever gear he owns (or rents if necessary) ... BUT, the newest technology will allow more versatility in a greater variety of shooting situations.

A good pro will understand the limits of the technology in hand, and either upgrade if the work warrants the expense, or make arrangements to acquire what s/he needs ...

The newest technology allows a pro to accept a greater degree of challenge in the work flow as well. Can lesser technology do a great job -- yes it can. Can lesser technology create the identical results as can the newest technology -- no it can't. Understanding those limits makes the difference in the quality of the final product and the ability to meet the demands of a client.

+1
Know your gear apparently is the first rule of photography.

 

[wsmith96]

... how did the pros survive before the 5D Mark III?

They survived by using the technology available at the time.

 

[supaspiffy]

Thank you for all your insights and comments! I didn't know I'd get this many responses; so I'm a little more impressed by the support and involvement of this community.

I've had my second hand 7D for a few months and I'm still only beginning to scratch the surface. I shoot with my 6D a lot more because I've been doing mostly portraits and landscapes. But I am getting tired of always having to focus/recompose for the one center point that I leave on my 6D. I wonder, if the 7D's 19 crosstype points are accurate enough to help ease me off my center point habit?

Also, I do want to start getting into action like sports and wildlife. As some have suggested, when shooting fast moving objects, it's mostly about tracking ability than the number of AF points. Assuming I try to get the moving subject as close to the center as possible, how's the tracking ability of the 7D compared to the 5D Mark III?

Thanks!

 

[mackguyver]

Assuming I try to get the moving subject as close to the center as possible, how's the tracking ability of the 7D compared to the 5D Mark III?

Thanks!

It isn't nearly as good in my experience, but the 5DIII/1D X AF is a whole generation ahead of the 7D. I found the 7D tracked well once you got a lock on the subject, but it had more difficulty doing that. I found Zone AF to work quite well, however. That osprey shot with the fish was taken while I was packing up my gear. I heard the osprey shrieking and pointed my camera at it, locked focus, and took 3 frames, all in focus. Any camera that can do that is "good enough" for me. I found the biggest difference between the two was the ability to shoot over ISO 1600, and that's what won me over with the 5DIII. I shoot most of my wildlife work just before and just after sunrise, so that was important to me. Your needs may be different.

 

[Marsu42]

I wonder, if the 7D's 19 crosstype points are accurate enough to help ease me off my center point habit?

The 6d's hybrid center point is rather precise except with fast lenses as it's non-cross for f2.8+ and falls back to f5.6 (there are lensrentals articles on this). The 7d1 has a reputation to be less precise, but this has been a matter of very vivid discussion - broken camera, user error, afma, design flaw?

Bottom line is that unless you're working with fast primes I expect the 7d1's outer points to work just fine. And even a little less accuracy beats the error you introduce with focus & recompose with thinner dof.

 

[ishdakuteb]

...As some have suggested, when shooting fast moving objects, it's mostly about tracking ability than the number of AF points. Assuming I try to get the moving subject as close to the center as possible, how's the tracking ability of the 7D compared to the 5D Mark III?

Thanks!

i have both cameras, and i personally do not think that 7d can match 5d mark iii on moving subject, and i think many other thinks the same way. however, i set my canon 7d focus track sensitivity to:

"-1 from mid point for ai servo (just my personal way of shooting)..."

 

[JBSF]

Assuming I try to get the moving subject as close to the center as possible, how's the tracking ability of the 7D compared to the 5D Mark III?

Thanks!

It isn't nearly as good in my experience, but the 5DIII/1D X AF is a whole generation ahead of the 7D. I found the 7D tracked well once you got a lock on the subject, but it had more difficulty doing that. I found Zone AF to work quite well, however. That osprey shot with the fish was taken while I was packing up my gear. I heard the osprey shrieking and pointed my camera at it, locked focus, and took 3 frames, all in focus. Any camera that can do that is "good enough" for me. I found the biggest difference between the two was the ability to shoot over ISO 1600, and that's what won me over with the 5DIII. I shoot most of my wildlife work just before and just after sunrise, so that was important to me. Your needs may be different.

Those are really fine photos. I started using 7D for macro/closeup photos of insects last year, and it is capable of producing excellent images, within its acknowledged limitations. A survey of Flickr user groups for various Canon bodies suggests that the 7D has been used more for serious insect photography than most, if not any, other Canon bodies. I am planning on getting the 100-400 II as a crossover tool for insects and birds, and I want to pair it with 7D2, but all of the reports on focus issues have me a little gun-shy right now. I have thought about going for the 70D instead, as I like the rotating screen, which I have used frequently on mirrorless for insects.

 

[nc0b]

First the camera you have with you is way better than what's back at your home/office. I had a 5Dc and a 300mm f/4 IS in the car the other day when a lone young prong horn antelope started walking up my 1/4 mile long driveway. I managed to stop the car, get the lens mounted, open the door and stand behind it to get a very nice series of shots off. Neither of those pieces of equipment are recent designs, but the results were excellent. Being in the right place at the right time, and having actually having a camera in the car was what was important.

 

[Marsu42]

A survey of Flickr user groups for various Canon bodies suggests that the 7D has been used more for serious insect photography than most, if not any, other Canon bodies.

There's a reason for that: Afaik in combination with the 100L, the 7d switches into a special macro tracking mode that does small steps faster than other cameras like for example the 60d.

I tried shooting bees in flight with the 60d, and really no can do except pure luck, so for that alone I'd like the have a 7d. Considering this sturdy and fast camera outdated is really stretching it as the 7d1 af system blows all 9-diamond Rebels and xxd out of the water.

Neither of those pieces of equipment are recent designs, but the results were excellent.

Now you've got us hooked ... can we see? Always good to know what other photogs consider excellent :->

 

[sagittariansrock]

nc0b's post reminds me of a recent trip where I spotted a pair of does next to the car, and asked my wife to take a few shots as I was driving and was in the wrong side. Now, all she had was a 6D and 135L attached to it. However, the competence of 6D's AF couldn't even come into play as she isn't familiar with dSLRs (and staunchly refuses to be, to my dismay)- so this image is essentially unfocused (I had it set to BBF and forgot to tell her), shot at ISO 100 and f/8 (whatever it was set at- fortunately the S/S limiter was set at 1/200 FWIW).
So you have an image that is, at best, fine for a Facebook post. With correct technique, even with this camera/lens combo, this could have been a really good shot- because of the beautiful golden hour light and the cooperative posing of the subjects. So, I had a camera in the car and it was the right time, but I wasn't at the right enough place (the passenger seat of my car).

 

[TexPhoto]

Good glass helps

Untitled by RexPhoto91, on Flickr

 

[ishdakuteb]

may be it is just me, but i do like forcing myself to use old gears to capture images since i believe that i can later move much faster with new high end gears if i am able to manage myself to deliver images with old gears without any problems

note: well, i did mess up my daughter birthday at one time during first year of photography, but i have not giving up using old gear to capture images...

below is an image captured in quite a low light condition with canon 30d and 430ex ii. it was my wife birthday... lol... yep, i got stared at when loading this set on my car