The Canon 7D is not a full-frame camera. It has an APS-C sensor that is considered “cropped” because it crops the image by 1.6x.
This means that if you shoot with a 50mm lens on your 7D, then the effective focal length will be equivalent to an 80mm lens on a full-frame camera.
Still, even with its aging technology, this DSLR camera is still a good camera. It can record Full HD videos, it has a fast autofocus performance and decent low-light capabilities.
It’s actually very rugged and built like a tank! The shutter can last up to 150k shots. You can check your Canon 7D shutter count here.
From my experience with it, it’s a very reliable camera that I can take out on photography adventures without worrying.
Moreover, the Canon 7D has some weather sealing on it which makes the camera great for landscape photographers or those who find themselves shooting in harsh conditions.
I really do like its toughness. I brought it with me on a trip to Iceland and it was able to handle the cold weather as well as some rain.
Canon 7D sensor performance
For photography, its image quality is really good. I used this camera before when I’m just starting out doing wedding and portrait photography. And all I get is praise from my clients and friends.
It has a decent dynamic range and the ability to recover highlights better.
Like my Canon 5D, the Canon EOS 7D has a unique Canon color science but since it’s an older generation camera, the color it produces is more on the classic side as opposed to the more modern color that has been coming out of the newer generation of Canon cameras such as the Canon EOS R line.
Moreover, the skin tone it produces are look natural and smooth. One thing that I don’t like that much about it though is, it is not as sharp as my Canon 6D. The photos have a little softness to them.
Actually, that softness is great for shooting portraits, and like I’ve said, the photos have a classic vibe to them.
But when I’m out there shooting birds in flight and some action shots, I need something that can deliver that resolution and sharpness that I need.
And because of its age, I don’t use a lot of high ISO. Personally, I wouldn’t go above 1600 so I can minimize any degradation to my images.
Pros
- Fast autofocus
- Great skin tones
- Color reproduction is nice
- Cheap
- A great starter camera
- Can shoot Full HD videos
- Customizable button layout
- Built like a tank
Cons
- Softness on the photos
- Not so great in low light conditions
- Watch out for aliasing and moiré when filming
Alternative
If you’re looking for a DSLR that has a bigger sensor, then I highly recommend checking out the Canon 6D Mark II or the Canon 5D Mark IV.
Both cameras offer way better image quality and can handle low light really well.
They are also tough and sturdy, just like the Canon 7D. Their color science looks modern with a touch of vintage.
The colors look natural and on the warmer side. They have a great dynamic range too, which means that they can capture both shadows and highlights without losing detail on either end of the spectrum.
But if you still want to go with the APS-C route instead of full frame, then I recommend checking out the Canon EOS R7 & EOS R10. These are cropped sensor mirrorless cameras that can shoot and focus fast and have great image quality.
Both of them are fantastic for shooting wildlife and sports as well.
What is the crop factor of Canon 7D?
Since the Canon EOS 7D has a smaller APS-C sensor compared to a full frame DSLR, it has a crop factor of 1.6x. And what does this means to you?
Well, this means that the effective focal length of your lens is multiplied by 1.6x. For example, if you’re using an 18-135mm lens on the Canon 7D then it will act like a 28-220mm lens on a full frame camera.
What aspect ratio is Canon 7D?
The Canon EOS 7D can record high-definition video at a maximum resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
This is what we called Full HD.
Is the Canon 7D a professional camera?
Honestly, the Canon 7D is decent as a professional tool, it can certainly get the job done. I will definitely not use it as my primary camera during weddings but it will serve as a good backup camera.
As I’ve already mentioned, its AF is fast and I really like its color and skin tones. They are perfect for portraits!
I find myself reaching out for the 7D when I’m shooting outdoor portraits of the couple or during the reception when I need to get some candid shots.
Also, I will not use it indoors without an external flash or any adequate light source.
Overall, if you’re planning to use your 7D for professional work, don’t be worried, I’m sure it can handle most situations but you need to invest in proper lenses and get some external flashes as well.
Emma Lucy is the Founder & CEO of Emma Lucy Photography. She has over a decade of experience shooting weddings and other intimate events. She also tests the latest digital camera bodies, lenses, analog cameras, and other gear from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other camera brands. She is From London and currently lives in the United States of America, where she spends most of her time as a self-employed professional photographer and writer.