3. Canon EOS 7D DSLR Camera

Canon EOS 7D DSLR

• EOS 7D SLR Digital...
• • US1Camera
  • $1649.00
• • B&H Photo-Video
  • $1699.95
• • Buydig.com
  • $1699.00
• • FumFie.com
  • $1419.95
• • 42nd Street Photo
  • $1669.99

By giving its newest pro-sumer crop-sensor camera the name 7D, Canon clearly wanted to send a message that this was more than just a refresh of the EOS 50D with even more megapixels (18MP on a 1.6x sensor), video, and a higher price tag.  Fortunately for Canon, the 7D delivers on the promise of a true upgrade.

One of the most striking new features is its big, bright viewfinder, which has 1.0X magnification and 100% coverage, meaning you see exactly what the sensor records.  On top of that, Canon has added an all-new 19 point autofocus system (with all cross-type sensors, meaning better AF accuracy at all points) and dual Digic IV processors to handle the new AF as well as keep up with the super speedy 8 frames per second continuous shooting.  The AF system is highly customizable—among other abilities, you can choose to let the camera track subjects by considering adjacent focus points, or concentrate the camera’s focus on a particular zone, rather than just a single point.  You can even have the camera automatically use a different autofocus point depending on whether you are holding the camera in a landscape or portrait mode.  The new AF system coupled with the blazing frame rate makes this an impressive camera for sports photographers (whether covering the NBA or AYSO), birders, or anyone else that wants to capture fast-moving subjects.

Other new features include the ability to wirelessly control up to three groups of four flashes, an electronic level in the viewfinder, better weather sealing than the 50D, and excellent movie abilities (for a DSLR).

Canon has crammed even more megapixels on the same size sensor, giving the 7D excellent detail and resolution (and giant image sizes).  And despite all these extra pixels, the low light performance (with the ability to go all the way up to ISO 12800) is among the best for a crop sensor camera.

The 7D’s video mode, accessible by a dedicated button on the back of the camera that switches between still and video, boasts full manual control over shutter speed and aperture, allowing you to create a very cinematic look.  The 7D records video at 1920x1080 (1080p) at 24, 25, or 30 frames per second, or 1280x720 (720p) at 60 or 50 frames per second.  You can plug an external mic into the camera’s 3.5mm socket for stereo sound, or use the built in mic to capture monaural audio.

While the $1699 retail price (without lens) may seem steep, the 7D offers some impressive specs for the price.  The camera bests the 50D in all respects, and for the price difference of stepping up to full-frame in the 5D Mark II ($2699) you can pick up some quality “L” glass (Canon's top of the line lenses) instead.

If it isn’t obvious by now, this camera is designed for professional photographers and serious amateurs. The decision to go with a specific brand of camera is a big choice for a photographer since in most cases lenses are not interchangeable between brands. For someone already on the Canon bandwagon, the 7D is an obvious choice. And for a photographer who hasn’t yet committed or doesn’t yet have a closet full of Nikon glass, the 7D is an aspirational choice. --Rachel Rosmarin