<H1>Canon EOS-7D - Best Value in DSLR Camera</H1>

Canon EOS-7D camera with EF lenses

The Canon EOS-7D camera has been out for over three years. You can read the specifications of the camera on Canon's website. The EOS-7D Mk II is expected to be announced some time later this year. See my earlier post on this topic.

The 7D has an APS-C size 18 megapixel CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, with ISO range from 100 - 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. It comes with the new, all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo II AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes. It also has an Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely new technology, provides approximately 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines.

What makes this camera so appealing for wildlife photography is its burst rate and advanced AF system, divided into 5 zones plus the ability to select Spot AF. The latter is most useful when photographing birds hidden among branches and leaves. Even the EOS-1D MK IV does not have this feature. Only the EOS-5D MK III and EOS-1D X cameras share this capability.

The only fly-in-the-ointment for me is the EOS-7D's mediocre ISO performance. In good lighting conditions, the camera's performance is hard to beat but when the ISO needs to go above 800 and beyond, the noise level increases 'dramatically'. It can be corrected by post processing software and although the 7D's technology is a bit 'dated', it does not deter me from selecting the camera as the best value in DSLR bodies three years in a row.

The camera lists for $1,499 but one can find sale prices all over the Internet and factory refurbished bodies are selling for about $1,000. I have taken the EOS-7D camera on all my photo shoots worldwide as a backup camera and when I need that extra reach without using extenders. I expect the Mk II version will address its Achilles heel (ISO performance) and make this camera an even better value. Can't wait to get my hands on its successor. Visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com to see many more wildlife photos taken with the EOS-7D from around the world.