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Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon USA Inc. EOS 7D: Canon's 18mpix APS-C DSLR announced, previewed
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(Tuesday, September 1, 2009 - 00:00 EDT)

Canon USA Inc. has today announced its new EOS 7D single-lens reflex digital camera, as well as three new lenses, a new battery grip, and a new wireless file transmitter - and we've just posted our hands-on Canon 7D preview.

Positioned alongside the existing EOS 5D Mark II and above the EOS 50D, the Canon EOS 7D marks the launch of a new model line for the company's EOS series. In front of an APS-C sized CMOS image sensor with an effective resolution of 18 megapixels, the Canon 7D's lens mount accepts Canon EF or EF-S lenses. Thanks to eight channel readout and dual DIGIC 4 processors, burst shooting is possible at up to eight frames per second, with a burst depth of up to 15 Raw or 126 JPEG frames. ISO sensitivity ordinarily ranges from 100 to 6,400 equivalents, with an ISO 12,800 setting available via a custom function.

The Canon 7D includes a new 63-zone dual-layer color-sensitive metering sensor, as well as a new phase detection autofocus sensor with nineteen cross-type f/5.6 sensors, and one X-type f/2.8 sensor at the middle of the frame. The exposure and focusing systems are also more closely integrated with each other - for example information from the color metering sensor is used to allow the AF system to take the color of the light source into account when determining focus point. The AI Servo AF algorithms have also been improved to better handle changes in subject direction, and the camera can now change the active AF point when the orientation sensor detects that it has been changed from landscape to portrait orientation, or vice versa. A built-in popup flash has a guide number of 12 meters / 39 feet at ISO 100, and the EOS 7D's built-in flash can act as a controller for wireless flash strobes. There's also a PC sync connector and hot shoe for external flash units, and maximum flash sync is at 1/250 second.

On the rear of its dust and water-resistant body, the 7D has a 3.0-inch LCD display with 920,000 dot resolution with live view capability. There's also a pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and 1.0x magnification. The viewfinder doesn't allow interchangeable focusing screens, but does include a new LED-illuminated transparent polymer network LCD display which can alternate between displaying patterns for the AF system, metering system and an alignment grid. It's also now possible to display the active focus point when using AI Servo AF. The Canon EOS 7D also offers a dual axis electronic level function, which can display 360 degrees of roll and 10 degrees of pitch in one-degree increments.

The EOS 7D is capable of recording video clips as long as twelve minutes at up to "Full HD" resolution - that's 1920 x 1080 pixels at approximately 24, 25 or 30 frames per second. Lower resolution video modes include high definition 1280 x 720 pixel clips with the same twelve minute limit, or standard definition 640 x 480 pixel (VGA) clips as long as 24 minutes - both at frame rates of approximately 50 or 60fps. The Canon 7D stores its vidoes as AVC / H.264 compressed .MOV files, and features both an internal microphone, and a stereo jack for external microphones. The 7D also offers in-camera movie editing capabilities.

The Canon EOS 7D stores images and movies on Type-I or Type-II CompactFlash cards including Microdrives, and draws power from an LP-E6 lithium ion rechargeable battery, the same type as used in the EOS 5D Mark II. Battery life is rated at 1,000 shots to CIPA testing standards, or 800 shots with 50% flash usage. Connectivity includes both high-definition HDMI and standard-definition NTSC / PAL composite video output, and USB 2.0 High-Speed data.

The Canon EOS 7D ships from September 2009, with pricing set at about $1,700 body-only. Alongside the camera, Canon has also announced three new lenses - the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM ($900 from mid-October), the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS ($550 from the end of September), and the EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM ($1,0 from the end of September) - this last model being the world's first to include Canon's new Hybrid IS technology. Finally, Canon has unveiled its new BG-E7 battery grip and WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter, the latter of which adds support for Wi-Fi Protected Setup and 802.11a networks, camera linking and media server functionality, WFT server mode, and support for bluetooth GPS units. We don't have pricing or availability info for the battery grip, but the WFT-E5A will ship from early November priced at about $700.

For more details, read our hands-on Canon EOS 7D preview.

Canon EOS 7D
Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon USA Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypePro SLR
ManufacturerCanon
Model Number7D
Dimensions5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9 in.
(148 x 111 x 74 mm)
Weight33.3 oz
(945 g)
Planned Price$1,699
Planned AvailabilitySeptember 2009
Image Capture
Sensor TypeCanon CMOS
APS-C (approx. 1.07 in. diagonal)
19.00 megapixels (total)
18.00 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Focal Length Multiplier1.60
Aspect Ratio16:9, 4:3
Image Dimensions5184 x 3456 (17.9 megapixels)
3888 x 2592 (10.1 megapixels)
3456 x 2304 (8.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1728 (4.5 megapixels)
Capture SpeedStandard: 4.5 frames per second for 32 frames
Continuous: 8.0 frames per second for 22 frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder Yes, SLR type; fixed eye-level pentaprism, 1.0x mag., 22mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter
100% field of view
LCD3.0 in. diagonal
920,000 dots (approx. 307,000 pixels)
100% field of view
Playback Zoom10.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeInterchangeable Lens
Lens MountCanon EF, EF-S
Focusing SystemAF-dedicated CMOS Sensor, 19 cross-type AF points, f/2.8 rotated cross center point
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100 - 6400 in 1/3 or 1EV steps, H=12800
Shutter Speed30 - 1/8000 second
Exposure ModesAperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes63-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Partial (9.4%), Spot linked to active AF point (2.3%)
Exposure Compensation+/- 5.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Kelvin 2500K - 10,000K
Internal FlashGuide Number: 12
Modes: E-TTL II
Range: Lens aperture dependent
Flash Exposure Compensation+/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV increments
Creative
Scene ModesCreative Auto, 3 Custom User Settings
Self TimerYes, 10 or 2 seconds
Movie Format.MOV (H.264) with audio
Max. clip length: 720 seconds () / 1,440 seconds ()
Storage
Recording MediumCompactFlash Type I or Type II
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format14-bit RAW, MRAW, SRAW, JPEG
Connectivity
VideoHigh definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherN3-type push-in terminal, HDMI mini out, external microphone jack, extension system terminal for WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter
Power
Battery TypeLP-E6 Lithium-ion rechargeble
Battery Form FactorProprietary
Product Bundle
SoftwareCanon Solutions Disc version 21.0 (EOS Utility, ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser, Digital Photo Professional.Picture Style Editor, Movie Edit Task, PhotoStitch, Memory Card utility, WFT Utility, Original Data Security Tool
Battery / ChargerProprietary LP-E6 Lithium-ion rechargeble battery and charger
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes, Metal
Remote ControlYes, Optional Wired or Wireless
Notes8 fps continuous mode, all new 19-point AF system, built-in flash can be wireless master, dual-axis electronic level.
More Photos
Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon USA Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon USA Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon USA Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon USA Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon USA Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon USA Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
with EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens
Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon USA Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
with EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon USA Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon USA Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
with BG-E7 portrait grip and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon USA Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
with WFT-E5a wireless transmitter and EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens
Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon USA Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
with WFT-E5a wireless transmitter
 

Original Source Press Release:

Canon U.S.A. Redefines Mid-Range DSLR Category With The New EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera

The EOS 7D Features Fast Eight fps Continuous Shooting, Class-Leading 18-Megapixel Resolution and Full HD Video Recording with Variable Frame Rates and Manual Exposure Control

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 1, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced a revolutionary camera that redefines the highly competitive mid-range DSLR product category: the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. Professional photographers and advanced amateurs have been demanding higher performance and more diverse functions in their cameras, and Canon has answered – with the new EOS 7D. Far more than a slight improvement from a previous model, the EOS 7D DSLR is a brand new product that stands on its own with new features never before seen in any Canon camera. Whether it’s shooting at eight frames per second (fps), focusing with the new Zone AF mode or recording 24p Full HD video, the EOS 7D DSLR camera satisfies the most rigorous professional requirements with durability, flexibility, high-resolution images and customizable controls. With its unprecedented out-of-the-box performance and high-end feature set, the EOS 7D is poised as the ultimate step-up camera for serious photographers or a second camera for professionals in the field.

The EOS 7D boasts significant EOS advancements including a completely new 19-point Autofocus system, a new Canon iFCL Metering System (Intelligent Focus, Color, Luminance) and a new Intelligent Viewfinder. An 18-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors fuel the EOS 7D’s 14-bit A/D data conversion and its ability to freeze fast motion in high-resolution with eight fps continuous shooting up to 126 Large JPEGS using a UDMA CF card, positioning this camera for the studio as well as the sideline. The EOS 7D captures beautiful low-light images with or without a flash, at occasions such as a dance recital or wedding reception, thanks to a wide range of ISO speed settings from 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800). In addition to its new still capture capabilities, the EOS 7D features Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p. Native 24p recording helps videographers achieve a more cinema-style look for their footage without the need for post-processing. 

“The EOS 7D represents a completely new chapter in digital photography and Canon product development. This camera stands alone as the most functional and innovative DSLR Canon has released to-date, bringing together all of the best professional features offered, along with numerous user requests at a price-point everyone can appreciate,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. 

The Evolution of Vision, the EOS 7D’s New Autofocus System
The Canon EOS 7D boasts the most advanced AF system ever seen in an EOS SLR. The completely re-designed system includes a new multi-axis cross-type 19-point AF grid, where the focusing points are evenly spread out across the image plane and clearly displayed through Canon’s new Intelligent Viewfinder. All 19 points are f/5.6-sensitive for both horizontal and vertical cross-type focusing, while the center AF point adds high-precision diagonal cross-type sensitivity for f/2.8 and larger aperture lenses. The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is the first EOS SLR to feature 19 cross-type focusing points that remain fully functional with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, which brings the performance of the AF system to unprecedented levels for assignments as varied as fast-moving sports action or low-light wedding ceremonies.

The Canon EOS 7D’s AF system allows numerous AF area selection modes never seen before in an EOS SLR camera. New modes include:

  • Spot AF mode reduces the size of a single AF point to focus on small subjects like an animal in a cage.

  • AF Point Expansion mode uses a cluster of AF points adjacent to the selected AF point to automatically assist focusing on moving subjects, such as an athlete on the run.

  • Zone AF divides the 19 AF points into five selectable focusing zones and makes it easier to achieve focus with subjects that are difficult to track with Single Point AF or AF point expansion, such as birds in flight.

Additional AF improvements include a revised Automatic AF point selection sequence that allows a user to pick any one of the 19 AF points as a starting point for tracking moving subjects in AI Servo mode. (Previous EOS models required the subject to first be acquired by the center focusing point.) If the subject moves away, the camera will continue to track the movement with the remaining points and display the active focusing point in the viewfinder. Also, a time-saving feature is AF Point Switching, which allows photographers to select and register one AF point for horizontal compositions and a second AF point for vertical shooting, ideal for studio and portrait photographers.

To complement the new AF system, the exposure metering system for the EOS 7D has been completely re-designed to take color information into account, another first for an EOS system. Canon’s iFCL metering includes a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor that reads both illumination and color for consistent results in all lighting conditions, keeping exposure levels stable from shot to shot, even as the light source changes.

Canon’s new Intelligent Viewfinder uses a liquid crystal overlay to provide clear and precise displays of focusing points and zones, on-demand grid lines and a spot metering circle. The LCD overlay can also be illuminated in extreme low-light situations or turned off completely. The EOS 7D camera’s viewfinder includes a large all-glass pentaprism with an antireflective coating to maximize clarity and provide a brighter display. The EOS 7D’s Intelligent Viewfinder features 1.0x magnification with 100 percent coverage for accurate composition and checking of detail. 

EOS HD Movie: Empowering the World of Videography
Canon has blazed new trails in HD video capture with the 5D Mark II. Now, the EOS 7D takes DSLR video to new heights with Full HD capture featuring fully manual exposure control, and selectable cinematic frame rates for both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards. Compatible with more than 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses, the EOS 7D lets videographers take full advantage of the camera’s large CMOS sensor to achieve the dramatic frame composition they desire. At the heart of the EOS 7D are two key proprietary Canon technologies, Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors and a large APS-C–sized CMOS sensor, helping to render stunning color reproduction, amazing depth of field and fine detail, even in low-light conditions. The Canon EOS 7D allows for three video recording modes – Full HD and HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio, all at selectable frame rates. The EOS 7D Digital SLR camera will record Full HD at 1920 x 1080 pixels in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); 720p HD recording at 50p or 60p (59.94) and SD video at frame rates of 50p or 60p (59.94). The EOS 7D features a new dedicated button to initiate live view for both video and still shooting. Once engaged, the same dedicated button will start and stop video recording. Like the EOS 5D Mark II, the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera provides users with the capability to use an external stereo microphone for professional audio effects or a built-in monaural microphone for convenience. 

The Features You Asked For
A helpful new tool for architectural and landscape photography where angles and perspective are critical is Canon’s new built-in Dual Axis Electronic Level, featuring an artificial horizon over the image on the rear LCD screen in Live View or in the viewfinder using illuminated AF points for easy leveling while shooting. The dual axis electronic level shows both horizontal roll and vertical pitch, making it easy to identify when the camera is in a fixed level shooting position and ready to take the shot.

The EOS 7D’s pop-up flash features a built-in Integrated Speedlite Transmitter for control of multiple off-camera EOS Speedlites without the need for an external transmitter. This built-in wireless option is a compact and economical solution for studio and wedding photography with multiple flash set-ups.     

A new Intelligent Macro Tracking function helps reduce blur during macro shooting by recognizing when a macro lens is attached and automatically adjusting the AI Servo sampling frequency.  This AI Servo adjustment accounts for camera movement forward and back, a typical occurrence when moving in close for a macro shot as photographers rock back and forth, or a flower blows in the wind. 

Once in your hands, you can immediately feel the ergonomic improvements of the Canon EOS 7D camera, starting with a new super-fluid body design with continuous curves outlining the top of the camera and a revised grip that fits better in a user’s hand. The camera has a new Quick Control Button, which opens an easy-to-navigate menu on the camera’s LCD screen. From this menu, users can adjust all camera settings including AF modes as well as set custom button functions, an insightful new feature that can easily customize each button’s function to the photographer’s preference. Another new feature is the RAW/JPEG toggle button providing quick dual-format shooting, allowing photographers to quickly add large JPEG or RAW file formats to their already selected shooting mode at the touch of a button. 

The Canon EOS 7D camera also features a new large, clear 3.0-inch solid structure Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution for enhanced clarity and color when viewing images. The camera’s nine internal seals enhance weather resistance, and its 150,000-cycle shutter durability positions the EOS 7D as a “workhorse” for professionals in any photography discipline.

New Wireless Connectivity
Canon is announcing the availability of the new WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter (WFT) exclusively for the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter offers professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work. The WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter opens the door to new possibilities in remote and Geotagged shooting applications. Photographers can fire up to 10 cameras simultaneously from across the room or across the country while maintaining control over camera settings and remote live view on a laptop or smart phone.[i] The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter can also transfer and display images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible televisions and photo frames. Geotagging is now possible via Bluetooth, using compatible GPS devices to append coordinate data to the images.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers at the end of September, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $1,699.00[ii]. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,899.00[iii]. The Canon WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter is scheduled to be available in early November and sell at an estimated retail price of $699.99[iv]

Canon Digital Learning Center
Online visitors and Web surfers are encouraged to browse the Canon Digital Learning Center and take advantage of the various educational resources that Canon has to offer for novices and advanced photographers alike. The Canon Digital Learning Center provides a schedule for a wide variety of Live Learning classes across the country with renowned photographers as well as online resources and tips. The site also features online tutorials for beginners and professionals to learn their way around a digital SLR camera and inkjet printer and unlock the full creative control of digital photography. To learn more about each program and register, please visit: www.usa.canon.com/canonlivelearning

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2008†, with global revenues of US $45 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2008 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/RSS .

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†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.

  1. The WFT-E5A WFT unit supports various LAN functions, including wireless LAN “11a” in environments where IEEE802.11b/g cannot be used, high-speed communication Ethernet (100BASE-TX), and Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). The WFT-E5A will also support the WFT server, which enables remote shooting while viewing the Live View image on a computer or handheld terminal, such as a smart phone.

  2. Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

  3. Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

  4. Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

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