The New 7D AF System Explained

[Ralf Nabong]

Here's the link from Canon Digital Learning Center discussing the AF system of the new EOS 7D.

usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=3049&productID=329&articleTypeID=5

[ppaaoolloo]

From what I gathered from user feedback the 7d's AF is superior to the 50d and predecessors. I doubt it is better than the 1DMK3 but could give the 1DMK2 a run for its money.

ISO performance is superior to the 50d and predecessors.

Pixel density increase of 78% from the 40d helps "lengthen" any focal length. Effective FL with the 7d from the 40d

40d = 10.1MP vs 7d = 18MP

200mm = 570mm

300mm = 855mm

400mm = 1,140mm

500mm = 1,425mm

600mm = 1,710mm

800mm = 2,281mm

1,000mm = 2,851mm

1,200mm = 3,421mm

1,600mm = 4,562mm

But is the 7d worth the 89,000 cash price I have been seeing around town.

[Toto Gamboa]

Hi Paolo, the cash price includes already a 3 year warranty, I think a crumpler bag and an 8GB CF.

[ppaaoolloo]

For first time buyers the extras are nice. I think this is also a good way to gain length kaso... Feb's just 4 months away.

[Ed Matuod]

Just returned mine. Don't like its ISO capabilities....even in ISO200 digital noise still noticeable. I still like my 1D MkII N.

[Teddy Regpala]

I read last night from DPreview that Canon just released a firmware update to "improve" the AF accuracy during LV shooting, and to fix some other bugs.

www.dpreview.com/news/0910/09101901canon7dfirmware.asp

[Romy Ocon]

Oct 19, 2009 17:31:17 GMT Ed Matuod said:

Just returned mine. Don't like its ISO capabilities....even in ISO200 digital noise still noticeable. I still like my 1D MkII N.

Yes, it's sad that Canon went up to 18 MP. the 7D would've been a killer if it only had 12 MP with the same sensor tech. The files will be smaller too and the buffer and frame rate can be increased.

I believe the spotty AF performance at BIFs with busy BG can be mitigated via firmware, but the pixel-level noise at lower ISOs is always a given at that small pixel size. I hope the 1D4 won't have smaller pixels than the 40D ( maximum of 15 - 16 MP on APS-H), otherwise I've to skip that too.