Oops

[James I]

Hi James, I am going to buy a 7D after trying Chimpy's for the day, I think you must be doing something wrong as the images I got were much better than my 40D and 50D have ever produced.
Images taken were cars and Low Fly they have been printed up to A3+ and no noise is visible, when I magnified the images to 100% on the screen there is a little noise but what do you expect? Noise free hasn't been invented yet and most people who buy images are not photographers and do not know what noise is so aren't looking for it.

Enjoy your 1D but I am sure there will be some noise present with that too.

Jamie

[James Wheeler]

The issues seem to be most apparent when using higher apertures, low flying jets I am guessing you would have been using high shutter speeds for (subsequently lower apertures).

It seems very strange that whilst changing from 40D to 7D to 1D MkIV and my work flow not changing that much (aside from additional NR on the 7D at times) the 7D was much noisier at ISO100. I am not suggesting noise free has been invented; clearly I am completely incompetent though in your eyes.

My friend had the same results on images at air shows with his 7D which he bought as a backup and is also getting rid of his for the same reasons as I so I don't think it is just me or my specific 7D. Both of us had reached much the same conclusions before we actually sat down and compared images.

[James I]

Interesting to hear this James as I will have to have a good play in different conditions before I buy one now.

Thanks

Jamie

[James Wheeler]

I will see if I can dig out some examples for you to demonstrate what I mean. Certainly at the Old Warden show a couple of weeks ago in crap light (and lower apertures) I got results I was happier with.

Certainly the calculated Diffraction Limited Aperture of f/6.3 is much lower than other bodies out there and it wasn't like I had crap glass on the thing.

Wildlife stuff and at higher ISOs it seemed to do pretty well but again I was down at low apertures.

[Mark W]

Mike I kept my 40D as backup and never really looked seriously at the 7, went straight to the 1D thats the way to go.

[chimpy]

I've never heard of a camera having noise on certain subjects and not on others at the same ISO with the same lenses because whatever aperture and shutter speed combinations you use all cameras are calibrated to expose for 18% grey therefore the light reaching the sensor/film is exactly the same. Chimpy.

[James Wheeler]

I haven't said that at all, of course the same noise exists on any subject. How apparent it is can differ of course.

[chimpy]

So James the 7D is a good camera apart for photographing planes in flight? Chimpy

[James Wheeler]

sigh

I have been happy with results from it photographing some subjects and extremely unhappy with results from it shooting aircraft, mostly on brightly lit days. This is my experience with it, I can't say any more. If I had kept it and had been unhappy with what is 90% of what I spend my time photographing I would have ended up not taking photos any more or leaving it in the camera bag and using the 40D and I don't find either an acceptable option given the money spent on it and the fact I enjoy taking photographs.

As a result of this I upgraded the body and we will see if my back is well enough to go to Biggin tomorrow if I get on any better with it vs the 7D.

[mstphoto]

This has been an interesting thread.
I think my "must have" mentality has kicked in and feel that I "must have" the 7D.
However, when I stop to think about it I can't remember when last I used my 40D since getting my 5D Mk2.
So, would the 7D get used?
Probably as I miss the effect of "extra reach" of the cropped sensor - but yet again the images from the 5D Mk2 can withstand some mega crops and still get good results.

As I have replaced all my EF-s lenses with "L" glass, I think the most sensible option is to do as Mark W says and go down the 1D road.
In the meantime I really should appreciate what I have and get out and use it more.

Its all irrelevent at the moment as my daughter is getting married at the end of August. We were across visiting her last night only to find that her washing machine has packed in.
My other half piped up "Don't worry Sarah. Your Dad will buy you a new one"
BL**DY WOMAN!! - Good at spending other peoples money ie MINE.
Just hoping Sarah says "Don't worry Dad. Beverly will buy you a nice new 1D Mk4"
No - I don't think it will happen either.

[Mark W]

Mike I think that makes sense, the 7D has some lovely features and is well worth the money for sure. But it is very much oh its new I want it with me like you have just said.

With the launch of the Mark IV prices have started to come down and reached a more achievable level, to the point I could get a 1D for the same price as a 7D. Some of my friends who are pro's tried to send me down the 7D route but to be fair I knew what I wanted and stuck to my guns, have to say that Im more than happy with my new camera.

[Hadrian]

I have had the 7D since November last year, at the time I felt the feature set was above the 5D2 and stated so, I would say the images from the 7D are no worse then the 40D, they need to be treat post process differently, that is for sure, detail/resolution is much more apparent than the 40D, and on occasion with poor camera technique/post process noise even at low ISO does become evident, when over-handed use of exposure and/or sharpening is used. Diffraction is a real problem though and even at f11, resolution falloff is apparent and as a landscaper the need/want for a longer shutter speed is a problem.
I for one will continue to use the camera but will be looking to upgrade to the 5D3 when it is realised, I am certain the along with the next reincarnation of the 5D(s), the 7D will become the 5D's partner opening a new line of sales for Canon. I am sure that James as made the right decision, Perhaps high contrast shots that he is talking about are a problem, they may be for me if I didn't use filters etc. Each to their own, and judging by James images he certainly knows how to handle is equipment..... ;0)

[Martyn]

James, your last post very eloquently explains the reasoning behind upgrading your gear to a newer and better model.

This is something of a contrast the "mmmm...shiny....me want" approach to equipment upgrades that I'm used to. An interesting approach, this logic thing, but I'm not sure it'll catch on

mmmm...shiny....me want! (lol)

But for the moment I'll make do with the 5D.

Martyn

[Fusion10]

A wise trade.. you will love it, I do....