Yes, its time

5 years that I have enjoyed playing with my 20D - but times have really changed.

I love the big preview LCD, the 1X viewfinder of the 7D, the faster focus of the 7D (I think I will enjoy birding better with the 7D) and the ability to switch to video when I feel like it. There are other bells and whistles too - but I think those are ones that are swaying me.

All that remains is to drive family consensus

I am excited - as excited as I was when I got the 100-400 for the Africa trip last year!!

Good move, Kram. The focus system of the 7D is fantastic, will come in really handy for birding as you stated. Another BIG feature is microadjust for your lenses. Some use it's video capability, I didn't. Large LCD screen is really nice, too.

I went from a 50D to the 7D and saw a huge improvement if that means anything to you.

All the best,

dave

kram wrote in post #13253579
All that remains is to drive family consensus

Good move, that'll be a nice change. As for the family, start whining now, maybe it'll show up for Christmas.

The 7D will definitely be a good choice for birding. Just take the time to learn all the different AF settings and what works best for you. Sounds like you have enough experience but just thought I would put that out there since that seems to be a sticking point for many new 7D owners. You will definitely enjoy it!

Do eet.

Congratulations! it's a great camera

Perhaps it's time you upgrade your family to a new version which approves of every purchase you make. It makes shopping for expensive cameragear so much easier hehe.

/ Magnus

The 20D to the 7D is a pretty big and well earned upgrade. Enjoy.

ben_r_ wrote in post #13254404
The 20D to the 7D is a pretty big and well earned upgrade. Enjoy.

This
You will have some fun with the 7D and will appreciate what this camera will offer you after the 20D

I have owned a 20D, 40D and 7D. You will love the camera. Just watch the videos and put some time in learning its features!

Happy Shooting!

For BIF, it's hard to beat the 7D's Expansion focus or Zone focus modes.

For BIT (Birds in trees), you'll love the Spot focus mode.

You'll be blown away, coming from a 20D.

Thanks everyone for the vote of confidence

Camera will be for my b'day which is early Dec. Maybe Santa will visit sooner

Should take advantage of the 5D mark ii price drop. Don't get me wrong, the 7D is an awesome camera, but after trying full frame, I see the differences.

thestone11 wrote in post #13257353
Should take advantage of the 5D mark ii price drop. Don't get me wrong, the 7D is an awesome camera, but after trying full frame, I see the differences.

But, his birding hobby suits a 7D much better than a 5D.

thestone11 wrote in post #13257353
Should take advantage of the 5D mark ii price drop. Don't get me wrong, the 7D is an awesome camera, but after trying full frame, I see the differences.

He's a birder.

I own a 5D2 and a 7D.

Speaking from experience, when I head out to shoot birds in flight the 5D2 stays home.

The 5D2 experience isn't all it is cracked up to be, especially when you sit it next to the high performance 7D.

.

Looked at the 5D2 and I'm convinced its not for me. In fact, I have not been corrupted by full frame - so, dont know what I'm missing anyway

Looks like the camera could arrive much earlier than I expected - 1-2 weeks is what I am guessing