7D beginner's help

Hello everyone

My apologies in advance if there is a thread related to this however for a newb getting lost around forum, I can't seem to find info.

I've had my 7D for about 6 months now. I am a beginner at DSLR from a point and shoot camera. Initially, had used automatic modes and just last month started manual and failing. I like taking landscape shots and macro of flowers, insects etc and maybe move into portraits soon. I only have the 28-135mm lens for the meantime and thinking of getting the 50mm f/1.4 in 2 weeks. Any suggestions on succeeding/ initial lens is appreciated.

I seem to be getting lots of over/underexposed and blurry shots even if I set the shutter speed, ISO, apertures etc. I am not sure if there were some settings I've screwed up while playing with the camera during video tutorials or my readings. Due to such frustration, I am tempted going back automatic but I know I'm gonna be missing out on
the camera's features hence my need for help.

Are there any beginner settings I needed to do on my camera and store such settings till I get familiar on it's features? I've read the manual and getting confused. Any suggestions for a beginner like myself is highly appreciated.

From one newb to another, the manual is "fun" but if you don't speak the language it can be tough at first. I recommend David Busch's Canon EOS 7D http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1321079​245&sr=1-1. It helped me, along with the Canon Vids on You Tube or Canon's site.
The manual, books, these forums and the vids with some trial & error is the best medicine.
If your camera /lenses are functioning properly you'll soon have it right! But you might want to get to it before your warranty goes stuck!
If there's a product problem for some reason and since you're in CA I'll provide you with a map for the Canon funride!

It would be good to see a sample shots where you have had issues with the EXIF intact so that perhaps we can determine if it is a camera issue. The fact that things seemed fine in the Auto modes would point to user error. Perhaps start more slowly and use the Av or Tv modes to start? I shoot mostly in Av unless I am using flash.

Do not be afraid to crank the ISO a bit to keep your shutter speeds up when indoors, the 28-135 is not a terribly fast lens, especially on the long end.

I think to understand the relation between Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO to get the exposure that is required is key to making the camera behave the way you want it to. Shoot Auto until you get more info here, and do not lose hope.

Best of luck....

Manual mode still suggests a metering value. Understand what metering mode your in and how it works and when it gets it wrong.

Learn the basic mechanics (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and go from there.

You need to do some homework on exposure if your shots are over/underexposed. The usual recommendation is "Understanding Exposure" by Brian Peterson.

Hi Jazmineheart,

I am also new to the 7D although slightly longer than you. I can't afford the best or the fastest glass and I can empathise on finding some of the images taken as less than sharp. One thing I have noticed is that the camera produces quite noisy images at higher iso settings. Even post processing my raw files they lack the sharpness of shots taken at iso 100 or 200. To get shutter speeds up on slower lenses I have to crank up the iso, so it is a trade off in picture quality against ruining the shot completely with a slow shutter speed when hand-held. I use mine on aperture priority mostly but it does bracket the exposure in both Av & Tv modes for three successive shots so some exposure adjustment is necessary in post processing but if you stick to shooting in raw this is easily achieved with the supplied software or Adobe Camera Raw for those who can afford it. Don't forget the golden rule that shutter speed should be at least the reciprocal of your chosen focal length when hand-held, in other words at 28mm your shutter speed needs to be at least 1/30 sec. but at 135mm needs to be at least 1/160 sec. increase your iso to achieve this in low light. Enable highlight alert in the menu and enable histogram. Both these tools should help you achieve correct exposure. Hope this helps you a little - Happy shooting

I have had a 7D for almost two years now. Maybe I can share some of my experiences with you.

1. Skip the cheaper lense-buy-urges (55-250 for example). They are not bad lenses, but the L lenses or lenses with lower F-capability are simply THAT much better. The 50mm will serve you well, but also consider the EF 17-55 2.8. It seems like it was invented for the 7D, very good IQ, very good versatility. 85 1.8 is also a stellar performer, especially for the money. And the EF 70-200 2.8L II...wow. I mean, just wow (yes, it's very expensive, but: WOW).

2. Activate all the by default disabled AF settings in the menu, and learn to use them so you can swith focus selection blindly.

3. Set in-camera contrast to -4 (minus four) and do your adjusting in PP (I use DPP which is supplied with the camera). For me personally, I find Photoshop and / or Adobe Lightroom to be overkill.

4. Set in-camera sharpening to zero (see 3). Mind that you have to do that for all modes seperately! DPP sharpening * to me* seems to to give better results than the equivalent in-camera setting (I shoot RAW exclusively btw).

5. Get a good flash, the 430 EX ii is excellent, the 580 better. Try out the remote flash capability of the 7D with the 430, it's great.

6. I had a Tamron 90 Macro, but found that any of my lenses coupled to one ore more extenders yields perfect results, with better versatility. I sold the Tamron.

7. Shoot, shoot, shoot

I wish you a lot of fun with the 7D.

Cheers.

Leon

The 7D is not an easy camera to use. It takes a good deal of practice, customizing, and reading to get there. The target is to become fluent in Manual. Av while not really meant to be a crutch, can make your shooting a bit easier to do.

One feature I think you must have is when viewing shots you've just taken the camera will identify where sections of the photo have been blown out by blinking black flashes in those sections. This will assist you in understanding where you need to tweak your metering. Also, I had a pal here in POTN suggest that I move my 7's focusing off the shutter and instead relocate it to the back of the camera onto the * button. You'll need to refer to a manual or get an experienced Eos pal to help you. It takes some finger training, but the best thing is it locks the focus once while you shoot continually. Move and you'll have to refocus again.

Lastly, I've found that getting a couple books helps as authors vary in approach and depth on a topic.

Enjoy, it's a terrific camera once you learn to drive it.

One last thing, and I can't emphasize this enough, participate in the photo challenges. The topic is given, your imagination is pushed, and you have to be able to control your camera. Also, it will get you taking pictures of things you never thought you would. I speak from experience, participating weekly makes you a better photographer.

+1 for NU27D's suggestion about David Busch's book on the Canon 7D.

I mostly shoot Manual. But I really appreciate Av (and occasionally Tv and even P) for some situations.

In addition to the other suggestions, here's another. If you can find a photography 101 course at a local college, explore taking it.

They will almost invariably require you to shoot RAW in Manual mode, and will teach you how to use Manual quickly, confidently and effectively. When you turn in your work on the various assigned projects, the instructor can see from your EXIF data if you "cheated" and used "auto-" anything.

It's a great way to become familiar with Manual, as well as learn some other tips and also establish at least an essential basic post-processing workflow in DPP or Photoshop. (Generally, you will be required to set in-camera settings, such as saturation / contrast / sharpness, etc., to zero, and perform those tasks in post- as needed.)

Especially when new to a camera like the 7D, or to digital photography, such a course is invaluable and cost-effective, IMO.

I recently got my 7D after three years with my 40D. I love them both. And yes, there really IS a difference I could see immediately. It's terrific having the 40D as a second and / or backup camera.

Be patient with yourself and definitely make a genuine effort to learn Manual. It's really not that difficult, and once you're familiar with it, it's fast and becomes second nature . . . and the easiest / quickest way to get EXACTLY what you have in mind!

Still, for some situations, those auto-Modes come in handy and they're there for a reason!

Enjoy your 7D!

+1 to Kevan's suggestion of back-button focusing. I use it on both my 40D and 7D. A GREAT technique and tool to get familiar with.

On "My Menu," I have the Custom option IV readily available at the press of the "Menu" button, so I can quickly toggle back and forth between back-button focus or half-press shutter-button focus, depending on what I'm shooting.

Bush's book is OK, but be aware that there are errors in it that you might find frustrating. I am talking about statements that clearly refer to a different model, and in some cases outright errors. You can still learn a lot from it, but if you do get it, do so after doing your best to digest the OEM manual. You will be less likely to wonder why Bush isn't making sense in some place.

join local photo clubs. Take advantage of their accumulated wit and wisdom. You will find at least one person who knows 7D inside and out. They may also do field trips and have discounts at local businesses.

The zoom lens may need flash when indoors. Outside, you should be able to do fine with it.
The shutter speed should be 1/effective focal length. This means, for a crop, it would be 1/50 at 28mm and 1/200 for the long end of the zoom. You may be able to get away with lower shutter speeds for stationary objects.
I use a T2i and it should have similar ISO performance to the 7D. If not, please let me know. I have no problem shooting at ISO 1600 and even will go to ISO 3200 if pressed. Sure, the photos are sharper at ISO 400 or 800, but not if there is subject motion blurr.
Have you tried higher ISOs?
Do I have a special T2i, or is the 7D poor at high ISOs? The reviews say that it should even be slightly better than the T2i at high ISOs.

Have you watched the tutorial videos on B&H's site? Very helpful.