Canon 7D review for professional wedding photographers

I got my Canon 7D about 2 hours before my last wedding, and of course I wouldn't rely on unproven equipment at a wedding, so I used a couple of 40Ds. I haven't read the manual yet, or used it much IRL. Really you can pretty much discard my opinions, except as first impressions. I've had little chance to try it out but here's my first impressions:

• The AF system and metering modes are totally different from the 40D. Totally. The viewfinder ROCKS, it's HUGE!
  
• There's a bunch of new metering modes. If I read the manual I might work them out. Until then hit the new M-Fn button until it lets you select center point focus. That's what the cool kids use anyway.
  
• The focus confirmation's a dot at the bottom right of the frame. That kinda sucks, it doesn't seem like much but that's a huge distance for your eye to travel when you're focused elsewhere. A red dot at the focus point is much easier, and less distracting from the subject. It does sometimes flash, maybe I just need to read the manual. I don't like manuals. I like idiot proof.
  
• Taking photos of a bride and groom during a very energetic first dance at ISO12800 F1.6 1/40th (ie very dark) the AF system worked pretty well. Far more photos are in focus than i'd have gotten with the 40D without AF assist, but there was perceptible lag - remember it was very dark. When I used the 40D everything was in focus, but I had a 580EX II fitted, and hence an AF beam. This was a really challenging situation, with a Sigma 30 F1.4 lens, and the couple was young and quick with a fantastic routine! It was so dark I used two hands to find my nose.
  
• The 7D focuses more quickly than the 40D. No doubt about it. When it's very dark there's still a bit of lag, but that's expected, it's not magic.
  
• It feels good in my hands. The small ridge below the * button on the right side of my thumb is a tiny detail but in practice makes it nicer to hold.
  
• It has more buttons than the space shuttle (well...). 21 buttons, 3 dials, 1 big LCD, one info LCD. The LCD's 20% than my iPhone screen, ish.. More than enough for a preview and a histogram. Back in my day our LCD was the size of a postage stamp, and we walked two miles in the snow for our preview.
  
• It does video. I don't think video editing tools are included. I wish they were.
  
• If you can use a 40D, you can use 7D, the button layout's the same.
  
• It seems to work great with a Canon 17-55 F2.8 IS. There's a vignette correction feature. I'll turn it off, 'cause that just saves me adding it later. To paraphrase the words of the immortal David Williams, i'm a Wedding and Portrait Photographer, if there's no vignette i'm just going to add it later!
  
• It's expensive (ish) at NZD$3100. It's a 5D2 with a smaller sensor, but with new toys.
  
• It's sexy.
  

tim wrote in post #8752850
I got my Canon 7D about 2 hours before my last wedding,

Perhaps you can use the 7D to make a better Avatar.

Thanks for the RAW files.

donbga wrote in post #8752910
Perhaps you can use the 7D to make a better Avatar.

Thank you for your constructive critique, I always appreciate constructive critique, and trolls are fun too. I would welcome your contribution about how to improve my avatar given the ISO100 files from the 40D. If you can't see the detail you'd like you might like to visit your local optometrist.

tim wrote in post #8752850
I got my Canon 7D about 2 hours

Thanks for the RAW captures. I just looked at those in ACR and they are impressive!

tim wrote in post #8753036
Thank you for your constructive critique, I always appreciate constructive critique, and trolls are fun too. I would welcome your contribution about how to improve my avatar given the ISO100 files from the 40D. If you can't see the detail you'd like you might like to visit your local optometrist.

I just don't think the lighting used to shot your Avatar is adequate or creative. It's difficult to see what isn't there.

donbga wrote in post #8753152
I just don't think the lighting used to shot your Avatar is adequate or creative. It's difficult to see what isn't there.

Trust me, you don't want to see the fullness of Tim's face....

How much did you actually end up using the 7D at the wedding? Care to post some edited shots?

Thanks for the writeup.

donbga wrote in post #8753152
I just don't think the lighting used to shot your Avatar is adequate or creative. It's difficult to see what isn't there.

It looks like at long last we finally have our much needed Avatar critic on the forum. I look forward to getting professional advice on creating the perfect avatar, which I admit has always been an afterthought on my part -- and a most foolhardy one at that. The gods are kind.

donbga wrote in post #8753143
Thanks for the RAW captures. I just looked at those in ACR and they are impressive!

BTW, the ISO 800 shot is just slightly OOF compared to the the other two files. This is not meant to be a negative comment but rather a testament to the quality of the files.

joedlh wrote in post #8753191
It looks like at long last we finally have our much needed Avatar critic on the forum. I look forward to getting professional advice on creating the perfect avatar, which I admit has always been an afterthought on my part -- and a most foolhardy one at that. The gods are kind.

Well thanks Joe, it's great to have your vote of confidence.

Now that we have that over with let's not try to hijack the thread.

Pete wrote in post #8753159
Trust me, you don't want to see the fullness of Tim's face....

Pete, you're a beautiful man. Not showing my face is a public service.

dinko wrote in post #8753171
How much did you actually end up using the 7D at the wedding? Care to post some edited shots?

Thanks for the writeup.

20 shots of of 1800, all grab shots in terrible light during the first dance. Using ISO12800 is a pretty good clue about the light, all ambient from the ugly LED lights from the band. Not pretty. I might post a few images later, once I work out how to use DPP, since Adobe can't work out mRaw which I was using at the time. Note... if you get a 7D expect to buy more memory cards, RAW files are 30MB.

My next wedding isn't for three weeks, by then i'll have read the manual.

donbga wrote in post #8753228
BTW, the ISO 800 shot is just slightly OOF compared to the the other two files. This is not meant to be a negative comment but rather a testament to the quality of the files.

All images were taken within 20 seconds, using the same technique, hand held stabilized by my kitchen bench. If you want precise images don't use images of a bottle I just finished. Use them for noise, nothing else, since they're not lab conditions.

If I was considering a 7D, I'd be thanking Tim right now (not talking about an av or OOF files). Great review!

The focus lag is one of the most frustrating parts of dark shooting; I want instant reaction. Good thing I wasn't planning on ever buying a 7D. Seems like a great camera for sports.

I thought focus lag was a lot to do with the lens you are using as well?