Sent back the 7d ):

avan wrote in post #9716164
Yes, but when a good bunch of seasoned shooter find there is something wrong, they are not right?

It depends, if they expect to use the same setting combinations and post processing that worked on prior bodies on the 7D, then no, it won't work well.

You have to microadjust your lenses, learn the different AF modes, tweak your CF settings accordingly for the situations at hand, and adjust your post processing. The higher resolution is less forgiving and the post processing needs are higher.

You cannot take one sports car with stick 4 speed and drive it a certain way, then get into a completely different car with stick 6 speed and drive it the same way expecting to get the same results. You have to learn the nuances of the clutch, the best shift patterns, suspension differences, grip differences, etc. This analogy is actually quite accurate because when I would track cars, there would be so many that would brag about their new car but when they would race them, they actually would get slower times than before. However, those that have learned that same exact car by enduring the "training period" could do things that would befuddle the new owners. I have been at both ends of that spectrum, trust me. I could make the Z28s and Talons/Eclipses do things that puzzled folks to the point they thought I had nitrous or other power adders, but then I couldn't do things with the Z06 that others could take my car out and just kill with it. Frustrating to say the least...

Are there duds, yes, undoubtedly. My 7D should probably be sent in, all my lenses front-focus, and I just find that unbelievable. However after micro-adjusting, I really don't mind, because they all work fine now. But it would obviously be a body thing, where Canon should adjust it. Will I send it in? I don't know, no need right now.

FMX wrote in post #9716158
Top pic is actually the 1d mk2

Wow, really? Then make it "1d mk2 . . . uh, YUCK" and put me back on the "I might still buy a 7D" list.

westernminnguy wrote in post #9716169
The 7D is here to stay.

Time to close this post??

Absolutely. But first I want to know more about that cool looking dog in Palmor's pics!! Is it a mix? I have a calico cat with colors like that!

artyman wrote in post #9716100
All have their strengths but for what it is the 7D is a fine camera. If you don't like I didn't realise that the Canon police were forcing you to use one

Yep--different strokes for different folks--and I will not be buying one.

It seems fine for those that that have an infinite number of hours to make their results presentable--but for working PJ's and event shooters a product that requires intensive care to produce an acceptable image is not a viable option.

I thought this was marketed as a viable alternative to a 1 series--but you can't shoot wide open--make any type of movement--expect decent results with a single focal point--or get workable images OOC.

Kind of like a trophy wife--after the bragging rights wear off it's not worth the effort for the average guy.

dave kadolph wrote in post #9716348
Yep--different strokes for different folks--and I will not be buying one.

It seems fine for those that that have an infinite number of hours to make their results presentable--but for working PJ's and event shooters a product that requires intensive care to produce an acceptable image is not a viable option.

I thought this was marketed as a viable alternative to a 1 series--but you can't shoot wide open--make any type of movement--expect decent results with a single focal point--or get workable images OOC.

Kind of like a trophy wife--after the bragging rights wear off it's not worth the effort for the average guy.

Actually I find the 7D to have more in common with the 1D than the xxD or xxxD line myself. Just like any other tool out there, you have to learn how to use it correctly. It took me a couple hockey and stage events to figure it out. I do not have more work than I ever did with any other body during post processing. I tweaked all my prior actions accordingly for the 7D and it is business as usual.

If you get acceptable results out of older or lesser models, then fine, there indeed is probably no need for the 7D for you. That is perfectly fine, you most likely have honed your skills over your body needs, I haven't yet reached that level, but I do aspire! And this forum teaches quite a bit.

Hours ?..C'mon..unless you want to do a make up or something....a minute for sure.

dave kadolph wrote in post #9716348
It seems fine for those that that have an infinite number of hours to make their results presentable--but for working PJ's and event shooters a product that requires intensive care to produce an acceptable image is not a viable option.

TeamSpeed wrote in post #9716429
If you get acceptable results out of older or lesser models, then fine, there indeed is probably no need for the 7D for you.

Thanks Speed-you don't know how much I appreciate a good "left handed" compliment

maverick678 wrote in post #9716520
Hours ?..C'mon..unless you want to do a make up or something....a minute for sure.

The last tournament we shot over 5,000 images between 3 different bodies--doing the math that is only about 85 Hours.

Gosh... I must have lucked out. I barely have to touch the images out of the 7D. In fact, I don't do anything but crop most of them. The colors are vibrant, the images are sharp (in comparison to my 5D) and the camera is a joy to use.

And you expect me to believe that you really get 15,000 great pics ??..c'mon. Don't try to make things complicated...you can automate it (if you shoot RAW) easily after you pick the good ones. For JPEG don't think you have to do anything as long as you set it up correctly.

dave kadolph wrote in post #9716595
The last tournament we shot over 5,000 images between 3 different bodies--doing the math that is only about 85 Hours.

dave kadolph wrote in post #9716566
Thanks Speed-you don't know how much I appreciate a good "left handed" compliment

Actually I did mean it as a compliment. You know what you need out of your equipment and what does or doesn't really matter in the end to get your job done. I on the other hand, have some sort of "new equipment" disease and I try just about each and every thing Canon throws our way.

I just found that the 7D was a good alternative to the MKIII for what I shoot, where the 40D/50D just didn't cut it. This means I am just getting to the point you seem to be. The 7D works for me, and I don't have nearly the issues others keep bringing up, but I spent a good week or two working through each AF mode, etc. I knew just about all I felt I could before those videos surfaced from Canon on the AF modes. It was a bit tough in the beginning, but I forced myself to shoot in each AF mode, and set the AF acquisition speed to slow (learned from the MKIII), and found what works.

I don't think it is necessary to memorize every tweak in the camera (over 50% are unnecessary anyway). Find what works for you, and shoot. There is no "right way".

Everyone who says the 7D has such a steep learning curve is too worried about the features they will never use anyway.

maverick678 wrote in post #9716626
And you expect me to believe that you really get 15,000 great pics ??..c'mon. Don't try to make things complicated...you can automate it (if you shoot RAW) easily after you pick the good ones. For JPEG don't think you have to do anything as long as you set it up correctly.

~5 K total--all shot in Medium JPEG--and dumped and available for viewing within minutes of the end of the round.

All great--He!! no.

There you go...if you shoot JPEG that's even better. You'll like the output from 7D.

dave kadolph wrote in post #9716716
~5 K total--all shot in Medium JPEG--and dumped and available for viewing within minutes of the end of the round.

All great--He!! no.

That's very true indeed.

FMX wrote in post #9716700
I don't think it is necessary to memorize every tweak in the camera (over 50% are unnecessary anyway). Find what works for you, and shoot. There is no "right way".

Everyone who says the 7D has such a steep learning curve is too worried about the features they will never use anyway.

For those who have a 7D that focuses accurately and produces great results, wonderful. I'm truly happy for you.

Please understand that there are several, perhaps many of us who own a 7D that will focus accurately on a semi-regular basis at best. For example, I can put a 135mm f/2 L lens on mine, point it directly at the face of a cheerleader standing still, depress the focus button and fire off 5 shots. Maybe, and I mean maybe just POSSIBLY one might be in focus and reasonably sharp. The rest either missed focus, or are in general, unacceptably soft. And no amounting of sharpening can correct an OOF or unacceptably soft image.

What's worse, I can see where accurate focus has landed. It's usually nowhere near where the camera was ASKED to focus. Sometimes, I can press the focus button 5 times and get 5 different focus options--one of which might be good focus; or not. Depends on when you pull the trigger. That's why my 7D along with two lenses are sitting in a box ready to ship to Canon NJ tomorrow.

Lastly, those of us who continue to have reliability issues with regard to the focus capabilities of a 7D aren't stupid, or 'noobs,' know how to process pictures, have read the manual, understand exposure, setup the camera properly, asked for help, etc. We most certainly aren't asking too much when we point a 7D with a 135L lens at a cheerleader wearing white and bright red, (is that high enough contrast for you guys?) to get a SHARP picture almost EVERY time using good technique and proper exposure.

Mine doesn't. That's why it's boxed up with a very professionally-written letter outlining the focus issues associated with my 7D copy. A CD chock full of misfocus images complete with exif data intact has been provided as well.

Like any product, there are a lot of good ones, and some bad ones out there. Mine is POS capable of good shots on occasion. Apparently many others have one like mine, too. Please understand that if you got a GOOD copy, great. Fantastic. I'm happy for you. Just stop throwing all the 'user-error' crap on those of us who own a 7D that doesn't focus accurately. The issue is REAL. We'll get them fixed, repaired, replaced, whatever. Hopefully we'll eventually have a GOOD copy with which to work.

Can you tell I'm cranky knowing that I'm going to be without a camera for a good couple of weeks?!!! That's ok ... my HS basketball team snatched defeat from the jaws of victory last night in a one-and-done OHSAA tournament.

dave