INTRODUCTION
The Canon 7D has bridged the huge gap between the the 5D range and the entry level SLR machine in form, function and price. It is by far the finest semi-pro camera from Canon with some incredible technological additions.

The overall improvements will be covered further down in the article, however the finest addition to the 7D is the ability to shoot high definition video as standard. With a dedicated video arm to the Canon stable, the technology packed into the 7D video is truly incredible.

The camera has included the features that Canon users have been waiting for, especially to take on the Nikon D300 flagship.

DESIGN
The build quality of the Canon 7D is reminiscent of the 1D, with a metal, weather proof body the camera feel substantial. The grip design is very much like the lower end DSLR's with a comfortable grip, including a gap for the middle finger of your left hand.

The camera itself is smaller than the 60D, however weighs slightly more. It's comfortably weighted and looks exquisite.

The layout remains similar to the 50/60D range through to the top of the range 1D. The function dial is easily accessible and does not include scene modes, which shows the level of photographer this machine is aimed at. The custom functions remain, which are helpful to set if you take a fair number of pictures in similar environments.

The on/off switch has been shifted to the right hand side, under the function controls. Canon has included a pop up flash and infrared sensor on Canon 7D in order to control up to 5 external flash sets. The first time Canon has done this and it is hugely successful.

There is also a dedicated still to video button which integrates the ability to shoot video seamlessly and elegantly. The quality of the video is unparalleled in the DLSR market, purely because of the dedicated research and development Canon has input into this machine.

PERFORMANCE
Canon has worked incredibly hard on increasing the pixel density on all of its new releases. The Canon 7D sits at a whopping 18MP. The new APS-C sensor is brand new, but still has a crop factor of 1.6x.

The designers have ensured the Canon 7D has been built for speed. It has dual DIGIC 4 chips which help to process the large file sizes quickly and effortlessly. This all without affecting the 8 frame per second shooting speeds – it makes the 7D a brilliant choice for sports, and wildlife photography.

The 7D shutter has used the same design as the professional 1D and is exceptionally well built. It uses a circular leaf design and is built to last through over 150 000 cycles.

Canon has put significant time and effort into improving the noise reduction of higher ISO's. The image quality at 800ISO and upwards is startlingly good. This paired with the incredible range of L series lenses that Canon is currently launching, makes shooting with flash in low light less and less necessary.

However if you are a Strobist by nature Canon can be commended on this model for finally allowing your Speedlites to be controlled off camera with no additional gear. This function has been a long time coming for Canon and is huge step forward.

The high definition video on the Canon 7D is beautiful and hordes of visual artists and film makers have taken to using it for projects. The inbuilt microphone is not, however, top quality, but this can be overcome very easily using an external mic.

IMAGE QUALITY
As discussed earlier, the image quality at higher ISO has been worked on significantly. The low range of ISO is beautifully crisp and clear. The sensitivity of the sensor is impeccable. 

Comparison done with the Nikon D300 shows that Canon has less noise at higher ISO's but Nikon preserves detail slightly better. In low light video mode however, the 7D wins hands down.

At lower ISOs, however, the image quality is crisp, clear and beautiful. The colors are exquisite and the speed at which the images are processed makes the 7D perfect in most environments.

EASE OF USE
The functions and layout are very familiar to most higher end Canon DSLR users and feel fairly intuitive. The focus systems have been cleverly conceived to be able to set a single point, groupings of focal points, or an average of focus points. Once you have become comfortable with the system layout you agree that the design makes sense. As a female photographer, my greatest appreciation of the Canon, and indeed all the Canon DSLR's has been that although my hands may be smaller, I am easily able to reach and operate the functions and options.

I find the Nikon to be slightly unwieldy in this regard, and get very twisted up on the body and find the usability not quite as intuitive.

COMPETITORS
The closest Nikon competitor is the D300, which is equal in most of the functionality. However Canon holds a very clear advantage over Nikon in the design, implementation and superiority of the video camera technology. Because Canon has a dedicated research and development section into the design of amateur and professional high definition equipment. As one article states, the Nikon is a digital camera that happens to have an inbuilt video camera. Canon however has successfully built an incredible DSLR which is also an impeccable high definition video camera.

FINAL VERDICT
Obviously if you are already a Nikon user and have invested in Nikon lenses, this camera will not make you switch your brand loyalty. However this camera is an incredible leap in technological innovation and has fulfilled the desires of Canon users which have up until this point remained unfulfilled. The body of Canon 7D is packed with brilliant, sensible features and does not waste time or space with frivolous, unnecessary extra's. I personally adore this piece of machinery.

The downside for me personally, is that the image quality produced shows up more of the shortcomings of my lens collection. As a result, I will have to now look at further upgrading my lenses to glass that does justice to the work of this incredible little machine. I think that the Canon 7D is going to be a benchmark in this range for many years to come. And I believe any person picking up this piece of equipment will not only fall in love with it instantly but will be able to take their personal photographic skills to new levels. This camera is the perfect blend of semi professional tool and brilliant plaything.