Thank you Canon!

I switched from the 20d to the 7d. I use the "old" even further, because it to ISO 800 provides a ansehliche image quality. I buy in principle not each new camera model but only if it is worth the switch for me. Until the appearance of the respective improvements of 7d 30d / 40d / 50d were (except for the larger display) not so impressive that a purchase would have been worthwhile for me.

The 7d has completely convinced me!

Update 15.03.2011 s. Corresponding Notes

Highlights / improvements over the 20d:

AF - The most significant improvement! With the 4 different modes (all 19 AF points, zones, Single Servo AF and single-shot AF with support) to get clear in any photographic situation. In AI Servo mode, the yield really sharp photos is much higher. Toll is also the spot AF - only a small spot is focused - working fine example for small birds sitting on a shrub between branches - at the 20d of the AF point is so big that it focuses on the branches.

ISO to 6400 - from Iso 3200 the pictures were not really to use in the 20d, ISO 1600 was ok as RAW, JPG directly from the camera already rustled a little in the 7d are even JPGS out of the cam to ISO 6400 to A4 fully exposed possible without visible noise. The color and crunchiness is at this high ISO setting well (much worse than to ISO 1600 at the 20d from 3200). ISO 12800 I think is not practical capable.

Auto ISO - absent in the 20d, is virtually eg action shots with a fixed aperture / shutter speed and changing light conditions.

100% viewfinder - the improvement is more clearly than I had suspected it when reading the prospectus 7d. You see so much more detail and get a better Einruck for image composition.

new metering - again a significant improvement, the histogram shows rare gaps on the sides, the levels are very well distributed.

Image frequency 8 frames / sec. - Wow! Great for sports and action.

3 inch screen! - Clear image, beautiful color reproduction, sharpness can be well judged in most lighting conditions good representation. You get a good impression of the photo.

Wireless off camera flash - great for macro with white background (can be flashed separately and so does not appear gray). For (light-) atmospheric photos - here you have a lot of leeway.

Sensor cleaning - does not have the 20d, I think is meaningful (effect I can not judge). Update 15/03/2011 - great feature - after 15 months, I did not even have the sensor clean, in 20d after 6 months.

18 megapixels - so far I thought rather less megapixels and for less noise - Canon but has done a great job here - noise until ISO 6400 really ok for bringing the megapixel resolution and excellent detail sharpness and the ability to cropen!

Electronic Level - great thing in architectural photography or all photos without a tripod, which may lead to falling lines or a crooked horizon! The spirit level works both horizontally and vertically and can be displayed in the viewfinder.

Spot metering - does not have the 20d - awesome example for measuring towards brighter or darker areas of the image.

Savable settings (dial) - at last you can save several basic settings and set via the dial (I have a sport mode, a normal mode and a tripod mode stored).

Custom Functions - Many individual settings for quick, responsive shooting.

Video - I do not need. Update 15/03/2011 - I did not need, I snacked and WOW! Brilliant picture quality, I will in the next vacation in the summer definitely use (tripod is mandatory).

But one thing is clear:

The 7D is not entry-level camera. The purchase price is only worthwhile if you also use the possibilities that it offers. You buy a Porsche, too, if you order only goes for shopping. And advanced should flirt with her, when they are ready to deal with the technology - and that takes time.

The 7d is torn in photo forums, for example because the alleged AF rarely sits. Sure it may be that there are individual Monday cameras then what for the exchange or the Canon service. In principle, I have the impression that many approach too naive to the cause. Just turn it on and get started should in most cases lead to satisfactory results. The AF is highly configurable and any photographic situation requires the knowledge of the AF system functionality. After initial understood, you will be convinced of the Leistungsfähikgkeit. This applies particularly to the AI ​​Servo mode. Unfortunately, the description of the supplied manual is a bit poor. For a better understanding, I can recommend the post on the Internet Notes to the EOS 1D Mark III, which can be transferred to the 7d - a link so I can not publish here - just EOS 1D Mark III AI Servo enter into a search engine and hit the Canon side Europe or Germany See - there is also an explanation of the various AF modes of 7d, which can be found in the same manner.
- Update 15.03.2011 - Tip a really detailed and good description of AF options - the book to 7d of Martin Schwabe - publishing market and technology. On the website of the publisher can be found the chapter for AF as a free PDF download!

- Update 15.03.2011 for AF accuracy - had my new 70-200mm f2.8 a fehlfokus, I first wanted to correct 7d with the AF correction. That did not work really, because at 70 mm, a different value than was necessary at 200 mm. So I got the camera and all lenses in Canon Service in Mönchengladbach can adjust - and lo and behold, the AF of 70-200mm always fits perfectly and I have the impression that the AF is more accurate with all other lenses (at maximum aperture lockable).

7d is also partially torn with respect to their noise performance and alleged slush pixels. That is also my opinion utter nonsense or groan at the highest level. When the photos viewed at 100% view, you can come to this judgment - but who looks at pictures permanently on at 100%? My tip for the undecided prospects: shoot sample photo or download and check of imaging on DIN A4 eg dpreview.com - who sees excessive noise or a real low-light camera examines a much more expensive full-frame camera expensive Objektie should be included definitely buy.. For even greater noise includes prints could be visible if necessary already that I do personally but only in photos with low ISO settings.

All serious amateur photographers looking for a camera for a wide range of applications, I can highly recommend this camera. Do not let yourself confuse by any negative comments.

I for one had long gone so much love to take pictures!
- Update 15.03.2011 - has not diminished even after 15 months of use - on the contrary, the combination of 7d with the 70-200mm F2.8 II version is a blast!

Thanks to Canon!