08Aug Canon 7d firmware 2.0 update, test, and Review Video
In the past the main reason to buy the Canon 7d was for its higher output HDMI signal, burst mode, flash controller, and rugged design. If you wanted to record audio directly into the camera, you would either have to put up with the AGC or use an AGC disable device. The new audio control feature is nice, but with no on screen level meters and no real way to monitor the audio being recorded by the camera, the 7d is still crippled compared to the t2i with magic lantern.
If you already own a 7d the new features are handy, but if you’re in the market for your first DSLR camera or an upgrade to an older model, I don’t think I would recommend the 7d if your primary focus is HD video. For about a 3rd the price you can pick up a t2i and add the firmware hack or for about the same price as a new 7d body you can buy a used Canon 5d mark II with better low light performance.
I still plan on holding onto my 7d body, it’s good for fast moving events, the large .jpg burst mode is great, and it turns my Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS into a 112-320mm f2.8 lens. If you are covering sports, the 7d still has Canon’s fastest frame rate in a crop sensor body, and if you’re shooting in a studio the built in flash controller can be very handy. If on the other hand, those features aren’t on your must have list, even with the 2.0 firmware update the 7d might not be for you.
Take a closer look at a used Canon 5d mark II if you are looking for better build quality and low light performance. Consider the Canon t2i or 60d if you’re on a tight budget. The 7d only fills in the gaps if you really need some of the above listed features.
August 8th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Great review as always Deejay…
I’d only like to add that, not shure about Magic Lantern compatibility for T4i, specially the latest version.
Recommended it recently for someone who was looking for easy upgrades for his T4i, mentioned Magic Lantern, but he replied back saying the latest professional release wasn’t compatible because of different processor.
Keep it up! 😀
August 8th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
The MJ team is working on the 5d mark III and the Digic V chip in general. They already have the 5dmkIII booting, so it should only be a matter of time before the new line of Digic V cameras can run magic lantern.
August 8th, 2012 at 1:01 pm
Thanks for the great reviews.
I have a comment on audio improvements. I find on camera sound recording impractical as many L series lenses (e.g. 24-105mm) produce a lot of noise while the IS system is on. Even touching the buttons can be picked up in a controlled environment. However I don’t own an external mic to test whether it picks up the IS sound or not. But I assume as long as mic is installed on the camera (hot-shoe) and is in physical contact with the body the noise is going to have an effect on the quality of the audio.
I am sure many have experience with external mic and I appreciate your insights and comments.
August 8th, 2012 at 2:25 pm
The hum of IS can be a problem for microphones mounted on the hot shoe. If you mount your mic on a simple flash bracket, it can reduce or eliminate the problem. It also depends on what microphone you’re using and how its supported. General, it’s a good idea to get the microphone as close to your subject as possible which usually means mounting it on a boom pole.
August 8th, 2012 at 8:06 pm
I feel that the T4i put Canon in a huge hole. It makes the 60D seem almost pointless, so if the thry make thr 70D, then it makes the 7D almost useless because I read the 70D will regain the XXD position. So that means a 7D successor will need to be released soon but they just released the firmware… I use a T2i but I am saving up for a 5D mk III (or 7D mk II). My camera is in the shop right now, and if something happened, and they would give me a cash value of it, would up you suggest I use some of the 5D funds to a 7D? I shoot sports mostly and use a Tascam recorder.
August 9th, 2012 at 6:11 am
The biggest difference I see between the T4i and 60d is the top facing LCD panel. It doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, but it’s so much easier to check your settings with the top LCD then it is to power on the screen and fiddle around in menus. Plus it’s a huge battery saver. Sensor and image quality wise, you wont really see a difference from the t2i all the way up to the 7d in either photo or video.
If you are photographing sporting events the 7d wins thanks to the FPS and focus system. If you’re filming and don’t wish to spend $3300 on a 5dmkIII then a used MKII is the best value in the sub $2000 price range. The MKIII is a great camera, but you could buy quit a few lenses for the price difference between the a used MKII or 7D and the 5dmkIII. But it really depends on your budget and what lenses you already have.
August 9th, 2012 at 10:46 am
Right about the 60D, totally forgot about the screen. Dave is actually working on a video comparing the two. And you also have the wheele on the back to change aperature. But the touch screen on the T4i actually works really well. If I had one, I would see myself utilizing it a lot. I have given a 5D MK II a thought, but since I need speed and better AF, it wouldn’t feel like a big upgrade for me. (I know it is a big upgrade, but I mean in terms of FPS and AF it isn’t.) plus, you can now buy a 5D mk III for around $3,000. I have 4lenses, 70-200 2.8 IS, 50 1.4, 100 macro, and 28-135. If I did buy the MK III, I would probably get the 24-105 with it. Of course, my cream would be the 1DX, but that’s not likely. I think this is the first video you made where you talk about some of the photo features of a camera 😉
August 9th, 2012 at 11:07 am
Your right, if FPS and auto focus are your main concerns then the 5dmkII would be a downgrade from the 7d. Plus the crop factor on the 70-200 is really useful compared to full frame. I might have to start covering the photo side of things a little more. Most of my work these days is video production, but I’ve been a photographer on the side for about 12 years. Maybe i’ll update my flash collection and put together some photo tutorials. The area I live in is flooded with photographers so it’s pretty hard to make a living if that’s your only job.
August 9th, 2012 at 8:44 am
Great review and your “you failed Canon” comment at the end is dead-on!
I’m currently using a Rode VideoMic Pro along with a Juicelink DS214 Amp mounted with your most excellent adapter. I was looking forward to the manual audio control in-camera as it might allow me to shoot with a bit less equipment … but the lack of continuous audio level monitoring is totally lame on Canon’s part.
BTW, any thoughts on the sound quality degradation by bypassing the DS214? The Rode has a +10DB setting … so my thought was it would provide most of the amplification so not much noise introduced by the on-board Canon 7D amp. I.e. the main use of the DS214 was to “defeat” the *&^%$#@! AGC of the 7D.
Perhaps an idea for a a future blog entry: shootout between the 7D using a Rode VideoMic Pro with and without the DS214 in the loop.
Keep up the great work DJ and telling it like it is! 😉
alek
August 9th, 2012 at 10:54 am
The gain on the Rode video mic pro is enough to keep the camera noise in check on the 7d with the new firmware update. If fiddle around with the ds214 you can get it to just about match the level meter on the camera so that you know about when audio is peaking. But if you are looking to thin out your setup, the rode video mic pro plus the 7d with the input levels turned down will give you pretty good results.
One thing the DS214 does give you is the ability to have to have a left and right channel audio level setting. This could still be handy since there isn’t any good way to monitor audio levels in the camera. Set one low and one high, and if the audio peaks just make the switch.
I’ll add your idea to the entry que, Thanks Alek!
August 9th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Thanks for the response DeeJay and consideration as a future topic.
If you end up doing, maybe also compare the Amp in the Rode versus the DS214. I.e. are you better off running the Rode at +20DB (I typo’ed +10DB in my original post) and less amplification with the DS214 … or is one better running the Rode at 0DB (or even -10DB) and boosting with the DS214?
Perhaps you can do another “shoot-out” with Dave Dugdale (you guys were a good team with the 24mm shoot-out at http://www.learningdslrvideo.com/canon-24mm-vs-sigma/) as he did a nifty noise test of the Canon 5DM3, Nikon D800, and Zoom H1 here – http://www.learningdslrvideo.com/quietest-preamp/
I happen to live near Dave in the Republic of Boulder, so holler if you guys need a flunky to carry your gear for ‘ya! 😉
alek
P.S. Excellent point with recording separate levels on left/right when run through the DS214 … that’s now doable with the 7D since one doesn’t have to use a channel for AGC disabling.
August 9th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
It’s on the list Alek though it may take a month or two before I have time to get to it. My next 2 months are booked with travel and a full feature length shooting schedule. I’ll actually be in Fort Collins and Loveland this weekend for Art in the park and some food tasting events. It’s my last free weekend until the middle of October when I get back from Boston.
August 9th, 2012 at 7:41 pm
Wow i love the end comment! Canon is becoming like Android smartphone companies, HP, SONY.
Canon, why do u have so many bodies!
T4i, 60d, 7d, 5dmk3, 1dmk4, 1dx, idc
really…
I’ve watched cooking shows on tv, and they had a great point. Apple does the same. A menu shouldn’t have 60 things to choose from. A Short menu of 5-10 items that you can do well is less confusing.
August 9th, 2012 at 8:13 pm
Agreed.
August 10th, 2012 at 1:13 pm
I am so glad I sold my 7D 1.5 years ago. I can’t believe Canon waited so long to release this “upgrade”. Where’s their A game?
August 15th, 2012 at 4:01 am
Speaking of T4i:
Canon EOS Rebel T4i Recalled!
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1140340
FYI GUYS!!
August 15th, 2012 at 5:30 am
The big recall.
September 17th, 2012 at 10:23 pm
Hii sir, Why my camera 7D, while taking picture, i used high speed continuous, still has buffer or delay, only 1st picture to 4rd picture does not have buffer, after that it keep slowing or buffer..
please, helps
current version 2.0.3
September 18th, 2012 at 6:03 am
Picture settings?