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Canon EOS 7D DSLR

Canon on Tuesday introduced a mid-range digital camera for professionals and advanced amateurs that the company says is an overhaul of previous models.

The EOS 7D DSLR camera includes a new auto-focus and metering system and dual imaging processors for quality action photography and for recording high-definition video. DSLR, or digital single-lens reflex, refers to the system used in directing light from the lens to the optical viewfinder on the back of the camera. The system is preferred by professional photographers.

The product is capable of shooting eight frames per second for capturing action in still photography. The camera, which has an 18-megapixel sensor, uses dual DIGIC 4 imaging processors to freeze fast motion in high resolution and deliver the ability to continuously shoot up to 126 photos in jpeg format. It supports a wide range of ISO speed settings from 100 to 6400, expandable to 12800, for capturing low-light images with or without a flash.

The EOS 7D can record 1920 x 1080 video with selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p, or 30p. These features enable videographers to achieve a more cinematic style without the need for post processing, according to Canon.

"This camera stands alone as the most functional and innovative DSLR Canon has released to-date," Yuichi Ishizuka, senior VP and general manager for Canon USA's consumer imaging group, said in a statement.

Canon's new auto-focus system includes a multi-axis, cross-type, 19-point grid, where the focusing points are evenly spread out across the image plane and displayed through the camera's viewfinder. As a result, the auto-focus works with fast-moving sports action as well as with low-light conditions.

Complementing the auto-focus system is a new metering system that takes color information into account. The system includes a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor that reads both illumination and color for consistent results in all lighting conditions, keeping exposure levels stable from shot to shot, even as the light source changes, Canon said.

Other features include optional connectivity for transmitting pictures or video to a PC or other device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The camera, which also has geo-tagging capabilities, can transmit pictures to digital TVs, photo frames, and other devices that support interoperability standards developed by the Digital Living Network Alliance.

The EOS 7D is scheduled to be available at the end of September at a body-only price of $1,699. A kit containing Canon's EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens will sell for $1,899. The optional wireless file transmitter is scheduled to be available in early November at an estimated retail price of $700.

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For Further Reading:

Digital Camera Fall 2009 Preview

Canon Intros Six PowerShot Cameras