Canon EOS 7D - thinking about purchasing

[JB9302]

Originally Posted by JB9302

Just setting my 7D up after it arrived yesterday , only thing confusing me and difficult deciding is which AF area selection point zones to choose for general photography and which to change to for wildlife moving shots .
I am ok with One Shot AF/A1 Servo/Focus

Any suggestions please ?

Julian

Just correcting previous post as its too late to edit.

[Geoff F]

For me it is always just use the centre autofocus point unless there is a specific need for something else. And normally, I use the one shot option; but for anything which is liable to move quickly AI Focus can be useful or, obviously, Servo for a subject which is actually moving.

[AlphaZeroOne]

I have used and owned a number of different cameras and camera makes over the years, including both Nikon and Canon. I really don't think that you can buy a bad camera today as each new model released tends to be built on the success of earlier models and each manufacturer tries to keep abreast of the competition. This is good news for us consumers! But there does come a point, surely, when a camera (which, when all said and done, is nothing but a computer, processing data) can become over-burdened with too many 'bells and whistles'.

I own and simply adore a Canon 7d. I use it largely for macro, BIF and portrait photography. I have a nice collection of lens (but sadly no L series as yet). Getting to grips with the 7d was a joy and I was amazed at the flexibility and customisation that it offers. I also own and still use my trusty Canon 300d

But, despite being an amateur photographer since the days of film, I realised that the best way of getting a return on my 7d investment was to research and enroll on a serious photography course! Now, not only can I begin to use my camera more effectively but I also understand much about the technology, how it works and how it processes the images that I want to take.

The big step forward for me though, was that I was able to start moving away from focusing on the 'technology' and to concentrate much more on the creativity side of photography. That is far more of a challenge then trying to navigate though a series of on-board menus. And far more rewarding. Having a camera such as the 7d opens up new worlds and new ways of seeing them.

DSLR's are amazing, no matter which make or model you want to buy or end up owning. But the real amazement, is the creative expression that this technology has literally unleashed (some would say that this is a bit of a mixed bag!) Just as long as we don't become blinded by the technology.

[The_Moaner]

Go hear and follow instructions to set up your 7D. Use the Back Button as he says. A bit hard at first, but once you get use to it you'll find it excellent.
If you find you don't like it you can always go back to Default. Do NOT use the 19 point focus, it is RUBBISH and you'll get more misses than hits. Use the ones he gives.
Setting Up Your New Canon 7D by Guest Contributor Doug Brown | Deep Green Photography
Print the pages out as it's easier for reference.
Good Luck with your 7D.
Merry Xmas
Dennis

[JB9302]

Thanks for the advice and responses .

Julian

[pete_vincent]

I have owned both a 50d and 7d. I loved both cameras for different reasons. The 7d is a great bit of kit once you get used to the focus system. However it could be a little over-engineered for some. The 50d is a great camera for straight out the box images! I now own a 1d mark iii after using one for a weekend. I just had to have it. I guess the best thing to do is try a range of different cameras and see which one suits you best to your needs!

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by JB9302

Just setting my 7D up after it arrived yesterday , only thing confusing me and difficult deciding is which AF area selection point zones to choose for general photography and which to change to for wildlife moving shots .
I am ok with the Single point

Any suggestions please ?

Julian

Single point AF and A1 servo for static shots.

Expanded AF points, this being the centre AF point and four surrounding AF points for shots such as birds in flight. With the expanded AF point selection you have to achieve focus with the centre AF point first, but if you lose focus with the centre AF point the nearest surrounding point of the other four will automatically take over. Much easier for keeping focus on a moving subject.

[JB9302]

Thanks Roger.

Julian

[waxcap]

All the information you need for the autofocus set-up is at the site suggested in this post. There are very good hints on settings for the best results.

Originally Posted by The_Moaner

Go hear and follow instructions to set up your 7D. Use the Back Button as he says. A bit hard at first, but once you get use to it you'll find it excellent.
If you find you don't like it you can always go back to Default. Do NOT use the 19 point focus, it is RUBBISH and you'll get more misses than hits. Use the ones he gives.
Setting Up Your New Canon 7D by Guest Contributor Doug Brown | Deep Green Photography
Print the pages out as it's easier for reference.
Good Luck with your 7D.
Merry Xmas
Dennis

[tom w w]

I usually use a single auto focus point. Simple because normally I want to control what is in focus.

If you press the "button on the back" you can use the joystick to select the point you want as and when you need it.

Otherwise I normally use one of the smaller autofocus areas.

But if appropriate I don't find problems with the full set.