Canon EOS 7D - thinking about purchasing

[Little Mele]

Can anyone offer advice about the Canon 7D please? I am thinking about purchasing for my wildlife photography.

I currently have a Canon 400D, but am now ready to move up.

I photograph badgers quite a lot, often in low light, so hope this is the camera for me. Many thanks

SELBY BADGER WATCH - welcome to our website

[DRB]

i have the same camera and thought of doing the same upgrade but due to my inexperiance i deciced to go for a 50d and very happy with the outcome




dave

[The Woodman]

As an aside to your query, Little Mele, I've watched the first video on your site with the awakened badger. What do you think the "bum grinding" activity by the awakener is for? I've only ever seen it done to a badger that's lying down.

[PMG]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

As an aside to your query, Little Mele, I've watched the first video on your site with the awakened badger. What do you think the "bum grinding" activity by the awakener is for? I've only ever seen it done to a badger that's lying down.

Its 'musking' which puts the scent of those in that sett onto each other like a badge! Also it might have been a bit of appeasement/apology for waking Mrs Grumpy

Pauline

[The Woodman]

Aha, thanks Pauline. Do both sexes do this?

[Little Mele]

Yes he is scent marking. I have 1,000's of videos of my badgers taken with stealth cameras, Spypoint Pro X plus and Prowler HD. They do this all the time.


SELBY BADGER WATCH - welcome to our website

[PMG]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

Aha, thanks Pauline. Do both sexes do this?

I think so but I'm not absolutely sure - the same when cubs do it to each other I wouldn't know whether it was more often the young male musking his sister or vice versa!

Pauline

[Geoff F]

If you want to move up from the 00D range there isn't a lot of options.

The 40D or 50D are only available secondhand. Any remaining new 50D cameras seem to be offered at a premium price now.

The 60D is probably OK but not a lot different from your 400D.

I suppose if I had to replace my 40D tomorrow it would have to be the 7D.

Some people particularly bird photographers really like this camera but we keep getting questions from people who are finding the options available with the 7D are too complicated.

But I suppose this is just a case of learning as you use it.

However, as an alternative idea, have you considered getting better lenses for your 400D. Possibly a cheaper and more effective answer. And if you decide to upgrade your camera at a later date you will have the lenses which you need.

But that depends on exactly what lenses you currently have.

[Words]

A few months back I had a malfunction with my 40D and had to use my old 400D for a while. I replaced the dead 40D with the 7D and have to say that it is far and away the best camera I've used. It certainly has better low-light (high ISO) capability than the 40D, though by reputation I believe Nikons perform even better than Canons in low light. If you already have a significant Canon lens collection then switching brand won't be an option (unless you have an extremely hefty bank balance).

Just a mid-point comparison I did look at the 60D, but didn't like the lack of some features. I do a fair bit of night shooting (with flash) and have the 7D set up so that I can switch to customized presets via the top dial (3 customized settings). This can be really useful when you're working in the dark. Plus a faster burst rate and other advantages. The 7D is a better bit of kit for sure. One advantage the 60D has is the articulated screen which is handy if you shoot video.

To be honest, if you're ready to upgrade then go for the 7D. It has (seriously) more growing room. Lots t explore to get the best out of it, but incredibly flexible. After 8 months I'm completely reworking my technique to get the best out of it; but it's worth it.

[Gaza]

Little Mele

I started my photography with the 400D, then stepped up to the 50D which was a big improvement.

Then stepped up about 9 months ago to the 7D Wow! This is one fantastic camera.
Far more versatile. Cant see that I am going to better this, unless I win the lottery!