Canon has launched the EOS 7D aimed at bridging the gap between skilled amateurs and professional photographers. A class higher than Canon’s popular 50D, the EOS 7D is built for the demanding advanced amateur photographer who would invest in the right equipment to achieve the desired results.

Canon extends its lead in the advanced DSLR segment in the EOS 7D with class-leading performance, expandability, and top-rate finishes to meet the needs of discerning photographers. The EOS 7D is ergonomically designed and centered on the user, versatile enough to adapt to the photographer’s preferences and needs.

The EOS 7D offers the highest quality images in its class, thanks to Canon’s 18-megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C size) with user-selectable sensitivity range from ISO 100-6400 (expandable to ISO 12,800).

Yet another first in its class, the EOS 7D is paired with not one, but two DIGIC 4 imaging processors to deliver outstanding color and tonal reproduction, as well as meet the additional demands of higher processing speed. The EOS 7D offers a high continuous shooting rate of 8fps to capture fast-moving action sequences at a maximum burst of approximately 94 shots for large/fine jpeg images, and 15 shots in RAW.

The EOS 7D also features a sophisticated new high precision 19-point all cross-type AF system (including a centre f/2.8 dual cross focus) that achieves brilliant results even in the most diverse of shooting scenarios. Best of all, the EOS 7D offers an astonishing level of control and customization to meet the exacting demands and requirements of photographers. For instance, the EOS 7D can intelligently choose a subject and track it in AI Servo mode; select spot AF to achieve focus from a precise point; or designate any of five AF focus zones to achieve the desired focus.

With the EOS 7D, exposure can be adjusted to ±5 stops, offering the user an unprecedented level of image control and making it the ideal camera across a broad range of skill levels.

The viewfinder offers 100 percent coverage of the frame at 1x magnification, allowing the photographer to accurately compose his shots without squinting and therefore reducing fatigue. It offers a transparent LCD display with information to aid in composing shots (e.g., grids, AF points, metering zones, etc.) that can be toggled on/off, so the photographer can view pertinent camera status information in all lighting conditions without taking his eyes off the viewfinder. Dual Axis Electronic Level indicator can be used to correct for camera tilt and pitch in either viewfinder or LCD monitor.

Live View Shooting is also possible via the EOS 7D’s generous 3-inch Clear View II LCD screen enhanced with 920k pixels (VGA) for sharp and detailed previews. For ease of operation, the EOS 7D has dedicated buttons for one-touch access to Live View/Movie shooting mode and RAW+JPEG mode that simultaneously records images in both formats.

For its excellent performance and versatility, the EOS 7D is the ideal camera across a broad range of skill levels. Beyond the convenience of a built-in flash to supplement ambient lighting, the EOS 7D also has an Integrated Speedlite Transmitter for triggering compatible Canon Speedlites wirelessly, for situations where multiple flash and visual effects are needed.

The EOS 7D can also be used to record videos at full HD resolution (1920 x 1080), HD ready (1280 x 720) and SD format with sound, at a range of frame rates (e.g., 24p, 25p, and 30p at Full HD recording) in MOV format. To supplement the built-in microphone, there is also a microphone IN terminal for better results.

Built to last, the EOS 7D has a shutter durability of 150,000 cycles and a strong dust- and water-resistant magnesium alloy-coated, stainless steel, and polycarbonate chassis that gives a reassuring sturdy feel that is dust and weather resistant. The EOS 7D’s built-in Integrated Cleaning System keeps dust particles at bay for flawless images.