Canon EOS 7D - the complete EOS SLR package
The EOS 7D represents a quantum leap forward for the EOS system. It takes the best parts of the EOS 5D Mark II and mates them with the best of the EOS 50D and then adds in some features only previously seen on EOS-1 Series models. As if this is not enough, it also incorporates a series of 'firsts' never before seen in the EOS system. It sits just below the EOS 5D Mark II in the range offering full HD video functionality and an APS-C sensor.
Who is it for?
Whether you're an enthusiast looking for the most advanced digital SLR camera in the market at this level, or a professional looking for the perfect back-up camera to an EOS-1 series model, or even a converted videographer looking for a second camera to shoot full HD movies with, the EOS 7D will answer your call.
The high resolution makes it perfect for landscapes and portraits and the 8 frames per second shooting speed at full 18 Megapixel resolution allows the EOS 7D to capture the action no matter how fast it's happening.
If you're into travel photography, the movie function and the ability to use Canon's EF-S lenses to save weight will also appeal.
If you're more into making videos, then you'll find the APS-C sized sensor is a good choice for Full HD shooting. The APS-C format, whilst smaller than full frame, is still larger than 16mm film and as such provides more control over depth-of-field than high end video and film movie cameras.
Key features
- 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- 8fps shooting speed
- ISO 100-12,800 expandable to 12,800
- 100% viewfinder with 1.0x magnification and Transmissive LCD screen
- 19-point AF system with Zone and Spot AF
- iFCL Metering system including algorithm
- 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
- Dual "DIGIC 4" processors
- 1920x1080p full HD EOS Movie shooting at 24, 25 and 30 frames per second
- 1280x720p HD shooting at 60 or 50 frames per second
- Integrated Speedlite Transmitter
- Integrated Dual-Axis Electronic Level
- Extensive customisation options
- Full camera control over HTTP with WFT-E5
Key benefits
Like the EOS 5D Mark II before it, the EOS 7D offers full HD movie shooting to allow photographers at all levels to experiment with the possibilities of shooting movies. It offers full manual control over the exposure as well, though auto movie exposure can still be used. Unlike the EOS 5D Mark II, the EOS 7D also offers the ability to change the frame rates at which movies are shot, offering 24, 25 and 30 frames per second.
While the EOS Movie mode is a big step forward, it is in other areas that the EOS 7D really shows how much of a progression has been made. The combination of gapless microlenses, a reduced distance from microlenses to the photodiodes and larger, more sensitive photodiodes, not to mention the processing power of the Dual "DIGIC 4" processors means the high ISO performance of the EOS 7D shows a big improvement. It has enabled the ISO range to be extended from 100-6400 as standard, with 12,800 offered as an expansion setting for when the light levels really fall.
Along with the improved ISO performance, it is the frame rate where the Dual DIGIC 4 processors and the dedicated Analogue/Digital conversion processor come to the fore. They can process the data from the sensor quick enough and transfer it from the CMOS sensor to the buffer and out to the memory card in a short enough time to allow a full 8 frames per second shooting speed, even when shooting in full 14-bit RAW. It is almost as fast as the EOS-1D Mark III at 10 frames per second and is therefore more than capable of keeping up with almost any subject. With the ability to shoot up to 126 JPEG images at the full 18 Megapixel resolution at 8fps, you can capture sequences long enough to really see what is happening.
For when a full size RAW file is too much data, but you want to still work with the advantages of RAW, the EOS 7D provides the option of two smaller RAW files called M-RAW and S-RAW. These roughly equate to the same pixel dimensions as the M and S JPEG settings although they are not exactly the same due to the way the files are processed.
Since images are of no use if they are not in focus, the EOS 7D features a completely new focusing system with 19 cross-type AF points and a dedicated AF processor. The autofocus system also features new ways of working to provide more functionality and the ability to customise the AF system to your way of shooting. It includes a mode called Zone AF which functions in a similar way to 19 Point Auto selection - where you can select one zone to perform the focusing.
Spot AF mode is another new AF selection method. It makes use of a smaller part of the AF sensor so that it can achieve focus on a smaller area - it is for use in situations like macro or portraits where you want to focus on a defined point without the risk of the AF point locking onto a high contrast background.
Key technologies
· 18 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
Canon develops and manufactures its own CMOS sensors in-house. For digital SLR cameras, in recent years Canon has made use of the CMOS technology for the performance it offers in terms of speed and low power consumption. The sensor technology in the EOS 7D is from the latest generation of CMOS sensors and because Canon designs and builds them themselves, it follows the same philosophy as the rest of the camera.
For the EOS 7D, the sensor features gapless microlenses to more accurately focus light into the photodiodes; larger and more sensitive photodiodes to collect the light that reaches them and improve the high ISO performance; and a microlens design that places them closer to the photodiodes below - again aimed at improving the high ISO capabilities.
· Dual "DIGIC 4" processors
The DIGIC 4 processor brings a lot of processing power to the camera - a single DIGIC 4 processor is 25% faster than the DIGIC III processor. Utilising two of them provides the required power to deal with 18 megapixels of data at 8fps. In addition the DIGIC 4 processors consume very little electrical power therefore maximising the battery life of the camera.
· iFCL metering algorithm and 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
Recording light is the basis of what a camera does. In order to record it correctly, it needs to be able to measure the light in the scene accurately. For the EOS 7D, the iFCL metering algorithm and 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor have been developed.
The iFCL metering algorithm is an intelligent system that uses Focus, Colour and Luminance information to more accurately determine the light levels.
The metering sensor features 63 metering zones and has two light sensitive layers. One layer is sensitive to red/green light and one is sensitive to blue/green light. Being able to measure the relative levels of red and blue light allows the system to more accurately expose a scene.
· 19-point AF
The newly designed AF sensor has a similar coverage to the sensor in the EOS 50D, but it has 10 extra AF points to provide more flexibility in AF point selection.
As part of the improvements, all 19 AF points are now cross-type sensitive with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster. This provides better accuracy and a faster response no matter which AF point you select and is unique among APS-C sensor cameras. The central point provides improved precision with lenses featuring a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or greater to really make use of fast, wide aperture lenses.
· Integrated Speedlite Transmitter
The EOS 7D features a built in wireless flash controller that functions similarly to actually having a Speedlite 580EX II mounted on the camera. It allows the use of full wireless multiple flash control without having to buy extra accessories like an ST-E2 or 580EX II.
The built-in transmitter can control up to three remote groups of Speedlites using E-TTL II or by setting the flash powers manually for each group.
Camera Specifications
IMAGE SENSOR
|
Type
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22.3mm x 14.9mm CMOS
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Effective Pixels
|
Approx. 18.00 megapixels
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Total Pixels
|
Approx. 19.00 megapixels
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Aspect Ratio
|
3:2
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Low-Pass Filter
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Built in/Fixed
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Sensor Cleaning
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EOS integrated cleaning system with fluorine coating
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Colour Filter Type
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Primary Colour
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IMAGE PROCESSOR
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Type
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Dual "DIGIC 4"
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LENS
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Lens Mount
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EF/EF-S
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Focal Length
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Equivalent to 1.6x the focal length of the lens
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FOCUSING
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Type
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TTL-CT-SIR with a CMOS sensor
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AF System/ Points
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19 cross-type AF points (f/2.8 at centre)
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AF Working Range
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EV -0.5 - 18 (at 23°C & ISO100)
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AF Modes
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AI Focus
One Shot
AI Servo
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AF Point Selection
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Automatic selection: 19 point AF
Manual selection: Single point AF
Manual selection: Spot AF
Manual selection: AF point Expansion
Manual selection: Zone AF
AF points can be selected separately for vertical and horizontal shooting
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Selected AF Point Display
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Indicated by a transmissive LCD in viewfinder and on top LCD panel and Quick Control screen
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Predictive AF
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Yes, up to 8m 1
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AF Lock
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Locked when shutter button is pressed half way in One Shot AF mode or AF-ON button is pressed
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AF Assist Beam
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Intermittent firing of built-in flash or emitted by optional dedicated Speedlite
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Manual Focus
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Selected on lens, default in Live View Mode
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AF Microadjustment
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C.Fn III-5
+/- 20 steps
Adjust all lenses by same amount
Adjust up to 20 lenses individually
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EXPOSURE CONTROL
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Metering Modes
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TTL full aperture metering with 63 zone Dual Layer SPC
(1) Evaluative metering (linked to All AF point)
(2) Partial metering (approx. 9.4% of viewfinder at centre)
(3) Spot metering (approx. 2.3% viewfinder at centre)
(4) Centre weighted average metering
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Metering Range
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EV 1 - 20 (at 23°C with 50mm f/1.4 lens ISO100)
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AE Lock
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Auto: In 1-shot AF mode with evaluative metering exposure is locked when focus is achieved.
Manual: By AE lock button in creative zone modes.
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Exposure Compensation
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+/-5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments (can be combined with AEB).
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AEB
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3 Shots +/-3 EV 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments
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ISO Sensitivity*
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Auto (100-3200), 100-6400 (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments) ISO can be expanded to H: 12800
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SHUTTER
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Type
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Electronically-controlled focal-plane shutter
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Speed
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30-1/8000 sec (1/2 or 1/3 stop increments), Bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode)
|
WHITE BALANCE
|
Type
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Auto white balance with the imaging sensor
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Settings
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AWB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent light, Flash, Custom, Colour Temperature Setting. White balance compensation:
1. Blue/Amber +/-9
2. Magenta/ Green +/-9.
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Custom White Balance
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Yes, 1 setting can be registered
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WB Bracketing
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+/-3 levels in single level increments 3 bracketed images per shutter release.
Selectable Blue/Amber bias or Magenta/ Green bias.
|
VIEWFINDER
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Type
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Pentaprism
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Coverage (Vertical/Horizontal)
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Approx. 100%
|
Magnification
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Approx. 1.0x 2
|
Eyepoint
|
Approx. 22mm (from eyepiece lens centre)
|
Dioptre Correction
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-3 to +1 (1/m) (dioptre)
|
Focusing Screen
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Fixed (Transmissive LCD screen)
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Mirror
|
Quick-return half mirror (Transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60, no mirror cut-off with EF600mm f/4 or shorter)
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Viewfinder Information
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AF information: AF points, focus confirmation light.
Exposure information: Shutter speed, aperture value, ISO speed (always displayed), AE lock, exposure level/compensation, spot metering circle, exposure warning, AEB.
Flash information: Flash ready, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure compensation, red-eye reduction light.
Image information: White balance correction, CF card information, monochrome shooting, maximum burst (2 digit display), Highlight tone priority (D+).
Composition information: Grid, Dual Axis Electronic level
|
Depth of Field Preview
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Yes, with Depth of Field preview button.
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Eyepiece Shutter
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On strap
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LCD MONITOR
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Type
|
3.0" Clear View II TFT, approx. 920K dots
|
Coverage
|
Approx. 100%
|
Viewing Angle (Horizontally/Vertically)
|
Approx 160°
|
Coating
|
Anti-reflection and Solid Structure
|
Brightness Adjustment
|
Auto: Using extenal amibent light sensor
Manual: Adjustable to one of seven levels
|
Display Options
|
(1) Quick Control Screen
(2) Camera settings
(3) Dual Axis Electronic Level
|
|
|
|
|
FLASH
|
Built-in Flash GN (ISO 100, meters)
|
12
|
Built-in Flash Coverage
|
up to 15mm focal length (35mm equivalent: 24mm)
|
Built-in Flash Recycle Time
|
Approx. 3 seconds
|
Modes
|
Auto, Manual flash, Multi flash, Integrated Speedlite Transmitter
|
Red-Eye Reduction
|
Yes
|
X-Sync
|
1/250sec
|
Flash Exposure Compensation
|
+/- 3EV in 1/2 or 1/3 increments
|
Flash Exposure Bracketing
|
Yes, with compatible External Flash
|
Flash Exposure Lock
|
Yes
|
Second Curtain Synchronisation
|
Yes
|
HotShoe/ PC Terminal
|
Yes/ Yes
|
External Flash Compatibility
|
E-TTL II with EX series Speedlites, wirless multi-flash support
|
External Flash Control
|
Via camera menu screen
|
SHOOTING
|
Modes
|
Auto (Stills and Movie), Creative Auto, Program AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual (Stills and Movie), Custom (x3)
|
Picture Styles
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Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Defined (x3)
|
Colour Space
|
sRGB and Adobe RGB
|
Image Processing
|
Highlight Tone Priority
Auto Lighting Optimizer (4 settings)
Long exposure noise reduction
High ISO speed noise reduction (4 settings)
Auto Correction of Lens Peripheral illumination
|
Drive Modes
|
Single, Continuous L, Continuous H, Self timer (2s+remote, 10s +remote)
|
Continuous Shooting
|
Max. Approx. 8fps. (speed maintained for up to 126 images (JPEG)3 (with UDMA card), 15 images (RAW))4
|
LIVE VIEW MODE
|
Type
|
Electronic viewfinder with image sensor
|
Coverage
|
Approx. 100% (horizontally and vertically)
|
Frame Rate
|
30 fps
|
Focusing
|
Manual Focus (Magnify the image 5x or 10x at any point on screen)
Autofocus: Quick mode, Live mode, Live Face detection mode
|
Metering
|
Real-time evaluative metering with image sensor
Active metering time can be changed
|
Display Options
|
Grid overlay (x2), Histogram
|
FILE TYPE
|
Still Image Type
|
JPEG: Fine, Normal (Exif 2.21 [Exif Print] compliant) / Design rule for Camera File system (2.0),
RAW: RAW, M-RAW, S-RAW (14bit, Canon original RAW 2nd edition),
Digital Print Order Format [DPOF] Version 1.1 compliant
|
RAW+JPEG Simultaneous Recording
|
Yes, any combination of RAW + JPEG, M-RAW + JPEG, S-RAW + JPEG possible.
|
Image Size
|
JPEG: (L) 5184x3456, (M) 3456x2304, (S) 2592x1728
RAW: (RAW) 5184x3456, (M-RAW) 3888x2592, (S-RAW) 2592x1728
|
Movie Type
|
MOV (Video: H.264, Sound: Linear PCM)
|
Movie Size
|
1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps)
1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps)
640 x 480 (59.94, 50 fps)
|
Movie Length
|
Max duration 29min 59sec, Max file size 4GB
|
Folders
|
New folders can be manually created and selected
|
File Numbering
|
(1) Consecutive numbering
(2) Auto reset
(3) Manual reset
|
OTHER FEATURES
|
Custom Functions
|
27 Custom Functions with 70 settings
|
Metadata Tag
|
User copyright information (can be set in camera)
|
LCD Panel / Illumination
|
Yes/ Yes
|
Water/ Dust Resistance
|
Yes (equal to EOS-1N)
|
Sound Memo
|
-
|
Intelligent Orientation Sensor
|
Yes
|
Playback Zoom
|
1.5x - 10x
|
Display Formats
|
(1) Single image with information (2 levels)
(2) Single image
(3) 4 image index
(4) 9 image index
(5) Magnified view
|
Slide Show
|
Image selection: All images, by Date, by Folder, Movies, Stills
Playback time: 1/2/3/5 seconds
Repeat: On/Off
|
Histogram
|
Brightness: Yes
RGB: Yes
|
Highlight Alert
|
Yes
|
Image Erase/Protection
|
Erase: Single image, All images in folder, Checkmarked images, unprotected images
Protection: Erase protection of one image at a time
|
Data Verification
|
Original image verification data can be appended to the image (OSK-E3 required for verification)
|
Menu Categories
|
(1) Shooting menu (x4)
(2) Playback menu (x2)
(3) Setup menu (x3)
(4) Custom Functions menu
(5) My Menu
|
Menu Languages
|
25 Languages
English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese
|
Firmware Update
|
Update possible by the user.
|
INTERFACE
|
Computer
|
Hi-Speed USB
|
Other
|
HDMI mini output, Video output (PAL/ NTSC), Extension system terminal (for WFT-E5), External microphone (Stereo mini jack)
|
|
|
|
|
DIRECT PRINT
|
Canon Printers
|
Canon Compact Photo Printers and PIXMA Printers supporting PictBridge
|
PictBridge
|
Yes
|
STORAGE
|
Type
|
CompactFlash Type I/ II (Microdrive compatible, UDMA compatible), external storage with WFT-E5
|
SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEM
|
PC & Macintosh
|
Windows XP (SP2/SP3) / Vista inc SP1 (excl. Starter Edition) OS X v10.4-10.5
|
SOFTWARE
|
Browsing Printing
|
ZoomBrowser EX / ImageBrowser
|
Image Processing
|
Digital Photo Professional
|
Other
|
PhotoStitch, EOS Utility (inc. Remote Capture, WFT utility*, Original Data Security Tools*), Picture Style Editor * Requires optional accessory
|
POWER SOURCE
|
Batteries
|
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery LP-E6 (supplied), 1xCR1616 for date & settings
|
Battery Life
|
Approx. 800 (at 23°C, AE 50%, FE 50%)5 Approx. 750 (at 0°C, AE 50%, FE 50%)
|
Battery Indicator
|
6 levels + percentage
|
Power Saving
|
Power turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15 or 30mins.
|
Power Supply Battery Chargers
|
AC Adapter Kit ACK-E6, Battery charger LC-E6, Car Battery charger CBC-E6
|
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
|
Body Materials
|
Magnesium Alloy body covers
|
Operating Environment
|
0 - 40 °C, 85% or less humidity
|
Dimensions (WxHxD)
|
148.2 x 110.7 x 73.5mm
|
Weight (Body Only)
|
Approx. 820g
|
ACCESSORIES
|
Viewfinder
|
Eyecup Eg, Dioptric adjustment lens Eg, Anti-Fog Eyepiece Eg
|
Case
|
EH20-L
|
Wireless File Transmitter
|
Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E5
|
Lenses
|
All EF and EF-S lenses
|
Flash
|
Canon Speedlites (220EX, 270EX, 380EX, 420EX, 430EX, 430EX II, 550EX, 580EX, 580EX II, Macro-Ring-Lite, MR-14EX, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX, Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2)
|
Battery Grip
|
BG-E7
|
Remote Controller/ Switch
|
Remote control with N3 type contact, Wireless Controller LC-5, Remote Controller RC-1/RC-5
|
Other
|
Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3
|
Predictive AF
|
with EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM at 50kph
|
Magnification
|
with 50mm lens at infinity, -1 (1/m) dpt
|
Continuous Shooting
|
Large/Fine(Quality) resolution
Based on Canon's testing conditions, JPEG, ISO 100, Standard Picture Style. Varies depending on the subject, memory card brand and capacity, image recording quality, ISO speed, drive mode, Picture Style, Custom functions etc.
|
Battery Life
|
Based on the CIPA Standard and using the batteries and memory card format supplied with the camera, except where indicated
|
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