Canon EOS 7D

1. PopPhoto.com

This hands-on review covers a preproduction model of the new Canon EOS 7D, saying it "handles like a dream" and calling its precise autofocus system "a huge step forward for Canon." The metering and menu systems also earn praise here. Video capability beats that of the Nikon D300S, but live view is sluggish and the preproduction model shows noticeable noise at ISO 6400.

Review: Hands On: Canon EOS 7D, Philip Ryan, Nov. 2009

2. Amateur PhotographerDetails/Subscribe

This U.K. photography magazine puts the Canon 7D through rigorous lab tests, concluding that "even at ISO 12,800 it puts in a reasonable performance." The detailed review, which includes sample photos as well as lab results, finds the 7D a significant improvement over the Canon EOS 50D and a reasonable choice even over the high-end Canon EOS 5D Mark II, "which looks a little dated in comparison."

Review: Canon EOS 7D Review, Editors of Amateur Photographer

3. PhotographyBlog.com

This detailed review covers the pros and cons of the Canon EFS 18-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens as well as the camera body, so the text and sample images give a realistic idea of what you can expect. Image quality and features earn top ratings here; price is the main drawback.

Review: Canon EOS 7D Review, Mark Goldstein, Oct. 2009

4. Photography Bay

This review features sample photos at the full range of ISO settings, showing that at high ISO levels, the Canon EOS 7D clearly outperforms the Nikon D300S, its closest competitor.

Review: Canon 7D vs. Nikon D300S ISO Test, Eric Reagan, Oct. 2009

5. DPReview.com

This hands-on review (of a preproduction Canon 7D) includes tons of sample photos plus sample videos shot at various HD resolutions and frame rates. The What's New page is especially helpful, showing the main improvements over previous Canon digital SLRs: the camera's sensor, autofocus, viewfinder, metering, custom controls, electronic level, flash and wireless flash control, weather seals, processor and video capability.

Review: Canon EOS 7D Review, Lars Rehm and Richard Butler, Nov. 2009

6. Imaging-Resource.com

This detailed hands-on preview and updated review describe dozens of improvements and high-end features in the new Canon 7D, concluding that "this is the camera that Canon enthusiasts, indeed many camera enthusiasts, have been waiting for." Controls, autofocus, metering and LCD are all improvements, and the camera shoots smooth full HD video and includes a jack for an external microphone.

Review: Canon EOS 7D Review, Shawn Barnett, Dave Etchells, Zig Weidelich and Mike Tomkins, Jan. 2010

7. RobGalbraith.com

This short but detailed review by digital photography instructor and author Rob Galbraith covers a preproduction model, with sample videos and photos plus comparisons with higher-end, full-frame digital SLRs. Galbraith concludes that image quality is "decent, though not groundbreaking" -- not on a par with high-end digital SLRs that use full-frame sensors. Galbraith is also skeptical about the camera's ability to track moving subjects consistently.

Review: Canon Announces 17.92 Million Image Pixel, 8fps EOS 7D, Rob Galbraith, Aug. 2009

8. Luminous- Landscape.com

This review by an experienced landscape photographer is enthusiastic about the Canon 7D in terms of build quality and features (except for the lack of a dedicated mirror lockup button), but it includes a warning that "the Canon 7D comes with a 275 page manual, and needs it." Some images show some artifacts and focusing problems, but Michael Reichmann notes that he's using a preproduction model.

Review: Canon 7D First Report: A New Body for the Next Decade, Michael Reichmann, Sept. 2009

9. Amazon.com

More than 280 owners have reviewed the Canon EOS 7D here. Over 200 of them give the camera the maximum 5-star rating, but a few complain of significant problems with image noise or defective cameras.

Review: Canon EOS 7D (Body Only), Contributors to Amazon.com