Canon EOS 7D: Still a Good Choice in 2024?

The Canon EOS 7D with an attached EF=S 10-22mm lens.|Credit: Reynaldo Cruz Diaz

Released  on November 6, 2009, the Canon EOS 7D became an instant leader among copped-sensor cameras of the EOS line. Sturdier than all Cameras of the Rebel line, and more powerful in drive than the double-digit cameras, the 7D featured APS-C sized CMOS sensor that could take bursts of up to 8 frames per second.

Despite its age, and being replaced by the EOS 7D Mark II in 2014, the 7D is still a great camera to have. Due to its price drop, it can be a great choice for people starting in the world of photography and looking for gear that produces high-quality images and can capture sequences at a very reasonable price.

Front view of the Canon EOS 7D.|Credit: Reynaldo Cruz Diaz

The first thing that popped to me in this one was the body and build. The body has slightly less width than the EOS 5D (2004) and the EOS 5D Mark II (earlier in 2009), both full frame cameras. Meanwhile, its magnesium-alloy body and the weather sealing system also made the 7D a go-to all-around camera that could be used in any weather condition. The drive (8fps) was better than both of the aforementioned choices, making it a more attractive choice for sports photographers.

Rear view of the Canon EOS 7D. Even with its wear, the body shows a lot of character.|Credit: Reynaldo Cruz Diaz

Its long battery life, due to the use of the amazing LP-E6 battery pack, gives you the possibility of being long periods of time without having to change it, which is something all photographers appreciate. Also, the storage terminal is located outside of the battery pack terminal, a nuisance many other cameras come with, which also makes the card overheat sometimes. It also uses compact flash cards, but SD cards can be used if you buy an adapter (which is what I did).

Thanks to the crop factor, the zoom on every lens had a magnification rate of x1.6, which made it better for birds and sports, as it would make a 70-200mm lens look like 112-320mm. However, it made it difficult when shooting wide angle with powerful lenses like a 24-70mm (making it 38.4-112mm) or a 16-35 (making it 25.6-56mm).

This is my favorite street photo from my five months in Mexico. I used the 7D for the photo, and even with a mediocre lens I managed to capture this image.|Credit: Reynaldo Cruz Diaz

Shooting street photography with it was also a pleasure. Its size and weight was always a con, but its fast drive and the silent shutter choice would give anyone the possibility of discretely shooting and also capturing several frames at the same time time to then select the best one in the editing process. Its resolution, at 18 megapixels, was awesome for capturing high-quality images that could produce excellent large-size prints later on. Although many critics and reviews rank it very low in terms of street photography, it was my main camera since mid 2019 until late 2022.

This photo is part of the nude portrait session I had in Toronto. I shot with the 7D and an attached Yongnuo 35mm lens.|Credit: Reynaldo Cruz Diaz

It is also an excellent camera for portraits, producing very sharp images and excellent color. Again, its drive and high shutter speed (1/8000 seconds) helped with the capture of both candid or posed photographs. In addition, its design also gives you the look of a pro photographer, thus inspiring confidence in subjects and clients. I used it a lot with my street portraits, and also managed to capture a few really good model sessions, including a fine art nude workshop one in Toronto.

With the right lens and the right lighting, the 7D also works as a product and still life photography camera. Its resolution is again the biggest pro it has to offer in most fields.

One of my favorite things with it was its video capability. In an era where everyone seems to be mesmerized by 4k and 8k, the HD capabilities of the 7D are indeed admirable. I had the opportunity to shoot even documentaries and a TV show with it in Cuba, and even with my short experience with video, they came out with rather decent quality.

The price, however, is the icing on the cake. The Canon EOS 7D can be found on eBay for less than 250 dollars (body only), even from Canon authorized sellers. One of the biggest partners for photographers in the US, mpb, has it for less than 220 dollars. KEH, another big camera store, offers it for around 250 dollars. Finally, B&H, the giant camera retailer, has it for around the same price range. Of course, the downside is that you will have to get a used body: Canon discontinued this model several years ago.

Canon EOS 7D with EF 70-300mm lens attached.|Credit: Reynaldo Cruz Diaz

However, even in the case of a used body, the 7D is still a reliable partner. I got mine in 2019, and it was way past its shutter expectancy. It didn’t stop working. I used this camera well into the end of 2022, and it accompanied me in trips to Canada, Mexico and my arrival in America.

If you are looking for a high end camera, you may be barking at the wrong tree here. The 7D has fallen behind other competitors like the 7D Mark II, the 90D, the 5D Mark III and up, and the 1Dx and up. That is without counting the R series, which has some sort of “equivalent” of this camera in the EOS R7. Yet, it still surpasses the RP in battery life and shutter speed.

Yet, for the price it has now (about 300 to 500 dollars less than what it cost me in 2019), you can get your hands on a very good piece of gear that will render excellent sports, portraits and street images. I still value this camera as very high quality equipment, and I recommend its purchase to anyone looking to stay within budget, mainly due to its mechanics and sturdiness.