The 7D is an amazing camera in so many ways. For most, its about the final image. Few cameras are capable of producing the magical color pallet that the Minolta 7D engine delivers. Ive yet to see a post process program from Adobe produce such images from other cameras.
Ergonomically, it fits much like an old pair of comfortable slippers. If the 7D engine could be put in a more modern camera, one with fast shutter speeds, water resistant body, Larger multi axis LCD, etc, it would be my ideal camera. The color pallet is very subtle, but there is enough there to be able to pick it out in a crowd of other renderings.
A final image is the product of the photographers ability to vision and compose, the quality and capability of the lens, and the condition of the light and finally the cameras ability. The quality of the final shot is based on all of these factors. An image fails when one or more of these factors, fall short in their application,. the 7D does not disappoint.
They say, and I agree, that an award winning photograph can be taken with a pin hole camera when in the hands of a professional photographer. In my opinion, like in most disciplines, its not the gun.... its the gunner.
I know lots of people with 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 dollar cameras. Few of the people I know are what I would consider good photographers., just amateurs with expensive cameras. the reason I know this is because I am one of them,...
I've never one said I am a good photographer, how ever, even with an education in photography... ( a degree in Photography from Rowan University ) ...and good equipment...
But over my life time, I have been " Lucky " enough to grab a few award winning shots, and 80,000 priceless memories. I am passionate about photography, but not so anal about photographic excellence. For me, its about the subject and how I compose it, not the absolute quality. Of course I strive for the best image possible, but I'm not disappointed if my ability and the conditions do not support an award winning shot.
Sorry for the long winded post ... but this camera does stir my photographic juices.
I'm not stealing much bandwidth from this forum with this long post.
Bill