Picked up my new EOS R7 today - Went a late visit to the nearest pond...

My first keeper I guess with my new Canon EOS R7...

Edited from RAW. RF100-400@350mm, f/8.0, 1/640s, 1000iso. Slightly cropped (corrected leveling)

For the pixel peepers, below is also the original jpg (with NR set to Low instead of default NR Medium). However disclaimer: I was in an awkward position lying on my stomach on a bridge, shooting with the flip-out screen. Considering the 1000iso I think it is plenty sharp myself. But just saying for the skeptical pixel peepers, that under more controlled situation it might be possible to do it better.

First impression: I wish it was a more Pro/Prosumer-like body. It is definitely a step down compared to 7DII and R6 when it comes to the body. I think though that I will like the new wheel around the joystick although it definitely doesn't have the more "robust" feel known from 7DII and R6. But wheel feels intuitive and easy to use for me in that position. What I don't like so much though, is the new control where I was used to have the wheel on 7DII/R6. That is "fiddly" and difficult to use I think. Feels and behaves cheap.

But overall no doubt, this going to be the camera that finally can replace my 7DII as my primary camera (I like the R6 a lot, but the kit I will usually want to carry just becomes to big and heavy - and expensive - if built around a fullframe camera).

Btw, I also tried the RF800 f/11 on the R7. It was surprisingly easy to handle even though it effectively is a 1280mm (35mm equiv.). Probably because of the extended AF coverage compared to when used on the R6.

Original JPG (NR set to Low instead of the default Medium)

Congratulations. Enjoy the new camera, and thanks for sharing a photo!

Cheers Stig, looks pretty good.

Really interested in th R7/RF100-400 combo.

Any chance you could post the raw?

What did you think of the mechanical shutter noise?

Regards,

Jen.

Stig Nygaard wrote:

the original jpg (with NR set to Low instead of default NR Medium).

I just checked camera settings again. It is "High ISO NR" I have set to low, but I don't think it has any effect on this (It is too late to edit original post).

jennykins wrote:

Any chance you could post the raw?

What did you think of the mechanical shutter noise?

Mechanical shutter actually sounds like a machine gun. Probably louder and definitely different from what I'm used to from R6 and 7DII.

The RAW file: https://www.rocklandk/temp/_M1A0044.CR3

jennykins wrote:

Really interested in th R7/RF100-400 combo.

It really is a nice practical lightweight combo.

I'm now also planning to purchase the RF 100-500mm L. But the 100-400mm will definitely still often be found in my bag, when carrying the 100-500mm just is too much.

I was able to play with one a few weeks ago. I Canon Tech person had just received her R7 and R10. The did feel a step below the XXD and 7D cameras I have owned, but still has a good feel. Might just be because of the weight and size reduction, not the actual build quality. I thought both felt well built.

The controls are very different. I am not planning on buying either camera, but I felt I could get use to the new controls. In some ways I liked the layout. Will be different for anyone coming from an XXD or RX camera. I was worried Canon changed the layout to keep most wanting to buy more expensive cameras. After using the R7 I felt the changes were positive and I would be happy with the new layout.

The mechanical shutter is much louder than my R5. Clicky or maybe clacky is the term I would use.

Looking forward to hearing everyone's first impressions this week. I personally feel for the money this is a great camera.

I do wish Canon had developed a new advanced sensor for the camera and put in a better EVF. But, if Canon had added the extra features I might want the R7 would not sell for $1,500. For the money I think the R7 is great.

Stig Nygaard wrote What I don't like so much though, is the new control where I was used to have the wheel on 7DII/R6. That is "fiddly" and difficult to use I think.

Can you clarify what on the R7/7dmk2 you're referring to in that statement?

Stig Nygaard wrote:

jennykins wrote:

Really interested in th R7/RF100-400 combo.

It really is a nice practical lightweight combo.

I'm now also planning to purchase the RF 100-500mm L. But the 100-400mm will definitely still often be found in my bag, when carrying the 100-500mm just is too much.

I did the same thing. I ordered the RF 100-400 on the first day of pre-orders last Sept. I love the lens, very sharp but also very light. I have also purchased the RF100-500 and I love the lens, but for hiking the 100-400 will be the one in my backpack.

cnyphotoguy wrote:

Stig Nygaard wrote What I don't like so much though, is the new control where I was used to have the wheel on 7DII/R6. That is "fiddly" and difficult to use I think.

Can you clarify what on the R7/7dmk2 you're referring to in that statement?

I'm talking about the rather small 4-way control (with a little "Q/Set" button in center) on the R7 body, sitting just there where we are used to have the wheel on the 7DII/R6 bodies. Maybe I can get used to that "4-way control", but I'm definitely not as fast adapting to it as I am with having the wheel around the joystick.

Was that easier to understand, or do we need pictures?

Stig Nygaard wrote:

cnyphotoguy wrote:

Stig Nygaard wrote What I don't like so much though, is the new control where I was used to have the wheel on 7DII/R6. That is "fiddly" and difficult to use I think.

Can you clarify what on the R7/7dmk2 you're referring to in that statement?

I'm talking about the rather small 4-way control on the R7 body, sitting just there where we are used to have the wheel on the 7DII/R6 bodies. Maybe I can get used to that "4-way control", but I'm definitely not as fast adapting to it as I am with having the wheel around the joystick.

Well, you've only had the camera for a few hours. I think you'll get used to it. My R doesn't have a rear wheel at all. Only the 4-way controller and the touchpad. I actually got used to both of those pretty quickly. What I really like about the 4-way controller is that I can program each of the direction buttons to a different function. I find that far more useful than the wheel I had on previous DSLRs. I'm looking forward to the layout on the R7. I think I'll like it. I'm used to using cameras with different layouts. Right now I use my R and my M6II about equally. Those have very different layouts.

Was that easier to understand, or do we need pictures?

Stig Nygaard wrote:

cnyphotoguy wrote:

Stig Nygaard wrote What I don't like so much though, is the new control where I was used to have the wheel on 7DII/R6. That is "fiddly" and difficult to use I think.

Can you clarify what on the R7/7dmk2 you're referring to in that statement?

I'm talking about the rather small 4-way control (with a little "Q/Set" button in center) on the R7 body, sitting just there where we are used to have the wheel on the 7DII/R6 bodies. Maybe I can get used to that "4-way control", but I'm definitely not as fast adapting to it as I am with having the wheel around the joystick.

Was that easier to understand, or do we need pictures?

Yes, clearer. What is the default function and what would you rather it did?

cnyphotoguy wrote:

Yes, clearer. What is the default function and what would you rather it did?

Oh, I haven't learned the camera to know so well yet that I know all the functions of the controls. I just made my most basic setup and went out to play with it....

But I used it to move up/down (in the beginning also left/right, but that's much easier on the "front wheel") in menus, and that didn't feel so smooth and easy for me. So my initial thought was that I wanted to use that control as little as possible no matter what function it has (or I assign to it). But as Alastair hints, it might be fair I give the camera a bit more time before I complain too much about that control

I think we're all a bit envious right now. I wonder if you would share your thoughts on the EVF.  I primarily use the viewfinder to compose and I'm used to an OVF. Is the R7's clear enough so that you aren't looking at your shot and thinking-- I wish the viewfinder looked more realistic. I know this is subjective, so one person's idea might not be another's.