Initial thoughts on my new Canon 7D DSLR

I had always been interested in photography and consider myself to be an enthusiast. After many years of point and shoot cameras, I got my first SLR in 2001 which was the Canon Rebel 2000.The camera came with the 28-80mm kit lens. This camera opened up the world of photography for me and got me hooked right from the start. A couple of years later I got a telephoto lens, the Canon 85-300mm lens and this led me to take my photos to a whole new level.

My first DSLR was the Canon EOS 400D which I bought from Jessops in 2005. It came with the 18-55mm kit lens. Going digital was awesome and it helped me improve my understanding of photography and my skills. We went on trips to Switzerland, Egypt and other places and I took hundreds of beautiful shots. Birthdays were great occasions for me to try out new techniques and principles.

The past couple of years, I had been so busy with launching several new online business ventures that photography took a back seat. There were months during which I hardly took my camera out. After I got my iPhone I just started using that even for important events. I could say I lost interest in photography.

Last week I decided to upgrade my ESO 400D and get the latest Canon 7D which is a sign that I am getting the passion back again. Actually I wanted to buy a HD camcorder and was looking around when I realized I should actually get a DSLR that could shoot movies in HD so that I can use it for both purposes with out lugging around too much equipment. The need for a HD camcorder was ignited by my next phase of entrepreneurial development – branding on YouTube. I feel it is time for me to start using video to document my interest in business and entrepreneurship.

The Canon 7D is a logical candidate for my requirements. I have always been a Canon user and after using the 400D I was sure I would be at home with the 7D. With the new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, I was sure it would suit my photographic needs and with the full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection, it would be excellent for my video needs including videos for my YouTube channel and for commercial videos for my websites.

It is quite pricey but after having viewed the amazing videos that you can take with this camera I think the 7D is good value for money. I played around with it yesterday a little bit and am trying to get to know most of functions before my younger daughter’s birthday this Sunday where I will be shooting both photos and video.

I will write an in-depth review of the Canon 7D next month or so after I have had a chance to take some photos. Or perhaps I will just post a video review!