One of the first two APS-C EOS R-series cameras from Canon, along with the EOS R10, is the 32.5-megapixel APS-C camera. With a higher resolution image sensor, an improved EVF, in-body image stabilisation, quicker shooting rates, and better video features, the EOS R7 is the more powerful of the two cameras. The R7 is a compelling option for enthusiast photographers, including those using Canon 7D Mark II or 90D DSLR cameras who want to upgrade to mirrorless, in contrast to the R10, which is a fantastic entry-level option.
Design
To make the EOS R7 both portable and user-friendly, Canon has combined elements from both its DSLR lineup and its current EOS R series cameras. You’ll probably feel right at home if you’ve previously used a Canon EOS camera. It won’t be too difficult to find everything you need, even if this is your first time using the brand. The EOS R7 manages to include a deep, chunky grip, which is impressive for such a small camera and should be well-liked by photographers. The camera’s overall size isn’t too large for shooting while travelling, though. Mid-range cameras, as you might expect, don’t come with a top-plate LCD for quickly checking settings. Users of APS-C cameras shouldn’t feel too badly treated here because the same is true of the full-frame EOS R6. You do, however, get a logically organized control scheme that includes a mode dial to the right of the viewfinder, a control dial just behind the shutter button, and specific buttons for ISO and video recording just behind that. When you turn the camera around, you’ll see a joystick-cum-control wheel hybrid that some people might love and others might really dislike. It does require some getting used to, particularly if you already own a Canon camera. However, after a few days in its company, it begins to function quite well in conjunction with the main control dial. Depending on the shooting mode you’re in, you can use the dials to change the shutter speed and aperture as well as navigate menus and playback images. When shooting through the viewfinder, the joystick is ideal for moving the AF point around the frame. However, if “Touch and Drag” is enabled in the main menu, you can also move the AF point on the screen.
Canon EOS R7 review: Features
The R7’s 32.5MP APS-C sensor packs more resolution than any cropped sensor camera currently on the market, which will be music to the ears of wildlife photographers and birders who are constantly looking for more cropping options. It shares the same architecture as the 32.5MP sensor in the 90D and Canon EOS M6 Mark II, so it isn’t a completely new sensor, but it does have an improved wiring layer and microlens technology to provide better signal readout. It also has astounding shooting speeds of 30 frames per second electronically, which is comparable to the R3, Sony A1, and Nikon Z9 (unless you take into account the latter’s 11MP crop mode), as well as 15 frames per second mechanically, which is faster than any other Canon EOS camera, including the R3, R5, and R6. This is the first APS-C camera from Canon to have in-body image stabilization, a 5-axis system that, depending on the lens, can provide up to 8 stops of compensation, offers 7 stops. It also boasts the most recent and advanced autofocus innovations for the R system: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, with case studies, human, animal, and vehicle subject recognition, and AF acquisition down to -5EV. According to Canon, you can record about 60 minutes of video before the device overheats and record limits kick in. Canon Log-3, clean HDMI out, a microphone input, and a headphone jack are all features of the camera.
Displays
The LCD is the identical 2.95-inch touchscreen with 1.62 million dots as the Canon R6. Although it does the job well and is responsive and clear, it isn’t particularly noteworthy. The EVF is comparable in this regard. It functions well and is comfortable to use, but it is considerably smaller and has a lower resolution than the Fuji X-T5. When viewed through the eyepiece, motion is extremely smooth because it is at least 120Hz. you can read our article on Canon EOS R7 review.
Canon EOS R7 review: Connectivity
There is no need for pricey CFexpress cards because the Canon R7 has dual SD card slots because no fancy video codecs are being used. We’re pleased that there are two slots available because they give you the option of expanding your storage capacity or—more likely—immediately backing up your files. There is no need for pricey CFexpress cards because the Canon R7 has dual SD card slots because no fancy video codecs are being used. We’re pleased that there are two slots available because they give you the option of expanding your storage capacity or—more likely—immediately backing up your files. The Fuji X-port H2S’s layout, which allowed for easy access to the HDMI and microphone ports with the screen flipped out, was praised by us, but Canon’s solution is actually superior. In this situation, you can access the headphone and microphone jacks but not the HDMI. It’s less likely to be required because the HDMI would most likely be feeding an on-camera monitor, so this is probably preferable for most users.
Image quality
The 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor and DIGIC X image processor are both brand-new for the Canon EOS R7. Despite having a similar megapixel resolution to the sensor in the 90D, Canon is clear that this is not the same sensor. We are very happy with the images we get from this camera, and the results are quite wonderful. Because of the dynamic range’s complexity, it is possible to capture stunning renditions of scenes, and the colours are purely Canon. Nevertheless, I’ve never been a big fan of the straight-out-of-camera product, and the R7’s RAW files give me plenty of data to manipulate without ruining the image. Looking at the noise levels of this APS-C sensor, it performs admirably given the camera’s size and cost. Canon’s former APS-C flagship, the 7D Mark II, had trouble at ISO 800 in the past, but it is still well within its capabilities here. Generally speaking, it seems that details start to fade at ISO 3,200. Given that good full-frame cameras will start producing results similar to those at a few clicks further, that’s not bad at all. also you can check our article on Canon EOS R7 review.
Canon EOS R7 review: Video quality
The R7 outperforms most APS-C cameras for video, with the exception of Fujifilm’s ageing X-T4 and the brand-new $2,500 X-H2S, which supports up to 6.2K shooting. Furthermore, it outperforms all of Sony’s APS-C cameras, which are deficient in 10-bit, fast frame rates, and other features. Using the entire sensor width and up to 30 frames per second, you can capture razor-sharp super sampled 4K footage. A 1.8 times crop or line-skipping are also options for 4K at 60 frames per second. Although the quality is adequate for the majority of projects and the rolling shutter issues are less severe, both modes are softer. Additionally, the R7 offers 10-bit colour C-Log3 or PQ HDR video for increased dynamic range. You are only able to use IPB “long gop” codecs with a regular mode and Lite mode, which only uses about half the storage, because it lacks an All-I mode for simple editing. Canon does have some advice on that, but despite several warm days, we never encountered any cautions. The most demanding mode is oversampled 4K at 30 frames per second, but according to Canon, you can shoot continuously in that mode for at least an hour. Similar to photos, video has Canon’s recognizable warm skin tones and is sharp and colour accurate. C-Log3 offers additional dynamic range for challenging, contrasty shooting situations and is simple to colour grade. In low-light scenarios, we wouldn’t increase the ISO past 3200 because noise becomes a significant problem.
Performance
Shooting with the R7 feels a lot like shooting with a mirrorless 90D, but with a lot more bells and whistles. The camera seems tailor-made for the RF-S 18-150mm lens (or, more accurately, the lens for it), and the two make a formidable combo for candid, travel, and everyday photography – and even movie. This is an excellent mix for general shooting and content creation. If you want to get serious, the R7 has the processing power and resolution to support high-end full-frame lenses like the Canon RF 85mm f/1.8L USM. The larger L-series glass is quite large for the slim APS-C body, but the results are great. Where this camera really shines is in the amplification of focus lengths and how this helps wildlife photographers. Mount the Canon RF 800mm f/11 on top of this and you’ve got an efficient 1280mm lens with 32MP resolution to crop in on, all powered by incredible Animal AF. Due to the amazing Dual Pixel AF II technology, the subject identification and tracking are superb. We photographed a variety of objects, including swiftly moving ice skaters, still models, and various waterfowl, and the autofocus never failed us. It was highly instinctive while filming any kind of bird waddling and swimming rapidly through the frame. It was sticky and adaptive when switching between eye, head, and body detection while shooting skaters executing tricks. When recording video, the AF performs equally well and is not deceived by objects in the foreground that obscure people. The buffer is constrained by the preference for SD cards versus CFexpress despite the camera’s lightning-fast shooting capabilities, with maximum bursts of 46 RAWs and 184 JPGs. But even with that, we were able to fire off regulated salvos and didn’t miss anything.
Price
Compared to full-frame models, the Canon EOS R7 is considerably more affordable, making it more appealing to those on a tight budget. It also compares favorably to other top-tier APS-C cameras. The Sony A6600, which has been around for three years, costs slightly more than the EOS R7. Additionally, it is significantly less expensive than the more expensive Fujifilm X-H2S, another flagship camera with quick autofocus and fast shooting capabilities. The EOS R7 edges out the Fujifilm X-T5 in terms of autofocusing but falls short when it comes to native lenses, so which one you choose will largely depend on the lenses you already own.
Conclusion
The top of the APS-C range 32.5MP R7, clearly intended as a step up and adding such useful features as more MP, two SD slots instead of one, the wider range 18-150mm kit lens as standard, and a larger, more robust design that improves shutter performance, battery performance, and a whole range of other improvements, rounds out our look at the new APS-C format cameras and lenses from Canon. It also resists moisture and dust, which is a very nice feature. Overall, a more durable camera that is definitely enjoyable to use and well worth consideration in a highly competitive market niche.
