Cheap Photo: $600+ Off the Canon 7D Mark II

APS-C DSLR

The 7D Mark II is a workhorse camera for serious action and sports photographers, and right now it’s a steal!

The Canon 7D series has long been an incredibly popular camera for the sports and wildlife niches of photography thanks to its impressive performance and feature set. While newer cameras like Nikon;s D500 and Sony’s A6500 have come along to offer fiercer competition in the high end APS-C space, the Canon 7D Mark II continues to hold up very well. Right now it also happens to be an absolute steal at just over $1,000 on Amazon, making it a better deal for an APS-C shooter than anything Nikon, Sony or Fujifilm have in that price range.

Interested? Have a look via the links below:

  • [amazon_textlink asin=’B00NEWZDRG’ text=’Canon 7D Mark II’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d859cb21-007f-11e8-8d04-33ed434db046′] – ~$640 Off
  • [amazon_textlink asin=’B01A8DUR74′ text=’Fujifilm X-Pro2 Body’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’37b57486-0081-11e8-bc7b-35986d9cfc05′] – ~$115 Off
  • [amazon_textlink asin=’B00O2THVIY’ text=’Panasonic 30-100mm F4-5.6′ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9fcd2bf8-007f-11e8-84fe-b9f93d719a2b’] – ~$80 Off
  • [amazon_textlink asin=’B01DFHNSTE’ text=’Sigma 35mm F1.4 ART’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ae94677a-0082-11e8-b1ad-790fe00933b7′] – $35 Off
  • [amazon_textlink asin=’B00CPLQ7GI’ text=’Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital ED 45mm F1.8′ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’636abdc2-fb04-11e7-9766-5dc6dfa6a09a’] – $55 Off

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Letters to the Editor: Problems with a Camera’s Autofocus

Chris Gampat The Phoblographer Canon 35mm f1.4 L II review product images (2 of 7)ISO 2001-125 sec at f - 2.8

Letters to the Editor is a recurring series where Chris answers specific emails/letters that could benefit more than one photographer, interesting questions or questions that come in often. Have a question? Send it to chrisgampat[at]thephoblographer[dot]com with subject: Letter to the Editor: (Your name here).

Hey folks!

We’re back with another edition of Letters to the Editor. This week’s question comes from Juli who has a problem with the autofocus performance with her camera. Now as many of the more advanced shooters know, this can be affected by a whole number of issues but nailing down the one in particular can be tough.

Here’s Juli’s letter.

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Watch This Photographer Photograph Harpy Eagles in the Nest

Screenshot taken from the video

Screenshot taken from the video

Photographer Jeff Cremer recently completed a video showcasing his trek into the rainforest to photograph the elusive Harpy Eagle–the largest eagles in the world. While he’s at it, he also talks a lot about the Canon 800mm f5.6 lens that he’s shooting with and trekking up high into the trees. His lens is covered in camo gear to keep it blended in well with the surroundings and he’s using the Canon 7D to capture photos of the birds.

Jeff talks about how he’s shooting in aperture priority with the ISO fixed at 800 to allow the shutter speed to be fast enough. This way he can focus more on actually getting the photo than fiddling with settings. Jeff also talks about exposure compensation and how brighter images reduce the amount of ISO noise in a scene.

The video is a great break from the daily routine and will get you excited if you aren’t already by one of the world’s most elusive birds.

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First Video Samples of Magic Lantern’s Canon 7D Raw Video Hack Are Out

7d-top

A couple of days ago, we reported that Magic Lantern has released a fully testable version of their hack for the Canon 7D. To recap, the hacking crew found a raw video output for the camera very similar to what they’ve found in the Canon 5D Mk III and 5D Mk II. EOS HD notes that the footage isn’t as good as the Mk III’s though but it is better than the hacked Canon 50D. Apparently, the Canon 7D has faster write speeds than read speeds, and can achieve reach 91Mb/s, where 83Mb/s is required for 1080/24p raw but read speeds hover around the 60Mb/s area. It can also only shoot 1736 x 1156 pixels max.

Granted, you’re still not going to get the 70D’s autofocusing, but it is still nice for cinematographers to know that they can get more out of their investments at this point.

Demo video footage is after the jump.


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Magic Lantern is Hacking the Canon 7D

7d-top

Editor’s Note: It’s been in the works for a while now according to Planet5D; but it is further developing into quite an interesting story.

Magic Lantern has been hard at work improving their hacks for the RAW video output on the 5D camera series, and now they’re hard at work with the Canon 7D. So far, they’ve found the RAW image buffer and while silent video recording is working, they’re still developing the hack to also record audio. Partially because of the dual processors, the camera is tougher to hack vs the one processor in the Canon 5D series.

When the 7D came out, many photographers thought that it was a superior camera to the Canon 5D Mk II: it’s actual compliment at the time. The reasons why were because of better weather sealing, faster frame rate shooting, vastly superior autofocus system, and ergonomic improvements that made it seem more serious and Nikon-like vs the traditional 5D’s elegant feeling. Indeed, I owned one. I loved it, and a part of me still really misses it.

The camera was used on the set of Saturday Night Live for a while, and that was without a hack. In the hands of a true creative, the camera can totally rock.

Via EOSHD

Magic Lantern Improves the Canon 5D Mk III and 7D RAW Video Functionality to 14 Stops of Dynamic Range

Chris Gampat The Phoblographer Product photos Canon 5D Mk III (2 of 10)ISO 200

According to a brand new report on Planet5D, the Magic Lantern team has improved the dynamic range of the RAW video functionality from the Canon 5D Mk III and 7D to 14 stops. To catch everyone up to speed, the team originally found a CineDNG raw video output in the Live View functions of the camera. However, their next challenge was to find a way to record it and then record it to the point of capturing something that would make sense for filmmakers. They found a way to do so, and in the process turned Canon’s DSLRs into some of the greatest video capturing devices out there for the money.

Planet 5D is stating that it gives you, “…approximately 3 additional stops of dynamic range by using a new way of taking a photo by using ISO 100 for some of the vertical lines of the shot and ISO 1600 for the rest of it. He’s (the creator of the hack) also sharing his initial thoughts on how to re-combine the lines of 100/1600 to give you the full resolution of your image back!”

This might be one of the best times to pick up a 5D Mk III or a 7D. If you combine the latter with Sigma’s new 18-35mm f1.8 lens, it’s a bang for your buck deal.

Via Planet 5D

Cheap Photo: Awesome Price Drops on the Canon 6D And More

Chris Gampat The Phoblographer Canon 6D Hands on review first impressions product images (1 of 6)ISO 1600

 

Canon has dropped their prices on some of their cameras and lenses. Check them out:

– Canon 50mm f1.8 = $89.99 when added to cart at Adorama or $94.00 at B&H Photo

– Canon 6D = $1,999.99 when added to cart at Adorama or B&H Photo

– Canon 7D = $1,199.00 when added to cart at Adorama or B&H Photo

– Canon Instant Savings on Speedlites and Lenses

AND DON’T FORGET ABOUT NIKON!

– Nikon D600 VIDEO KIT

– Nikon D600 PHOTO KIT

– Nikon Deals

Firmware 2.0 For The Canon 7D is Now Available

As promised by Canon the firmware update for the 7D is now available. It was previously announced late June and we have gone over the features here. You can find the firmware update here on the Canon site, just select your OS and version then scroll down to firmware.

Bringing new life to the model may mean that they are trying to clear inventory or prolong its replacement a bit longer. Feel free to let us know your thoughts on the update!

New Features Coming to The Canon 7D in August

Canon just announced that in August they will be releasing the previously leaked firmware update for their popular 7D camera. In Canon’s statement they mention that they want to continue to offer the users of their current cameras the best features. I will quickly go over the key features and the minor tweaks coming in a couple months. Quick and faster seems to be the overall theme since most of the features include some kind of speed enhancement.
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Review: Rokinon 24mm f1.4 Lens (Canon EOS)

As what other reviewers have been touting as one of the most exciting lenses to be released in a while at this focal length, the Rokinon 24mm f1.4 is an extremely affordable option compared to the Canon L version or the closest Zeiss version. Granted, all three are still different lenses: with two of the previously stated products being manual focus only.

The 24mm focal length is one that has been targeted to street photographers, documentary shooters, landscape photographers, and loads of others. But does this latest addition really do the job that most photographers want?

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A Nikon Shooter’s Canon Sessions (op/Ed)

The Canon EOS 7D is the most interesting Canon camera to me. I am approaching the camera as a Nikon shooter. While my Nikon D90 was in for repair I was loaned the Canon 7D by the one the only Chris Gampat. The effect of the camera on me was mind blowing especially with the Canon 35mm f1.4 and the Canon 50mm f1.4. These two lenses were selected because they fall in line with my shooting style and fondness for prime lenses.  The seven days I spent with this gear were phenomenal and educational all at the same time.

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Field Review: Rokinon 85mm F/1.4 (Day 1- Ergonomics)

Manual lenses are great for videographers and for photographers that want that old school feeling when shooting. So when I was thrown the Rokinon 85mm F/1.4 for Canon EF mount, and then told that it was under $300, I was intrigued. Though I already have an 85mm F/1.8, I couldn’t help but think to myself if I would part with my much loved 85mm by the end of the review.

If you’re interested, you should check out our list of the best budget lenses and lenses for videographers.

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Long Term Review: Canon 24-105mm F4 L IS Lens

Every photographer has a go-to lens that helps them to accomplish their daily tasks. What’s yours? Mine was (and in some ways still is) the Canon 24-105mm F/4 L IS. It has been by my side through paparazzo work, weddings, portraits, events, sports, and it has even been my casual walkaround lens. Used on the many cameras that have passed through my hands during reviews, it has been a mainstay on either my Canon 7D or 5D Mk II: always remaining ready to be used in an instant.

This long term review will cover the two years I’ve spent using this lens and will summarize the faults and strengths of this beloved piece of plastic with the heart of glass.

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Long Term Review: Canon 85mm F/1.8 Lens

The Canon 85mm F/1.8 is the company’s budget level portrait lens, and a heck of a lens at that. Touted by photographers, Flickr groups, and reviewers as one of the best bang for your buck options; the 85mm is a lens that most people should at least consider. I’ve been shooting with this lens for over a year but never decided to do a full field review for the reason that it’s not new. However, this single long review will encompass some of the work that I’ve done throughout my various postings on this site, and we’ll help you determine whether or not it’s for you.

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How To Beat The Darkness in a Nightclub

The other night, my good buddy Mike Florio and I shot a concert (photos and video) for the band Mancie. It was a favor for my other friend, Andrea Fischman, who leads that band and is a fellow photographer. Andrea wanted me to do a couple of portraits of her, her friend and the band. This was at around 8pm at night, and it was super dark—perhaps one of the darkest venues I’ve shot in. However, I was able to beat the darkness with a single speedlite and by making the most of it by placing it in the right spots. Here’s how I did it and how you can figure out how to do this as well.

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Sony NEX-VG10 and Canon 7D Shoot a Video

So the other night, my good friend Mike Florio and I shot some video footage for my friend’s band: Mancie. The footage is in the video above, but we’d like to know if you can tell which was used more: the Canon 7D or the Sony NEX VG-10. Here are some hints:

– The Sony was shot at +24 decibels of gain and the Canon was shot at ISO 6400.

– The Canon had the 50mm F/1.8 on it and the Sony had the 50mm F/1.4. Because of how dark the venue was, the lenses were shot wide open.

– One camera’s footage was much more difficult to transcode than the other, and it was all edited in Final Cut.

– One camera is better resolution wise.

– One camera’s sensor has a larger dynamic range than the other as well as better high ISO handling. DXoMark could help you with this one.

As you know, I’ve stated that I wanted to throw the NEX VG-10 out the window, but I’ve also admitted that it has some terrific footage. Additionally, I swear by my Canon 7D, and still consider it one of the best cameras out there for the money. Don’t think it’s possible? You’d be surprised.

Let us know in the comments below with a good reason and once we’ve reached 30 comments we’ll reveal the answer.

Update: Most of the footage in the video was from the Canon 7D. Indeed, the footage from the Sony NEX-VG10 is the pixelated footage. At first, I thought it was just a creative effect. I was wrong, Final Cut was having problems transcoding the footage.