After reading user reports on 7D issues, I compiled the following list. The issues are not fixed by 1.0.9 firmware.

1. frame rate drop / slowdown on low light conditions
FM link
Canon Rumors 7D mini review
Alek Komarnits test: 7D vs 50D

2. FIXED in firmware 1.1.0 - in images captured by continuous shooting, and under certain conditions, barely noticeable traces of the immediately preceding frame may be visible (Canon quote)
Canon Australia link
first found here (on FM)
DPReview topic
Canon Rumors link
Canon US link (thanks to Chris Fabbri)

3. wireless flash: in certain conditions, 7D internal flash triggers erroneous exposure
POTN link


Disclaimer: I don't have a 7D. I'd like one, but these are serious flaws. I'm waiting for a fix before commiting the credit card.

I have had my 7D for 3 weeks and have not experiened any of these issues.

Maybe the last firmware has fixed this problem ?

Seem like legit concerns. Especially the one that Canon already communicated. What can you say about it? Every new DSLR seems to have some child diseases these days. As long as Canon takes care of it by FW updates it is no big deal really. The issues will become more serious if Canon fails to do so. I guess this advice still stands: never buy a new product within the first half year after release

Daan B wrote:never buy a new product within the first half year after release

Good advice.

Anil, you simply worry too much. Of course, you hang out at internet fora too much, too, just like the rest of us here . Enjoy photography and worry less about your gear.

saaketham wrote:
Daan B wrote:never buy a new product within the first half year after release

Good advice.


Not only that... It will save you some big bucks too... Didn't you know that Canon's beta testers are "rewarded" by paying the premium price?

kkroeker wrote:
I have had my 7D for 3 weeks and have not experiened any of these issues.

+1 (Though I've only had it for two weeks). Haven't updated the firmware yet either. Probably should :-/

Haven't heard about nor experienced the #2 item; that one would be a real show stopper from getting a job done and may be an isolated problem rather than a design issue like #1. The #1 item (slowing of frame rate) I have encountered but it is rare that I run into that limitation for my work. When I do get into too-dark conditions, I just use AE-lock to lock the exposure for the sequence I need to shoot in a burst to maintain the high frame rate within physical shutter speed limits (slower than 1/125), of course.

kkroeker wrote:
I have had my 7D for 3 weeks and have not experiened any of these issues.

Same here. Mine came with the updated firmware already installed.

Mine came with 1.0.7 no issue.

ciprian.trofin wrote:
these are serious flaws.

I disagree.

AGeoJO wrote:Anil, you simply worry too much. Of course, you hang out at internet fora too much, too, just like the rest of us here . Enjoy photography and worry less about your gear.

I rarely buy a new camera .. mostly stick to used cameras from FM. I don't mind spending on lenses because they hold value, but I don't want to spend a lot of money on a camera that will depreciate so fast in the next 2 years. That's why I am paranoid before spending close to 2K on a new body.

It seems that the so-called "problem n°1" is documented in the Canon manual, on page 93. This is written by the OP in the FM thread referenced by this one. So is that really a "problem"?

The ghost image may be visible only if you tweak and adjust the curve/contrast so that the image is rendered like this. I am not downplaying the problem and apparently Canon has acknowledged it. Somehow, the adage of "seek and you will find" came to my mind....

This is the image of the poster on dpreview and not mine and it is posted here to show the issue. I normally don't post other people's images but for illustrative purposes, here it is:

Hey, that's actually a cool effect. I might get the 7D just for that effect.

saaketham wrote:
AGeoJO wrote:Anil, you simply worry too much. Of course, you hang out at internet fora too much, too, just like the rest of us here . Enjoy photography and worry less about your gear.

I rarely buy a new camera .. mostly stick to used cameras from FM. I don't mind spending on lenses because they hold value, but I don't want to spend a lot of money on a camera that will depreciate so fast in the next 2 years. That's why I am paranoid before spending close to 2K on a new body.


In that case you don't want to buy any camera new shortly after release. You are pretty much guaranteed of rapid depreciation in the first year.

You can already get used 7Ds for close to $1500, wait another 6 months and it should be another $100-$150 cheaper.

If you have the money to buy it...enjoy it today, who knows what will happen tomorrow?

As for 7D problems, I have been skipping gym due to the hectic 7D/Birding schedule that I have picked up recently.

Apart from that, the camera is AOK.

I have not seen any of these issues. I am sure Canon will examine the issues and relase the necessary firmware update. We are just early adopters.

I've had my 7D since Sept. 29th and have nothing but love for the camera.

I have yet to experience any of the issues or problems (and #1 is an unfortunate feature, not a problem, since it is described in the manual provided by the manufacturer).

I have used the wireless feature during a couple portrait sessions and everything seems to be just fine, however, I have not done extensive testing, so we shall see.

I have not experienced the ghosting effect, but will definitely be on the lookout.

I'll be honest I was nervous about being an early adopter, but can honestly say I have gotten tremendous value out of this camera body already.

I've shot several hs sporting events - football, tennis and volleyball - and obtained results I did not get from either my 1ds2 or 1d2 cameras. I've shot professional theatre with it and my client was blown away by the shots I was able to obtain in extremelly low light. And I shot a few models in the studio this past weekend and I'm amazed at the detail in the files.

The 7D is a true winner in my book. I would rather actually use and benefit from the camera than talk about the what ifs.