PetKal wrote:
(1) Detail recorded and cropping depth. I think that one is pretty much a a gimme. I suspect 7D might be even better than my 1DsMkII in that regard.
You'll have more freedom for cropping with the 7D but, I'd still argue the 1DsMkII is recording more detail up through ISO 3200.
PetKal wrote:
(2) Low ISO noise. When I view an image on my 19" screen, and crop a bit, say 30%, I'd like to see no objectionable noise at ISO 100, 200 and 400.
High image croppability does little for me if I end up having to do NR on low ISO captures.
This is subjective but, under certain conditions, I see more noise than I'd like with the 7D around ISO 400. That's when viewing at 100%. My 40D, when viewed at 100% seems to show less but, if I upres the 40D's image to match the 7D, the 7D is visibly cleaner and more detailed. I also don't see this noise in actual prints.
PetKal wrote:
(3) Peripheral AF sensor sensitivity and accuracy. Is it better than 40/50D ?
Yes but, there is a learning curve to the 7D's AF system. At least there was for me.
PetKal wrote:
(4) Servo AF. Is it more like 40/50D or closer to 1DMkII(N) ? Or perhaps better than any of those ? (Honestly, I haven't used a Canon camera yet that would floor me with its Servo AF performance. That's where I need help more than anywhere else.)
Never shot a 1D so I can't comment but it is easily better than the 40D/50D. There just isn't any comparison between the 40D and 7D in terms of AF performance.
PetKal wrote:
(5) Low light FPS. What's the real scoop here ? If FPS is exposure sensitive, where does it kick back to a lower FPS and what would that FPS be ?
I don't have a hard answer but, my camera will 8fps in good light. It does slow down in low-light but, that's clearly stated in the owner's manual.