Canon 7D vs. Canon Rebel T1i
Let’s say you’re in the market for a DSLR camera. You like your point-and-shoot but are tired of how it works any time you’re not outside, under nice, natural light. You’d also like to be able to take pictures with a nice, shallow depth of field. You have some money and want to invest in a DSLR.
Furthermore, you’ve heard how great the video from DSLRs is getting. People like those guys on This Week In Photography have convinced you that, even though a DSLR is not a camcorder, it can achieve impressive results when used appropriately.
If the above describes you, you’re probably looking at cameras like the Canon Rebel T1i and Canon 7D. You might be leaning towards the Canon 7D, but, given your recent entry into the DSLR market, you’re having trouble justifying spending an extra $1000 on a camera when the Canon T1i does basically everything you need.
If you really want the Canon 7D, here’s the argument I’d make. The Canon 7D has advantages externally and internally that you will be able to appreciate.
Externally speaking, the 7D has a more solid body, a weather-sealed magnesium body versus the plastic body of the T1i. Also, the buttons are easier to use. The 7D gives you dedicated buttons for access to Live View and to switch between RAW and JPEG modes.
Also, the 7D gives the photographer more options in terms of configurability. The T1i allows you to export 1080p at 20 fps and 720p at 30 fps. The 7D allows you to export 1080p at 20fps, 24fsp, or 30fps, and 720p at 60fps. And, you can set the exposure manually when shooting video, something you can’t do with the T1i.
Internally, both the hardware and software of the 7D are superior to that of the T1i. The sensor is an 18 megapixel sensor versus the 15 megapixels of the T1i. They’re both APS-C, but, you can crank the ISO up to 6400 on the 7D versus 3200 on the T1i.
And the software. The autofocus systems now gives you 19 (versus 9) cross-type AF points and all sorts of new focusing modes. And, the metering system has been improved as well. It’s the first Canon metering system sensitive to color.
Now, having said all that, the truth is, it’s still tough to justify. The guy at Best Buy, who simply took it as a matter of faith that the 7D was an excellent camera, did not make a persuasive argument.
For more perspective, check this out. I’ll save the comparisons to Nikon for later.