Canon EOS 7D Professional Products 2010 Brochure - Page 22

A New-Generation SLR, Delivering Unprecedented Capabilities Outstanding Performance New, Advanced 18.0 Megapixel CMOS Sensor Canon imaging technologies continue to be remarkable in the industry, and the EOS 7D is a splendid example of leading-edge innovation. Its newly developed Canon CMOS sensor features a capture resolution of 18.0 Megapixels, providing superlative imaging detail among DSLRs in its class. The recording area of the sensor is 22.3 x 14.9mm/0.88 x 0.59 in. (APS-C), which results in a lens crop 14.9 mm 22.3 mm EOS 7D APS-C CMOS Sensor (Actual Size) factor of approximately 1.6x in relation to the traditional full-frame 35mm film format. The latest Canon micro semiconductor manufacturing process has further reduced sensor circuitry size, thereby providing more space for the photodiodes. The increased sensor photodiode area delivers a wide dynamic range never Gapless Microlenses EOS 7D EOS 50D Photodiode before achieved in an imaging element of such high pixel density. The new photodiode design also delivers an outstanding photoelectric conversion rate. The semiconductor S/N ratio is markedly improved, thereby boosting sensi- tivity and making higher usable ISO speeds possible. Light gathering efficiency has been improved through a new fabrication process that eliminates gaps between the microlenses. As a result, the new CMOS sensor exhibits dazzling noise reduction and high ISO shooting performance despite the increased number of sensor sites. Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors The Canon DIGIC Image Processor is a high-performance imaging engine that uses proprietary algorithms and high-speed signal processing techniques to deliver standout image quality, superb camera responsiveness, and reduced power consumption. Developed and manufactured by Canon for exclusive use in Canon digital cameras, the DIGIC Image Processor is yet one more innovation that has kept Canon at the forefront of digital imaging. The latest-generation DIGIC 4 Image Processor boosts imaging performance to new heights. While retaining all of the best features of its predecessors, the DIGIC 4 Image Processor ensures incredibly natural color reproduction while handling the dense data stream from Canon high-resolution sensors at the high speeds required to assure instantaneous camera response. The remarkable power of the DIGIC 4 Image Processor is evident in its noise reduction capability. The new algorithms markedly improve removal of not only color noise, but also luminance noise. While color noise is more readily noticed, luminance noise affects subtle, but important, factors such as perceived image "naturalness." Even at ISO 6400, the DIGIC 4 Image Processor ensures excellent image quality, comparable to the performance of earlier processors at ISO 1600, clearly reproducing fine detail and subtle gradations. Furthermore, the EOS 7D incorporates not one, but two DIGIC Image Processors operating in tandem to further boost performance. The parallel processing power of the Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors are immense, and make high-speed shooting - and so much more - possible for the first time. In the EOS 7D, the Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processor make possible such advanced features as full HD video recording, Live View with face detection AF, HDMI output, UDMA Mode 6 (CF card) support and an improved Auto Lighting Optimizer feature. 107 TECHNOLOGY Shot at 8.0 fps 8.0 fps High-speed Continuous Shooting The new CMOS sensor in the EOS 7D features an improved, faster single-line reading sequence and an 8-channel signal path that achieve remarkable data transfer speeds. Combined with the camera's high-performance shutter assembly, advanced autofocus system and state-of-the-art Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, this new sensor design makes possible a blazing-fast continuous shooting speed of 8.0 fps at full 18.0 Two-motor System Shutter-cocking system Mirror-driving system Shutter-cocking motor Secondary mirror-bounding prevention mechanism Main mirror Secondary mirror Main mirror-driving motor Main mirror-bounding prevention mechanism Image Processing with Dual DIGIC4 Processors DDR2 SDRAM Front-end processing circuit for A/D conversion Front-end processing circuit for A/D conversion DIGIC 4 DIGIC 4 CF Card DDR2 SDRAM Megapixel resolution. (Based on JPEG capture; up to 126 Large/JPEGs with a UDMA CF card and 15 RAW images can be captured in a single continuous burst.) Achieving such high continuous shooting speed in a compact SLR body was an extreme engineering challenge. Since it was impossible to fit larger high-speed motors and higher-powered batteries, Canon developed an entirely new electrical system. It is more responsive and efficient, and it is powered by the same battery used in the EOS 5D Mark II. In addition, Canon engineers fine-tuned the high-performance, and high torque motor of the EOS 5D Mark II to achieve the EOS 7D's fast continuous shooting speed. Moreover, to prevent the high-resolution image data from the EOS 7D sensor from reducing response time and increasing power consumption, Canon developed and utilizes two new, dedicated, high-efficiency 4-channel A/D conversion devices. In addition, the EOS 7D is equipped with a dedicated microprocessor for the AF system. Because it operates independently of the microprocessor used for other camera functions, it speeds up AF calculations and overall camera response. The result of these Canon innovations is an ultra-responsive, rapid-shooting camera that puts true professional performance in the hands of the photographer. Extraordinary ISO Range The inherent low-noise performance of the new imaging sensor combined with the splendid noise reduction capabilities of the Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors have endowed the EOS 7D with an exceptional ISO range: 100-6400 in standard mode, 50-12800 in extended range mode. This expanded range is eminently usable in realworld shooting situations, providing the photographer with many more options - in particular, available-light shooting capabilities never before available with APS-C sensor size SLRs. While the higher end of the camera's ISO range is important for low-light shooting, the lower end of the range has not been neglected. The new Canon CMOS sensor features advancements that extend photodiode capacity, making it possible to operate with reduced electrical charge saturation. Performance at the low end of the ISO scale has thereby been successfully enhanced. A lower ISO setting is often useful when shooting high-contrast, and brightly lit scenes with fast (e.g., f/1.4) lenses. Blown highlights can be avoided, and photographers can use wider apertures to control depth of field in ways not possible at higher ISO settings. These advanced Canon technologies pay dividends not only in the EOS 7D's exceptionally wide standard ISO range, but also in the quality of raw image data. Auto ISO Speed Settings Shooting Mode / / P / Tv / Av / M B With flash ISO Settings ISO 100 - 3200 ISO 400 fixed ISO 400 fixed* * For bounced flash, ISO 400 - 1600 is set automatically depending on the ambient brightness. * If overexposure would occur with fill flash, ISO 100 speed will be lowered to as low as ISO 100. 14-bit A/D Conversion The extra power of the Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors makes possible far greater precision in the conversion of the analog signal from the sensor into digital data. The EOS 7D improves A/D conversion from the typical 12 to 14 bits per channel, which means that 16,384 separate levels per channel rather than 4,096 now represents tonal gradations for RAW images. When saved as a 16-bit TIFF image, the image retains the full range of tones captured at 14 bits. Moreover, 8-bit-perchannel JPEG images are generated from the 14-bit data. Artifacts related to limited dynamic range, such as tonal skipping and highlight clipping, are thereby substantially reduced. Image detail, gradations and overall quality are much improved. 108