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Canon finally seems to have added an artificial Horizon (self leveling one at that) to the body.  At least on the view screen in Live View mode.  Hopefully some version of it also included in the view finder display.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/04/video-canon-eos-7d-gatling-gun-shooting-8-fps-of-awesome/#continued

You know what the problem is shooting a sport you like, specially a team you like?   You get drawn into the game, rather than shooting the game.  I’ve been doing well though, in the start I averaged about 200 shots for an entire game.  Last night at the Stony Brook vs. Hofstra game I shot just over 1000 images.   You knew there was a but coming right?  Yeah, I missed the a fumble in the end zone that would have tied the game with less than 5 minutes to go.   The referee was also busy with butterfly or something because he missed the call too, as it should have been a touch down.

It was a good game, but I can say that my feet hurt afterwards.   The extra 20 lbs bag on my back also didn’t help, I should have packed less.  Backuup bodies, lenses, extra water, everything you could think of was in there.

The answer at this point (without actually touching the new body) is a “Yes”.

• 8+ FPS – This is the same as the 1D Mark II, and 1D Mark IIN pro bodies.
• Very Fast AF – 7D has a dedicated chip for AF, again same as all 1D pro bodies.
• Cost: $1699 List Price, vs. Who know how much for the 1D Mark IV.  (5D Mark II is selling for more than $2700, figure we’re looking at $4000 easily for the new 1D)

What it is lacking:

• 45 Point AF System – we only have 19 AF points.  But is this a big deal?  Not really.  95% of the time you’re using the Center AF point because that’s the only one that is tack sharp.  The rest are still sharp, but relatively to the center point, not as much.
• Sealed Body – Oh this is a life saver at times, but then again that’s because I’m too lazy to pull out the Hyperphoic protection from thinktank.
• Battery – Ok this is almost a deal breaker.  On a 1D Mark II battery (a generation old) I can go with over 7000 shots without even looking at the battery charge.  Yes, that’s not even the max, I don’t think I’ve ever run any of my batteries down 100% on  any single shoot.   I’ve actually covered 3 games in a row over 4000 shots with the battery only 50% used.   I also use Lens IS 99% of the time in sports, (Mode 2).   So, what is the power run of the 7D?  No idea, but a grip is going to be needed (Most sports are shot in vertical anyway, so need the button).  We’ll have to wait and see.  Anyone remember the 5D Mark II Battery fiasco?

No, it isn’t a whole new line, it seems that Canon wanted to stop the confusion between the Nikon D60 and the Canon 60D, so they have renamed 60D to 7D  — at least that’s what I’ve read.

It looks very good so far, I sure hope that the 1D Mark IV does not disappoint either as this is just about what I need — without the 45 point AF, and weather seal but than it also costs a lot less than the 1D line.

The highlights:

• 2 DIGIC IV Chips (AF and Image) (the same as the 1D line)
• 8+ fps (the same as the 1D Mark II+)
• 18MP (better than the 1Ds Mark II)
• 19 point AF system (standard for the XXD line)
• $1699.00 List Price.

What I would like to know is, did Canon come out with yet another battery for it?  The fiasco with the 5D Mark II’s battery not being available was just ridiculous.

Here are various reviews and even some places that you can buy

• Canon’s Product Site
• dppreview.com
• image-resource.com

You can also pre-order the body (some places with a premium):

• Amazon.com – (linked as disappeared for now, I’m sure it will be back soon)
• Berger-Brothers – $1699.00 (pre-order), $1899 (pre-order with 28-135 lens)

Good Luck.

Here is a non-comprehensive list of Photographic (or related) Associations that are around.  Most will accept anyone who can pay the yearly dues.

• APA – Advertising Photographers of America
• ASMP – American Society of Media Photographers
• NAPP – National Association of Photoshop Professionals
• NANPA – North America Nature Photography Association
• PPA – Professional Photographers of America
• PSA – Photographic Society of America
• WPPI – Wedding and Portrait Photographers International

Yes, I know I was really bad at keeping this blog going.  I have decided to chuck all of it and start with a fresh install.  Latest and greatest wordpress and all sorts of plug-ins and goodies that I actually researched this time.

So let’s get started with some news.
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