This18 megapixel DSLR camera has dual image processors for fast operation – burst mode of up to 8fps (JPEG). It is well made and rugged with extensive sealing against dust and moisture. There is automatic dust removal by filter shake.

This camera is ultra-responsive with seemingly no time lag between imagining the picture and having it saved on the CF card; The 8fps burst speed is ideal for capturing fast moving subjects; Auto focus and auto exposure are almost always spot on.

Only having three frame auto bracketing is poor; Nikon brackets nine and Pentax seven – which is ideal for creating high dynamic range sets.

Canon's EOS 7D digital SLR is designed for users who want fast shooting performance. That means sports photographers, nature photographers, and basically anyone who needs to freeze-frame a fast-moving subject.

Fast burst mode; solid body; versatile focusing modes; very good high ISO performance

Focusing wasn't always accurate; could use more accessible focus controls

The 7D is a camera that many Canon DSLR users will want, but as camera based on a cropped sensor design, it would appeal more to the consumer crowd than it would for the professionals.

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With the release of the 7D, Canon hasn't so much updated any of its existing cameras as carved out a new niche, creating what the company describes as an "all-rounder" that ostensibly targets the prosumer sports-orientated shooter.

If you expect a huge difference in overall image quality between the EOS 40D, EOS 50D and EOS 7D, you'd probably be somewhat disappointed, but that's not what the EOS 7D is really about. In terms of ergonomics and features, the 7D is clearly ahead of the other EOS crop sensor cameras.

For a long time with Canon, if you weren't dropping nearly three grand on a 5D , you were stuck with a vastly lesser DSLR. The $US1700 7D is Canon's first semi-pro DSLR, and actually it's my favourite yet.

In terms of its design, the EOS 7D is outwardly very similar to the full-frame Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Sharing almost exactly the same dimensions (148.2 x 110.7 x 73.5mm) and weight (820g), the 7D is a little smaller but 10g heavier than its big brother.

While the Nikon D7000 has two memory card slots that are extremely convenient for overflow shots, backups and more, the Canon EOS 7D has just one. However, like pro-spec cameras, the 7D uses faster Compact Flash (CF) cards; the Nikon uses Secure Digital (SD) cards like other $1,000-and-under models.

Great image quality; Pro-grade speed and features; All-metal and weather-sealed

No continuous autofocus in movie mode; Only one card slot

With just about everything this photographer could want and more, the Canon 7D is an impressive digital SLR camera. Canon took a well-established camera design and added several key features that users overwhelmingly requested, raised the resolution and frame rate, and added HD video to create a...

Excellent 18-megapixel sensor with impressively low noise and superb detail; Very good high ISO performance; especially for 18-megapixel subframe sensor; Rugged construction with magnesium body and weather sealing; Good ergonomics with highly customizable user interface; Quick Menu system; The usual...

Switching to Live View mode is slow; No dedicated AF-assist lamp (flash is used); and AF-assist adjustment is buried in the Flash Settings menu; AF not as good in low light as 50D; AE not reliable in very low light; Slow record to display time; No intervalometer or multiple exposure support; No...