Canon 7D HELP!

[limeybob]

I have had a new 7D for a few months and have been doing other things with other cameras. I got out in the field this weekend to shoot birds and was distressed at the results. Note: this wasn't my first rodeo and I believe I can shoot birds - BobSmithImages.
The results are soft and very noisy at 400ISO. The settings were normal - decent light (if not stunning) f/5.6 to f/10, 400th, 500mm + 1.4 TC

So what?

I would like to meet someone in Austin with a 7D that I can shoot a couple of frames with my card and do the same shot with my camera and prove that it's a p.o.s. before I send it back to cannon. I'll buy the coffee/beer tomorrow or Tuesday anywhere in Austin. It'll take 20 minutes max.
Thanks
Bob

[princer7]

Bob, you are more than welcome to test my 7D, saw your example in another thread. Did not look right for sure. I am home during the day so my schedule is flexible.

[limeybob]

It was nice to meet you and thanks again for your time. The shots i took with both cameras showed no difference at all at any iso speeds. these weren't scientific tests as you recall but proved that my 7D is at least "normal". As for my issue at the weekend I am beginning to think that something else in my set up may be the culprit. Noise Ninja cleans a lot up but the softness which made everything look worse my have another cause.
I will try some experiments with the 500 f/4 and re-calibrate the focus to see if this helps.
More of the saga to come.
Bob

[DoublyDan]

Bob did you adjust the exposure, brightness, fill, or any other of these types of sliders in Post Production?

I ask because if you get the exposure wrong in camera and then compensate in post production it will increase your noise.

I personally love my 7D and have not had problems with noise. Hope you figure it out and keep us posted on any discoveries.

[Rson]

Did you update the Firmware??

Canon EOS 7D Firmware Update

[toverman]

The most annoying problem I've had with the 7D I use for work is that the mode dial has a mind of its own.

[princer7]

The most annoying problem I've had with the 7D I use for work is that the mode dial has a mind of its own.

I have the same problem with my 7D. Both my 20D and 40D never had a problem like that.

[seamonkey03]

Are you using auto or manual focus? Auto focus doesn't always focus on what it says it's focusing on with mine.

[BSGp8ntball]

sell the POS (to me) ;)
I've wanted one since they came out but comments like this make me more satisfied with my 40D. I am not sure why but it seems like many of the products come "within spec" but not really acceptable. I had my camera for several months and then had a board failure in mine and had to send it back to canon. When it came back it was sharper then ever. It seems when Canon gets the camera back (for whatever reason) they "fine tune" it better then originally from the factory.

[toverman]

I have the same problem with my 7D. Both my 20D and 40D never had a problem like that.

My 5D doesn't have that problem, either. My 1D Mark IIn requires multiple buttons to change things (which I didn't like in the beginning but now really love). I think it's the 60D that now has a lock on the mode dial ... which is actually a throwback to older film SLRs I've owned.

[JohnT]

The most annoying problem I've had with the 7D I use for work is that the mode dial has a mind of its own.

The mode dial on my 7D requires effort to turn. I mean it locks in well. Are you saying that yours turns too easily?

[Dobick]

The mode dial on my 7D requires effort to turn. I mean it locks in well. Are you saying that yours turns too easily?

If you throw it over your shoulder to use a second body, you need to check it before you shoot with it again, because in my experience about 8 of 10 times, the mode dial will be on another setting

[JohnT]

If you throw it over your shoulder to use a second body, you need to check it before you shoot with it again, because in my experience about 8 of 10 times, the mode dial will be on another setting

Thanks for the warning.

[toverman]

John, yes, what Kent is talking about is exactly my experience. Sometimes it will click over two settings as if by magic. I am extremely careful when carrying it (while working I've usually got two bodies on me). We got two new 7D bodies at work, but I use only one of them so don't know if it's an issue. The other photographer uses just one body when she's out shooting.

[Dobick]

this was posted on petapixel yesterday (just saw it today)

Locking Mode Dial Upgrade for the Canon 5D Mark II and 7D

Looks like it is enough of a problem that canon has come up with a retrofit option for 7d and 5dII users