Canon 7D - Low ISO noise problem

[CtrlAltDel]

I have just recently received my 7D. I like it so far, but there is a BIG learning curve coming from my Rebel XT, T1i and T2i.

As I am adjusting to it, I have noticed a substantial amount of noise at low ISO. When I googled it, I was suprised to see how many complaints there are. I dont recall seeing anyone here mention that problem. The fixes go from updating the firmware, using on Canon Software, to overexposing the shots.

Has anyone dealt with this problem? Do to Best Buy making mistakes, I just received a second 7D tonight. How can I compare the two and see which one is newer? Do the have manufacture dates on the body somewhere?

[SCone]

My serial is 1971005xxx, bought about a month ago via Amazon (shipped from Beach Cameras out of NJ). Haven't had any issues.

[Flores]

wayne, I recently made the same jump (T2i to 7D). Took me a while to figure the camera out, but I'm quite happy with it now.

to see if we can't figure out what your seeing:

are you shooting in JPG or RAW file mode?
How are you post processing the images (if you are)
can you share an image that his this noise on it?

Just like the T2i, there are some ISO noise reduction settings in the 7D menus, as well as the normal tweaks to the JPG settings (Picture styles) to get the pictures to come out 'just so'.

[Rson]

update the firmware first then lets see.

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/fir.../firmware.html

[DigitalScape]

I believe the latest version of the firmware is 1.2.5 (Canon U.S.A. : Consumer & Home Office : EOS 7D) - released 04/18/2011.

[CtrlAltDel]

Originally Posted by Flores

wayne, I recently made the same jump (T2i to 7D). Took me a while to figure the camera out, but I'm quite happy with it now.

to see if we can't figure out what your seeing:

are you shooting in JPG or RAW file mode?
How are you post processing the images (if you are)
can you share an image that his this noise on it?

Just like the T2i, there are some ISO noise reduction settings in the 7D menus, as well as the normal tweaks to the JPG settings (Picture styles) to get the pictures to come out 'just so'.

I am shooting raw. I see the noise in every picture, as soon as I zoom in to 100% while viewing it in CS5 or with Canon DPP

Originally Posted by Rson

update the firmware first then lets see.

Canon EOS 7D Firmware Update

Got, but it hasnt helped.

Originally Posted by DigitalScape

I believe the latest version of the firmware is 1.2.5 (Canon U.S.A. : Consumer & Home Office : EOS 7D) - released 04/18/2011.

Got it. Will post a pic in a few minutes. I am so sick to my stomach about this. My T2i had NO noise problems. I even tried a second 7D and it does the same thing.

[jase1125]

If you view it at 100% then you will see a little noise. That is the result of using an 18mp high density crop sensor. One thing I have learned is the 7D is more sensitive to under exposure mistakes than other bodies I have used. Master exposing the 7D and it will do you proud.

Can you take an ISO 100 shot, 800 shot and 1600 shot in RAW than then export to JPG with no noise reduction? Then we can tell if what you are seeing is normal. I know there are some folks who sent theirs back to Canon for noise issues and received them back with repairs that resulted in noise improvements.

[Dobick]

I would love to see the problem you are having so I can compare with my 7d files.

I always try to keep my exposure on the bright side, but even if I don't, I am not really seeing noise problems at all

[texastodd]

I have had little issues with noise on my 7D, purchased March, 2010. I haven't applied the update mentioned above but may do that. I have had a few photogs mention how little noise they've seen on my macro shots, some at 3200 ISO... as I do shoot a lot of handheld exposures.

[andyz]

Well its been almost a week. Any image to see and perhaps if you have your old camera a comparison shot?

We've seen folks who had genuine problems here and folks who had no problems with things like noise or focus. So some images would help.

[ptrd]

Another thought, there was an article I read where ISO values divisible by 16 were the lowest noise ISOs.

This has to do with the camera rounding up or down on "set ISO levels" we're used to.

They showed a comparison and 160 ISO looked better than 100 ISO for instance.

I know that doesn't help your low iso problem but something to think about.

[Dobick]

Originally Posted by ptrd

Another thought, there was an article I read where ISO values divisible by 16 were the lowest noise ISOs.

This has to do with the camera rounding up or down on "set ISO levels" we're used to.

They showed a comparison and 160 ISO looked better than 100 ISO for instance.

I know that doesn't help your low iso problem but something to think about.

The way that it works for canon is that the only "real" ISO settings on the camera are the full stops. the middles are "effective" ISO settings, so the processor pushes up to 125 from 100, and pulls down to 160 from 200. The pull is what gives the 160 effective ISO it apparent smooth and noisefree look.

found the video I saw on this

Testing Canon's ISO noise in Video mode on the 60D on Vimeo

[BlueNoteBelzy]

I don't know girl-- I shoot concerts mostly @ 1600 ISO and love it so far! Much less noise than my Nikon D80 was giving me. I also updated my firmware too