and wide-area AF with seven selectable focusing points
[ Japan : EOS 7, Americas : EOS ELAN 7E, Europe/Asia/Oceania : EOS 30 ]
This month’s Technical Report provides the latest information on the EOS 7, a new addition to the celebrated Canon EOS series. The announcement was made on August 30, 2000 and it went on sale in the middle of October, together with its accessories and lenses.
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| Photo 1 EOS 7 (with EF28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM, and the built-in flash retracted) |
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| Photo 2 EOS 7 (with EF28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM, and the built-in flash extended) |
Concept of development: EOS 7
In the EOS series camera lineup, the EOS 7 was developed as a model positioned between the EOS-3 and EOS Kiss III. Along with the key word "sharp and clear", the camera was designed to fulfil the following concept.
| A high-quality, multi-functional AF SLR camera for serious photographers [Fastest Eye Control, and wide-area AF with seven selectable focusing points] |
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| • | Fastest eye controlled autofocus |
| • | Seven autofocusing points and active superimposed display of the focusing points |
[Fast, silent operation] |
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| • | High-speed and high-accuracy AF |
| • | Built-in motor for film advance at approximately 4 frames per second, the fastest in its class |
| • | Silent operation even quieter that the benchmark EOS 100. |
[Compact, refined design] |
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| • | Metallic exterior finish |
| • | Fresh, sophisticated design |
[Eye Control, Superimposed Display of seven focusing points and Dioptric Adjustment in the same body] [Retains the basic concept of the EOS 55 operational system] |
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| • | Continued use of the dial and lever operating system, which is intuitively easy to understand |
An outline of major functions follows: |
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Feature 1: Fastest Eye Control and wide-area AF with seven selectable focusing points
With Canon's unique CMOS imaging sensor, the EOS 7 achieves the wide-area autofocus with seven focusing points (see Fig. 1). The focusing point can be selected by any one of the following three methods as required.
| Fig. 1 Viewfinder Information |
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[1] Eye Control
Thanks to the four-lamp illumination mechanism to detect eye movements accurately, the improved detection algorithms, and the 32-bit high-speed microcomputer, the EOS 7 achieves highly accurate eye movement detection and the fastest response ever. Compared with the EOS-3, the response time for eye movement detection is reduced by approximately 15% (see Fig. 2). Focus can be achieved instantly on the point where you are looking.
| Fig. 2 Focusing point detection time by Eye Control |
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Focusing point arrow keys are installed on the quick control dial on the back of the camera (see Photo 3). Pressing the keys, users can make quick and intuitive selection of the focusing point.
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| Photo 3 EOS 7 (back view) |
[3] Automatic selection
The focusing point is set automatically in Full Auto mode. In other shooting modes it can be set at the users' discretion. When the Eye Control switch is OFF in Full Auto mode, the selection of focusing point is made automatically based on the same algorithms as the EOS Kiss III. When, however, the Eye Control switch is ON, the focusing point determined automatically is based on information about where the user is looking. In this manner, the automatic selection system has been improved in its ability to reflect the user's preferences.
The EOS 7 has three AF modes: One-Shot AF, AI Focus AF and AI Servo AF. These modes can be selected quickly with the AF mode dial. The EOS 7 has the same excellent performance tracking a moving subject in the AI Servo mode as that of the EOS-1V. When used with the EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens, the EOS 7 can capture a moving subject approaching as close as eight meters at a speed of 50km per hour.
Feature 2: Fast 4 fps continuous shooting
With the built-in high-speed motor drive mechanism, continuous shooting at approximately four frames per second (fps) is possible after focusing is complete in One-Shot AF. This is especially useful for shooting at sporting events, quick shooting with Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB), etc. This speed was made possible by using the two-motor system and high-speed/low-speed film transport switching, and by using the control sequence of the EOS-1V. (When AI Servo for predictive AF is used, the continuous shooting speed is approximately 3.5 fps.)
Feature 3: Silent operation equivalent to the EOS 100
Silent operation of EOS 7 is comparable to that of the EOS 100, the benchmark model for this feature. The noise reduction was achieved through the conventional silencing technologies such as high-performance coreless motor, silent belt drive, floating support of the film transport mechanism, and pulse width modulation control of the film transport motor. In addition, new features including reduction of noise generation time from various internal mechanisms and absorption of impact noises through the powerful mirror stopper.
Feature 4: Light, compact, and rugged body with metallic exterior finish
The EOS 7 measures 146.7 (W) x 103 (H) x 69 (D) mm, and the body weighs only 580g. The compact body makes the best of Canon's cutting-edge technologies of miniaturization and high-density assembly and employing small lithium batteries (two CR123A cells). The sculptured top and front covers are made of rigid black anodized aluminum. Together with the cover treatment, the meticulous finishing of the body has resulted in the refined, innovative and yet impressive form (see Photos 1 and 2),
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| Photo 1 EOS 7 (with EF28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM, and the built-in flash retracted) |
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| Photo 2 EOS 7 (with EF28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM, and the built-in flash extended) |
Feature 5: A sharp, clear viewfinder with Dioptric Adjustment mechanism
With both Eye Control and Dioptric Adjustment mechanisms in the same body for the first time, the EOS 7 has succeeded in providing a viewfinder equivalent in its specifications to those of the EOS 55. That is, 0.7X magnification with 50mm lens at infinity, 90% vertical and 92% horizontal picture coverage, and superimposed display of focusing points (see Fig. 1). The image blackout time is 130ms, which is 30% shorter than that of the EOS 55. During both single frame and high-speed continuous shooting, the viewfinder always gives sharp and clear viewing.
In previous EOS models, it was impossible to include both Eye Control and the Dioptric Adjustment in the same camera body. This problem was solved by the use of a smaller pentaprism made of expensive high refraction glass, thus allowing more space for the Eye Control mechanism and the adjustable eyepiece.
The EOS 7 has inherited the basic operational concept of the EOS 55 so that all the major modes including the exposure mode, autofocusing, metering, film transport and Eye Control can be set and confirmed directly (see Photo 4). To display the status, the EOS 7 adopts instantly clear ON/OFF markings, similar to those used in the EOS-1V.
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| Photo 4 EOS 7 (top view) |
Feature 7: Comprehensive basic functions
As shown below, the EOS 7 has all the basic functions to meet the users needs.
| [Metering] | |
| • | Evaluative metering 35-zone sensor linked to active focusing point |
| • | Partial metering (approximately 10% in the center of the viewfinder) |
| • | Centerweighted averaging metering |
[Exposure mode] |
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| • | Full automatic/10 AE modes/Manual |
[Shutter speed] |
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| • | 1/4000 to 30 second, bulb, X-sync at 1/125 sec |
[Built-in flash] |
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| • | Guide No. 13 (at ISO 100 in meters) |
| • | Covers 28mm lens focal length |
| • | Red-eye reduction using a mini-lamp |
[Exposure compensation (± 2 stops in 1/2 stop increments)] |
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| • | AE Lock/AEB/Exposure compensation/Flash exposure compensation of the built-in flash and the external flash by the camera body |
[Complete compatibility with the E-TTL autoflash system equivalent to the EOS-1V and EOS-3] [Compatibility with 3-zone A-TTL/TTL autoflash system, linked to active focusing point] [Quick depth-of-field check] [Built-in wireless remote control receiver compatible with RC-1] [Equipped with the remote control terminal for the remote switch RS-60E3] [Mirror lockup shooting possible (using Custom Function)] [Midroll rewind possible] Depicted in Table 1 is the comparison of the major specifications of EOS 7 with those of the EOS 55 and EOS 5. The panoramic specification for the EOS 7 was intentionally omitted. |
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| Table 1 Comparison of major specifications of EOS 7, EOS 55 and EOS 5 | |||||
| Item | EOS 7 | EOS 55 | EOS 5 | ||
| Autofocus | Focusing points | 7 (area) |
3 (horizontal) |
5 (horizontal) |
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| Focusing point selection | Eye control |  |
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| Manual selection | |
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| Automatic selection | |
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| Focusing modes | One-Shot | |
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| AI Servo | |
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| AI Focus | |
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| AF working range (EV at ISO 100) |
1 - 18 | 0 - 18 | 0 - 18 | ||
| Horizontal/vertical orientation detection sensor | |
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| AF-assist light | Type | Flash burst | Pattern illumination | Pattern illumination | |
| Flash coverage (lens focal length, mm) |
28 | 28 | 28 | ||
| Effective range (meters at center) |
4.5 | 6 | 7 | ||
| Viewfinder | Picture coverage (% vertical x horizontal) |
90 x 92 | 90 x 92 | 92 x 94 | |
| Magnification (with 50mm lens at infinity) | 0.7 | 0.71 | 0.73 | ||
| Eye relief (mm) | 19.5 | 20 | 20 | ||
| Built-in dioptric adjustment range (dpt) | -2.5 - +0.5 | X | X | ||
| In-focus indicator | Super imposed | Super imposed | Super imposed | ||
| Depth-of-field preview | |
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| Metering | Evaluative metering | No. of zone | 35 | 6 | 16 |
| Linked to focusing points | |
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| Partial metering | |
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Spot metering | ||
| Centerweighted averaging metering | |
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| Metering range (EV at 20°C) |
1 - 20 | 1 - 20 | 0 - 20 | ||
| Exposure control | P/Tv/Av/M | |
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| Depth-of-field AE | |
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| Full automatic | |
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| No. of programmed image control modes | 5 | 4 | 4 | ||
| Exposure compensation (stops in stop increments) | Manual | +/-2 in 1/2 | +/-2 in 1/2 | +/-2 in 1/2 | |
| AEB | +/-2 in 1/2 | +/-2 in 1/2 | +/-2 in 1/2 | ||
| AE lock | |
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| Compatible autoflash system | E-TTL & A-TTL/TTL |
E-TTL & A-TTL/TTL |
A-TTL/TTL | ||
| FE lock | |
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X | ||
| Multiple exposures (maximum number of times) | 9 | 9 | 9 | ||
| Film speed range | Automatic mode | 25-5000 | 25-5000 | 25-5000 | |
| Manual mode | 6-6400 | 6-6400 | 6-6400 | ||
| Shutter | Shutter speeds (sec. in stop increments) |
30-1/4000 in 1/2, bulb | 30-1/4000 in 1/2, bulb | 30-1/8000 in 1/2, bulb | |
| X-sync speed (sec.) | 1/125 | 1/125 | 1/200 | ||
| Film Transport (24-ex. film) | Automatic/Silent mode | / |
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| Film advance | Single | |
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| Continuous | |
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| Continuous shooting speed (fps.) | 4 | 2.5 | 5 | ||
| Film rewind time (sec. at hi-speed) |
5 | 6 | 6 | ||
| Midroll rewind | |
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| Battery service life (AE 100%/FA 50%) |
115/33 | 90/35 | 40/20 | ||
| Built-in Flash | Guide No. (at ISO 100 in meters) |
13 | 13 | 13 - 17 | |
| Flash coverage (lens focal length, mm) |
28 | 28 | 28 | ||
| Recycling time (sec.) | 2 | 2 | 2 | ||
| TTL autoflash metering zones | 3 | 3 | 3 | ||
| Automatic pop-up / down | Auto up/ Manual down |
Auto up/ Manual down |
Auto up/ Manual down |
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| Red-eye reduction method | Mini-lamp | Mini-lamp | Mini-lamp | ||
| Flash exposure compensation (stops in stop increments) |
+/-2 in 1/2 | +/-2 in 1/2 | +/-2 in 1/2 | ||
| Major input method | Main dial | Main dial | Main dial | ||
| Display | LCD panel | LCD panel | LCD panel | ||
| Custom Functions (No. of functions, settings) |
13, 34 | 11, 23 | 16, 32 | ||
| Automatic date imprinting (power source) |
CR2025 | CR2025 | CR2025 | ||
| Panoramic function | X | |
X | ||
| Compatible remote switch for wired remote control | RS-60E3 | RS-60E3 | RS-60E3 | ||
| Wireless remote control receiver | |
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X | ||
| Top and front cover material | Metal | Metal | Plastic | ||
| Power source | CR123A x 2 | 2CR5 x 1 | 2CR5 x 1 | ||
| Optional battery pack (model) | (BP-300) |
(BP-50) |
X | ||
| Dimensions (mm) | Width | 146.7 | 152.5 | 154 | |
| Height | 103 | 104.5 | 120.5 | ||
| Depth | 69 | 71 | 74.2 | ||
| Weight (g, excluding batteries) | 580 | 595 | 675 | ||
| Released | Oct. 2000 | Sept. 1995 | Nov. 1992 | ||
| Price (yen, excluding tax) | 93,000 | 88,000 | 108,000 | ||
Feature 8: 13 Custom Functions with 34 settings
Custom Functions allow the user to customize several of the camera's functions. The number in the parenthesis represents the number of options for each custom function.
[1] Film rewind speed(2)
[2] Film leader position after film rewind(2)
[3] DX-coded film speed setting method(2)
[4] Shutter button and AE lock button functions(3)
[5] Mirror lockup(2)
[6] Shutter curtain synchronization (with built-in and external flash)(2)
[7] AF-assist light emission/Main flash firing(4)
[8] Partial metering linkage whit focusing point/FE lock(2)
[9] Flash sync speed in aperture-priority AE mode(2)
[10] In-focus focusing point flashing(2)
[11] Focusing point selection method(3)
[12] Switch to center focusing point with the focusing point selection button(2)
[13] Image stabilizer (IS) telephoto lens AF stop button function(6)
System accessories and new lenses
The following system accessories and new EF lenses were developed concurrently with the EOS 7.
The Speedlite 420 EX features clip-on mounting, autozoom flash head, and E-TTL autoflash system with the maximum Guide No. 42 (at ISO 100 in meters). The suggested retail price in Japan is 32,000 yen. It has AF-assist light linked to the seven focusing points of the EOS 7, wireless slave functions, and capabilities of bounce and swivel vertically and horizontally.
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| Photo 5 Speedlite 420EX |
[Battery Pack BP-300 (Photo 6)]
The Battery Pack BP-300 attaches to the bottom of the EOS 7. The suggested retail price in Japan is 9,500 yen. It uses four size-AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-Cd or nickel-hydride), or the two CR123A batteries that supply power for the camera body. Size-AA lithium cells cannot be used since the initial voltage is too high.
[EF28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM (Photo 7)]
This compact zoom lens is an upgrade of the popular "EF28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USM" lens. While retaining the optical capability of the popular version, the exterior design was modified. The suggested retail price in Japan is 45,000 yen.
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| Photo 6 EOS 7 with Battery Pack BP-300 |
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| Photo 7 EF28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM |
[EF28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM (Photo 8)]
This is a high magnification zoom lens with a zoom ratio of about 7X, and was developed as an addition to the existing EF lenses series. The suggested retail price in Japan is 72,000 yen. Equipped with two aspherical elements, the lens provides an outstanding image across the entire 28 to 200mm range. The minimum shooting distance is 45cm throughout the range, resulting in the close-up magnification as great as 0.28X.
[EF28-90mm f/4~5.6 USM (Photo 9)]
This is an extremely compact standard zoom lens. The lens is the "best match" lens for the EOS Kiss III Black, which was announced together with the EOS 7. The suggested retail price in Japan is 28,000 yen.
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| Photo 8 EF28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM |
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| Photo 9 EOS Kiss III Black (with EF28-90mm f/4-5.6 USM) EOS Kiss III Black: marketed in September 2000. Both the Black type and Silver type of EOS Kiss III have the same specifications. |
| Fig. 3 LCD Panel |
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This article is a general summary of the EOS 7, the new mid-range SLR released in October 2000. Due to the limited space, the description of the system accessories and new lenses that were developed concurrently with the EOS 7 is incomplete. Detailed information will be given in a future edition.