Canon EOS Kiss X7 / SHOOTING REPORT

The Canon EOS Kiss X7 (aka EOS100D/Rebel SL1) is significantly smaller than its brother X7i (aka EOS700D/Rebel T5i) and the body weighs only about 370g which even reminds me of a digital bridge camera. It's been quite a while since this camera was released, so I guess it should be in the hands of many people. Considering the size of the APS-C sensor as well as the EF interchangeable lenses, it's surprisingly small and the compactness outclasses all the other competitors. But, I'm sure it must have been extremely hard for the developers to realize this size. Now, let's check the performance.

( Photography : T.Nakanishi / Text : KIMURAX )

Smooth liveview autofocusing realized by small and light body

This DSLR camera has a viewfinder with the 0.87X magnification ratio. The 3-inch 1,040,000-dot real LCD supports the touch panel operation including finger-motion-operated zooming and forwarding of projected images and the touch operated shutter firing. And, the AF focuses quickly by touching the point where you want to focus on. The AF is "hybrid CMOS AF II" which combined the contrast AF and the phase detect AF. Usually, we shoot with a DLSR camera by looking into the viewfinder while holding the camera tightly, but with the casual X7, you also want to shoot by stretching your hands particularly with a standard zoom lens because the liveview AF is so quick.

Do you want a mirrorless or compact digital for travelling? How about the X7? You can enjoy the deep depth of field realized exclusively by the large sensor.

I utilized the compression effect of the telephoto. It's so convenient to be able to move the focusing point instantly with the touch panel function. This makes you feel so light.

It took me a while before it opens the heart to me. It clearly isolated the fluffy hair, the straight beard, and seemingly eyebrows from the background.

Sometimes, image reality can stimulate senses other than visual. Can you hear the distilling sound and smell the awakening aroma?

I took this image by looking into the viewfinder. I love the feeling of concentration and engagement when looking into the viewfinder, because it makes me realize I am taking photography and that's why DSLR cameras are fun to use. This image has a great 3D quality.

The resolution is high enough and the reproduction of tonal gradation is natural. The standard 18 megapixels is the standard number in Canon's entry models and I feel it has a great balance with the APS-C sensor size.

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This is a DSLR. But, it's convenient like a mirrorless or a compact camera.

The convenience of operation with smartphone must appeal to many people. It's very small but it's DSLR camera. Yet, it supports casual operation including finger sliding and touch shutter. This makes me wonder if a smartphone user can jump directly to a DSLR. And, I'm sure they can do it smoothly because they can start from the intelligent auto mode that doesn't require experience, and they can always step up to the advanced mode later. It's not "some day, DSLR." A DSLR is just next to you. And, of course, Canon users, who haven't been using their cameras because of the weight and size, can now use their EF lenses again with this light and small body. If you have the X7, it's hard not to shoot everyday.

( 03.09.2014 )