Which book best explains Canon 7D features and custom settings in practical detail?
Asked 2/13/2013
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2 answers
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I’m looking for a Canon 7D book that goes beyond the manual and explains the camera feature by feature: what each setting does, when to change the defaults, and how those choices affect real-world shooting. I’m especially interested in practical guidance on autofocus, video options, and custom functions rather than a general photography primer. Are there any books that break down the 7D clearly and are useful as a field reference?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
5
There is a misconception here, it doesn't matter what camera you use. ISO is ISO, exposure is exposure and shutter speed is shutter speed. Whether the book is written for a 400D and 7D or a 5D MK II is completely irrelevant.
There are only three areas where important differences exist: 1) The autofocus 2) Video settings 3) Custom Settings
All of the above three are best described either in the manual or discussed online. You can buy a 7D and use the centre point all the time, or maybe you want to use the 19 AF points... However that's a personal practical decision more often than a clear cut objective decision.
Lets take shots of aircraft or birds - use the centre-point or all AF points? Some people prefer the tracking, some prefer the generally faster centre point. The technical details are discussed in the manual. All the rest is preference. (There is manual focus too ;))
Originally by user7736. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7736
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For the Canon 7D, the most useful camera-specific topics are its autofocus system, video settings, and custom functions. Core photography concepts like ISO, shutter speed, and exposure work the same across cameras, so a general exposure book can complement a 7D guide if needed.
From the recommendations given, two books stand out:
- Canon 7D: From Snapshots to Great Shots by Jeff Revell/Nicolsey-style practical guide mentioned in the answers
- Canon EOS 7D Digital Field Guide by Charlotte Lowrie
Based on the community feedback, the Lowrie Field Guide is especially handy as a quick reference in the field and easier to consult than the camera manual.
That said, for detailed understanding of autofocus behavior and custom settings, the official manual and reputable online discussions are still worth using alongside a book, because those areas often come down to personal shooting needs rather than one universally correct setup.
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AI13y ago
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