Understanding the Canon EOS R7

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A fast-track guide for
learning how to use
your camera’s controls
and features to
improve your images

Nina Bailey
3RD EDITION
FIRMWARE 1.6.0
About this book About the authorPRE 2
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The EOS R7 introduces a camera with an advanced specification coupled with the smaller APS-C or 1.6x crop ITI EW
Nina started her career
sensor, the first in the EOS R range to do so. The camera features an extremely good autofocus system based O
in the retail sector of the
upon the one found in the EOS R3 – this can detect and track subjects around the whole of the viewfinder N
photographic industry and
area. The R7 also features the Subject to detect options which can recognise people, animals and vehicles then moved to Canon UK
and makes tackling a wide range of action subjects easy. It’s revolutionised the way we can shoot. where she had a successful
nine years looking after
Although the camera is aimed at the experienced photographer, it also features a range of 13 special scene training, exhibitions and
modes designed to allow newcomers to photography to shoot more specific subjects. It also introduces marketing both in the UK
for the first time a panoramic shot option – this enables panoramic images to be captured and merged and also within Europe. This
in-camera with no post-production needed. The camera also features a range of 10 creative filter modes gave Nina an unrivalled
allowing additional creativity. These modes are in addition to the standard creative modes of P, Fv, Tv, Av, M, knowledge of not only the
B and three custom modes. Canon EOS system but also how to develop and
enhance the skills of photographers of all ability
However, to get the best from your camera, you need to configure appropriate to your subject and levels.
photography workflow. There are a number of options that need to be set up correctly. You also need learn
to trust some of Canon’s new and innovative features and let them do what they are designed to do. This Nina started her own business in 1999, concentrating
book also starts off by explaining some of the new mirrorless-specific features which those transferring on training for amateur photographers. As well
from DSLR models need to get to grips with. as developing the online training academy and
direct training of photographers, Nina is a prolific
This guide is designed to present the information in a much more accessible and detailed way than is found professional photographer producing images not
in the manual and is liberally illustrated throughout with screen images and also images to show what the only for the EOS Training Academy but for a variety
features actually do to the images that you take. of outside organisations. In 2014 Nina started
producing her own range of ebooks (now over 50
There is also a companion Pocketbook available to provide a small A6 sized titles) to bring photography training to an ever
guide that is easy to take with you when shooting, to help you remember how wider audience. In 2017 Nina also launched a range
to set the key features on the camera. This is available from the EOS magazine of printed compact pocket books (now over 20
shop. Click here to find out more about the range of Pocketbooks or go to titles) for the EOS range.
[Link]/shop and click on the links for books.
Nina started taking images when she was very
Written, designed and images by Nina Bailey pocketbook young and is still a very keen photographer both
[Link]
for the professionally and personally. Nina loves travel,
Canon EOS R7
Nina Bailey landscape and wildlife photography and shoots
Produced by Nina Bailey © 2025. to illustrate the many articles and books that she
Your essential camera field guide
All rights reserved. Unauthorised copying, writes.
reproduction, hiring, lending prohibited.
Firmware updates PR 3
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Firmware updates are a fact of life for any recent Canon EOS camera. Firmware allows Canon to add functionality to the camera as well as fixing any ITbugs Iwithin
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I O unless
the software. It is very important on the EOS R-series models to keep your firmware up to date, especially if buying new lenses which may not work correctly
the camera is running the latest version of the firmware. When you download the firmware there is a PDF supplied with full instructions as to how to updateN the
firmware which should be followed to the letter and I also give more information about firmware within the setup menu section of the book. Listed below are the
improvements made by both firmware versions 1.3.0-1.6.0
Firmware Version 1.6.0 incorporates the following enhancements and fixes:
1. Enables functions to be used without limitation in conjunction with the new Battery Pack LP-E6P.
This makes it possible to shoot at the same continuous shooting speed as when using LP-E6NH.
In-camera charging of LP-E6P is also supported.
2. Enables RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lenses to be compatible with designated camera.
3. Adds the ability to select [WPA2] and [WPA3] as a secured protocol.
4. The following issues have been fixed.
4-1. Fixes an issue, in which when SPEEDLITE EL-5, EL-10 is attached, the “Accessory unavailable status” message may be displayed when restarting after the camera has gone into
Auto Power Off. (Only occurs with firmware Ver.1.5.0)
4-2. Fixes an issue, in which when performing shooting in high-speed continuous shooting + mode with the [Highlight Tone Priority] option set to [ON], focus may not be
achieved when certain ISO speed settings are used.

Changes in version 1.5.0:

1. Enables RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE lenses to be compatible with designated camera.
2. Adds support for the Software Development Assistance Kit (EDSDK/CCAPI).
3. The following issues have been fixed.
3-1. Fixes an issue that may cause the camera, in rare instances, to experience a delayed restart after the camera has gone into Auto Power Off.
3-2. Fixes an issue that, under specific circumstances and in rare instances, may prevent the image from being displayed in the viewfinder or on the screen causing the camera
to stop operating, or Error Code 70 may be displayed.
3-3. Fixes an issue that may cause the In-Body Image Stabilizer not to initialize when a vibration occurs when the camera is turned on, and Error Code 20 may be displayed.
3-4. Fixes an issue that may result in Error Code 70 being displayed when the user is shooting in A+ Mode or with the camera set to AI Focus AF.
3-5. Fixes an issue that may cause the card access lamp to start flashing and the camera to not operate normally when shooting small subjects.
3-6. Fixes an issue that may cause the camera to continue shooting when the user presses the shutter button and another button at the same time.

Changes in version 1.4.0:

1. Adds support for RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens.
2. Fixes minor issues.

Changes in version 1.3.1:

1. Improves the stability of the touch operation control when the [Touch control] is set to [Sensitive].

Changes in version 1.3.0:

1. Adds support for Speedlite EL-5.*
*The automatic light intensity adjustment of the AF-assist beam is not supported.
2. Adds support for the RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM.
3. Fixes minor issues.
Contents PR 4
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NAVIGATING THIS BOOK ITI IEW
O which
All of the menu items below are hyperlinked to the appropriate page – just tap on the item you want to go to that page. On each page there is a link like this,
will return you back to this Return to contents page. N
If this is shown after the menu description it indicates that there has been extra information added compared to the last version of the book. This is to make it easier
for those who had the last version to find the added content.

Introduction 11 Touch shutter 40 Silent shutter function 88

About the EOS R7 12 Menu changes 41 Display simulation 89
About the comments boxes 13 Mode setting 42 Depth-of-field preview 91
[Link] setting options 43 Battery life 92
Basic camera layout and operation 14 Dual card slot 45 Using old batteries 94
Camera overview 15 Post-production changes 95
New battery compatibility 16 Understanding mirrorless features 47 Denoise - A game changer 96
Rear camera controls 17 Introduction to mirrorless features 48 Changing how we shoot 98
Top camera controls 19 Understanding mirrorless 50 Tidying up the images we shoot 99
RF Lens controls 20 Understanding the R7 system 51 Summary 101
RF-S lens controls 21 Lens compatibility 53
Key Mirrorless benefits 22 Lens mount adapters 54 Display options 102
Understanding APS-C / 1.6x format 23 IBIS – In Body Image Stabilisation 56 Viewfinder information 103
Shutter button operation 25 FAQ 62 Shooting info. disp. options 104
Focus lock 26 Differences with mirrorless 64 VF INFO/Toggle settings 106
Is BBF still relevant? 27 RF lenses and their differences 65 VF Vertical display/VF Display format 107
Automated exposure lock 28 Lens info display (focusing scale) 67 Grid display 108
Be careful when you pick up the camera 29 Extender use 69 Histogram disp 109
Where things are set 30 Heat shimmer with extreme focal lengths 75 Lens [Link] - Focusing distance display 110
Shooting Display options 31 Viewing options 76 Lens [Link] - Focal length disp 111
Quick Control screen 32 Optical Viewfinder Simulation 77 Lens [Link] - SA variable amount 112
Learn the icons 34 Ways to view 79 Shooting [Link] - Reverse display 113
Playback Q button options 35 Review options 80 Reset option 113
Customisable setting screens 36 Metering timer 80 Display performance 114
Look at the screens! 38 Auto level 81 High speed display 115
Pay attention to displayed information 39 Shutter mode 82 Anti flicker shoot 116
Contents PR 5
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Power saving options 117 – Auto options 160 Using Fv mode ITI IEW
Screen brightness 118 – Min shutter speed - Auto 161 – Like P mode O 202
Viewfinder brightness 119 – Min shutter speed - Manual 163 – Like Tv mode 203 N
Screen/Viewfinder color tone 120 Shutter speeds and controls 164 – Like Av mode 204
Playback display options 121 Apertures and controls 165 – Like M mode with Auto ISO 205
AF point display 121 – Exposure compensation settings 206
Highlight alert 122 Basic Zone exposure modes 166 – Like M mode 207
About Basic Zone modes 167 Fv mode summary 208
Understanding the basics 123 Auto+ or Scene Intelligent Auto 168 Understanding Exposure Compensation 209
Introduction 124 Creative assist 170 AEB - Auto Exposure bracketing  213
Image quality and file formats 125 RAW processing 173 Custom functions for bracketing and exposure 216
Image quality - which is best? 127 Scene / SCN modes 174 M - Manual mode - With Auto ISO 218
RAW vs JPEG 128 Key override controls 175 M - Manual mode 221
CR3 RAW format 129 Portrait mode 176 Bulb mode 223
CRAW format 130 Group photo mode 177 Bulb timer 223
HDR PQ 134 Landscape mode 178 The other exposure modes 224
– Camera set-up 136 Panoramic shot mode 179 P - Program mode 225
HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) format 137 Sports mode 182 How and when to use 226
Common HDR PQ questions 138 Kids mode 183 Program shift 226
HDR mode 139 Panning mode 184 Tv mode 227
Using HDR PQ images 140 Close up mode 186 How to use Tv mode 228
HDR mode 141 Food mode 187 Av mode 229
When it works best 144 Night Portrait mode 188 How to use Av mode 230
Exposure triangle 145 Handheld Night Scene mode 189 Which mode is best? 231
Understanding the connections 146 HDR Backlight control mode 190 Custom shooting modes 232
The settings we can use 147 Silent Shutter mode 191 The problem of saving settings 235
ISO and ISO controls 149 Creative filters mode 192 Movie shooting 236
Auto ISO 150 Examples 193
Test the ISO on your camera 152 Basic autofocus set-up 237
Test the ISO on your software 154 Creative Zone exposure modes 196 About the “Magic” of the AF system 238
Multi shot noise reduction 156 About the Creative Zone modes 197 What’s different to a DSLR? 239
IBIS and Denoise give different options 157 Fv mode 198 Focusing areas overview 240
ISO speed settings 158 Setting options in Fv mode 199 Setting AF options 241
– manual options 159 Fv mode  201 Shutter button operation 242
Contents PR 6
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An advanced focusing control 243 Single points and moving subjects 291 Multi-controller sensitivity ITI IEW
345
How to reset the camera 245 Subject tracking - initial selection of subject 292 Orientation linked AF point O 346
AF operation overview 246 Expand AF area/Expand AF area around 293 Manual focusing on Mirrorless models N 348
with Subject tracking 247 The larger AF areas 295 AF 5 menu
Setting AF options 251 Flexible Zone AF areas 1-3 296 MF peaking settings 351
One Shot AF 252 Whole area AF 299 Focus guide 352
When to use 253 More accurate than people think 301 Movie servo AF 353
One shot AF disables some features 254 Switching tracked subjects 302 AF 6 menu
Moving the AF points  256 Improving focusing responsiveness 305 Electronic Full Time MF 354
Servo AF 257 Find out what works for you 307 Lens electronic MF 356
When to use 258 Recommended settings 308 Options for manual focusing 357
When not to use Servo AF 260 Basic autofocus summary 325 Other things that impact sharpness 358
AF Areas 261 Manual focusing 326 Advanced autofocus summary 359
Moving the AF points 263
Key AF settings 264 Advanced autofocus set up 328 Understanding key overrides 360
Subject tracking 265 AF menus 2-6 229 About the key overrides 361
How do I switch between subjects 269 Case settings 330 Why these controls are so important 362
Subject to detect Auto Case 331 Flash exposure compensation 363
– Basic set-up 270 Case 1 332 Metering
– Settings 271 Case 2 333 Measuring the light 364
Subject to detect - AI technology 275 Case 3 334 Connection to focusing 365
– How it works 276 Case 4 335 Understanding metering 366
– The tech bits... 277 Case parameters 336 Evaluative metering 368
– Changes in camera set-up 278 AF 3 menu Manual focus and Evaluative metering 372
– People 279 One Shot AF release priority 337 Evaluative at night 373
– Animals 280 Preview AF 338 Spot metering 374
– Vehicles 281 Make sure you understand features 339 – with AE Lock 375
Eye detection 283 Lens drive when AF impossible 340 Partial metering 377
Eye detection just works! 285 AF 2 menu Center-weighted average metering 378
Selecting the best AF area 286 AF assist beam firing 341 Drive settings 379
The logic of choosing AF areas  287 Touch and drag AF 342 Self timer / Remote release options 381
The “single” AF point areas 288 Problems with the AF point moving by itself 343 Still image aspect ratio settings 382
Spot AF 289 AF 4 menu Pre shooting Checks 384
1 point AF 290 Limit AF areas 344
Contents PR 7
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Image processing options 385 Chromatic aberration correction 435 Highlight tone priority ITI IEW477
What is image processing? 386 Diffraction correction 436 Anti flicker shoot 477 O
DPP software running slow 388 Distortion correction 437 Shoot 3 478 N
Photoshop/Lightroom benefits 389 Distortion correction on some lenses 438 External Speedlite control 478
About the options in this chapter 392 Focus bracketing 440 Metering mode 478
Picture Styles 393 Settings 442 Shoot 4 478
Understanding Picture Style controls 395 Lens compatibility 443 White balance 478
Comparing Picture Styles 399 Settings 444 Custom White balance 478
Customising Picture Style options 402 Shooting focus bracketed sequences 448 WB Shift/Bkt 478
– Why customise? 403 Merging in DPP 450 Color space 478
Monochrome Picture Style options 404 RAW burst mode 454 Picture Style 478
Clarity 407 Saving images in camera 457 Clarity 479
Effect with differing images 408 Saving images in DPP 461 Shooting creative filters 479
White balance Dual Pixel RAW shooting 464 Lens aberration correction 480
Systems and overrides 409 Image Micro Adjustment 465 Long exposure noise reduction 480
Third party processing 410 Bokeh Shift 467 Shoot 5 480
AWB options 411 Ghosting correction 468 High ISO speed noise reduction 480
WB preset option 412 Image processing summary 469 Dust delete data 480
Understanding White balance 415 Shoot 6 481
K settings 416 Menu system 470 Multiple exposure 481
Q settings for Custom White balance 417 About the menus 471 RAW burst mode 481
Custom White balance 418 Menu navigation 472 Focus bracketing 481
White balance shift 420 The subtle settings and options 473 Shoot 7 482
White balance bracketing 421 Drive mode 482
Auto Lighting Optimizer 422 Shoot menus 475 Interval timer 482
With flash 424 Shoot 1 476 Bulb timer 482
Highlight tone priority 425 Image quality 476 Silent shutter function 483
Long exposure noise reduction 427 Dual Pixel RAW 476 Shutter mode 483
Multiple exposure 429 Still image aspect ratio 476 Release shutter without card 483
Lens aberration corrections 430 Shoot 2 477 Shoot 8 484
Updating for new lenses/other equipment 431 [Link]/AEB 477 IS (Image Stabilizer) mode 484
DLO – Digital Lens Optimizer 432 ISO speed settings 477 Auto level 485
– Differences with early third party software 433 HDR PQ settings 477 Customise quick controls 485
Peripheral illumination correction 434 Auto Lighting Optimizer 477 Touch shutter 485
Contents PR 8
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Image review 485 Print order 501 ITI IEW
Smartphone Firmware updating 526
High speed display 485 Photobook set up 501 Connection to a computer O 528
Metering timer 485 Play 3 501 Via camera Wi-Fi connection 529 N
Shoot 9 486 Resize 501 Via home Wi-Fi 533
Display simulation 486 RAW file processing 502 Connection to the BR-E1 536
OVF view assist 486 Creative assist RAW processing 503 Pairing procedure 537
Shooting info display 486 Quick control RAW processing 503
Reverse display 487 Cloud RAW file processing 504 Set Up Menus 538
VF display format 487 Creative filters 505 Set up 1 539
Display performance 487 Play 4 506 Record func/Folder select 539
Shoot 10 - Basic movie menu 488 Cropping 506 Stills/Movie Separate 539
HEIF > JPEG conversion 507 Record options stills 539
External Speedlite control menus 489 Play 5 508 Record option movies 540
New flash shoe and Canon AD-E1 Shoe adapter 490 Slide show 508 Record/Play 540
Sync speed options 491 Set image search conditions 508 Folder 540
External Speedlite control menu 492 Magnification (apx) 508 File numbering 541
Flash firing 493 View from last seen 508 File name 542
E-TTL balance 493 Image jump with Main dial 509 Format card 542
E-TTL II Metering 495 Play 6 509 Auto rotate 543
Contin flash ctrl 496 Playback information display 509 Auto movie rotate 543
Slow syncro 496 Highlight alert 510 Date/Time/Zone 543
Flash function settings 497 AF Point display 510 Set up 2 544
Flash [Link] settings 497 Playback grid 511 Language 544
Clear settings 497 Movie play count 511 Video system 544
HDMI HDR output 511 Help text size 544
Playback Menus 498 Viewing EXIF data 512 Mode guide 544
Play 1 499 Quick check tool - DPP 513 Set up 3 545
Protect images 499 Free Canon software 514 Beep 545
Erase images 499 Volume 545
Rotate stills 500 Wi-Fi menu 515 Power saving 545
Change movie rotation 500 Wi-Fi menu 516 Set up 4 546
Rating 500 Introduction to Wi-Fi functions 517 Screen/Viewfinder display 546
Image copy 500 Connection to a smartphone 518 Screen brightness 546
Play 2 501 Canon Camera Connect App 523 Viewfinder brightness 546
Contents PR 9
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Screen/Viewfinder colour tone 546 Same exposure for new aperture 558 ITI IEW
Fine-tune VF colour tone 546 AE lock meter mode after focus 559 My Menu 595 O
UI Magnification 546 Set shutter speed range 559 My Menu options 596 N
Setup 4/5 547 Set aperture range 559
HDMI resolution 547 Custom function menus - C.Fn3 560 Basic video shooting 598
Touch controls 547 Dial direction to set Av/Tv 560 Video basics 599
Multi function lock 547 Control ring direction to set Tv/Av 560 Shooting video in stills modes 599
Set up 5 548 Switch Main dial/Quick control dial when shooting 560 Sound recording 601
Switch AF|MF 548 Customisable controls on the EOS R7 561 Exposure modes 601
Shutter at shutdown 548 Customise buttons 561 Other camera settings 601
Sensor cleaning 549 Customise dials 561 White balance 601
Choose USB connection app 549 Clear customised settings 561 Picture Styles 601
Set up 6 550 Custom function menus - C.Fn4 562 Movie Q screen options 602
Reset camera 550 Add cropping information 562 Movie Creative Filter options 604
Custom shooting modes 551 Audio compression 562 Movie recording options 606
Copyright information 551 Default erase operation 562 Movie rec quality 606
Manual/software URL 551 Retract lens on power off 562 Movie recording size 606
Certification Logo Display 551 Release shutter w/o lens 563 Frame rate 606
Battery info 552 Clear all custom func ([Link]) 563 Recording format 607
Recharge performance 552 Custom function summary 564 High frame rate 607
Firmware 553 New length limit 607
Firmware updating 553 Camera customisations 565 Digital Zoom 608
Custom controls 566 Movie self timer 608
Custom Function Menus 554 How to set 567 Sound recording 608
About custom functions 555 Button location – top 568 Movie ISO speed setting 608
Custom function menus - C.Fn1 555 Button location – front 569 Av 1/8 stop incr 608
Exposure level increments 555 Button location – rear 570 Auto slow shutter 608
ISO speed increments 555 What the icons set and why 571 WB Correction 608
Exposure bracketing control auto cancel 555 Customising dials 587 Canon log settings 609
Exposure bracketing sequence 555 Main dial 588 Lens aberration correction 610
Number of bracketed shots 555 Quick control dial 589 High ISO speed NR 610
Safety shift 555 Lens control ring 590 Remote control 610
Speed from Metering/ISO Auto 556 Additional options 591 Movie self timer 610
Custom function menus - C.Fn2 558 Customisation summary 594 Time lapse movie 610
Contents About the book PR 10
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IS (image stabilizer) mode 611 ITI IEW
Movie Auto Level 611 THIS BOOK CAN BE SEARCHED FURTHER EXPLANATIONS O
Shutter button function 611 This book is supplied as a PDF, and therefore N a
The further explanations generally occupy
Zebra settings 611 it can easily be searched if you are looking whole page and I have added these where I
Standby: Low res 612 for specific features or techniques. have encountered a lot of misunderstanding
HDMI display 612 about the feature and it's use. These pages are
Time code settings 612 All you need to do is to type into your search designed to give me additional room to clarify
Movie summary 613 facility on your computer what you are the features use, or to explain a bit more about
looking for and it will bring up a reference why the feature is there. These are being added
Other products and services 614 to all the pages that contain that option. because I'm starting to see a number of areas
Get to know your camera and software 615 where photographers are simply not grasping
1:1 training from Nina Bailey 616 The search options are slightly less obvious the feature, even though it may have been on
Navigating PDF eBooks 617 on a PC than on a Mac, but the same the cameras for quite a long time.
options are available. If you are not familiar
with searching PDFs, click on the link below,
which takes you to a couple of pages right
at the end of the book, that will tell you
how to search on your computer. There is NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
a link provided at the bottom of the page The lilac boxes have been introduced where
that will bring you back to the index. there is additional information about a feature,
but it may not be in context with the other
This is why we do not include things I am looking at on the page. It may be
an alphabetical index within a bit of background information about the
the books, because it is feature, a general observation about it, or even
far easier to search for the looking at an application when it may be used.
feature, than look it up in an The box is being used to keep the text separate
index. from the other information on the page.

Click here to learn more about

searching PDFs

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Introduction
The EOS R7 has been designed so that its controls are
similar to the other EOS R-series models. However,
there are a number of changes to the layout and
certainly the camera features far fewer button
controls than DSLR users will be used to.

Therefore for all photographers it will be important to

become familiar with the new layout on the camera
to get the very best out of it.

This model moves the Quick control dial which is

found on all of the enthusiast and advance models
in the EOS range to a new position surrounding the
multi controller, higher up on the rear of the camera.
This places it in a very good position to allow you to
change settings while shooting, as it falls naturally
under the thumb when holding the camera.

11
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About the EOS R7 PR 12
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The EOS R7 is designed to be an equivalent to the EOS 7D Mark II/EOS 90D models ITIin theIEDSLR
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range. The camera inherits many of its autofocus features from the professional EOSO R3 model,
making it ideal for photographers who want to shoot wildlife and action subjects. In N fact the
two cameras are so similar that the autofocus menu only has two very small differences when
comparing the two cameras.

The plus side of this, is it does make the EOS R7 a very capable camera when it comes to wildlife
and action photography. However, it does also mean that you are going to need a very good
level of understanding of the main controls to get the camera to tackle the subjects you want
successfully. For those who were previously only used DSLR models, the camera is going to take
a bit of getting used to and new ways of setting it up and working are going to be inevitable. In
fact one of the important things to remember about some of these new models is that they do
not work at all well, if you are simply trying to replicate the way you shot with your previous DSLR
model.

The camera has been designed to offer a large amount of customisation allowing photographers
to get it to work exactly the way they need to, for their style of photography. However, just
because it can be customised it does not mean it has to be customised. I rarely customise
controls on my EOS cameras, as I find that as they come out of the box they are very usable
and normally the customisations I use are to speed up the basic operation of the camera or to
add a function onto a button I do not use that turns something on or off that’s normally tucked
away in the menu. On this model a number of the customisations I used to do are no longer
needed either because the cameras now has those options as a default or the way that the new
AF options work make it unnecessary. I would suggest waiting to do any customisations until
you have got used to the camera and how its basic controls work and then customise the ones
that you think you can improve on.

One of the things that makes its operations so different from the DSLRs, is that many of the
buttons that photographers will have been familiar with on the enthusiast and professional
DSLR models have been removed and replaced with other ways of setting those controls. If
you look at the pictures of the back and top of the camera, you can see that there are a lot less
buttons than we would normally expect to see and some of the controls that we use quite a lot
have been moved to different places on the camera body, the Quick control dial and the Multi
Controller being two of the key ones.

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About the comments boxes PR 13
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Throughout the book you will find a number of grey comments boxes, where ITI IEW
I may comment or further expand on the description of the feature. I may also ABOUT MY “OPINIONS” O
explain a bit of the history or talk about where it is best used. My opinions are exactly that, how I feel about things and observationsNthat
I would make based upon things I have seen whilst training over the last 30
It also allows me to make comments based on my opinions about a years. If I make an observation about photographers in general, it is simply
feature. I come into contact with a lot of photographers, many of which are based upon the things that I have observed and doesn’t mean that it applies
experiencing problems using their camera. It is surprising how much of the to all photographers, simply the ones I seem to encounter a lot! But I will also
time the same feature crops up. Quite often the problems originate because accept that it will not apply to all photographers.
the photographer is trying to use the camera exactly the same way as they
use their old EOS model, rather than understanding that some of the ways of I do sometimes find that common sense isn’t very common, and it certainly can
working need to change to get the very best out of these new models. apply to many areas of life today. A good example is that I get photographers
complaining that the batteries on a mirrorless body do not last as long as on
It is important to understand that one of the points of having these comment a DSLR. There shouldn’t be any great surprise as you are running an electronic
boxes is to make you think about how you’re working. Just because you viewfinder or the rear screen all the time. If you try and run a DSLR with the Live
worked a specific way for the last 40 years, it doesn’t mean that way of working View permanently turned on, you will find the batteries last a far shorter time
is still the best way to capture the image today, especially on these very latest than they do on a mirrorless body. There is a very easy solution to batteries
models. lasting less time, that is simply buy more batteries. I’m aware they’re not the
cheapest thing to buy, but compared to the cost of the camera body they are
In places within the book I will talk about how I set the camera up myself, that a very minimal cost and solve the problem of the battery not lasting a day.
does not mean you have to work that way, it’s simply explaining why I would
use a specific feature. The way I work is not the only way to use the camera, When I go out for a day shooting I normally take four batteries for my EOS R5,
you need to find your own way of working, that works for both you as the which is going to be about the same amount needed on the R7 as it uses the
photographer and the way you like to shoot. same battery. I am fundamentally quite a lazy photographer, if the camera
can automate part of the picture taking process for me, I am quite happy to
Ultimately it is the photographer who creates the image, the camera simply let it get on and do it. I don’t have a problem using technology to achieve
facilitates the capture of the image and the new automation being developed the images I shoot and I am quite happy to accept that some of the time the
is designed to free up the photographer from some of the more basic and camera manages some things better than I do. My laziness also extends to
mundane controls. It allows them to concentrate much more on the creative the amount of kit which I carry with me, I will select the lenses I need for that
side of photography. Canon increasingly are trying to produce focusing day and that is all I will take. If I’m going to shoot action I will quite simply
systems that can find, identify and follow the subject accurately around the take a camera body fitted with my RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1L IS USM lens. In my
frame without intervention from the photographer. Exposure and White pocket will be my spare batteries and possibly an Extender. I simply do not
balance systems have now been improved to the point where they rarely see the point of carrying a bag full of lenses that are not going to get used.
need to be overridden, ensuring much more accurate results and significantly
reducing the need to shoot manually.

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Basic camera layout and operation

The layout on this camera body is similar to that
which we have seen on the enthusiast range DSLR
models, although there are some significant changes.
Most of these have been brought about by the
camera’s small size, requiring some features to be
relocated. The exposure mode dial is a good example
of this, most commonly found located on the left
hand side of the camera when looking from the back,
this has needed to be moved to the right hand side of
the body and this means that there is not a top LCD
panel on this model.

However, this camera features touch controls and

therefore very few functions are set using buttons on
the camera body. Instead they are most commonly
going to be set on the rear screen on the camera,
which offers a choice of two different display options
allowing you to set the most commonly used
features.

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Camera overview PR 15
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The EOS R7 features the ITI IEW
IBIS system first appeared O
in 2020 and has been seen N
on all of the R-series models
that have been launched
since this time. This allows
up to 7 stops of image
stabilisation on this model,
even on lenses that do not
feature image stabilisation
on the lens itself.

The camera is also designed to have a good level of weather and dust resistance,
which is equivalent to the same level found on the EOS 90D which is specified by
Canon as having a combination of sealing materials and high precision parts for
a dust proof and drip proof design. However, it is important to understand that
the dust and weather sealing on it is not as comprehensive as will be found on the
higher level models such as the R6, R5 and R3 models. Although given that the
cameras price is nearly £1000 less than the EOS R6, which is the cheapest of those
models and features a 32 mega pixel sensor rather than a 20 mega pixel sensor, in
my opinion this is to be expected. After all, as with many things in the modern day
world you get what you pay for and this camera has been built to be affordable. RF LENS MOUNT INDEX This is where you line up an RF
If you heavily weather seal products they cease to be very affordable, due to the or RF-S mount lens and then turn clockwise until it clicks to
weather sealing and measures that are used. mount it. Notice the different shape from EF mount index
(round red circle) and EF-S mount index (white square)
The camera also has a new multifunction shoe which allows new accessories to be which are only found on the front of the mount adapter as
connected to the camera via the hot shoe style fitting. This model features the LP- shown to the right. At the back of the mount adapter is the
E6NH battery as also found on the EOS R, R5 and R6 which is quoted as giving RF index to align with the mount on the body.
620 shots with the viewfinder or 860 shots using the rear screen on power saving
and 440 shots with the viewfinder and 760 shots with the rear screen using the This body is designed to allow all of the RF lenses to be fitted to it, however
smooth option. However, in my experience if the camera is being used for wildlife there are also a range of RF-S lenses which are designed to be smaller and
or action shooting, where you are shooting a lot of images continuously, it is not lighter which take advantage of the smaller APS-C sensor featured on this
unusual to get significantly more shots from the battery that is actually quoted in model. These lenses are also compatible with the full frame cameras but when
the manual. I have regularly had over a couple of thousand shots when shooting fitted onto them will automatically enable the crop mode that they feature
action on the camera. which reduces the total number of pixels that are being used.

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New battery compatibility PR 16
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ITI IEW
The battery uses exactly the same mains charger O
as all the other LP-E6 series batteries and has the N
added advantage that it is slightly cheaper to buy,
than the older battery packs.

This is the first time that Canon has needed to do

a firmware update to make the camera compatible
with a new type of battery.

If you are looking at replacing your existing

batteries, it makes sense to replace them with
this new battery, as going forward this will be the
standard battery for the new models. Another thing that one of the firmware updates
enabled was to add compatibility of the RF-S 3
One of the main reasons why we saw firmware The significant thing about that is that the new .9mm f3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens.
version 1.5.0 appear for this model was to provide camera models that are designed to use the LP-
compatibility with a new battery pack - the LP-E6P E6P will only achieve their maximum drive speed This lens was developed to specially for this
- which is the battery that was provided for the and give full performance when these batteries camera and it designed for production of content
EOS R5 Mark II. This is a higher capacity designed are used, even though the older LP-E6N and LP- for the Apple Vision pro system.
to give a longer battery life with the new model. E6NH batteries can be used. On models from the
R5 Mark II the original LP-E6 battery will no longer So this is an accessory which has a relatively
The battery pack is exactly the same size, shape be compatible, although to be fair, most of these limited application and will only appeal to a small
and fitting as the LP-E6NH battery which was batteries are now a decade old or more. handful of photographers.
designed for this model, but to make it work at
peak efficiency in the camera a firmware update
was needed.

Once the firmware update has been done, it

enables this battery to be used without any
limitations in this model and it enables the same
continuous shooting speed as when using the
LP-E6NH. If the firmware update is not done, the
maximum shooting rates will not be achieved.

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Rear camera controls PR 17
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VIEWFINDER SENSOR The sensor that detects when your eye is to the ITI IEW
viewfinder, when this is obstructed the rear screen will turn off. O
DIOPTRIC ADJUSTMENT A rotatable wheel to the side of the viewfinder N
where you can adjust the viewfinder sharpness to suit your eyesight.
MENU BUTTON Press to access the camera’s menu system where many
options are set.
ERASE BUTTON Deletes image in playback.
PLAYBACK BUTTON Will show the most recently taken image; use the
Quick control dial (see next page) to scroll.
REAR SCREEN Image can be viewed on here, screen can be flipped out for
use at high and low angles. Can also be rotated inwards to store against
camera for better protection.

HOW TO PREVENT SHOOTING WITHOUT CARD FITTED off has found its way back into the shoot 7 menu, which
As illogical as it may seem, as this camera comes out of means it may be overlooked by a lot of photographers. If
the box, it is designed to allow you to shoot without any you go in and change this option to off, then if you try to
memory cards fitted. This is to allow the people who take pictures without a card fitted the camera will refuse to
demonstrate the cameras in shops and exhibitions to let you fire the shutter and will give you a warning saying
demonstrate the camera without having to put cards in. no card in any of the places that you can view the image. If
you take the memory cards out of the camera to download
However over the years it has caught many photographers using a card reader, it is remarkably easy to leave the camera
out, as the camera will allow you to shoot an image and with no memory card fitted. I have managed it on at least
it even displays the image on the rear of the camera, two occasions and I should know better! I now keep a small
admittedly with a message saying no card in camera, before capacity memory card permanently in my camera bag that
it simply discards the image, as there is no built-in memory I regularly use, so that if it does happen to me I’ve still got
at all on these models. On this model the option to turn this a card I can use.

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Rear camera controls PR 18
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QUICK CONTROL DIAL used for navigation in MULTI CONTROLLER used for moving the AF points around and navigation in the ITI IEW
menus and changing of settings within Quick set menus and moving around the Quick control screens button. On this model the multi O
menu. It also works to set exposure compensation controller allows direct moving of the AF points by default. To return the AF point or area to N
when the camera is active in P, Tv and Av, plus the central position simply press the Multi controller straight in.
it adjusts the aperture value when shooting
manually. When setting functions on the Q screen
it will adjust settings when a particular function is AF-ON BUTTON Pressing this activates the focusing and if held down AF
highlighted. Also changes the aperture in M mode. is locked when shooting in One Shot AF. Can be held down to activate
focusing in Servo AF. Sometimes referred to as Back button focusing or
BBF for short.
AE LOCK BUTTON Press to lock the exposure. In Evaluative metering
with One Shot AF, the exposure locks automatically at the same time as
the focusing with a half-press of shutter but this can be used to lock Spot,
Partial metering onto a specific subject.
AF POINT SELECTION BUTTON This allows selection of your chosen
focusing method. Prompts are shown at the bottom of the screen.
MAGNIFY BUTTON Press during playback then use the Main dial to
zoom in or out of an image
INFO BUTTON Toggles between displays when the camera is active. Five
displays available, which are all enabled by default. One of the displays
is the Q screen – this may be more familiar if you also use a Canon DSLR
camera. Additionally, pressing the INFO button does as follows: when
in the menu allows you to jump between the main menu tabs; brings
up additional information and settings when it appears as a prompt on-
screen; gives different information displays during playback.
Q BUTTON Pressing this will activate the Quick Set menu where the
main settings are made. Can be done directly from the shooting screen or
via the Black Q screen.
SET BUTTON Combined with the Q button on this model. Pressing this
allows you to enter menus and will apply the currently selected setting.
Can be customised to have a function in its own right.
CROSS KEYS Up, Down, Left and right buttons that allow
navigation in menus and on some screens. These buttons are
highly customisable and can allow features to be set directly
from them if required.

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Top camera controls PR 19
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FOCAL PLANE MARK Shows MOVIE SHOOTING BUTTON Starts and stops video SHUTTER BUTTON ITI IEW
the position of the image recording when in Movie mode. If using Auto+ for Half-pressure activates O
sensor. Your lens’ minimum stills photography, it will start shooting video in focusing and metering. Same N
focusing distance is measured Auto+ Movie mode; if in any other stills mode it half-press escapes from
from here. automatically starts shooting video using the Auto playback and menus.
mode for movies.
M-FN BUTTON A multi-functional button which
brings up functions selected by the Quick Control Dial
and the settings can then be changed with the Main
Dial. Functions are ISO, drive, focusing mode, White
balance and flash compensation.
MAIN DIAL Turn to adjust shutter speed or
aperture within relevant shooting mode. In
manual mode adjusts shutter speed. Can also change
settings on Q screen.
ISO BUTTON Press and hold down and turn the main
dial to set ISO.

ON/OFF/MOVIE SWITCH Camera ON/OFF switch and

also allows the camera to be set into a specific Movie
mode.

EXPOSURE MODE DIAL Turn to

set the required exposure mode. LOCK BUTTON pressing this can lock
If set to A+, SCN or Creative filter a number of controls on the camera. By
options the menu system is default it locks the Quick control dial, as
restricted and will not show all well as the control ring on RF lenses and
options. on EF-EOS R control ring mount adapter.
Can also be set to lock the multi controller,
touch controls and main dial.

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RF lens controls (not all RF lenses have all of these controls) PR 20
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CONTROL RING Can be MANUAL FOCUS RING turn to ITI IEW
programmed to change manually focus once switched to O
specific features. Default is to MF N
ZOOM RING turn to zoom the lens once
control aperture, but several other zoom is unlocked
options are available.
MANUAL FOCUS RING Turn to LOCK BUTTON Locks the zoom in
manually focus once switched to place to prevent the lens zooming
MF. when being carried. Must be unlocked
ZOOM RING (Only on zoom lenses, to shoot. Not on all lenses
i.e. with variable focal length.) Turn
to zoom the lens closer or further
away. LENS ALIGNMENT MARK Line up
with same mark on body to mount the
lens.
LENS ALIGNMENT MARK
Line up with same mark on
body to mount the lens. RF LOCK BUTTON (LENS) Locks the zoom AF/MF SWITCH on all RF lenses
lenses – which natively fit the in place to prevent the lens zooming CONTROL RING Can be programmed allows the lens to be set to AF for
EOS R7 – have a red dash; EF when being carried. Must be unlocked to change specific features. Default is to autofocus or MF for manual focus
and EF-S lenses – which can to shoot. Not on all lenses. change aperture but can be programmed
both be attached via Mount with a number of other options.
Adapter EF-EOS R – have a
red dot and a white square
respectively.

The control ring can be programmed from the black Q screen or from the
camera’s Custom function menu. There are a number of options that can be
programmed onto it as can be seen from the screen bottom left. I look at
these options in depth later in the book when I look at how to customise the
camera. The options allow you to have the ring active all the time or to only
activate when the shutter button is part depressed, indicated with a down
arrow to the side.

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 UN

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