You'd be surprised (I know I was) at how simple the menu navigation and
intuitiveness is on this camera. Like I say, it looked daunting when I first
looked at it, but I'm already fairly proficient with it and I've had it less
than 2 days. And I'm not a real quick study, either. :-)

I got to pick up a Canon rebel when they first came out and I was surprised
at how light it was. I know most people probably prefer a lightweight
camera, but I like something with some weight to it and the 7D has some. It
just feels solid. I think that hanging it around my neck with the relatively
narrow strap will get uncomfortable after a couple of hours, but I will
either get a wider strap or a cushion for it. The handgrip has finger
contours and a textured rubber that just fits perfectly in the hand. All the
buttons you might need for shooting are right where your fingers can get
them. The dial controls on top have a locking button that you have to press
in order to turn them. I think I could live without these as you're unlikely
to turn them unintentionally, but this is about the only thing that's the
least bit clumsy on the camera. I also wish the strap had hooks because I
found that picking up the camera in the plane, I had to be careful to grab
it under the strap to get a good grip. I'd like to be able to remove and
replace it easier, but that's minor. I'll get used to it.

I noticed the price on the 6 meg Canon came down a lot. If this camera
hadn't come out with the anti shake, I would have gotten the Rebel, but for
aerial stuff that antishake is priceless. I was getting good shots with the
lens out to about 70 or 80 mm (105 to 120 equivalent) even in slightly bumpy
air. In calm conditions I have no doubt I can get the lens all the way out
to 105.

mike

"Andy" wrote in message
...


This is why I chose Canon. It is easy tool for taking professional
pictures. Nikon looks like a kiddie toy.