Replacement for 7D advice on shortlist requested

<p>I have an aging 7D and having dabbled in more compact replacements such as the Panasonic G3 (didn't like the colours) and some pocket compacts alongside the 7D; Fuji x20 (lovely, but limited range) and Olympus Stylus 1 (good, but not quite fast enough), I am trying to work out if I could replace my 7D and the compacts with something lighter without too many compromises. I shoot a wide variety of subjects, but enjoy telephoto work with some action. The cameras that I am considering are:</p>

<ul>

<li>Olympus OM D EM1 - Key points 81 point AF and in body stabilsation</li>

<li>Fuji XT1 - I tend to like the Fuji sensor results, but lack of telephoto options</li>

<li>Panasonic GX7 - Fairly similar to the Olympus under the shell</li>

<li>Sony Alpha A7 - Full frame, but compact.</li>

</ul>

<p>Looking at the specs, I suspect that the Olympus would be best for me, but I have concerns over AF speed and viewfinder tracking of subjects. Does anyone have some practical experience with any of the above that can help me understand the major practical differences? Main uses will be street, macro, action and wildlife.<br>

Any real world advice would be appreciated.</p>

<p>All the EVF cameras lack AF speed and real-time response. Since you used your 7D for that sort of photography (action) you will be disappointed by all of the cameras you list. If you want lighter look at Canon's SL1.</p>

<p>The E-M1 combined with the 75-300 lens would give you an excellent long combo. You could also wait for the future 300/2.8 lens or for the 40-150/2.8 if you want a shorter zoom. And the 12-40 would be great for scenarios like your wedding shots.</p>

<p>Here are a couple of samples:<br>

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laurentiucristofor/11957675434"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/11957675434_d1003b6127.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laurentiucristofor/11939602385"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/11939602385_f4f59a96bf.jpg" alt="" width="375" height="500" /></a></p>

<p>I tag my photos with the camera and lens name, so you can click on these photos and then on the tags to see more examples involving that piece of equipment.</p>

<p>I generally use manual focus, but the E-M1 autofocus is so reliable that I have started using it whenever I use an autofocus lens. The above shots are taken with autofocus. The EVF is great. I have not tried focus tracking (continuous focusing), so I cannot vouch for that.</p>

<p>Oh, one more thing - the image stabilization of the E-M1 is really great when it comes to using long lenses.</p>

<p>I sold my 7D last month and got the Sony A7 with kit lens. No regrets. The 7d is a really robust, and heavy, camera but even my old NEX 5n had better image quality. EF lenses will adapt with a AF adapter but AF is slow. Great to use with MF lenses, if you have any, and it suits your style. Great image quality, I think. You also might consider the A6000 if fast AF is your thing. I have a NEX 6 for quick snaps.</p>

<p>The OMD EM1 is supposed to be able to handle action at some distance but is not as good as a 7D close up for action. Micro 4/3 is really coming along, but telephoto sports is not it's forte. </p>

<p>I considered ditching my 7D for an OMD EM1, but I like my 70-200 f4 IS too much. I can say that my wife's EPM-2 with the Oly 50mm 1.8 has better image quality than the 7D which was rather disturbing to see. The Canon has great AF tracking but the sensor's age is really beginning to show. </p>

<p>If the 40-150 2.8 turns out to be as good as the 12-40 I would be sorely tempted to go with an EM1</p>

<p>You will have to change the way you do things with mirrorless. The 7D is a very good action camera but as you know, sensors have come a long way since then. I have become dis-satified with my M since using my GX1 plus 25/1.4 at base ISO. Previously I had been using it in dimly-lit conditions, it being winter and all, but recently we've had some good, bright days and the M, with the sensor from the 650D just doesn't beat it; even using the 22/2, an extremely sharp lens. Canon are in serious danger of being yesterday's camera giant. I had another hard look at the Fuji line today and I will be buying one when my budget permits.<br>

You will gain far more than you lose with your switch, but some sacrifices will have to be made. Give mirrorless another couple of years though. :-)</p>