High ISO advise

[peety3]

I like the Auto ISO as then I only need to worry about aperture & shutter. I have set the maximum at 3200 - perhaps setting to 1600, 800, 640, or lower will force the slower shutter speed, but then a bird in flight is a challenge as it almost requires hand held at the same time. Perhaps I am just frustrating myself by the limitations I have set with my equipment, but I really enjoy getting birds in-flight, and do well in good daylight (I love the 7D for fps and AF) - its only when the conditions don't provide the light I need is when I get stuck.

I'd argue that you don't like Auto ISO, for the simple reason that it's not giving you the image quality you desire. I'd also suggest you try Aperture Priority with manual ISO - essentially you're still controlling two out of the three variables in the exposure triangle, but you're letting the camera pick the value where it has the widest range (I think shutter speed has a 17-stop range, while aperture is very lens-dependent but usually about5 stops and ISO is 3-4 stops for a 7D if you want to stay out of noiseville). As a result, you have consistent noise levels and consistent DoF shot-to-shot, and you get to decide if you are comfortable with a given shutter speed before you take the shot.

OK, Oops forgot to mention. I was trying to capture Birds in Flight (Pelicans) with a Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS Lens (Not "L" & mostly at 300mm). I'd love to go Full Frame but as a hobby the minimum 6D even on sale at $1800 is more than I can justify for a hobby unless I hit the Power Ball . I have decided I need to learn how to use what I have, I know the 7D has its limitations but I have seen other photographers do much better than I do in low light with less quality equipment.

It's not all about "L", and if you were to go FF you'd regret it on the long end of your lens collection (as your 300 will behave like a 300 instead of a 480). Is it safe to assume you're shooting the lens wide open for these shots?