As an e-book camera guide author, I have to attempt to plan my life and writing schedule around the release of the latest dSLR cameras. And since major camera companies typically give little-to-no advance notice for the announcement then release of a new model, this involves lots of speculation and following of online rumors. And then a few weeks of intense, non-stop research and writing when it is finally announced.
The Canon 7D Mark II has been rumored for imminent release numerous times including Feb 2011, May 2011, November 2011, early 2012, etc. So as you can see, there is no telling when it will suddenly appear. The camera was originally announced September 2009, so Sept. 2011 is my best current guess. Except one has to take into account the disruptions to manufacturing and supply caused by the earthquake in Japan, so that could cause a delay of a month or three. As equally annoying but fascinating is the speculation for what features the 7D Mark II will have. Most amusingly, some have wildly suggested that it will be a full frame camera (not likely…but then again, full frame is bound to creep down into the the pro-sumer line at some point, so why not now, why not with the 7D Mk II?). So what is there to improve on this amazing camera? (Why is it so amazing? See my previous post of Why the Canon 7D is a Super Awesome Camera.)
The Canon 7D, patiently awaiting its replacement the EOS 7D Mark II
Currently the Canon 7D offers:
- 18 MP APS-C sensor
- Dual DIGIC 4 processors
- Full HD video at all the frame rates
- 8 frames per second and 3fps continuous shooting
- ISO 100 to 6400 (plus 12,800)
- 3” high resolution LCD screen – non-articulating
- 19 point autofocus system, all cross-type, with numerous configurations and customization options
- 63 zone exposure metering system
- Built in remote flash triggering
- Magnesium alloy body with weather sealing
While little of this actually needs improvement, Canon is not going to release an new model without some significant improvements (though they have done that before…). I predict many of the above features will have a small to significant upgrade.
Canon EOS 7D Mk II predictions:
- 21 to 24 MP APS-C sensor – I’m not sure if Canon can affordably bring together 8fps and a full frame sensor at the same time yet, and if they did, wouldn’t that be the 5D Mk III?
- Dual DIGIC 5 processors – or perhaps a single powerful processor
- Full HD video at all the frame rates – plus many additional video features, menus, and options like those currently offered in the 60D, plus some other stuff that videographers like but I don’t know much about since I haven’t entered the video world yet. Perhaps it will even be able to competently autofocus full time in video mode.
- 8 frames per second and 3 fps continuous shooting with slightly improved maximum burst rate (more JPEG or RAW frames captured before the camera pauses to digest them) – the high speed of 8fps really doesn’t need to be improved, but the problem is 8fps is often overkill and 3 fps is too slow. What is needed is a 5 fps option, or better yet, the ability to customize Continuous Low and High settings so that you can choose your own rates. Please, please, please.
- ISO 100 to 12,800 or more, and then some – and improved high ISO performance (less noise at high ISOs)
- 3” high resolution LCD screen – non-articulating – touch screen? While many might want an articulating screen, it would really mess up the great button layout on the rear of the camera. Maybe they will come up with a new type of articulation that maintains the basic button layout. Touch screen is definitely coming to dSLRs, but will it be on this one…maybe, but Canon barely uses touch screens with its point and shoots yet so they may hold off for a bit and introduce it in their T3i successor.
- 19 point autofocus system, all cross-type, with numerous configurations and customization options – this doesn’t really need to be improved, though they could always add a few more AF points and perhaps some additional manners of customizing their use.
- Improved exposure metering system – it will likely boast an upgraded exposure metering system from the current 63 zone system
- Built in remote flash triggering – already pretty full-featured
- Magnesium allow body with weather sealing – already about the best it could be
Additional features:
It will certainly have a couple new menu and custom function settings, hopefully including some additional control over Spot, Center-weighted, and Partial metering, like the ability to change the size of the area metered and the ability to link it to the active AF point.
Oh yes, and the HDR fans would appreciate more latitude in auto exposure bracketing, such as perhaps 5 exposures over 5 to 7 stops. And maybe some more fluorescent white balance options like Nikon offers.
It will likely and hopefully retain the CF card and the LP-E6 battery.
So, there are my best guesses. Have a look at the Canon 7D on Amazon here.
As mentioned above, I have written an e-book user’s guide to the 7D called Canon 7D Experience. It will help you take control of this powerful and customizable camera and the images you create! You can learn much more about it here.
Be sure to follow the rumors at Canon Rumors to find out when the 7D Mk II may come out, particularly the 7D Mk II and 5D Mk III categories (where some of the 7D MkII news is hidden). And learn about my Canon 5D Mk III predictions in this post.