Canon EOS 7D Mark 2

Rumours for the EOS 7D replacement:

23rd January 2012

The 7D at 18MP and 1.6 crop will be updated eventually.

We've been keeping tabs on (mostly) Canon rumours for several years and receive all kinds of stuff
...some more believable than others.

Use your common sense when reading it, and remember that it's here for entertainment as much as anything else.

The replacement for the Canon EOS7D

7D MKII

Latest Rumours

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2012 January

• 23rd The 200-400 is spotted being tested with a new body that might be the 5D3 [AA], although some have suggested a 7D mk2 (with no flash?)

2011 December

• 28th We're told (thanks) that the 7D replacement is slated to be 'one of' photokina's star products for Canon - also to expect a 5D2 replacement 'in our hands' for the summer.
• If you look at the Canon timeline below, you can see that the 5D2 and 7D are now Canon's oldest cameras by a margin.
• 14th Apart from the ongoing price drops in the 5D2 (down to $2k at B&H), the only specific rumours we've seen, have suggested that by Photokina, we will have seen both 5D2 and 7D replacements announced, and that if Canon does go for a higher MP FF body, it won't be the 5D3.
• 3rd There is still the possibility of a 'Pro 1.6 crop' camera. If you read through the Japanese interview with the 1D X developers [DCW , Google xlt] you will see that Canon are watching the market and don't rule it out.
  • It's worth noting that it takes quite some effort to read through the Google translation, but it covers things like who the 1D X was aimed at and why a high MP FF camera (and MF too) are not yet ruled out.

Info: I've set up a LinkedIn group (~2.5k members) for people interested in any aspects of Digital Black and White photography: Digital Black and White Keith gets our UK used Canon equipt. from: USA used - B&H | Adorama

October

• 23rd After the 1D X announcement, I've noticed lots of (wishful) specs doing the rounds - we were sent this from DPR (thanks)
  • "7D II
    BSI Cmos APC-H 24.5 mpx
    Same AF
    2 Digic 5
    8.5 Fps
    Native Iso 12800
    2 Stop Better in noise
    H1 iso 25600
    Same Video
    Price Point $1999.00"
• Thank you to everyone who has purchased items, however small, since anything you order via these links helps us run our site
  Amazon UK link / Amazon France / Amazon Germany
  Amazon USA link / Amazon Canada link
  
  I'd suspect that AF is likely to be improved, based on what's appeared in the 1D X. We are far enough from an announcement that I generally regard any detailed specs as suspect

June

• 18th Rumours really are all over the place at the moment, but thanks for sending info ;-)
• For example: we've recently had it suggested that the 7D2 will be FF (this year) and the 70D will move to take the current 'position' of the 7D(in March 2012).
  • I have difficulty with this one given Canon's model history, and their preference for evolutionary changes in model features. The 7D sells well and I can see it moving even more into the higher end, but as a crop camera.

May

• 6th We've long thought of the 7D replacement as a possible 2012 camera, but there have been very few mentions of it to date.
• However with no sign yet of replacements for the 5D2 or the even older 1Ds3, along with potential delays after events in Japan, we've recently had a suggestion of early 2013.
• Late 2012 is picked in the latest at CR

2010 December

• 27th Although mentioned as EOS 8D predictions [DPW], it's probably better seen as a 7D mark2 wishlist, although I don't see any great likelihood of the MP count dropping in a new camera, or any update until the 1Ds3 and 5D2 have been superceded.

September

• 3rd A suggestion (thanks) that the 7D mark2 will appear in the first half of next year, so as to distance it from the 550D/60D and be the first crop camera to break 20MP.
  • Seems reasonable, but we've had no solid 7Dmk2 info, suggesting it's still quite some time off - Below a rough timeline for estimating how long a camera has been around.

August

• 17th -Not- a 7D Mk2 - the EOS 7DSV (Studio Version)is announced ... full info on 7D page
• Designed for idiot proofing a 7D it seems ;-)
  • "Canon's new "Locking" EOS 7D Studio Version DSLR allows administrators to disable unwanted features and settings thus providing professional studio operators the comfort of knowing the end result will be both reliable and repeatable."

February

• 18th A comment (thanks) that the 7D and 5D2 will be both updated the same time next year. If the 1Ds4 turns up next week, then that possibly pushes a 30+MP 5D3 into early 2011, but 7D2? (20+MP)

2009 December

• 7th We've got a 7D on loan from Canon and are writing short 7D reviews/comparisons
• In some lens info we had last year, the design target for new Canon L glass was 50-65MP FF sensors. I still expect to see this pixel density reached first (in a DSLR) in the 7D Mk2.

September

• 2nd OK, in true rumourland tradition we start the page for the EOS 7D mk2, the 7D replacement.
• As, you'd expect, there is nothing here yet, so go out and take some photos!

Our first thought is that the 7DMk2 will be:

26MP APS-C CMOS sensor with sensor level smart pixel binning
or 21MP full colour bayerless sensor
12 fps continuous shooting
60 fps high res video frame
4k video recording with manual controls
3.2 inch OLED screen
19-point AF system (all cross-type)
1.0x magnification and 100% coverage viewfinder
Wireless flash control E-TTL III
Environmental sealing
Built in tea and coffee making facilities

OK, no-one (even at Canon) knows

Expect the announcement ready for photokina 2012 (September)

Expect lots of wailing and gnashing of teeth about so many MP, so much noise and no MLU button, and how it will sell even worse than the dismal 70D, and why o why didn't they make it 1.3 crop or FF

Original EOS 7D Specifications

Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor *	22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS sensor RGB Color Filter Array Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit) 19 million total pixels 18 million effective pixels 3:2 aspect ratio
Image processor *	Dual DIGIC 4
A/D conversion	14 bit
Image Sizes ( Still) *	RAW 5184 x 3456 3888 x 2592 2592 x 1728 JPEG 5184 x 3456 3456 x 2304 2592 x 1728
Image Sizes (Movie)	1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps) 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps) 640 x 480 (59.94, 50 fps)
File formats (Still)	JPEG (EXIF 2.21) - Fine / Normal RAW M-RAW S-RAW RAW + JPEG M-RAW + JPEG S-RAW + JPEG
File formats (Movie)	MOV (Video: H.264, Sound: Linear PCM)
Lenses	Canon EF / EF-S lens mount 1.6x field of view crop
Dust reduction	EOS integrated cleaning system with fluorine coating Self-cleaning sensor unit (filter in front of sensor vibrates at high frequency at start-up and shutdown - can be disabled) Dust Delete Data - Data from a test shot is used to 'map' dust spots and can be later removed using Canon DPP Software
Auto focus*	TTL-CT-SIR CMOS sensor 19 cross-type AF points (f/2.8 at centre) Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster AF working range: -0.5 - 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)
Focus modes	One shot AF AI Servo AF AI Focus AF Manual focus
AF point selection	Auto : 19 point Manual : Single point/ Spot/ AF point Expansion/ Zone
AF Lock	Locked when shutter button is pressed half way in One Shot AF mode or AF-ON button is pressed
Predictive AF	Up to 8 m
AF assist	Stroboscopic flash
AF microadjust	+/- 20 steps Adjust all lenses by same amount/individually adjust up to 20 lenses
Metering*	TTL full aperture metering with 63 zone Dual Layer SPC Metering range: EV 1 - 20 EV
Metering modes*	Evaluative metering (linked to all AF points) Partial (9.4% at center) Spot metering (approx. 2.3% at center) Center-weighted average
AE lock	Auto: One Shot AF with evaluative metering Manual: AE lock button
Exposure compensation*	+/-5.0 EV 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
Exposure bracketing	+/- 2.0 EV 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
Sensitivity *	Auto ISO (100-3200) ISO 100-6400 in 0.3 or 1.0 EV increments H (12800) expansion
Shutter	Focal-plane shutter 30 - 1/8000 sec 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec Bulb
Aperture values	0.3 or 0.5 EV increments Actual aperture range depends on lens used
White balance	Auto Daylight Shade Cloudy Tungsten White Fluorescent light Flash Custom Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K in 100 K steps)
WB bracketing	+/-3 levels 3 images Blue / Amber or Magenta / Green bias
WB shift	Blue (-9) To Amber (+9) Magenta (-9) to Green (+9)
Picture style	Standard Portrait Landscape Neutral Faithful Monochrome User def. 1 User def. 2 User def. 3
Custom image parameters	Sharpness: 0 to 7 Contrast: -4 to +4 Saturation: -4 to +4 Color tone: -4 to +4 B&W filter: N, Ye, Or, R, Gvan B&W tone: N, S, B, P, G
Image processing	Highlight tone priority Auto lighting optimizer (4 settings) Long exposure noise reduction High ISO noise reduction (4 settings) Auto correction of lens peripheral illumination (vignetting)
Color space	sRGB Adobe RGB
Viewfinder *	Eye-level pentaprism 100% frame coverage Approx. 1.0x maginification Eyepoint: 22 mm Fixed (Transmissive LCD screen) Dioptric adjustment: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter
Mirror	Quick-return half mirror (transmission:reflection ratio 40:60) Mirror lock-up (once or multiple exposures)
Viewfinder info *	AF points Focus confirmation light Shutter speed Aperture value ISO speed (always displayed) AE lock Exposure level/compensation Spot metering circle Exposure warning AEB. Flash ready High-speed sync FE lock Flash exposure compensation Red-eye reduction light White balance correction CF card information Monochrome shooting Maximum burst (2 digit display) Highlight tone priority (D+) Grid Dual Axis Electronic level
LCD monitor	3.0 " TFT LCD 920,000 pixels 100% coverage 160 ° viewing angle Coating : Anti-reflection and Solid Structure
LCD Live view	Live TTL display of scene from CMOS image sensor 100% frame coverage 30 fps frame rate Real-time evaluative metering using CMOS image sensor Best view or exposure simulation Silent mode Grid optional (x2) Magnify optional (5x or 10x at AF point) Three AF modes - Live mode/Quick mode/Face Detection Histogram Remote live view using EOS Utility 2.0 (via USB or WiFi/Ethernet using WFT)
Record review	Off On (histogram via INFO button) Display mode same as last used Play mode
Playback modes	1. Single image with exposure, file number, storage slot 2. As 1 but also image count and quality 3. Detailed exposure information, thumbnail and luminance histogram 4. Less detailed exposure info., thumbnail, luminance and RGB histograms
Playback features	Optional blinking highlight alert Optional AF point display Magnified view (up to 1.5x - 10x) 2x2 or 3x3 thumbnail index Delete / Protect
Flash*	Auto pop-up E-TTL II auto flash FOV coverage up to15 mm (27 mm equiv.) Guide number approx 12 m (ISO 100) Cycle time approx. 3 sec Flash compensation +/-3.0 EV in 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments X-Sync: 1/250 sec
External flash	E-TTL II auto flash with EX-series Speedlites Wireless multi-flash support PC Sync
Shooting modes *	Auto Creative auto Program AE (P) Shutter priority AE (Tv) Aperture priority AE (Av) Manual (M) Stills and Movie Custom settings 1 Custom settings 2 Custom settings 3
Drive modes	Single High-speed continuous Low-speed continuous Self-timer: 2sec + remote, 10sec + remote
Burst buffer *	Approx. 8 fps (speed maintained for up to 126 JPEGs (with UDMA card), 15 images (RAW))
Orientation sensor	Yes
Auto rotation	On (recorded and LCD display) On (recorded only) Off
Custom functions *	27 Custom Fubctions with 70 settings
Menu languages	English German French Dutch Danish Portuguese Finnish Italian Norwegian Swedish Spanish Greek Russian Polish Czech Hungarian Romanian Ukrainian Turkish Arabic Thai Simplified Chinese Traditional Chinese Korean Japanese
Firmware	User upgradable
Portrait grip	Optional BG-E7 Battery Grip Optional WFT-E5 Wireless File Transfer Grip
Connectivity	USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Video output (PAL/ NTSC) HDMI connector N3 type wired remote control PC Sync flash terminal External microphone (Stereo mini jack) Communication terminal on base for WFT-E5
Storage	Compact Flash Type I or II Supports UDMA and Microdrive cards External storage via optional WFT-E5
Power	Lithium-Ion LC-E6 rechargeable battery (supplied & charger) CR1616 Lithium battery (date/time backup) Optional AC adapter
Wireless connectivity (optional WFT-E5)	Mounts on base of camera and also acts as vertical grip Has its own BP-511A battery Wireless 802.11b / 802.11g Wireless security: WEP, TKIP/AES, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK Wireless methods: Infrastructure or Ad Hoc Wired ethernet (100 Base-TX) Transfer: FTP, PTP (remote control by computer), HTTP (view / remote fire) USB host capable: External hard drives, flash drives USB comms: GPS devices (records coordinates and altitude in image header)
Dimensions	148 x 111 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.3 x 2.8 in)
Weight *	No battery: 820 g (1.8 lb)

EOS 7D Technologies

Canon CMOS sensor

The EOS 7D includes a new 18 megapixel CMOS sensor with a wide ISO range that delivers excellent results in both the low and high-speed ranges as well as improved image quality.

The sensor is a standard APS-C size (22.4x14.9mm) and produces an effective field of view of 1.6x the lens focal length.

The EOS 7D sensor features condensed circuitry with improved sensitivity and increased capacity of the photodiodes, which enables shooting at high ISO and prevents overloading when shooting in bright conditions.

The ISO range (100 - 6400) is expandable to 12800 enabling photographers to capture subjects in their natural light without the use of a flash.

The EOS 7D sensor includes gapless microlenses that have been moved closer to the photodiodes. These technological advances, which were developed and manufactured by Canon, improve the signal to noise ratio creating very clean high ISO images.

19-point cross-type AF system including Spot AF

The AF system has been completely redesigned using the same architecture as the EOS-1 series and includes a separate processor to handle AF calculations. This, along with AI SERVO II AF, enables the EOS 7D to offer accurate, reliable and continuous shooting at 8fps.

Uniquely at this level, all 19 points in the EOS 7D AF sensor are cross-type points with f/5.6 or faster lenses, which allows sophisticated tracking, accuracy and performance throughout the frame.

EOS 7D also includes Spot AF, a new mode that uses a smaller area of the sensor to determine focus. This is useful for small subjects where there is background detail that can distract the AF sensor.

It also includes Zone AF which limits automatic selection to one of five zones. This allows photographers to ensure their subject is automatically selected.

iFCL metering system with 63-zone Dual-layer Sensor

The iFCL system uses Focus, Colour and Luminance information to determine consistently exposed shots. All focus points provide distance information to the metering system to determine proximity to the subject and allow the algorithm to weight the exposure accordingly. EOS 7D has a completely new metering sensor with 63 zones compatible with 19 AF points.

Typically, metering sensors are more sensitive to red subjects which can lead to overexposure. EOS 7D combats this with the dual layer sensor, which has one layer sensitive to red and green light and one that is sensitive to blue and green light. The metering algorithm then compares the level of the two layers and adjusts the meter reading accordingly.

100% Viewfinder with 1.0x magnification and built in LCD overlay
The EOS 7D features a high quality viewfinder with 100% coverage and 1.0x magnification - a first for EOS - making it simple and ease to use. The viewfinder uses a prism, coating technologies and eyepiece lenses inspired by the EOS-1 series.

EOS 7D viewfinder does not have interchangeable focussing screens. In their place is a Transmissive LCD Screen - another first for EOS. Through technological advances Canon has been able to implement the screen whilst maintaining viewfinder image quality. This new feature, which can be illuminated in lowlight, enables grid, spot metering and AF points to be superimposed upon demand.

EOS Movie
The EOS 7D features an improved movie function allowing users to record Full HD movies with full manual control and selectable frame rates. The operation of the movie function has been improved to make it easier to use via direct access to settings with dedicated buttons. AF can now be started by either half pressing the shutter button or using the AF-ON button as before.

The exposure of the movie can be controlled in Manual mode allowing full control of shutter speeds and apertures. It is possible to select frame rates from: 30 (29.97), 25, and 24 (23.976), with 60 (59.94) and 50 available at 720p. ISO can be set automatically or manually in the range (100-6400) and is expandable to 12800. EOS 7D also allows users to trim and cut their movies.

Dual “DIGIC 4”
EOS 7D is fitted with Dual “DIGIC 4” processors; the power of the processors enables more advanced processing algorithms allowing the camera to achieve a high performance 8fps at 18 megapixels.

DIGIC 4 removes the highly noticeable colour noise as well as reducing luminance noise without loss in detail, allowing for very clean high ISO images. Even at ISO 6400 noise levels are similar to those of ISO 1600 from DIGIC III. Auto Lighting Optimiser is now also available during manual exposure, without any drop in performance.

DIGIC 4 also allows UDMA cards (mode 6) to be used at their full speed, which allows the EOS 7D to take advantage of the fastest cards available.

Clear View II
EOS 7D’s 3 inch LCD monitor has 920,000 dots (VGA resolution) with a viewing angle of 160°. Clear View II has been designed to combat glare by removing the air-gap between the LCD’s protective cover and the liquid crystal. The air-gap is filled with an elastic optical material. This has the affect of suppressing the reflections from the surface of the liquid crystal, caused by the sharp change in refractive index, as light travels through the air-gap. In order to protect the liquid crystal from scratches the Clear View II LCD features a hardened glass cover material. As with the EOS 5D Mark II, an ambient light sensor on the side of the screen can set brightness automatically depending on the environment.

UK Press info

London, UK, 1 September 2009: Canon today unveils the EOS 7D digital SLR camera – a completely new design to meet the specific demands of photographers. Incorporating a new 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, developed by Canon, the EOS 7D also features: Dual “DIGIC 4” processors to offer fast, high-quality performance in all light conditions, an ISO range expandable to 12,800 and continuous shooting at 8 frames per second – without the need for additional accessories. Impressive technologies are matched by excellent build-quality designed with the photographer in mind – to create a whole new photographic experience. During extensive development Canon went back to the drawing board, listening to photographers worldwide in order to design the EOS 7D to meet their specific needs. Commenting on the creation of the EOS 7D, Mr. Shinbori, Deputy Group Executive of Photo Products Group & Senior General Manager of Camera Development Center, Canon Inc,said “We consulted over 5,000 photographers worldwide and asked them what they most wanted to see from a camera. Matching this insight with cutting-edge technology, we were able to develop a camera that truly gives photographers the versatile tool they require to experiment with their images.” Accurate Images – High performance AF and metering systems The EOS 7D features a 19-point cross-type AF sensor, enabling photographers to achieve accurate shots and optimise composition options. This improved AF system offers a range of manual and automatic settings including Zone and Spot AF to track and capture subjects quickly and accurately. AF settings are highly customisable, allowing for rapid reaction to changes in the scene. Different AF points can be set for vertical or horizontal orientation, so photographers can automatically switch between landscape and portrait shots without touching a button. The EOS 7D also incorporates a new metering system. The Focus Colour Luminance metering system (iFCL) intelligently measures focus, colour and luminance, across 63 zones. Complementing the 19 AF points, the dual layer sensor is able to gather information from each distinct zone to obtain a more accurate and consistent exposure. Capture images exactly as you see them The Canon EOS 7D features an Intelligent Viewfinder that offers photographers 100 per cent frame coverage. With 1.0x magnification* - a first for EOS - photographers see a large bright image that helps to fully immerse them within the shot. A transmissive LCD incorporated in the viewfinder allows photographers to choose between various overlay features - such as AF points, the spot metering circle and composition grid – providing a range of tools that help when framing a shot. The EOS 7D is also the first EOS to introduce a Dual-Axis Electronic Level – in the viewfinder and on the LCD - that indicates both pitch and roll angles. This feature is particularly useful when shooting landscapes to ensure a level horizon, or when used in conjunction with a Tilt and Shift lens to level the camera. The camera features a new 3 inch Clear View II LCD screen with a solid structure screen, designed to combat glare by removing the air-gap between the LCD’s protective cover and the liquid crystal. This new screen has a viewing angle of 160 degrees and is effective even in bright light. As with the EOS 5D Mark II, an ambient light sensor on the side of the screen can set brightness automatically depending on the environment. Experiment creatively with light The Canon EOS 7D is equipped with an Integrated Speedlite Transmitter. For the first time in an EOS, photographers can control external Speedlites with no additional accessories - ideal for those looking to experiment with creative lighting set-ups. The EOS 7D also features an extensively upgraded, built-in flash including manual control, and wider flash coverage to cover focal lengths as wide as 15mm. Customise your individual camera experience The EOS 7D has been conceived and designed with the photographer’s needs in mind. The look and feel of the camera has been aesthetically and ergonomically crafted to offer photographers the very best interaction. To this end, the photographer can design their own experience – camera operations are customisable, allowing the user to assign frequently used functions and settings to convenient controls. This enables photographers to save time when shooting critical moments, by changing settings quickly. Impressive Features, Impressive Images

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