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Canon EOS 7D Mark 3

  |   Canon camera rumour, Rumours   |   9 Comments

Canon EOS 7D Mark 3

Rumours for the EOS 7D mk2 replacement:



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The EOS 7D and 7D mk2 are both long lived models (for more details, see the Canon camera timeline below). This page has all our Canon EOS 7D Mark III rumours and information..

Since the 7D2 finally appeared in 2014, after a 5 year run for the original, a 2019 camera looked possible. However the precipitous crash in camera sales and rise of mirrorless has made any 7D mk3 less likely.

The 32.5MP EOS 90D appearing in August 2019 makes a 7D3 look more and more like something that was planned a while ago, but killed off by changing markets?

7Dmk2 information is on its own page. There is a set of specs for the 7D2 at the bottom of this page

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The Canon timeline shows the ages of different cameras.

    00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 2022 2023
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Best Full       1Ds 1Ds II 1Ds III 1D X 1DX II 1DX III
1.3     1D 1D II 1D IIn 1D III 1D IV                      
vid.                             1D C            
High Full                               5Ds/5Dsr
            5D 5D II 5D III 5D IV
1.6                   7D 7D Mk II
Better  Full                                               6D 6D 2
1.6 D30 D60 10D 20D 30D 40D 50D 60D 70D 80D 90D
Mid 1.6         300D
Rebel
Kiss
350D
XT
Kiss N
400D
XTi
Kiss X
450
XSi
X2
500
T1i
X3
550
T2i
X4
600
T3i
X5
650
T4i
X6i
700D
T5i
X7i
760D T6s 77D
        750D T6i 800D T7i 850D T8i
Micro 1.6                                 100D SL1 X7 200D SL2 250D
Entry 1.6                   1000D / XS / F 1100D / T3 / X50 1200D T5 X70 1300D T6 2000D T7
                                    4000D
Mirrorless
EOS
R
Full                               R3
                              R5
                              R6 R6 II
                              EOS R
                              EOS RP
1.6                               R7
                              R10
EF-M 1.6                               M5
                              M50 M50 II
                            M M2 M3 M6 M6 II
                            M10 M100 M200

Note: dates start in announcement quarter, not shipping dates. Video capable 4k 8k

Digic | Digic 2 | Digic 3 dual | Digic 4 dual | Digic 5 dual | Digic 6 dual | Digic 7 dual | Digic 8 dual | Digic X dual

Latest 7D mk3 rumours

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2019 August

28th The 90D is launched…

20th Full specs of the 32.5MP 90D are leaked [90D page]. With 4k video and 10fps (with tracking AF) it may be enough for some 7D2 users looking to update. I suspect it won’t satisfy 7D2 users wanting an ‘APS-C 1 series’ DSLR, but with the changing camera market, I don’t think that was ever likely to happen.

EOS 90D APS-C DSLR

Will we see a 7D mk3? Up until this year’s camera sales figures, I’d have put it as a definite – but with the switch to mirrorless and the RF mount, I’m now thinking we will not :-(

One question I have seen is whether there is a place for an APS-C high performance EOS R model? I’m sure there is such a project somewhere at Canon, but the EOS R range seems firmly planted in ‘Full Frame’ territory.

Apart from a few changes to refresh the Rebel (xxxD) range and make them cheaper to produce, there’s a good chance that the 90D represents the end of the road for well specced APS-C DSLRs. Yes, there will be a 1D X mk3 flagship DSLR for 2020, but there will be a hefty thinning out of our timeline in a few years…

2nd Some certification info [90D page] suggests three SKUs for the next DSLR and a LP-E6N size battery.

It’s still not certain whether it’s a 7D3 or 90D, or some other designation. It looks as if there will be some more detailed specs before too much longer.

June

7th The only thing we’re hearing about currently is a 80D replacement that will be ‘very well specced’. This has been associated with a new sensor design (again!) and a potential appearance of Digic 9 to give much improved 4k performance and shooting speed. [90D page]

May

31st More and more people seem to be thinking the 7D line won’t be extended any more – of course much of this is based on not a lot more than it’s not been announced yet…

An EOS R fast APS-C camera could be a possibility [CR] and with much of what I’ve read in Canon US patent filings, the RF mount could indeed be the key. The mount is often seen as ‘just’ a shorter flange distance, but there is a lot more in its power handling and communications capabilities that we’ve yet to see pushed in any real way.

One day Canon is going to produce a mirrorless ‘flagship’ 1D level mirrorless camera. That will be aimed at a market that will demand everything working just right, and a lot of design/manufacturing experience might come from an initial fast crop camera…

8th A new model number (DS126801) via regulatory info suggests that we may see a ~32MP camera this year – a combined 7D2 and 80D replacement? – more details on the 90D page

April

19th Looking at recent updates to the unannounced model numbers list (main rumour page), which comes from wireless regulatory filings, we see only a few small cameras (‘PC’ model numbers – M and G series) with nothing in the larger ‘DS’ category. The listings there typically give 4-6 months advance warning of a new camera model.

That alone makes any 7D mk3 unlikely until the autumn. A look at the timeline shows the 2014 7D2 up there as the longest running model. There’s no shortage of speculation type rumours, and one of the latest [CR] simply suggests that there won’t be a 7D3, with the 80D replacement bumped up in specs, and we’ll see a mirrorless model taking up the 7D3 space.

One firm take-away – you’ll not be shooting your summer holiday photos with a 7D3 ;-)

February

15th Nothing in the last few weeks (EOS RP and all those RF lens pre-announcements [Lens page]) gives any more confidence in expecting an update for the 7D2 for many months.

All of Canon’s effort at the moment seems to be going into getting people into full frame mirrorless. Even looking at the full list of announced and ‘pending’ RF lenses you’ll see a massive preponderance of ‘L’ grade lenses. These are pitched to be available for higher and very high end EOS R models in the next year or so.

There is an unannounced model in the wireless regulatory specs, but the LP-E17 battery for it, pretty much rules a 7D3 out.

Wireless regulatory info:

DS 126751 (This is the EOS RP)

  • Digital camera (single lens reflex or RF mounting machine)
  • Made in Japan (Oita Plant)
  • Wi-Fi · Bluetooth equipped (WM 600)
  • SKU: 3380C003AA, 3380C013AA, 3380C023AA
  • Battery: 7.2 V 1040 mAh (LP – E 17)

DS 126761 (As yet unknown)

  • Digital camera (single lens reflex or RF mounting machine)
  • Made in Taiwan or Made in Japan (Oita Plant)
  • Wi-Fi · Bluetooth equipped (WM 600)
  • SKU: 3454C001AA, 3454C002AA, 3454C003AA, 3458C001AA, 3461C001AA
  • Battery: 7.2 V 1040 mAh (LP – E 17?)

The small battery and multiple SKU codes of the remaining model listed at the usually reliable Nokishita site [Nok] suggests that the next camera could be an xxxD level model – not an 80D or 7D2 replacement.

2018 October

8th Whilst it could signify nothing more than that they made too many wireless adapters, I note that at B&H the basic 7D mk2 is marked as ‘discontinued’.

7d2 bhphoto

September

27th Today marks 15 years of rumours/info here on the site [see on main page] – if I had to sum it up, rumours are no more reliable than they were then, beyond a month or so before a product release. That and Canon still doesn’t leak much ;-)

14th A 7D mk3 next year? A hint in regulatory findings (all on the main Canon rumours page)

10th Canon info suggests that cameras will appear above and below the initial EOS R level. There is a clear sign of this in a Canon graphic from a Japanese article (see the EOS R/mirrorless page for more)

eos r future

For the APS-C cameras at the right, the top two are 7DII and 80D. Bottom two are M5 and M6.

At some point a particular xxxD, xxD or xD model is going to be the last in the line – I don’t quite think were at that point with the 80D or 7D2 yet. I’m still expecting a 7D mk3 next year but I’m inclined to think it’s likely to be the end of the line for the 7 series as a DSLR.

I’ve written up some of my own thoughts about when I’ll move to an RF mount based camera – not for a bit, but it will happen.

June

30th A full list of current Canon regulatory (wireless) filings/code numbers on the main Canon rumour page.

What’s there still suggests two DSLRs – one at mid/higher level and one at mid/lower level – but not until next year?

The note are brief and machine translated, so read into them what you will…

However, it suggests we may be waiting a while yet for updates to the 80D and 7D2.

April

27th No reliable signs of a camera appearing any time soon, and this seems the current news.
…Just look at the timeline and make your guess, because anyone who does know isn’t talking ;-)

14th Probably related to the ‘split’ info (below) we’ve had it suggested that the new higher end crop DSLR will be a specialist 4K video version aimed firmly at a market that can’t afford to get into the Cxxx range.

No details so firmly in the ‘sounds a good idea’ category
Actually of late, I’ve seen or been sent very little that wasn’t speculative (at best)
As ever – look at the general ‘flow’ of rumours.
We’re very much in the ‘noise’ at the moment – nothing here I’d put even a small wager on

No real info apart from the suggestion [CR] that the 7D3 won’t be here until next year and there may be a model between 7D3 and 90D.

Well, we’ve had 9D and 8D pages for many years…

March

14th The 7D mk2 is being discounted in the US, with a sale at Amazon taking it below $1100 (NB – I don’t know the origin of the camera though)

At the moment, there doesn’t seem to be a corresponding drop in official prices, so it may be a bit early to see this as a clearance sale before the 7D mk4

January

12th A look at the updated timeline above shows the age of the 7D mk2 and certainly it looks like it could see an update sometime this year. As yet, there is no solid info and at [CR] they raise the possibility that it might not even come this year. As it stands, I’d not be surprised to see no new 5Ds until 2019 and if the 7D3 didn’t appear until then, it would be a bit of a surprise (but not huge – it depends what else we see from Canon).

2017 December

19th Plenty of guess/rumour/wishlist stuff going around at the ‘made for ads’ end of the web ;-)

Best summed up at CN and countered by some actual knowledge about cameras, sensor design and patents.

November

3rd A definite uptick in noises about the 7D Mk3, but no-one has any details. The two DSLRs mentioned in recent regulatory filings [nok] are likely for the spring and in the xxxD (rebel) category.

Since we’re now in November I’m inclined to agree with one comment about an August announcement for appearance at the last biennial September photokina [PK] although that slot could go to the 5Ds mk2, with the 7D3 in late spring (look again at the timeline above…)

As ever, keep a look on the sorts of rumours appearing. There’s usually a distinct change in the couple of months before a release when less imagination has been involved ;-)

September

30th A 7D3 wishlist (it’s far too early for specs) [CR] goes to 30MP/12fps

2017 July

7th Well, I was looking at the timeline and wondering what might be next…

The 7D3 gets a mention [CR] for Q1/Q2 2018 – no details at all.

My own guess would be that it comes a bit later in the year and will jump to Digic 8 – the same processor that in dual configuration will allow a big jump in MP for the 5Ds Mk2

2016 July

25th 7D owners may recall the features update in firmware that tweaked quite a few things, and came some time into the life of the 7D. It’s two years into the 7D2 lifetime and I’m still not expecting a 7D mk3 until 2018.

It seems that there will be an update (but probably not a vast one) for 7D2 firmware some time before Photokina (Sept.)

Also on the cards are an improved kit lens and a somewhat cheaper WiFi option [CR]

2016 March

31st A studio version of the 7D2 (as with the SV version of the mk1) [CR]

No detailed press info yet.

2015 February

5th Tomorrow sees a new 24MP sensor from Canon, with no DPAF in the split xxxD range (750D/760D). The 7D2 will (should) be around for quite some time, so perhaps the split impinges more on the followup to the 70D?

2014 September

15th 7D2 announced
20.2MP APS-C, 10 fps, 65 pt AF
ISO100-16000 + expansion to 25k, 52k
GPS, Dual Digic 6, CF + SD

August

23rd Rumours step up a level, with a good set of specs, that may well represent a leak of actual pre-production info for the 7D2

June

6th Time for our 7Dmk3 page to appear.

As a complete hostage to fortune, given there is no 7D2 yet, I predict a 2019 release and…

Non Bayer sensor
25MP (or 75MP pixels)
Still EF-S
Still an optical viewfinder (but enhanced), whilst all other EOS APS-C models have gone to full EVF.
Digic8 processor
Clean 4k video (still no RAW output, since Canon make more expensive video DSLRs for that)

5th We hear [thanks] from Germany, that there are several Canon Pro dealer events scheduled in July covering announcements in August.

Only senior people though, so probably no leaks until they are properly authorised ;-)

Meanwhile there are reports that the 7D will no longer be available to dealers by the start of July [CR]

May

22nd Keep an eye out for the 7D2 in use at the upcoming world cup in Brazil [CR] Still on for a Q3 announcement.

April

13th The 7D2 is suggested as a Q3 product (main rumours page)
3rd I see that a high end D9300 [D400] crop sensor camera is mentioned [NR] – why note that here? We’ve long been told that Canon and Nikon were both holding back on replacing the 7D and D300s until the other made a move.

Of course it’s widely believed that both companies have pretty good knowledge of what the other is up to. It would also be remiss of me not to note that Canon related rumours often elicit similar Nikon ones and vice versa ;-)

2nd May is suggested for a 7D2 [CR] – as yet we’ve seen no detailed specs beyond what have been floating around for a few months.

Once we get within 4 weeks of any announcement, I’d expect to to see a distinct change in the ‘style’ of information appearing. It’s worth noting that the 100D and 700D are now both just over a year old.

Original EOS 7D mk2 Specifications

Price
MSRP $1799 (body only), $2149 (w/18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM lens)
Body type
Body type Mid-size SLR
Body material Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution 5472 x 3648
Other resolutions 4104 x 2736 (M-Raw), 3648 x 2432, 2736 x 1824, 1920 x 1080, 720 x 480
Image ratio w:h 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 21 megapixels
Sensor size APS-C (22.4 x 15 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Processor DIGIC 6 (dual)
Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, ISO 100-16000 (expandable to 51200)
White balance presets 8
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization No
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Fine, normal
File format JPEG (EXIF v2.3, DCF v2.0)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus Contrast Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi-area
Center
Selective single-point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 65
Lens mount Canon EF/EF-S
Focal length multiplier 1.6×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD No
Screen size 3″
Screen dots 1,040,000
Touch screen No
Screen type Clear View II TFT-LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/8000 sec
Exposure modes Scene Intelligent Auto
Program AE
Shutter priority AE
Aperture priority AE
Manual exposure
Bulb
Custom (1-3)
Built-in flash Yes
External flash Yes (via hot shoe, flash sync port)
Flash X sync speed 1/250 sec
Drive modes Single
High-speed continuous
Low-speed continuous
Silent single shooting
Silent continuous shooting
10-sec self-timer / remote control
2 sec self-timer / remote control
Continuous drive 10.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Metering modes Multi
Center-weighted
Spot
Partial
Exposure compensation ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±5 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (59.94, 50. 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98 fps), 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50, 29.97, 25 fps), 640 x 480 (29.97, 25 fps)
Format MPEG-4
Videography notes Choice of MOV or MP4 and IPB, Light IBP, ALL-I compression
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types CompactFlash + SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
HDMI Yes (mini-HDMI)
Microphone port Yes
Headphone port Yes
Remote control Yes (wired or wireless)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description LP-E6N lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 670
Weight (inc. batteries) 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
Dimensions 149 x 112 x 78 mm (5.87 x 4.41 x 3.07″)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
GPS BuiltIn

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9 Comments
  • Keith | Sep 17, 2019 at 10:50 am

    The longer we didn’t get a 7D3 and the faster camera sales fell off a cliff, the less I’ve begun to expect a 7D3.
    Whilst the 90D has some nice features, it’s not really meant as a 7D2 replacement.
    I’d want to see some results from people using a 90D for photography like you do before deciding if the 90D will work as a replacement? It shouldn’t be too long to see what real photographers make of it, rather than those that just read the specifications ;-)
    There’s still a chance of a 7D3, but not soon, and the longer it goes on without appearing, the less likely it is and the more likely that mirrorless fits that slot.

  • Clint Manuel | Sep 17, 2019 at 5:55 am

    Was really holding out for an EOS 7D Mark 3.

    Should we wait a bit longer or go ahead and get the EOS 90D?
    Will be using it for Wildlife photography.

  • Keith Cooper | Feb 4, 2018 at 9:52 pm

    It’s the lenses that really matter for me now – never used a Canon camera before my 1Ds (the only 35mm sensor available at the time). When I got that, Nikon were still saying that crop was all you need… fine if you’re into long lenses (I’m not). Still, I’m very curious to see what they put into the 7D3

    I still see no reason to change from what I’ve got, but my paying work is what drives that.

    Well that as well as Nikon and Sony PR not taking time to ask me to do any reviews ;-)

  • gener | Feb 4, 2018 at 9:17 pm

    The XXD series has always been a test bed of sorts for releasing and testing new features. A 90D release prior to the 7D MIII release with 4K support and improved AF would not be a surprise. After 45 years of using Canon equipment, I’m about to bail.

  • Keith Cooper | Feb 4, 2018 at 8:46 pm

    Interesting as to the timings for this – I remember the ongoing ‘delays’ for the 7D2 to appear. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the 7D3 pushed back somewhat with a 80D update before.

  • Gene Rodrigues | Feb 4, 2018 at 4:49 am

    Similar opinion here. But, I started using an Olympus red dot sight recently for action and wildlife photography on both DSLRs and Mirrorless and the results have been impressive as far as keeper rates go, especially birds in flight. The sight eliminates the need to use the VF much of the time. I rented a Sony A9, Sony RX10 IV and a Fujifilm X-T2 in search of a possible replacement for my 7D bodies. The RX10 was of interest for hiking to wildlife locations prior to hauling heavier gear into shooting locations, and I’m probably going to buy one for this use. The EVF for the A9 and RX10 as well as their AF capabilities are impressive. However, I’m favoring the X-T2 for speed-of-use reasons. From the standpoint of capturing action, I found the X-T2 retro solution a better solution for quickly making adjustments while capturing action. My big hangup at the moment is the lack of lenses beyond their 100-400mm. My Sigma 150-600mm is a favorite and I would definitely miss it. So in hoping that Canon gets their act together, I’m going to wait a few more months before making a decision.

  • Gene Rodrigues | Feb 4, 2018 at 4:25 am

    Canon has always marched by a different drummer and there have been debacles over the years about some of their decisions. This has been especially so with their mirrorless camera offerings so far. Innovation and listening to mirrorless end users has been a serious problem for Canon. The 7D series is still the workhorse for many and I would expect this to be so for a few more years. My 7D bodies are getting worn out and need to be replaced soon. I will wait a few more months but if no Mark III release is on the horizon, I’m probably going to switch to another solution.

  • Keith Cooper | Dec 26, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    I think that Canon will do one last fast crop sensor DSLR – just aim at the D500.

    I’ve still not used a mirrorless viewfinder I like (I see flicker and lag) – but perhaps I’m spoilt with 1 series VF quality.

    Mirrorless will come but not initially at this point in their model range I suspect

  • entoman | Dec 26, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    I’m not so sure that Canon will even bother to bring out a 7DMkiii. Canon must now have all the technology needed to launch a sports mirrorless that would directly take on Sony a9, and accept EF glass natively. What would be the point of bringing out another DSLR that would inevitably have lower fps than a mirrorless, and would have a short lifespan. Who would uy it, when a sports mirrorless is on the horizon?

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