Will the 70d have a new sensor?

[dilbert]

No, but it should.

[distant.star]

No one can prove that the March DSLR isn't the 7d2

Hell, we can't even prove we exist!

One step at a time, sparky!

[pierlux]

Agree with those saying that the 70D will not have a new sensor.   The 70D can't be perceived by customers as the top of the line APS-C.  But given how old the 7D1 is, people may believe that the 70D is better anyway.

For that reason, I'm really surprised the 7D2 isn't coming out before the 70D.  It's far more logical to go like this:

Lead with 7D2 --> extra processor for highest burst, brand spanking new sensor, 1DX / 5D3 AF, high-end $2k offering, etc.
Stagger 70D 6-12 months later --> just one processor for modest burst, that same 7D2 sensor, a 7D1-like AF
Stagger the next Rebel after that --> same 7D2 sensor but with nerfed AF and burst

- A

No one can prove that the March DSLR isn't the 7d2

I really hope it's the 7d2, but I suspect the 7d2 will be Canon's next year cam, and will come like the 5d2 did, with a black backlit profile showing on Canon websites all over the world for a few days and then loud announcements with fanfare, and it will have amazing specs. In other words, I'll trade early availability with the possibility for Canon of equipping it with amazing hardware for amazing specs any day. Maybe I'm dreaming, but let me hope aloud 

[RLPhoto]

I doubt it, but I'd love to be wrong on this one.

[unfocused]

.
Yep.

Next generation of crop sensor starts now. Kiss the venerable 18mp goodbye.

Agreed. They have to start somewhere. Might as well be the 70D. Nothing says the 7DII has to have the same sensor as the 70D either. As has already been pointed out, every full frame model has a different sensor.

I'd expect 22-24 MP for the 70D to match Nikon's D7100 and then 20-22 MP in the 7D with the emphasis on better high ISO performance.

[TheBadger]

I say yes. Otherwise this baby will be DoD!

[x-vision]

Me thinks new incremental improvements within the legacy technology. 

+1

My perdiction is that the 70D will have a new 20mp sensor based on Canon's old tech.

[x-vision]

No one can prove that the March DSLR isn't the 7d2

It will be a surprise if the 7DII gets announced first. I'd be glad if you are right, though .

[greger]

I may be wrong, but March new camera will be 70D with an new sensor slightly faster frame rate 7.5 fps and better
noise handling. ( less noise in low light) Then everyone will be talking about the never to be 7Dll. The 70D will reclaim the
top APS-C spot in the Canon Lineup for the XXD's. If it has an articulating screen it will sell and sell.

[CarlTN]

The 70D will get an 18mp 1.6x sensor, the 7D2 will get something else.  The 70D's sensor might be claimed as a new design, but I doubt it will be.  If it truly is new, it will be 20 MP, but the 7D2's will be more, and will likely still be claimed to have even more dynamic range and ISO range.

[CanNotYet]

I think the March announcement indeed is the 70D. I also think it will be the first camera with Canons new 180 nm process at around 24 mp and single Digic 5 for modest FPS. Wifi and GPS is a given, especially if it is 60D build. I think it will get a variant of 6D AF also for good low light photos and video.

I think 7D2 will also have a new sensor with same 180 nm process, but stay at 18 mp to be the FPS/Hi-ISO monster we all want. Basically a crop 1DX.

The reason for this is for Canon to put out the new sensor in a lower prestige body to get feedback for final spec of 7D2 before they announce it. It also gives the 7D2 a longer time as "latest and greatest crop body", as if the higher mp XXD is release after, it would pull down 7D2 prices. But if released before, the 7D2 lower mp can be marketed as "better", and as a consequence, will not be as sensitive for the next XXD upgrade, as that will certainly have even higher mp count.

[aj1575]

I think Canon will introduce a new APS-C sensor starting with the 70D. It will be the first DSLR sensor from Canon made in a 180nm process (they are still using a 500nm process at the moment; Sony is already using a 180nm process). This process is probably one of the main reasons why Canon lags behind Sony and Nikon.

The old 18MP sensor is just to old now. Canon will not get away with putting this sensor, which is almost 4 years old, in a new camera for advanced amateurs. It lags behind just too much.

Another hint is, that all rumors point towards a 24MP sensor (this goes for the 70D as well as for the 7DII and the next EOS M body). That would mean it is a new sensor.

[aj1575]

I think the March announcement indeed is the 70D. I also think it will be the first camera with Canons new 180 nm process at around 24 mp and single Digic 5 for modest FPS. Wifi and GPS is a given, especially if it is 60D build. I think it will get a variant of 6D AF also for good low light photos and video.

I think 7D2 will also have a new sensor with same 180 nm process, but stay at 18 mp to be the FPS/Hi-ISO monster we all want. Basically a crop 1DX.

The reason for this is for Canon to put out the new sensor in a lower prestige body to get feedback for final spec of 7D2 before they announce it. It also gives the 7D2 a longer time as "latest and greatest crop body", as if the higher mp XXD is release after, it would pull down 7D2 prices. But if released before, the 7D2 lower mp can be marketed as "better", and as a consequence, will not be as sensitive for the next XXD upgrade, as that will certainly have even higher mp count.

Funny, we posted some of the same idea almost the same minute.

I complety agree with what you said, and I'm really looking forward to the new APS-C sensors; I wonder how they will perform.

[CanNotYet]

Hehe, FIRST! 

[Plainsman]

I'm with those that think the existing 18Mp will be in the 70D if it is the first of the 7s out - but it could well have AFMA which would be very useful.

For marketing purposes I think the 700D will have the new sensor as the 7D2 - perhaps 24Mp but maybe 21Mp.

If the 700D was coming out first then all three would have sensor upgrade IMO!!!

A bit convoluted - but don't rule out 21Mp - which would fit in with the general conservatism of Canon designers whose motto is slow but steady.