Fairly consistent with others.
18-21 mp aps-c sensor. (I'll be happy if it stays at 18, but I don't want to go backward.)
I'm expecting sensor performance very similar to the 1D IV but in a APS-C sensor. (5D II would be better, but trying to be conservative) Similar noise, similar ISO performance, similar dynamic range. That's reasonable given that it will have been almost three years since the 1D IV was released by the time Photokina rolls around.
I would like to see autofocus similar to the 1D IV as well, but would be content with something between the 7D and the 1D IV.
I'd rather they leave the swivel screen to the 70D, but if it can be made without compromising the body, I can live with it. (I never use live view anyway). I wouldn't be bothered if they also give the 70D a higher density sensor (24 mp, for example). They've set a precedent with the 5D III having higher resolution than the 1D X, so it's very possible they could up the density of the 70D sensor and leave it alone or increase by a single megapixel for the 7D.
I don't really care about most of the bells and whistles, although one feature I would love Canon to incorporate is the "sweep" panorama feature that Fuji has put into the X10.
I do hope they fix the two major design flaws with the popup flash: it overheats very rapidly and then shuts down, making the infrared trigger useless when trying to shoot several shots in rapid succession. They also need to fix the flimsy contacts on the popup, which are easily bent by an auxiliary strobe or trigger, causing the popup to lock down. (both are known issues that really need fixing).
I do think we could very well see a 7D X that has the same basic guts as the 7D II, but in a gripped, one-piece highly weatherproof body – a reasonable replacement for the 1D IV but with a 1.6 crop.
I could see the 7DII selling for $1,800 or so and the 7D X going for $2,600 or even a little higher depending on how rugged they make it.
