An RF mount camera with an APS-C sensor has been long rumoured since the launch of the EOS R system. Canon themselves will neither confirm nor deny such a camera is coming, which means such a camera is coming.
I have been told twice recently that an APS-C sensor equipped RF mount camera is in the wild with a select group of photographers. One of the sources claims that the APS-C camera “looks nearly identical to the EOS R6”, which shouldn't be much of a surprise, I also expect specifications to be nearly identical as well. I get the feeling we're past the point of test mules being in the wild, so the R6 comparison is probably quite accurate.
I do think we'll see an “EOS R7” announced sometime in 2021.
More to come…
There is no way it won't have IBIS. Image sensors are still the most expensive part of the camera, and the cost difference between APS-C and Full-frame is more significant than people realize. This camera will have a good margin for Canon, but it won't be an "entry-level" product. Maybe down the road we'll see a Rebel like RF mount camera.
Not everyone wants smaller and lighter, especially when it comes to a camera body. No one would want to shoot an EOS M6 with a 600 f/4 if they can help it.
If Canon is making an RF mount EOS 7D as the R7 suggests, then that's a camera for people that use bigger lenses... and bigger lenses are usually more comfortable with bigger bodies.
Canon address the first with the M system, the best selling MILC system on the planet. Maybe they will address the second group with an RF APS-C as the 7 series seems to be in the rear view mirror.
-Brian
There will be customers who want RF size bodies starting at 300 bucks right up to users who seek a high spec APS-C 7D replacement.
However, with cheaper RF lenses on there way some of this market might just feel to up their budget slightly and buy full frame camera.
Cost in Sweden: R6 SEK 31300, 90D SEK 12800 and 7D II around SEK 14000
I hope for less than SEK 20000 which includes tax, without tax this means SEK 16000 or approx $1800 if my calculus is correct.
Or even better would be R5 specs but APS-C sensor. 4k 120p etc... My dream hybrid camera. Willing to pay a good amount of money for that!
I say for many (me included), it is about having a smaller and lighter system. That means most of all smaller lenses. Most users of 7D/R7 type of camera want the camera-size that works best ergonomically. The size of camera house is not very important to the size/weight of your system or camerabag in the field.
However, saying it "looks like an R6" doesn't necessary means it is similar sized as an R6. But I personally vote against very small body.
I wonder if Canon will support R-mount APSC with some lenses. Maybe a revamped 17-55/2.8? It's about time this lens gets an upgrade, and at this point they might as well make it R mount. EF-S is pretty much dead now. R would be looking to the future, EF-S to the past.
If not, I suppose we'll be mounting old EF-S glass with R-EF adapters.
I really really hope it has builtin GPS! :)
(No, don't tell me about the "smartphone app solution" - Tried and it was worthless frustrations in practice)
I think at this point it is unlikely to have anything less than the 32MP one which is one of the most advanced APS-C sensors on the planet right now. With Canon's newest DPAF it has great potential to finally be the birders' dream camera that many have been waiting for.