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…

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297 comments

  1. Hopefully less expensive than the R6 but still with IBIS

    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.
  2. Since the point of smaller sensors is to have smaller and lighter cameras and lenses, I’m not sure what the point is to putting an APS-C sensor in a FF body.

    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.
  3. Since the point of smaller sensors is to have smaller and lighter cameras and lenses, I’m not sure what the point is to putting an APS-C sensor in a FF body.
    No there are two distinct advantages for APS-C for photographers even after ignoring the cost of the sensor; first, small and light with compact but slower lenses for excellent small camera IQ, and second, focal length limited situations where size and weight are practically irrelevant when the lens is considered.

    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.
  4. As far as I'm concerned, anything that throws more light on where Canon is headed is a good thing. I hope the R7, the R5s and the R1 are all announced before the end of 2021 and the sooner the better. It would be nice to know what all the options are.
  5. It could have a sensor-based shift feature for all lenses, taking advantage of the bigger full frame image circle. For example having +- 4.5mm of vertical displacement (equivalent to a 7.2mm shift in full frame).
  6. Well, I guess there is a call for this, but with full frame RF mount body prices falling such as the original R, RP and rumoured RP II I think they will have limited appeal.

    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.
  7. If it is less expensive than the R6 it's probably not going to have the features it needs to be a true 7D replacement.
    For me a 90D replacement is OK, a 7D replacement may be less optimal but OK.

    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.
  8. AMAZING NEWS finally! Money is waiting in the bank to pre-order. Would love to have R6 specs but without changing my whole lens kit to expensive FF glass which I don't need.

    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!
  9. Since the point of smaller sensors is to have smaller and lighter cameras and lenses, I’m not sure what the point is to putting an APS-C sensor in a FF body.

    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.
  10. 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.
    Makes sense that the higher-spec-ed camera will come out before an entry-level model.

    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.
  11. I know some think this is silly, but it means a lot to me...

    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)
  12. 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.
    Indeed I want an APS-C body with a nice set of features and still give me good ergonomics (not something like M line).
  13. Hopefully with either 24 or 28MP sensor upgrade as well.

    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.

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