There are a lot of rumors about the 7D-series, and these are spread over several threads on the board. That makes it difficult to assess the developments regarding the 7D-series. But every time again, there appear to be many that want to see a “worthy” successor for their 7D Mk II - by Canon.
A brief historic overview of the rumors/information about the 7D Mk II over the last one and a half years shows there is a tendency in the rumors about the 7D-series’ future.
- In the second half of 2017 there was a rumor that the 7D Mk III would come early 2018.
- In November, 2018 there suddenly was the rumor that Canon had scrapped the development of an “unnamed high-end DSLR”. This was vague enough that the wishful thinkers could hope this would not be the 7D Mk III. But on the other hand it was a clear signal something was changing drastically.
- Suddenly, in early 2018 there was this rumor: no 7D Mk III before Q4 of 2018, perhaps even later. Nothing more.
- Halfway into 2018 the rumors came that the 7D Mk III, and all “prosumer cameras” would get elaborate video functions (which is peculiar for a camera mainly aimed for action stills) and that it would arrive between the end of 2018 and early 2019. Also, an “accelerated product development cycle” was mentioned. This seems to point towards a change where to ‘position’ the successor to the 7D Mk II.
- Early 2019: the rumor that the successor for the 80D and for the 7D Mk II will be “amalgamated” surfaces. This was a first, yet vague, clue that Canon could end the 7D-series.
- April 2019: the rumor that the 7D MK II is the last in the “7D”-series, although the rumor is not specific to it being APS-C or FF. It is also rumored that the 7D will be succeeded by a mirrorless body. This suggests the end of the 7D-series.
- May 2019: the rumor that 2 APS-C 32,5MP cameras have been offered for certification (Code Names K437 and DS126801). The 32.5 MP seem extremely high for a high fps (10fps – or more?) action camera; a general-purpose “90D” is more likely.
The rumors about the successor for the 7D Mk II slowly, but clearly evolve in the direction that there will be no DSLR to replace the 7D Mk II with a camera that improves on the 7D Mk II.
With predictions for ILC sales being what they are (i.e. declining), scrapping the 7D-series is no strange decision from Canon’s perspective. In the near future with diminishing sales numbers for ILCs, the bigger margins in FF may become more appealing than a large market share in a specialized, less profitable segment such as APS-C action-DSLRs.
But on the other hand Canon would not want to alienate the 7D-series users, let alone anger them.
Canon will want to control the information flow in an orchestrated attempt (1) to manage their decisions in this matter and (2) at the same time influence the market and customer perception.
Conclusion:
A. The rumors, over time, show that it is unlikely that the 7D Mk II will have a successor in the form of an APS-C DSLR.
B. The “
DS126801” will probably just be the “90D” – meaning a capable
general purpose APS-C DSLR, probably with many great video features.
C. There is only a slim chance that the “
DS126801” turns out to be a ‘worthy’ replacement for the 7D Mk II, it would be an uncharacteristic leap for Canon if the 32,5 MP sensor is for real.
D. Canon has an interest to be not too specific too early about their plans with the APS-C line in general, and the 7D-series in particular.
