Canon EOS 7D Mark II Specifications Confirmed

[Tugela]

So I guess they decided not to take video seriously then.....disappointing.

Jippee, for once they took a good decision :-> ... if you want 4k video and a high dynamic range, a crop sensor won't do it anyway - so they probably moved these features to the 5d4.

That is not true, full frame creates more limitations on video than a crop sensor. A 5D4 would only be good for static video due to depth of field issues, it is entirely the wrong camera type for general purpose video. That is the reason why so many camcorders (which are designed specifically for video) have small sensors. The APS-C sensor size is roughly about the right compromise size for the two types of video people shoot, so it is the appropriate sensor type for a still/video hybrid system.

Canon have dropped the ball with the 7D2. I'm sure it will be a fine stills camera, but it is a fail as an integrated imaging system. Perhaps they could improve some things later through firmware, but the hardware limitations such as the use of Digic 6 processors and the lack of a touch screen cripple the camera for video use. There will be far superior alternatives as integrated imaging systems in competition, and the 7D2 will be a long way behind those cameras.

 

[joejohnbear]

I'm sorry, but I get irritated when people comment without ever touching the products mentioned. This is what I call an "armchair commentator." I agree, my attitude could use some toning down, but I'm kind of sick and tired of comments from people with little to no experience with Canon harping about jumping ship. I say, GO, JUMP! Lose your hard-earned dollars in the process. In crashpc's case, he's not that invested in the system.

Nikon's autofocus is better in the dark because of their built-in af-assist light, and their autofocus points blink red compared to the 1dx system which stays black. Whether or not each system focuses better in low-light without af-assist varies per camera, i.e. 6D center point is -2 or -3ev focusing vs D600 and 5DIII which is just -1 or -2. If you use a speedlight with flash disabled on single shot, the focusing is pretty much the same all around. I've heard good things about the A7s in low-light, tried one in store and in normal light, the focus is really just the same as any other consumer camera, BUT you can't change the damn focus points directly like you can on Canon.

Anecdotal or not, I compare based off of my personal real world and practical experience, not just sitting at home and reading other internet reviews. Get out and get your hands on the REAL products, try them out in store, talk to the Canon, Sony and Nikon reps to see how truthful they are, rent, buy, get on the field or in the dance floor and USE them, and THEN formulate an opinion.

And, btw, armchair man, I've used the D7000 for journalism and sports alongside my other Nikon gear. Complete S___ autofocus. But if you like blurry images, go for it. D7100 should be better, but comparing it to a 7D II is kinda stupid b.c. the buffer is S___ and the frame rate is ah-ite. The D300/D300s is a better cheap aps-c camera for professional use (sharp images b.c. of way better focus) than the D7000. I don't get the stupid hype for that camera and the D90. Overrated cameras, imo. It's all about the D300, D700 and D3 series cameras. Get results instead of holding your bated breath (like Neuroanatomist said) for new cameras that won't be out for another year or two. Measurebator.

Wow, dude. How about checking the attitude a bit? No need to be a jerk.

Your claims about Nikon AF are anecdotal at best, as well. There are plenty of other claims (also anecdotal, but claims nevertheless) that Nikon AF is superior, if not vastly superior. Same goes for the new Sony AF. Who knows for sure which one is best, or whether one AF system is better for certain kinds of shooting, and another is better for different kind of shooting. Regardless, the AF performance of these systems is not a crushing landslide for any particular maufacturer. They are all good, including Sony's now.

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

I thought we were getting some innovative video features too. I'm not seeing it here, Floyd.

Yeah, well at least we know which set of rumor sender in-ers are bogus. One set kept saying the 7D2 would be all about video and video revolutions. And the other set said it would be about 1-series like AF and fps. (Both sets said the sensor would only be slightly new and that most revolutions would be held, if they even have any upcoming, for 5D4/1DX2. Although one side set said the 7D2 would have a totally new and revolutionary sensor).

So the ones who said it would have a modest sensor difference and be all about 1 series AF and speed were the ones who had info, the rest were being fed disinfo or simply making stuff up.

 

[PureClassA]

So I guess they decided not to take video seriously then.....disappointing.

Jippee, for once they took a good decision :-> ... if you want 4k video and a high dynamic range, a crop sensor won't do it anyway - so they probably moved these features to the 5d4.

That is not true, full frame creates more limitations on video than a crop sensor. A 5D4 would only be good for static video due to depth of field issues, it is entirely the wrong camera type for general purpose video. That is the reason why so many camcorders (which are designed specifically for video) have small sensors. The APS-C sensor size is roughly about the right compromise size for the two types of video people shoot, so it is the appropriate sensor type for a still/video hybrid system.

Canon have dropped the ball with the 7D2. I'm sure it will be a fine stills camera, but it is a fail as an integrated imaging system. Perhaps they could improve some things later through firmware, but the hardware limitations such as the use of Digic 6 processors and the lack of a touch screen cripple the camera for video use. There will be far superior alternatives as integrated imaging systems in competition, and the 7D2 will be a long way behind those cameras.

Ok, I'll bite. How are Dual Digic 6 CPUs "a limitation"

 

[dtaylor]

They are doing just fine with good dslrs featuring mediocre sensors and good phase af systems, at least atm. If they add a stellar live view af and good usability, what amount of people outside geek forums really care about dr (dr. what)?.

Not picking on you Marsu, because your basic point about what people care about is valid, but I am pretty tired of claims that Canon sensors are "mediocre," which is one of the more mild terms used.

We have reached the point in sensor development where, absent some major breakthrough for some magical no noise-200-steps-of-dynamic-range-shoot-in-the-pitch black technology the differences between all major brands of sensors don't amount to a dime.

Every sensor -- even that little sensor in your iPhone -- produces better pictures than were generally available during the film era. Full frame, APS-C, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, it doesn't matter. They all produce stellar results that were impossible not that long ago.

The only way anyone can tell any difference is by invoking obscure laboratory test results, blowing up images on a computer screen to bizarre proportions or shooting straight into the sun.

While leaving all noise reduction off. Can't forget that one!

Want to know why Canon's sales haven't been affected by this so called SoNikon juggernaut of sensor goodness? Just look at the absence of real world comparison photos in this thread. Nobody sees this claimed massive difference in the real world. If they did this thread would be full of photos, not theorizing and crying.

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

And thus thee dashes mine wonderful hopes for thine 5D IV...Canon.

Not surprising, but still disappointing, on the sensor front. Time to look elsewhare for a landscape camera. No more waiting.

Other specs look good. Very curious to see how the AF system differs from the 1D X system, and how good it is.

I still wonder what happened with that Canon exec who hinted that it would be out Fall 2013 and shift the 7D series into entirely new and revolutionary ground. I guess maybe he just meant shift it to full 1 series AF performance? Maybe they struggled not with making a new sensor (which it seems they still have not even begun to think about using a new fab), but with this new souped up AF that may be even better than 5D3/1DX and wanted to get it perfected. Or maybe marketing just wanted to milk the 7D as long as they could.

 

[joejohnbear]

Actually, the ideal sensor is the APS-H/Super-35 sized ones on the C100-500, the Sony FS100-700K, RED, Arri Alexa and Phantom cameras. Don't expect the same features or quality of those cameras in an $1800 camera. If you really do a lot of video and are on a small budget, go for a Panosonic GH4. But if you're just a still photographer who wants to ****** around with video for fun, just understand that you get what you pay for and Canon's not going to cannibalize it's cinema lineup just because there's a small niche market for occasional video shooters.

So I guess they decided not to take video seriously then.....disappointing.

Jippee, for once they took a good decision :-> ... if you want 4k video and a high dynamic range, a crop sensor won't do it anyway - so they probably moved these features to the 5d4.

That is not true, full frame creates more limitations on video than a crop sensor. A 5D4 would only be good for static video due to depth of field issues, it is entirely the wrong camera type for general purpose video. That is the reason why so many camcorders (which are designed specifically for video) have small sensors. The APS-C sensor size is roughly about the right compromise size for the two types of video people shoot, so it is the appropriate sensor type for a still/video hybrid system.

Canon have dropped the ball with the 7D2. I'm sure it will be a fine stills camera, but it is a fail as an integrated imaging system. Perhaps they could improve some things later through firmware, but the hardware limitations such as the use of Digic 6 processors and the lack of a touch screen cripple the camera for video use. There will be far superior alternatives as integrated imaging systems in competition, and the 7D2 will be a long way behind those cameras.

 

[joejohnbear]

Preach!

They are doing just fine with good dslrs featuring mediocre sensors and good phase af systems, at least atm. If they add a stellar live view af and good usability, what amount of people outside geek forums really care about dr (dr. what)?.

Not picking on you Marsu, because your basic point about what people care about is valid, but I am pretty tired of claims that Canon sensors are "mediocre," which is one of the more mild terms used.

We have reached the point in sensor development where, absent some major breakthrough for some magical no noise-200-steps-of-dynamic-range-shoot-in-the-pitch black technology the differences between all major brands of sensors don't amount to a dime.

Every sensor -- even that little sensor in your iPhone -- produces better pictures than were generally available during the film era. Full frame, APS-C, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, it doesn't matter. They all produce stellar results that were impossible not that long ago.

The only way anyone can tell any difference is by invoking obscure laboratory test results, blowing up images on a computer screen to bizarre proportions or shooting straight into the sun.

While leaving all noise reduction off. Can't forget that one!

Want to know why Canon's sales haven't been affected by this so called SoNikon juggernaut of sensor goodness? Just look at the absence of real world comparison photos in this thread. Nobody sees this claimed massive difference in the real world. If they did this thread would be full of photos, not theorizing and crying.

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

And thus thee dashes mine wonderful hopes for thine 5D IV...Canon.

Not surprising, but still disappointing, on the sensor front. Time to look elsewhare for a landscape camera. No more waiting.

I will still wait for 5D4 at this point, just a few more months. If that still has the same old sensor though, yeah, forget it, as extremely badly as I do not want to leave Canon, I'm afraid I'll finally have to start shifting to Nikon I guess (they say Nikon may hit 4k video next week already too).

Other specs look good. Very curious to see how the AF system differs from the 1D X system, and how good it is.

yeah. I predict better than the 1DX AF for sure. (certainly not worse, otherwise there is no point to this release at all)

 

[joejohnbear]

It's a rumors site! I don't get why everyone gets their panties in a bunch when some of them don't pan out to be true. I've learned to just have fun when the rumors come out, and really only take a rumor seriously when a company releases a product officially. Same with any company, Canon, Apple, Nikon, etc. I laughed when everyone got pissed that the D600 wasn't lower than $2000 on launch day.

I thought we were getting some innovative video features too. I'm not seeing it here, Floyd.

Yeah, well at least we know which set of rumor sender in-ers are bogus. One set kept saying the 7D2 would be all about video and video revolutions. And the other set said it would be about 1-series like AF and fps. (Both sets said the sensor would only be slightly new and that most revolutions would be held, if they even have any upcoming, for 5D4/1DX2. Although one side set said the 7D2 would have a totally new and revolutionary sensor).

So the ones who said it would have a modest sensor difference and be all about 1 series AF and speed were the ones who had info, the rest were being fed disinfo or simply making stuff up.

 

[mrsfotografie]

I have been holding back for a 7Dii as backup to my 5D3 but with these specs it hardly seems worth the wait
Looks like Canon Shares the boat with Apple - Not really pushing innovation anymore ? I love my gear, but the other candy stores looks to have much better lollies

Unfortunately the other "lollies" don't mount to "L" lenses... Personally, I think that these specs look awesome for a crop camera. I'll be adding one to the pair of 5D3's I already have. I considered the 70D, but the slow (relatively) FPS and the slightly crippled feature set kept me away. This new 7DII will likely have the same user programmable menu system as the 5D3 (maybe even better) along with the AF system to match or beat the stellar 5D3... sounds like a winner to me.

If it's such a good match to the 5DIII as you suggest, I may be in...

 

[dtaylor]

Bahaha, stupid "I'ma threaten to jump ships b.c. I can't make good images with my current gear" crowd. Sony ergonomics and alpha/nex lenses (either price or quality) are awful for the most part. They'll take longer to iterate to match Canon's ergonomics and lens selection and prices (their damn 70-200 II is $3000) than Canon will to release a sensor update. I had a long chat with a sony store salesman who bragged that he used an a77 and 70-200 ($3000) for surfing photography. He claimed to be still working on his portfolio website, but I checked out his images that were online already, pure S___! Measurebators and armchair commandos can go suck it while the rest of us use what we have instead beating our sticks to specs.

Harsh, but it needed to be said. I really like the A7 bodies, but the lenses are too few and over priced. It's only viable if you adapt lenses. Ergonomics are OK with a few odd decisions. Not to the level of a Canon DSLR. Still, it's a small, FF mirrorless that can take almost any lens.

But I've never given Sony's DSLRs any serious consideration. Canon dominates here with their bodies and lenses. The only thing from Sony that has ever caught my eye is a FF MILC because who else has one?

I can tease out the superior Exmor shadow latitude if I want. But you know what? I can pretty consistently get 3 stops of push out of Canon's shadows. If I need more then that, my exposure was wrong. Period.

 

[MichaelHodges]

$1800 for a crop sensor?

No. Just no.

At that point, it's time to go full frame.

The 70D is a very solid camera for $1099

 

[Sabaki]

Digic 6...so this won't be 'generation 1' of this processor but I am trying to understand a few things about sensors.

1. So what stays the same in order for it to remain a DIGIC 6 processor? Are there aspects of the 'architecture' that will be identical across all generations of this processor?

2. Aside from a name, what stops it from being DIGIC 7?

3. Can performance in this iteration be radically improved over earlier ones? How far can one 'dial up' the performance?

4. The 1DX-esque facial recognition function in the 7D2, is this also handled by the DIGIC 6 or is there a dedicated processor to handle this?

There's my silly questions. Hoping somebody can help out

 

[joejohnbear]

The 5D4 will have better sensor tech, as Neuroanatomist already said. 5d, 5d ii (sensor), 5d iii (focus), 5d iv (sensor). Makes sense on a business path for Canon's release cycles. If Nikon does 4k, it'll have downsides, or if it's great, Canon will just release firmware updates on all of their cameras for 4k. Not a big deal, and do you really need 4k right now? Do you have a 4k monitor and hard drive array and thunderbolt 2 system?

I predict better paper specs (more cross-type points) than the 1dx, but lower real-world accuracy than the 1dx simply because the full frame sensor gathers more light to determine autofocus. It could be very close though, who knows. The 1dx will still have its place and be worth its price, regardless, at least that's my prediction.

And thus thee dashes mine wonderful hopes for thine 5D IV...Canon.

Not surprising, but still disappointing, on the sensor front. Time to look elsewhare for a landscape camera. No more waiting.

I will still wait for 5D4 at this point, just a few more months. If that still has the same old sensor though, yeah, forget it, as extremely badly as I do not want to leave Canon, I'm afraid I'll finally have to start shifting to Nikon I guess (they say Nikon may hit 4k video next week already too).

Other specs look good. Very curious to see how the AF system differs from the 1D X system, and how good it is.

yeah. I predict better than the 1DX AF for sure. (certainly not worse, otherwise there is no point to this release at all)

 

[ULFULFSEN]

I'm sorry, but I get irritated when people comment without ever touching the products mentioned. This is what I call an "armchair commentator." I agree, my attitude could use some toning down, but I'm kind of sick and tired of comments from people with little to no experience with Canon harping about jumping ship.

simple solution... don´t read a RUMOR forum... :

you will always read "if then" postings here.

 

[dtaylor]

With EOS M, I really am not able to make good images at times.

I get stellar images from my M. I hesitantly decided to just take the M for a trip to Vegas shortly after I got it, and absolutely fell in love with it. Haven't had that much fun shooting the strip in a long time.

Granted, the AF is not sufficient for action. Few MILCs are in any capacity, and none of them touch the 7D much less a 5D3, 1DX, and now 7D2. But general photography? Great sensor (queue the DRoning) and awesome glass.

If you're struggling with it, maybe it's not the gear?

 

[Tugela]

then what were actually people expecting from the 7D replacement?

Early rumors were about special video features, which led me to things like 4k, a hybrid viewfinder, no row skipping, and smooth continuous windowing.

As for stills, I was hoping for more pixels, but this isn't bad and the rest of the specs look really good for stills.

On the face of it, they have not paid attention to video at all, other than what happened to come with the technology they were using. We have HD 60p, because that comes with the Digic 6 hardware encoders anyway. We have PDAF, because that comes with the sensors anyway. With that hardware the video capability of this camera will not be much different from to 70D, some marginal increase in frame rates, that is all. Digic 6 video has been with us for some time in compacts, so we know what to expect, and it ain't pretty. It is pretty clear that those rumours of "advanced video features" were just hype, or were being spread by people who have no idea what "advanced video features" actually are in modern cameras.

I think for a flagship stills/video camera from Canon we might have to wait for the 70D replacement when it comes. Perhaps they would have gotten a clue by then.

 

[Tugela]

So I guess they decided not to take video seriously then.....disappointing.

Jippee, for once they took a good decision :-> ... if you want 4k video and a high dynamic range, a crop sensor won't do it anyway - so they probably moved these features to the 5d4.

That is not true, full frame creates more limitations on video than a crop sensor. A 5D4 would only be good for static video due to depth of field issues, it is entirely the wrong camera type for general purpose video. That is the reason why so many camcorders (which are designed specifically for video) have small sensors. The APS-C sensor size is roughly about the right compromise size for the two types of video people shoot, so it is the appropriate sensor type for a still/video hybrid system.

Canon have dropped the ball with the 7D2. I'm sure it will be a fine stills camera, but it is a fail as an integrated imaging system. Perhaps they could improve some things later through firmware, but the hardware limitations such as the use of Digic 6 processors and the lack of a touch screen cripple the camera for video use. There will be far superior alternatives as integrated imaging systems in competition, and the 7D2 will be a long way behind those cameras.

Ok, I'll bite. How are Dual Digic 6 CPUs "a limitation"

Because the video will be handled in hardware, and we already know what the Digic 6 does since it has been in P&S cameras for two years.

 

[PureClassA]

Digic 6...so this won't be 'generation 1' of this processor but I am trying to understand a few things about sensors.

1. So what stays the same in order for it to remain a DIGIC 6 processor? Are there aspects of the 'architecture' that will be identical across all generations of this processor?

2. Aside from a name, what stops it from being DIGIC 7?

3. Can performance in this iteration be radically improved over earlier ones? How far can one 'dial up' the performance?

4. The 1DX-esque facial recognition function in the 7D2, is this also handled by the DIGIC 6 or is there a dedicated processor to handle this?

There's my silly questions. Hoping somebody can help out

The fist 7D had dual Digic 4 chips. The 1DX had Dual Digic 5 for processing plus an extra single Digic 4 that handled nothing but the autofocus. Hence it's ungodly precision and speed. I shot one for an entire weekend, over 8000 frames and lots a 12fps bursts. It's amazing.

If the 7D2 can match that... yeeeeha. I would think in theory you would need less processing power on a crop sensor than a full frame.

That said the Digic generations have improved exponentially. The Digic 5 have many times more processing power than the 4, the Digic 5+ having 2-3 times the power of the 5, and now the Digic 6. I haven't seen numbers compared to the 5 or 5+ but this is the FIRST DLSR body it will be used in. And not just one but 2. The Digic 6 is probably (based on previous generational history) 5-10x more powerful than 2 digic 4 chips put together. Hence my earlier theory this may be intentional overkill for this body for future upgrades.