Canon EOS 7D Mark II Specifications Confirmed

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Ironic that they lock themselves into 1080p for their wildlife camera for another 3-5 years on the same day that SanDisc announces a high-speed, high-capacity card to suit the needs of all the current and arriving 4k cams.

My guess is the sensor is basically the 70D sensor and nothing more.

The AF system should be a mega-improvement and totally world class. Everything else seems almost outdated already. They could have released this with a likely slightly worse 5D3/1DX AF a couple years ago.

I fear JapaneseCanonFanGirls info that Canon decided that they could release bodies behind other manufacturers and get away with it, so why not, are correct.

At least they do appear to have gone full hog for the AF system though.
It should be a non-DR limited scenario action/reach stills beast.

 

[ULFULFSEN]

Ironic that they lock themselves into 1080p for their wildlife camera for another 3-5 years on the same day that SanDisc announces a high-speed, high-capacity card to suit the needs of all the current and arriving 4k cams.

that is also my main concern.

or canon plans to release a MK2 successor in 2 years?

 

[fragilesi]

This is a solid camera, but with today's market it's almost a niche camera for sports & wildlife shooters. I can't think of a single reason a portrait, landscape, or event shooter would get this over the 6D.

It's not aimed at those people . . . but it is aimed at anyone who wants to capture something that isn't just sat still in front of them. It's hardly a small "niche" is it?

So you're saying it's aimed at bad photographers who need 10fps and 63 focus points to get a good shot? The 6D (and every camera ever made) can capture things that don't sit still just fine.

What an odd way of interpreting what I said.

 

[Loswr]

So you're saying it's aimed at bad photographers who need 10fps and 63 focus points to get a good shot?

Yep. The 1D X is aimed at the same sort of people, just the ones with more money. :

 

[PureClassA]

Ironic that they lock themselves into 1080p for their wildlife camera for another 3-5 years on the same day that SanDisc announces a high-speed, high-capacity card to suit the needs of all the current and arriving 4k cams.

My guess is the sensor is basically the 70D sensor and nothing more.

The AF system should be a mega-improvement and totally world class. Everything else seems almost outdated already. They could have released this with a likely slightly worse 5D3/1DX AF a couple years ago.

I fear JapaneseCanonFanGirls info that Canon decided that they could release bodies behind other manufacturers and get away with it, so why not, are correct.

At least they do appear to have gone full hog for the AF system though.
It should be a non-DR limited scenario action/reach stills beast.

You may well be 100% correct about the sensor, but we've seen rumors that suggest while it's the same pixel density it's not the same sensor. I know, i know. Take it with a grain of salt. But pair that up with DUAL Digic 6 chips and we really have the potential to make a serious beast. And firmware update for 4k down the road... may be feasible. I'm not tech saavy enough to know if it's something as simple as a firmware upgrade, but why would you NOT then just put in Dual Digic 5+ like the 1DX? Something suggests to me that they perhaps wanted to leave as much headroom as possible. If a full frame can do what it does with Dual Digic 5 and a Single Digic 4 for autofocus ... Dual Digic 6 (probably, what 5 times the CPU power??) on APS-C you would think you run the space shuttle. I dunno. Would love to hear some feedback. We will all know tomorrow or Monday I suppose ;-) I'm thinking Canon still has some major reveal about this body we have yet to hear about

 

[PureClassA]

This is a solid camera, but with today's market it's almost a niche camera for sports & wildlife shooters. I can't think of a single reason a portrait, landscape, or event shooter would get this over the 6D.

It's not aimed at those people . . . but it is aimed at anyone who wants to capture something that isn't just sat still in front of them. It's hardly a small "niche" is it?

So you're saying it's aimed at bad photographers who need 10fps and 63 focus points to get a good shot? The 6D (and every camera ever made) can capture things that don't sit still just fine.

I've got both. They each have their places. Canon 7D will probably have little effect on potential 6D sales regardless of pricing. Two completely different rigs.

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

It is good to see they went full hog (most likely, granted the 7D had a lot of AF points, but none of them actually worked as well as any 1 series point, but I trust they went full 1 series quality this time) with the AF. It should be a total beast for reach/action (when not DR limited).

But I have a bad feeling it's just gonna be a slightly tweaked 70D sensor at best.

And 1080p? This cam is supposed to be good for 3-5 years. Soon they will be the only manufacturer without a high-reach 4k cam. A bit ironic that the day SanDisc goes on about the 4k revolution and introducing new 4k optimized cards, Canon comes out with 1080p again.

I kinda fear that JapaneseCanonFanGirlEmployees rumor that Canon has decided people are too locked in and since sales are not yet going horribly, that they can simply get away with knowingly releasing bodies behind other maker's specs.

Panny has 4k out already, rumor is that Nikon may introduce 4k next week. All the other makers have sensors that provide much better DR at low ISO. A bit sad that the revolution Canon created, they are willing to already fall behind on.

Nothing in this cam seems likely to not have been able to have been released 2 years ago other than the new AF (which could've been 5D3/1DX AF 2 years ago). Unless they really did soup up the DPAF AF and it really is so fast that it can assist the phase AF and make the phase AF never miss anymore. That certainly would be something and quite a revolution.

For sensors and video I fear they have simply given up trying for the first case and have decided they'd rather let someone else steal sales away rather than dare cannibalize their own video products at the higher end. That all seems rather BlackBerry and Atari of them. Although I, perhaps foolishly now, still hold out hope that the 5D4 next year will have some updated sensor tech. It is just a bit of a shame to see them cripple out things like 4k video and so on and it leaves on worried that even if the 5D4 delivers 4k it will be crippled a bit and that no 1080p RAW will be allowed either. Canon just seems to a follower for the most part, if even. At least for their bodies.

 

[dtaylor]

So what, i should use DPP instead or LR and that fixes everything?

No. You should not pretend that a sensor score is the gospel truth when it comes from a company that does not even know how Canon encodes their RAW files!

Anyone shooting a step wedge gets the same DR from a 70D as from the latest Sony APS-C sensors. DxO's black box of formulas spits out a number 2 stops short. Why should I believe them instead of my eyes?

Anyone pushing shadow detail will see that the latest Sony APS-C sensors are cleaner, no one denies that. But you have to push hard (>3 stops) for it to matter in the real world with real world RAW converter and NR settings.

People like the EXMOR sensors because they actually see a difference.

Then why can't any of the DRones produce real world examples for the rest of us? :

All these threads...all these posts...the darn 7D2 isn't even announced yet! "But the MP is the same so the sensor must be the same and I'm going to scream and yell and stomp my feet!" The native ISO range is not the same and rumors were consistent that this is a new sensor. But why wait and see when we can DRone on and on.

 

[joejohnbear]

Wow, you have an EOS M. You're SOOO invested. You must know about ALL the great lenses, flash and understanding light. Real pro, dude. True, the sensor on the EOS M (price of $200-300 means that's the best sensor for the paltry money) is better than its af. But you really can't compare systems until you've tried them both. I've used both the full frame Canon and Nikon systems (D700,800, D3, 5DIII, 16-400mm in f/2.8 lenses and f/1.2 and f/1.4 prime lenses on both), and there are upsides and downsides to both. Focus accuracy is way better on Canon. Dynamic range is better on Nikon. They're neck and neck, and harping about Canon's dr is limiting your scope. Both systems are good, but a D7100 without a fucking good lens is a dumb decision. Pay attention to lenses and lighting gear, and you'll get much better results than fapping off to the latest body that will probably empty your budget (if you're on an EOS M, I don't think you can afford a D7100, 24-70 f/2.8G and 70-200G VR II right off the bat). And if you're on Nikon, you WILL want one of their full frame lenses as their APS-C lenses are complete shit.

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.

Sensor, sensor, sensor. I still hope they managed to make it better, but I won´t upgrade in something what´s already years old, to use it for another 4-6 years. Not a chance. Do you hear me, Canon!? Sony is waiting behind door if you don´t deliver!

Maybe holding your breath and stomping your foot would help?

With EOS M, I really am not able to make good images at times. Mostly due to AF, but when I will buy new body (and I have not many lenses) I might be in good position to upgrade, but with different brand. But you seem to be all knowing. I might bite my tongue and go back DSLR with D7100 or maybe D7200 instead on anything else. I just don´t know, and I won´t buy any old "pathetic" product for next decade.

 

[dtaylor]

If $1799 is fairly accurate, then game on. Yes it's 20.2 MP sensor. Same pixel count as 70D, but wasn't it said before that it is NOT the same sensor as the 70D? So we don't know squat yet. The RGB+IR is very intriguing. The 65AF + 10fps... awesome. Love it. By the way... the last 7D sensor has 18.1 MP and two Digic 4s. Dual Digic 6 processors could well translate into significantly cleaner high ISO images even if they stuck the same old sensor in there.

If this camera comes out at $2500 like folks initially assumed, it's far less exciting to me and probably most folks. I'm looking forward to the official announcement and some side by side to old 7D (which I own). I don't care what Samsung and Sony have. They have a sensor. Canon makes Cameras. And Lenses. This system in my opinion and for my uses is vastly superior to other options. I'm looking forward to this.

Well said. I am very interested at that price point. You can bet that I will probably upgrade, sell my 7D and buy the 7D2.

 

[Marsu42]

I've got both. They each have their places. Canon 7D will probably have little effect on potential 6D sales regardless of pricing. Two completely different rigs.

Indeed, just as Canon likes it: What's better than a camera sale? Two camera sales.

 

[joejohnbear]

And, btw, armchair man, I've used the D7000 for journalism and sports alongside my other Nikon gear. Complete shit 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 shit 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, you have an EOS M. You're SOOO invested. You must know about ALL the great lenses, flash and understanding light. Real pro, dude. True, the sensor on the EOS M (price of $200-300 means that's the best sensor for the paltry money) is better than its af. But you really can't compare systems until you've tried them both. I've used both the full frame Canon and Nikon systems (D700,800, D3, 5DIII, 16-400mm in f/2.8 lenses and f/1.2 and f/1.4 prime lenses on both), and there are upsides and downsides to both. Focus accuracy is way better on Canon. Dynamic range is better on Nikon. They're neck and neck, and harping about Canon's dr is limiting your scope. Both systems are good, but a D7100 without a F______ good lens is a dumb decision. Pay attention to lenses and lighting gear, and you'll get much better results than fapping off to the latest body that will probably empty your budget (if you're on an EOS M, I don't think you can afford a D7100, 24-70 f/2.8G and 70-200G VR II right off the bat). And if you're on Nikon, you WILL want one of their full frame lenses as their APS-C lenses are complete S___.

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.

Sensor, sensor, sensor. I still hope they managed to make it better, but I won´t upgrade in something what´s already years old, to use it for another 4-6 years. Not a chance. Do you hear me, Canon!? Sony is waiting behind door if you don´t deliver!

Maybe holding your breath and stomping your foot would help?

With EOS M, I really am not able to make good images at times. Mostly due to AF, but when I will buy new body (and I have not many lenses) I might be in good position to upgrade, but with different brand. But you seem to be all knowing. I might bite my tongue and go back DSLR with D7100 or maybe D7200 instead on anything else. I just don´t know, and I won´t buy any old "pathetic" product for next decade.

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

But the AF might be the best ever perhaps.

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

I guess CR actually nailed the stuff, even lenses!, ahead of time this time! So for all the talk about most locked down ever, they actually got all the stuff earlier than the last couple rounds!

 

[dtaylor]

To all of you who say, that these specs are appropriate for a 2014 camera and not for 2012, bear in mind that with this replacement cycle, the next 7D will be available in 2019. What would you think of those specs even in half of that term?
You claim that these specs are the best package compared to the competition, but the competition will be releasing their competing bodies in the near future, not in 5 years. This camera sounds boring

Except that nothing is stopping Canon from releasing a 7D3 next year if they wish. The "development cycle" was not 5 years because it was difficult for Canon to produce this camera, nor is it set in stone. It was 5 years because as of this moment there are still no competitors to the 7D for pro sports! The closest competitor is Canon's own 70D!!!

I remember when people where whining (DRoning?) that Canon had no answer to the D300. Well Canon answered it, and Nikon never responded. And now we've got a 7D2 coming that is a little brother to the 1DX.

People will quote the specs from the new Samsung mirrorless, but we have yet to see if it will be the first MILC to have AF tracking that can touch a PDAF DSLR. So far none of them can. I suspect nothing will change with the Samsung. 15 fps is useless if the camera can't hold focus lock. It's also of little use if you don't have the lenses to back it up.

I'll worry about whatever cameras come in 5 years. On Monday when this thing is announced it will be the absolute top of the line crop DSLR for sports, wildlife, and action.

"But muh DxO score!" I'll be busy printing 16x20" prints while the DRones cry that the sensor is useless ;D

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Hi everyone,

I have a question related to the potential availability of the 7D Mark II: “I expect to see this camera announced on Monday with availability in late October or early November”.

Can you tell me how Canon usually proceeds when launching a new camera? Is the camera available in same time everywhere, or do they proceed step by step, targeting some countries/regions in priority?

Thank you!
Doots

i still don't get their timing. Why release and action sports cam just as fall sports are wrapping up and spring sports are months away? On shelves by September seems more sensible to me. And April releases even moreso.

 

[joejohnbear]

I second both of your comments. I use a 7D as backup to my 5DIII and while I hate the sensor and af compared to the III, it gets the job done for field sports where I need the extra crop. A 7D II with slightly improved sensor, but much better AF would be a win and eventual write-off on my taxes.

I wholeheartedly agree with Pure's statement: "I don't care what Samsung and Sony have. They have a sensor. Canon makes Cameras. And Lenses. This system in my opinion and for my uses is vastly superior to other options."

I don't give a shit if Sony makes this sensor or that sensor if they can't back it up with quality and competitively priced lenses. Why should I switch to a system with more expensive lenses with shittier ergonomics and autofocus? They're a specs and consumer electronics company, not one that listens to their pro photogs. I see good things happening with Canon, Fujifilm and Pentax 645z in this department (listening to their professional customers) instead of playing the specs game like Sony is doing. Ever hear of Canon or Nikon Professional services? Sony doesn't have that shit either. There's a big reason why every football or olympics game, you don't see a single Sony supertelephoto on the field. Maybe a fan with special sideline tickets and an a77 with kit lens, but that's about it.

If $1799 is fairly accurate, then game on. Yes it's 20.2 MP sensor. Same pixel count as 70D, but wasn't it said before that it is NOT the same sensor as the 70D? So we don't know squat yet. The RGB+IR is very intriguing. The 65AF + 10fps... awesome. Love it. By the way... the last 7D sensor has 18.1 MP and two Digic 4s. Dual Digic 6 processors could well translate into significantly cleaner high ISO images even if they stuck the same old sensor in there.

If this camera comes out at $2500 like folks initially assumed, it's far less exciting to me and probably most folks. I'm looking forward to the official announcement and some side by side to old 7D (which I own). I don't care what Samsung and Sony have. They have a sensor. Canon makes Cameras. And Lenses. This system in my opinion and for my uses is vastly superior to other options. I'm looking forward to this.

Well said. I am very interested at that price point. You can bet that I will probably upgrade, sell my 7D and buy the 7D2.

 

[PureClassA]

I've got both. They each have their places. Canon 7D will probably have little effect on potential 6D sales regardless of pricing. Two completely different rigs.

Indeed, just as Canon likes it: What's better than a camera sale? Two camera sales.

;D HAHA! Very true! But in all seriousness If you stop and think about it, it's pretty slick. Canon makes two Cameras at the same price point (or close enough). One is built to offer the best performance $1800 can buy for sports, wildlife, fast action, all around, best AF, FPS, etc... (7D2) OR you can spend you 1800 on a fantastic full frame perfect for you wedding and portrait shooters (6D).

You want both? Here's your 5d3. It's more for the wedding and portrait guy, but If you REALLY want the best for both worlds... Here's your 1dX

I think from a business/marketing perspective, Canon hit this one right so far as where the pricing plays out in their lineup

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

IF RGB + IR does not refer to metering but the image sensor,
THEN this is the most interesting camera of the last 15 years.

I think I need one.

It specifically says that it refers to metering though. It is the metering sensor. It should meter much better than the 7D hopefully.

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Actually, that's not quite true. The pictures you take with the lens cap on followed by a five-stop exposure push…those pictures matter.

:

or you know, pictures taken in a stunning redwood forest or whatnot, but really it's the same nonsense, redwoods, lens caps, it's all the same lab geek stuff and matters to nobody who actually is an artiste and takes pictures and knows how to use a camera.... :