New rumors point to a second quarter 2014 unveiling date for the 7D Mark II, with actual availability not until third quarter.
There are really no new spec rumors at this point; however, the launch timeframe has been consistent for almost a year now. The one thing about the specs, however, that has been consistent since early rumors of the 7D Mark II started festering is the video-centric feature set.
While Canon can launch a camera anytime it wants to and command a whole lot of attention, there is a significant video event happening right as Q2 starts. NAB 2014 kicks off April 5, so it would be a prime opportunity to get a feature-heavy HDSLR in front of a lot of industry players and command a lot of buzz from HDSLR enthusiasts.
Blackmagic Design stole the show the past two years with the BMCC in 2012 and the combo of the Pocket Cinema Camera and 4K camera in 2013. Maybe Canon will reach for some of Blackmagic’s thunder this year at NAB…
Previously rumored specs for the 7D Mark II include the following:
- 24.1mp APS-C Sensor
- Dual DIGIC V
- 10fps
- Dual Memory Card Slots (Unknown configuration)
- 61 AF Points
- 3.2? LCD
- Build quality like 5D3
- GPS & Wifi
- $2199 ($500 more than the 7D at launch)
- ISO Performance to get close to the 5D3
- “Lots of video features”
[via Northlight Images]
What I’m really waiting for is a 5D Mark 4 to come out soon.
I’d like WiFi for convenience, and Thunderbolt or USB 3 for faster tethering.
Personally, I think Canon should keep all single digit “PRO/SIMI-PRO” class with full frame sensor. Change the 7D Mark II to a full frame sensor with 24MP~36MP (so it will have more noise at high ISO than 1 Dx, 5D Mark III, 6D to justify its “7” identity in the lineup & still keep landscape photographers happy at low ISO), 19+ cross AF system, Dual Pixel CMOS AF system plus Wi-Fi & GPS will make it a dream machine.
After cropping 1.6X off the 5D Mark III RAW photos, the 14.13 MP (1.6x cropped) images still have way better dynamic tonality, color, sharpness and details than any of my non cropped 7D photos. I rather add a 1.4x extender (Canon or Kenko), loss one stop and get a 19.78MP 1.6x crop equivalent “REACH (not CROP, “ADDED” and not “SUBTRACTED” size image than an image from 7D’s crop sensor. Image is about quality and not MP size since any image with 6 MP+ & 300 dpi will produce great quality in large print (but not with poor dynamic tonality, color, sharpness & detail).
For customers who want the 1.6x crop sensor for extra “reach (cropping)” or a more affordable equipment (like I did with T2i), the new 70D will do wonders with better image quality without paying the price of a single digit marketing gimmick of a “7D Simi-Pro” body… IMO!
Yes, I agree with Jared. I am ready for 5D Mark 4 or any full frame camera that takes Canon EF lenses with 5D Mark III’s AF system with Wi-Fi, GPS, Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor (or equivalent) with -3EV focus ability or lower like 6D (a pay less & get more feature that should be on 5D3 & 1Dx!), low level noise shadow recovery in low ISO like Nikon 800D or Sony 7/7R. I am not buying another camera body(tool) until these requirements are met… since I still have 3 more years of extended warranty!