Canon had some big news at Photokina, as it brought out a new version of its elite model crop frame camera. The EOS 7D Mark II was announced today, bringing an update to the previous 7D model more than five years later. The new 7D Mark II brings a number of improvements over the first model that are aimed at the prosumer photography and video markets.
The EOS 7D Mark II offers a 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS processor along with the Dual DIGIC 6 Image processors, a first in the EOS series of cameras for Canon. A 65-point All Cross-Type AF” is included with EV-3 sensitivity at the center point. Photography modes are capable of ISO ranges from 100 to 16,000, which video extending beyond to 51,600 with an expansion. The new mirror system is said to use a motorized control to enhance performance for high-speed shooting. Autoexposure systems also allow the camera to correct for flickering light sources.
It also includes the ability to burst shoot 10 frames per second, Canon’s Intelligent Tracking and Recognition technology, EOS scene detection, an AF Area Selection Lever for quick changes to focal points and can capture 31 RAW or 1,090 large JPEGs in its buffer. Canon states the shutter life of the 7D Mark II is expected to be 200,000 cycles. The camera has a magnesium body and is “safeguarded by enhanced dust and weather resistance.” High and low-speed continuous shooting modes are included, as are single-frame shooting, silent drive, video and two self-timer settings are among some of the included modes.
The next generation of the Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology that was in the previous 7D has been improved, allowing more user options including adjustments for autofocus movie modes including speed and servo tracking sensitivity. Canon also states that face detection and performance in low light has been improved. Full high-definition video is possible with the 7D Mark II, as it shoots in 1080p or 720p up to 60p capture with an embedded time code. Through the mini-HDMI port, uncompressed full HD video can be sent to external recorders. Users can also select MOV or MP4 formats for videos.
Technology from the 5D Mark III and other cameras are also carried over to the 7D Mark II for photographers. The AI Service AF III has been included as a way to mimic the tracking parameters of the EOS 1D X. High dynamic range and multiple exposure functionality from the 5D Mark III is included in the new 7D as well. Other improvements include a three-inch LCD screen on the back, an improved customizable viewfinder and built-in GPS.
As is common with Canon cameras, the 7D Mark II will take a new battery, the LP-E6N. Canon says the new battery has increased life. However, the camera will also be compatible with older LP-E6 batteries already on the market. Dual memory slots are included, with one for compact flash and the other for SD cards. Camera to computer transfers are handled over USB 3.0.
The EOS 7D Mark II will be available starting in November, being sold in body only and bundle variants. Consumers can expect to pay $1,800 for the body, while the bundle with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens bumps the price up to $2,150. The GC-E16 battery grip and WFT-E7A wireless file transmitter are expected to be released at a later date. Canon says the battery grip will be backwards-compatible with the LP-E6 batteries like the 7D Mark II.
