When you think of how fast some brands update their camera models, it’s hard to comprehend that Canon’s flagship APS-C DSLR, the 7D MkII, will turn five in 2019. However, with some camera dealers now listing the 7D MkII as discontinued and rumour websites suggesting a replacement is due in early 2019, it seems like Canon is finally ready to bring APS-C shooters something new.
Of course, nearly five years is a long time in the world of DSLRs and camera technology has moved on a great deal since the 7D MkII was launched in 2014 so the new model should boast a huge amount of upgrades - but what exactly? Well, here’s the nine features we think are must-haves for the 7D MkIII…
1. More megapixels:
Of course, if photographers want a huge jump in resolution, a move to full-frame is the best route, but we'd still like to see the 7D MkIII increase its megapixel count. In 2014, the 20-megapixels the MkII offered was decent, but rivals have pulled ahead with the Nikon D500 offering 21-megapixels and the Pentax K-3 MkII 24-megapixels. Increasing the resolution would make the camera even more versatility and grow its appeal to photographers who shoot landscapes.
2. Vari-angle screen:
Fixed screens have had their day, so it would be a massive shock if the new 7D didn’t follow the 6D MkII's lead and offer a vari-angle LCD, which should also be touch-sensitive and larger than the MkII’s 3-inch monitor. A vari-angle LCD is not only great for setting up awkward high/low compositions but also when the camera is used for capturing video.
Could the replacement for the 7D MkII see a vari-angle screen.
3. Better autofocus:
APS-C cameras are often selected for their impressive autofocus systems, and the 7D MkII was among the best, borrowing much of its 65-point AF system from the flagship 1DX line. But nearly five years on, even the impressive Dual Pixel AF system could do with improvement. Along with the number of F/8 compatible AF points (which would allow lenses to work better when paired with an extender), the number of AF points could be boosted. The Nikon D500 offers a whopping 153-AF points so it will be very interesting to see what Canon can deliver.
4. 4K video:
One of the most hotly-anticipated areas of specification will be what the 7D MkIII offers videographers. The MkII could only manage Full HD up to 60p, and this has been superseeded by rivals like the Nikon D500, which boasts 4K video at 30p and the dream for Canon shooters would be to gain 4K at 60p, enabling users to slow footage down. The MkII already offers headphone and external mic ports, so these are likely to stay but Canon could choose to include C-Log in the new 7D, which was available on the 5D MkIV, but only as a optional extra in most territories.
5. Faster burst rate:
The original 7D set the tone for speedy APS-C DSLRs, offering 8 Frames Per Second (FPS), before the MkII increased this figure to 10 FPS. Interestingly, the Nikon D500 also shoots 10 FPS, so this gives Canon the opportunity to steal back the APS-C speed king crown.
Will the 7D MkIII be a speed king that's perfect for wildlife and sports photography?
6. Wi-Fi features:
Connectivity features are a must-have these days and this was something lacking on the 7D MkII. Adding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to the new 7D would increase the camera’s versatility, enabling photographers to upload and share images via a smart device out in the field and also control/trigger the camera remotely, giving more creative options to sports and wildlife photographers.
7. Better battery life:
Hard-working AF systems and fast continuous burst rates drain batteries and the 7D MkII offered a respectable 670 shots per charge. However, rivals like the D500 (1240 shots per charge) and the Pentax K-3 MkII (720 shots) do even better so Canon users would hope that the 7D MkIII proves to be a more efficient camera that can shoot for longer.
8. Vertical grip:
One more left-field feature Canon could choose to bestow on the new 7D model is a built-in vertical grip. Hugely useful for both wildlife and sports photography, the grip enables the camera to hold an additional battery, thus extending the time a photographer can spend out in the field without needing to recharge. A built-in vertical grip would give the 7D MkIII a form factor more similar to the 1DX line, which could offer something new in the field of APS-C sensor cameras.
A vertical grip would give the APS-C camera a form factor like the 1DX.
9. EOS R touch bar and IBIS:
So what other features would we like to see in the 7D MkII replacement? Well, Canon could look to its recent full-frame mirrorless launch for ideas. The touch bar from the EOS R would be an interesting addition to an DSLR and but so too would be the In Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS) system from the EOS R. Unlike Pentax’s K-3 MkII, Canon is yet to offer a DSLR with IBIS, so here’s hoping they give it a try.
What other features would you like to see on the Canon 7D MkIII?
. digitalrev.com2018-11-13 03:00
