The Canon 7D Mark II has been a long time coming, but it looks like it could have been worth the wait. Aimed at photographers who have a need for speed, the new top-of-the-line APS-C format DSLR features a 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, a new sophisticated autofocus system with 65-point cross-type AF points, and is capable of capturing a blistering 10 frames per second.
Canon's original 7D was released in 2009 and instantly became a hit with snappers who wanted a quick camera – with good reason, as its specs were something special at the time. But five years is a long time in the world of digital cameras, and it's been beginning to show its age when compared with supposedly lesser cameras like the EOS 70D. Luckily Canon has used Photokina 2014 to show off its new heir to the APS-C DSLR throne.
The Canon 7D Mark II uses a 20.2-megapixel APS-C (22.4 x 15.0 mm) CMOS sensor combined with Dual DIGIC 6 image processors to give it its speed. An ISO range of 100 to 16,000 is considerably greater than its predecessor, and it's extendable right up to ISO 51,200. The new DSLR also increases its continuous shooting speed which now maxes out at 10 fps, which should be quick enough for all but the fastest of subjects.
Autofocus is handled by a system with 65 AF points, all of which are cross-type. EOS iTR AF and AI Servo AF III technologies work alongside a 150k pixel RGB+IR metering sensor to deliver accurate subject tracking in any lighting conditions. Similar to the EOS-1D X, there's a customizable menu for adjusting sensitivity and subject tracking. Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, like that seen on the EOS 70D, is also present to improve focusing when using live view or recording movies, which the 7D Mark II can do at Full HD 1080p 60/50 fps.
Other movie-friendly features include being able to provide live, uncompressed (4:2:2) HDMI output to external recorders, as well as dedicated microphone and headphone sockets for external devices. Silent control means that users can prevent operational noise being captured if settings are changed while shooting.
As with its predecessor, the 7D Mark II looks to be a solid piece of kit. It boasts a tough magnesium alloy chassis, and improved weather resistance. The three-inch TFT LCD on the rear has 1,040K dots, while the optical pentaprism viewfinder features 100 percent frame coverage. The camera is compatible with a new BG-E16 battery grip, and its shutter and mirror drive mechanism, has a 200,000-cycle shutter durability.
The Canon 7D Mark II shoots to dual card slots, one SD and one CompactFlash type. It also features built-in GPS and a digital compass. Interestingly, there's no built-in Wi-Fi like we've seen on some of Canon's other recent releases, but it is at least compatible with the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7A Version 2.
The Canon 7D Mark II is due to hit stores in November and will set you back US$1,800 body-only, or $2,200 with an EF-S 18-135-mm F3.5-F5.6 IS STM lens.
You can see the 7D Mark II put through its paces in the video below from Canon Australia.
Product page: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
