<H1>Canon EOS-7D Mk II Camera Announced</H1>

Canon EOS-7D Mk II camera

Canon also announced the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens, 

Powershot SX60 HS and G7 X cameras for Photokina 2014

For a complete analysis of this new camera, click here. For some video reviews, click here. To see sample images and videos from Canon Japan, click here. I am off on a wildlife photo shoot in South Africa. Little time to update my blog. Will reconnect upon my return.

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 15, 2014 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to introduce the EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR camera, incorporating professional features and quality in an affordable DSLR. Building upon the proven success of the EOS 7D camera, this new EOS model features a range of “EOS firsts” such as Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors for superb image quality and rapid burst shooting up to 10 frames per second (fps), as well as Canon’s first 65-Point* All Cross Type autofocus (AF) system for compositional freedom and accurate, spot-on fast focus. Great for shooting indoor activities such as sporting events, concerts, or weddings, the camera’s impressive low-light shooting capabilities along with its up-to-10 fps high-speed shooting can capture a fast-break basketball dunk, a band’s encore performance, a bird in flight or wildlife in exceptional quality. In addition, the EOS 7D Mark II is the second EOS DSLR camera to incorporate Canon’s innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF system for rapid and precise focusing of video as well as still images.

“With more processing power than any other EOS camera available today, the highly anticipated EOS 7D Mark II camera has everything serious photographers have come to expect from Canon’s DSLRs and more,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “And, recognizing that for some, creative expression may expand beyond still photography, we continue to support these creative passions by offering new and innovative Full HD video capabilities, such as second generation Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology in the EOS 7D Mark II camera as well.”

Outstanding Performance

Within the camera’s durable magnesium alloy body resides a newly developed 20.2 megapixel APS-C Canon CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors, safeguarded by enhanced dust and weather resistance to protect the camera. Ideal for shooting in challenging lighting conditions ranging from indoor sports to dimly lit weddings, the camera features a standard ISO range of 100-16000 for both still and video (expandable to ISO 51,600). A new 65-point* All Cross-Type AF system with EV -3 sensitivity at the center point helps deliver sharp focus for still photos even in extreme low-light conditions on subjects with limited visible detail. The EOS 7D Mark II camera also features an enhanced version of Canon’s EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF, originally introduced with the EOS-1D X DSLR camera, enabling the camera to recognize subjects based on face and color detection utilizing the new AE system, and can track subjects using all 65 AF points.

The camera’s improved EOS Scene Detection system features a new 150,000-pixel RGB+IR 252-zone metering sensor for enhanced precision. The wide-area 65-point AF array combined with EOS iTR and adjustable high-speed continuous burst shooting up to 10 fps enables the easy tracking and capturing of fast moving subjects virtually anywhere in the frame such as birds in flight or running backs eluding a tackle. A new and innovative AF Area Selection Lever nestled around the multi-controller on the back of the camera makes it easier than ever for photographers to switch between the seven supplied AF Point Selection modes without removing their eye from the viewfinder.

At 10 fps, the camera’s buffer capacity can consecutively capture up to 31 RAW images or 1,090 Large Fine JPEGsi. Built to last, the camera also features a shutter durability rating up to 200,000 cycles, approximately thirty three percent more than the original EOS 7D camera. A newly developed mirror mechanism uses motorized control to help reduce impact and enhance camera performance during high-speed continuous shooting. In addition to adjustable high- and low-speed continuous shooting modes, single-frame shooting and two self-timer settings, the EOS 7D Mark II camera also features silent drive modes for single frame and continuous shooting. The silent settings support discreet camera operation in quiet locations.

The EOS 7D Mark II camera’s advanced AE system can detect and compensate for flickering light sources such as sodium vapor lamps that are often used in gymnasiums and indoor swimming pools. When enabled, this system automatically adjusts shutter release timing to help reduce disparities in exposure and color especially during continuous shooting.

Innovative AF Technology

The EOS 7D Mark II camera features the next generation of Canon’s exclusive Dual Pixel CMOS AF (DAF) technology, originally introduced with the EOS 70D DSLR camera. New DAF features include user-selectable adjustments for Movie Servo AF Speedii and Movie Servo AF Tracking Sensitivity. Additionally, overall focusing speed, face detection performance, and performance in low light and with low-contrast subjects have been improved over previous Canon models. Dual Pixel CMOS AF employs proprietary Canon sensor technology in which effective pixels are able to perform both imaging and phase-detection focus measurement simultaneously to achieve dramatically improved AF performance in both video and Live View still imaging modes.

With Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system and customizable Movie Servo AF, the camera provides continuous phase-detection AF during video recording for quick and accurate focus tracking of moving subjects over approximately eighty of the image area measured horizontally and vertically. DAF focusing modes include Face Detection with Tracking, FlexiZone Multi with 31 AF zones, and FlexiZone Single that allows users to position a focusing frame on the camera’s LCD screen. Canon’s DAF supports over 100iii models of Canon EF lenses (including many earlier models), providing a wide array of options for photographers to explore.

Expanding Creativity

The EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR camera provides a wealth of creative controls building on the features and functions of the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X professional digital cameras. The new camera’s AI Servo AF III autofocusing algorithm is similar to that of the EOS-1D X camera in that tracking parameters (tracking sensitivity, acceleration/deceleration tracking, and AF point auto switching) can be easily customized for specific shooting situations, using the same type of AF Configuration Menu. This capability makes it easy for EOS 7D Mark II camera users to match AI Servo AF settings when used together with EOS-1D X and EOS 5D Mark III cameras, while also providing a high level of performance at an affordable price point.

The EOS 7D Mark II camera also offers the same level of High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Multiple Exposure (ME) functionality that was originally featured in the EOS 5D Mark III camera. The HDR mode includes five HDR shooting functions and allows users to save all source images in addition to the composited HDR image. Similarly, Multiple Exposure mode provides four compositing methods and also allows users to save individual source images.

Photographers and cinematographers will appreciate improved custom controls including a built-in intervalometer and bulb timer, also EOS DSLR firsts, to enable the capture of time-lapse images and long- exposure images. These features are ideal for recording fireworks, star trails, sunrises and more.

In addition to optional settings for Peripheral Illumination Correction and Chromatic Aberration Correction, found in other current high-end EOS models, the EOS 7D Mark II camera, for the first time, adds Distortion Correction that operates with most EF and EF-S lenses to improve image quality even further while recording video and in-camera JPEGs. The My Menu feature has also been improved with the ability to store more user-selected settings in five additional tabs.

A new and improved Intelligent Viewfinder provides approximately one hundred percent field of view, while adding the ability to superimpose a customizable selection of camera settings data such as dual-mode electronic level display, grid, exposure mode, white balance mode and AF mode. A bright, three-inch Clear View II LCD monitor (approximately 1,040,000 dots) on the back of the camera displays information and menus clearly even in bright sunlight. The EOS 7D Mark II camera is compatible with interchangeable focusing screens including the standard Eh-A as well as the optional Eh-S Super Precision Matte for use during manual focusing with large aperture lenses.

A built-in GPSiv Receiver provides a digital compass and can record location information including longitude, latitude, elevation, camera direction and universal coordinated time (UTC) as EXIF data for geotagging both images and movie files in real time. The built-in pop-up flash is convenient for many applications and can also act as an optical controller with compatible off-camera EX-series Speedlites for enhanced pro-quality lighting effects.

The EOS 7D Mark II camera features dual card slots for SD/SDHC/SDXC and CF memory cards, including Ultra High Speed (UHS-1) SD cards. Data transfer speeds from the camera to a personal computer are enhanced with the addition of a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port.

Stunning Movie Capability

The EOS 7D Mark II camera offers users the ability to shoot in 1080p Full HD or 720p HD video up to 60p enabling slow-motion capture at full resolution in either ALL-I or IPB codecs with optional embedded time code, exceeding the specifications of other current EOS cameras. Users can also choose between .MOV and .MP4 recording formats for maximum flexibility. The EOS 7D Mark II camera’s mini HDMI port can be used to record uncompressed Full HD video to external recorders.

Canon’s Stepping Motor (STM) lenses, such as the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, significantly reduce focus motor noise, letting the EOS 7D Mark II camera’s built-in microphone capture clear audio of the scene being shot without picking up unwanted noise from the lens. The EOS 7 D Mark II camera also features a stereo microphone port and outputs stereo audio via the camera’s mini-HDMI port. The EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR camera is equipped with a headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring, as well as a silent control feature that allows users to adjust audio levels during recordings. Other built-in ports include a PC socket for external flash units and an N3 socket for dedicated Canon wired remote control accessoriesv. A cable protector is provided to maximize safety when using the USB 3.0 and mini-HDMI ports.

Availability

The EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers in November 2014 for an estimated retail price of $1,799.00 for the body only and $2,149.00 bundled with an EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. It will utilize a new LP-E6N lithium ion battery pack with increased storage capacity. The LP-E6N is fully compatible with the LC-E6 battery charger, which will be supplied as a standard item in all EOS 7D Mark II body only and zoom lens kits. Also scheduled to be available are the new optional Battery Grip BG-E16 and optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7A Version 2, with shipping dates and estimated retail pricing to be announced at a later date. Both the EOS 7D Mark II camera and Battery Grip BG-E16 are backwards-compatible to the current LP-E6 lithium ion battery pack.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Features :

Suggested list price - $1,799

20.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and ISO 100–16000 (expandable to H1: 25600, H2: 51200) for reduced noise at high ISOs and high performance Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors for outstanding image quality and processing speed.

High speed continuous shooting up to 10.0 fps allows you to capture fast action.

65-point* all cross-type AF system for high-performance, accurate subject tracking with EV -3 sensitivity (center point) for focusing in extreme low-light conditions.

Canon’s innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables you to shoot video like a camcorder with smooth, fast, and accurate autofocus and lets you enjoy instant and precise autofocus even when shooting stills.

Stunning Full HD video with Custom Movie Servo AF (speed and sensitivity) for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects, multiple frame rates including Full HD recording at 60p in MOV and MP4 formats and uncompressed HDMI out.

Intelligent Viewfinder II provides approximately 100% field of view for shooting ease.

Improved custom controls and built-in intervalometer and bulb timer for expanded creativity.

Magnesium alloy body with shutter durability up to 200,000 cycles and enhanced dust and weather resistance.

EOS Scene Detection System features a new 150,000-pixel/RGB+IR metering sensor for improved precision.

Built-in GPS** Receiver provides a digital compass, records location information (longitude, latitude, elevation and universal coordinated time (UTC)) as EXIF information for geotagging images when shooting.

3.0-inch Clear View II LCD monitor (approximately 1,040,000 dots) for bright and clear viewing.

Additional Features

The EOS 7D Mark II has a newly designed 20.2 Megapixel sensor that delivers high-resolution image files with stunning detail and impressive clarity. Optimized for low-light shooting, the EOS 7D Mark II’s sensor captures images at up to ISO 16000 (expandable to H1: 25600, H2: 51200) with remarkably low noise, thanks to its improved, higher sensitivity design. Phenomenal for stills, the EOS 7D Mark II’s sensor is equally up to the task for movies, delivering Full HD capture even at rates of up to 60p.

Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors

The EOS 7D Mark II’s sensor works seamlessly with its Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors for advanced image processing across the board. These image processors help the EOS 7D Mark II capture up to 1090 JPEG, 31 RAW, and 19 RAW + JPEG shots in a single burst for amazing action photography. Further, they enable the camera’s powerful image processing on-the-fly: lens aberration, variances in peripheral illumination and image distortion can all be corrected in real time thanks to the EOS 7D Mark II’s Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors.

High speed continuous shooting up to 10.0 fps allows you to capture fast action

With a new, rugged shutter designed for 200,000 cycles, the EOS 7D Mark II can shoot up to 10 frames per second to capture all the action. With super quick AF and exposure systems complementing the shutter’s 55 msec shutter release time lag, the EOS 7D Mark II is tailored to meet and even exceed the speed of the action. Refined mechanics like a newly designed, more efficient shutter-drive motor and a vibration dampened mirror drive mean impressive performance for high caliber image quality, fast.

Sophisticated Mirror Control System

The EOS 7D Mark II camera employs an advanced mirror vibration control technology that enables the camera to support its speedy, continuous shooting capabilities while ensuring great image quality. The system uses a motor to help reduce the vibrations caused by high-speed shooting. By reducing the vibrations, the camera can achieve accurate and precise autofocus to provide steady and clear action shots at up to 10.0 frames per second.

65-point* all cross-type AF system for high-performance, accurate subject tracking with EV -3 sensitivity (center point) for focusing in extreme low-light conditions

An EOS first, the EOS 7D Mark II features 65 all cross-type AF points* for high precision AF at remarkable speed. Cross-type AF points ensure stable AF that is not influenced by the subject’s shape or color. On the EOS 7D Mark II, the AF points are spread over a wide area of the frame, enabling faster AF, wherever the subject lies. With a central dual cross-type AF point of f/2.8, AF is enhanced with lenses faster than f/2.8. And thanks to this new system, AF is possible even in dim lighting as low as EV-3.

Canon’s innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables you to shoot video like a camcorder with smooth, fast, and accurate autofocus and lets you enjoy instant and precise autofocus even when shooting stills

The EOS 7D Mark II features Canon’s revolutionary Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a milestone in AF speed and accuracy that unlocks the potential of Live View shooting. This advanced technology has truly changed what is possible with a DSLR camera. Dual Pixel CMOS AF involves a sophisticated rethinking of the CMOS sensor. Traditionally, image sensors have one photodiode per pixel for recording, but the CMOS sensor on the EOS 7D Mark II has two photodiodes per pixel, 40 million in total, enabling each pixel on the sensor to both perform phase-difference detection autofocus and capture light. With phase-difference detection AF, autofocus is achieved quickly and easily on the camera. This unique AF system enables autofocus on approximately 80% of the image plane, vertically and horizontally, and helps ensure virtually no loss in image quality.

Stunning Full HD video with custom Movie Servo AF (speed and sensitivity) for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects, multiple frame rates including Full HD recording at 60p in MOV and MP4 formats and uncompressed HDMI out

While offering performance improvements across the board for still photography, the EOS 7D Mark II is also an incredibly capable HD movie camera. Taking advantage of its Dual Pixel CMOS AF capabilities, the EOS 7D Mark II has customizable Movie Servo AF options: not only can AF location be defined, AF speed and tracking intervals can be specified too, for fluid, smooth focus transitions. The EOS 7D Mark II delivers refined and detailed image quality with Full HD 60P recording at ISO values up to 16000, has an HDMI output and records to both SD and CF cards for versatility and security during important shoots.

Intelligent Viewfinder II provides approximately 100% field of view for shooting ease

The EOS 7D Mark II’s Intelligent Viewfinder II makes it easy to both shoot, change and confirm camera settings and shooting modes all without looking away from the viewfinder. Displaying approximately 100% of the composition, the viewfinder can show settings like shooting mode, exposure level, white balance, drive mode, AF operation, metering mode, recording format, even an electronic level and more. All of this information can be displayed by or superimposed easily over the image for review while shooting, and multiple views are customizable through the EOS 7D Mark II’s simple user interface.

Improved custom controls and built-in intervalometer and bulb timer for expanded creativity

An EOS first, the EOS 7D Mark II offers time-lapse fixed-point shooting and long exposures without the need for a remote control. The EOS 7D Mark II’s interval timer takes from 1 to 99 shots at preselected intervals, ideal for shooting flowers as they bloom or clouds drifting through the sky. Its built-in bulb timer keeps the shutter open for a designated amount of time, perfect for night photography, or to capture the flow of traffic on a street corner.

Magnesium alloy body with shutter durability up to 200,000 cycles and enhanced dust and weather resistance

The EOS 7D Mark II is constructed of the highest quality materials, and to exacting standards that ensure unfettered performance at all times. For example, the shutter can shoot at speeds up to 1/8000 sec. for up to 200,000 cycles, the chassis is built of lightweight and rigid magnesium, and the camera’s seals are built to resist water and dust. This combination makes the EOS 7D Mark II ready for almost anything.

EOS Scene Detection System features a new 150,000-pixel RGB+IR Metering Sensor for improved precision

The EOS 7D Mark II has an amazing iSA Intelligent Subject Analysis system that employs an independent RGB light sensor with approximately 150,000-pixel resolution. This sensor enables Canon’s intelligent Tracking and Recognition system (iTR AF) that detects and tracks subjects, automatically switching the AF point to optimize tracking. With new tracking algorithms tailored to recognize faces and colors, this system serves as a brilliant foundation to the EOS 7D Mark II’s AF system.

Anti-flicker shooting

The EOS 7D Mark II features a new flicker detection system that not only alerts the user in the viewfinder, but with the camera’s Anti-Flicker Shooting function can compensate for flickering light sources, taking shots only at peak light volume. This feature is useful for minimizing disparities in color and exposure, especially during continuous shooting in sub-optimal lighting situations.

You can place your pre-order at your favorite camera stores now. I will not be posting links to any stores since I am completely unbiased and do not accept commission from any company.