Canon EOS-7D Mark III and EOS-90D may morphed into a single camera

* * * Canon EOS-7D line rumored to be discontinued  * * *

Just back from my wildlife photography tour of India. You can follow my travels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com.

Canon announced the expected entry level EOS RP, full frame mirrorless camera recently and is planning to announce at least 6 new RF lenses in the next few months. You can download the Owner Manual here and read it before you buy. As I mentioned before, unless Canon comes out with an EOS-1 equivalent type of full frame mirrorless camera, your truly has no interest in this line of equipment.

As my readers know, I am waiting for the successor of the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-7D Mark II bodies to arrive some time in late 2019. The EOS-80D and EOS-7D Mark II successors will probably be morphed into a single camera. Frankly it's about time. There are too many models in Canon's lineup it is becoming a difference without a distinction.

In my opinion, the should only be four EOS line of cameras - EOS-1, EOS-5, EOS-7 and EOS-R. In addition, the PowerShot line can fill out the remainder. Anything more than that is unnecessary and add more confusion than differentiation.

It is early days yet to speculate on the new camera's features but I am hoping for the following specs for the EOS-7D Mark III. Keep checking back for the latest information :

• Low to Mid 20MP sensor
• Dual Digic 8 processors
• 10 fps (12 fps possible but unlikely)
• 4K+ video @ 30fps and 1080p @ 60fps
• Pop up flash and WiFi. GPS and WiFi  more likely
• 2 memory slots, one SD and one CFast (Unlikely. Dual SD more likely)
• AF points to below 100 with more cross-type points
• Increase in high ISO and Dynamic Range performance
• Addition of illuminated buttons on the back panel

Canon To Announce A Slew Of RF Lenses For The EOS-R Camera In 2019

My readers know me as The Wildlife Ho-tographer, and my three decades of utilizing Canon equipment. As you know, I am not a buyer of the current EOS-R camera but will reconsider my decision when they announce their pro model this year.

Also expected in 2019 is a bunch of RF lens announcement. The following are rumored :

• RF 16-35mm f/2.8L 
• RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS
• RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS
• RF 105mm f/1.4L
• RF 85mm f/1.8 IS STM
• RF Macro lens
• RF non-L kit lens

My advice to Canon is, do not place too much emphasis on the EOS-R and RF lenses, at the expense of the traditional high end EOS cameras and EF lenses, like the successors to the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-7D Mark II. There will be ample space for both camera and lens system to coexist for many years to come. As a global leader in photographic equipment, you can handle more than one system at a time.

The Rugby World Cup in 2019, follow by the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 are the perfect events to highlight Canon's dominance in sports and wildlife photography. How many pro photographers do you think will be taking a EOS-R camera to these events?

New Canon Registered Camera Models Coming in 2019

The following registered Canon camera models are expected to be announced some time in the first half of 2019. I also expect the EOS-7D Mark III and the professional model of the EOS-R to be announced, perhaps around the middle of next year.

My readers know me as The Wildlife Ho-tographer and the reason why I am not buying the current EOS-R camera right now. I have been using Canon gear for over 30 years. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

The recently announced EOS-R is designed to appeal to a mass, prosumer market. When the pro model of the EOS-R is announced, I expect advanced features like a high burst rate with focus-tracking (similar to the EOS-1D X Mark II), in-body image stabilization, dual memory card slots and ultra-high resolution to be included. If that proves to be the case, I will give the EOS-R a second look and I expect to be invited to a VIP hands-on preview again.


DS 126751 (EOS 90D?)

• Digital camera (single lens reflex or RF mounting machine)
• Made in Japan (Oita Plant)
• Wi-Fi · Bluetooth installed
• SKU: 3380C003AA, 3380C013AA, 3380C023AA
• Body only and two lens kits?

DS 126761 (Entry level EOS R model?)

• Digital camera (DSLR or RF mount)
• Made in Taiwan or Made in Japan (Oita Plant)
• Wi-Fi · Bluetooth installed
• SKU: 3454C001AA, 3454C002AA, 3454C003AA, 3458C001AA, 3461C001AA
• Three color variations?
• Black is only body and lens kit 2 types, the other two lens kit only?
• What are the model names? (The model name differs perhaps in the United States, Japan and other regions)

PC 2355 (PowerShot G7 X Mark III?)

• Digital camera
• Made in Japan (Nagasaki Plant)
• Wi-Fi · Bluetooth installed

More Canon Cameras and Lenses Showed Up For Certification

As reported in my earlier post, in addition to the new cameras we are expecting from Canon in the next 6 to 12 months, there are additional EF lenses and cameras that have applied for certification to various agencies.

DS 126721 (EOS Body)

Interchangeable lens camera (DSLR or full frame mirrorless) with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in. The camera uses the LP-E6 / LP-E6N battery.

PC 2352 (PowerShot)

This digital camera is made in Japan with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in.

There are also five (5) EF Interchangeable lenses. One of them is most likely to be the EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM. Two of the lenses may be destined for a kit, perhaps the EOS-80D Mark II or EOS-7D Mark III camera. The remaining two lenses appear to be the 'L' grade professional model.

• 2439C005AA
• 2959C005AA
• 2963C005AA
• 2972C005AA
• 3045C005AA

New Canon Camera Bodies Showed Up For Certification

Canon is expected to announce a high end, full frame mirrorless camera, the EOS-90D and EOS-7D Mark III in the next 6 to 12 months.

A few Canon camera bodies have shown up as the company filed registration papers with certification authorities in various countries.

Canon DS126721 is registered with overseas certification bodies. This is most probably a new Rebel camera with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth.

Two DSLR test cameras are code named K436 (EOS-80D Mark II or EOS-90D?) and K437 (EOS-7D Mark III?). Additional mirrorless cameras are code named K424, K433 and EC 811. All the new cameras come with the DIGIC 8 processors.

K424 will be a 30MP full frame mirrorless camera and announcement is expected in late 2018 or early 2019. K333 will also be a full frame mirrorless camera but with less features and a lower price.
EC 811 may be the EOS-M5 Mark II APS-C mirrorless camera.

Sadly, I am not convinced the upcoming high end, Canon full frame mirrorless camera will fit my needs unless it comes with the EF mount. These are early days and there is little point in further speculation. Keep checking back for the latest information and development.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II Lens and EOS-7D Mark III Camera

As reported earlier, Canon should be announcing the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II lens very soon. However, the replacement of the EOS-7D Mark II camera may come in early 2019. Here's my wish list for the EOS-7D Mark III camera.

It is not unusual for Canon to shift around the announcement date a few months here and there. I suspect they may have other priorities in mind, like getting the long overdue high end, full frame mirrorless camera to market.

Canon EOS-7D Mark III Camera To Come With 4K Video

My readers know me as The Wildlife Ho-tographer. I have been using Canon equipment for almost three decades. Through the years, I have owned and used almost all of Canon professional and consumer grade gear and have tested many of them on global wildlife photo tours.

As you know, I have picked the EOS-7D as the best APS-C camera on the market for action and wildlife photography fours years in a row after it was announced in 2009. The Mark II model came out in 2014 followed by the Nikon D500 in January, 2016.

Read my comprehensive review of the Mark II model. For those interested in comparing the EOS-7D Mark II to the EOS-80D, read my earlier post. I will be off on an East Africa wildlife photo shoot very soon. You can follow my travels on Facebook  and Twitter , see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Although the Mark II camera is a dramatic improvement over the earlier model, the Nikon D500 gave the Canon camera a real challenge and of course, the EOS-7D Mark III is just 'around the corner'. The test cameras are already out of the labs and into the wild for beta testing.

There are crazy rumors flying around saying the new camera will have a 30MP sensor and burst rate of 12+ fps, etc. Frankly, that is a lot of photography noise so early in the guessing game. The trend in the past few years has been to speed up the replacement cycle of higher end cameras.

Since the EOS-7D has always been the leader in Canon's APS-C camera lineup, it is very logical the Mark III will again come with a new generation of APS-C sensor. Many photographers are clamoring for everything under the sun and a list price of $1,499. One has to be more realistic about the business of manufacturing photography equipment.

Canon is a conservative and deliberative company. They rarely try to be the first in new features but there are some tried and true features like illuminated buttons that have appeared on other manufacturers' cameras for years. A recent patent from Canon shows they have finally made that 'leap'. My personal opinion is the Mark II is already a very good camera but a few improvements will make it an even better prosumer DSLR body. I expect the Mark III model to arrive some time by the middle of 2018. Keep checking back for the latest information as I get them.

Possible specs of the EOS-7D Mark III :

• A slight increase in megapixels, low to mid 20s for the sensor.
• 10 fps (12 fps possible but unlikely)
• 4K video @ 30fps and 1080p @ 60fps
• GPS and WiFi will probably be included
• 2 memory slots, one CF and one CFast likely
• Additional AF points to below 100 with more cross-type points
• Increase in high ISO and Dynamic Range performance
• Addition of illuminated buttons on the back panel

New Canon Patent - EF-S 18-200mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens

The current EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is almost ten years old. Canon has patented a new version of this versatile zoom lens for APS-C camera. It aims to improve the image quality and add STM to the new model. Just in time for the announcement of the EOS-7D Mark III camera some time in Q2 of 2018.

2017 is rapidly coming to an end. Thanks for your interest and support. All the best to my readers for 2018. It will be another eventful new year for photography and especially Canon. I will be starting my wildlife photo tours in early January with another year of global trips ahead. You can follow my travels on Facebook  and Twitter , see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com


Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/4-5.6 Patent

• Zoom magnification 10.38 times 
• Focal length 18.60 (wide angle) 49.08 (intermediate) 193.00 (telephoto) 
• F value 3.59 4.89 5.88 
• Half angle of view 36.29 15.55 4.05 
• Image height 13.66 13.66 13.66 
• Total length 145.05 172.07 200.21 
• Back focus 38.23 59.69 74.12　

Canon EOS-7D Mark III Camera Coming By Middle of 2018

My readers know me as The Wildlife Ho-tographer. I have been using Canon equipment for almost three decades. Through the years, I have owned and used almost all of Canon professional and consumer grade gear and have tested many of them on global wildlife photo tours.

As you know, I have picked the EOS-7D as the best APS-C camera on the market for action and wildlife photography fours years in a row after it was announced in 2009. The Mark II model came out in 2014 followed by the Nikon D500 in January, 2016.

Read my comprehensive review of the Mark II model. For those interested in comparing the EOS-7D Mark II to the EOS-80D, read my earlier post. You can follow my travels on Facebook  and Twitter , see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Although the Mark II camera is a dramatic improvement over the earlier model, the Nikon D500 gave the Canon camera a real challenge and of course, the EOS-7D Mark III is just 'around the corner'. The test cameras are already out of the labs and into the wild for beta testing.

There are crazy rumors flying around saying the new camera will have a 30MP sensor and burst rate of 12+ fps, etc. Frankly, that is a lot of photography noise so early in the guessing game. The trend in the past few years has been to speed up the replacement cycle of higher end cameras.

Since the EOS-7D has always been the leader in Canon's APS-C camera lineup, it is very logical the Mark III will again come with a new generation of APS-C sensor. Many photographers are clamoring for everything under the sun and a list price of $1,499. One has to be more realistic about the business of manufacturing photography equipment.

Canon is a conservative and deliberative company. They rarely try to be the first in new features but there are some tried and true features like illuminated buttons that have appeared on other manufacturers' cameras for years. A recent patent from Canon shows they have finally made that 'leap'. My personal opinion is the Mark II is already a very good camera but a few improvements will make it an even better prosumer DSLR body. I expect the Mark III model to arrive some time by the middle of 2018.

Here is my wish list for the EOS-7D Mark III :

• A slight increase in megapixels, low to mid 20s for the sensor.
• 10 fps is adequate but if technologically feasible, 12 fps is welcome
• 4K video is unnecessary for my needs but its de rigueur these days for any camera
• GPS and WiFi are also unnecessary for my needs but probably will be included
• Additional AF points to below 100 is critical with more cross-type points
• Increase in high ISO and Dynamic Range performance is critical
• Addition of illuminated buttons on the back panel is welcome

Will The Canon EOS-7D Mark III Camera Have Illuminated Buttons?

My readers know me as The Wildlife Ho-tographer. I have been using Canon equipment for almost three decades. Through the years, I have owned and used almost all of Canon professional and consumer grade gear and have tested many of them on global wildlife photo tours.

As you know, I have picked the EOS-7D as the best APS-C camera on the market for action and wildlife photography fours years in a row after it was announced in 2009. The Mark II model came out in 2014 followed by the Nikon D500 in January, 2016.

Read my comprehensive review of the Mark II DSLR. For those interested in comparing the EOS-7D Mark II to the EOS-80D, read my earlier post. You can follow my travels on Facebook  and Twitter , see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Although the Mark II camera is a dramatic improvement over the earlier model, the Nikon D500 gave the Canon camera a real challenge and of course, the EOS-7D Mark III is just 'around the corner'. The test cameras are already out of the labs and into the wild for beta testing.

There are crazy rumors flying around saying the new camera will have a 30MP sensor and burst rate of 12+ fps, etc. Frankly, that is a lot of photography noise so early in the guessing game. The trend in the past few years has been to speed up the replacement cycle of higher end cameras.

Since the EOS-7D has always been the leader in Canon's APS-C camera lineup, it is very logical the Mark III will again come with a new generation of APS-C sensor. Many photographers are clamoring for everything under the sun and a list price of $1,499. One has to be more realistic about the business of manufacturing photography equipment.

Canon is a conservative and deliberative company. They rarely try to be the first in new features but there are some tried and true functions like illuminated buttons that have appeared on other manufacturers' cameras for years. A recent patent from Canon shows they have finally made that 'leap'. My personal opinion is the Mark II is already a very good camera but a few improvements will make it an even better prosumer DSLR body. I expect the Mark III model to arrive some time by the middle of 2018. keep checking back for the latest information as I get them

Here is my wish list for the EOS-7D Mark III :

• A slight increase in megapixels, low to mid 20s for the sensor.
• 10 fps is adequate but if technologically feasible, 12 fps is welcome
• 4K video is unnecessary for my needs but its de rigueur these days for any camera
• GPS and WiFi are also unnecessary for my needs but probably will be included
• Additional AF points to below 100 is critical
• Increase in high ISO and Dynamic Range performance is critical
• Addition of illuminated buttons on the back panel is welcome