Will Canon announce EOS-7D Mark III camera to replace EOS-7D Mark II model?

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

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 or Q1, 2020. The EOS-80D and EOS-7D Mark II replacement may morph 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, there 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.

Admittedly, medium and high end DSLR sales are on the decline. Their price and weight (including the complementary line of Super Telephoto lenses) will deter many except the die-hard photographers who demand the best equipment.

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 or its equivalent. 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

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

When Is Canon EOS-7D Mark III Camera Coming?

Canon announced the EOS-7D Mark II camera in 2014. My readers will remember when the original EOS-7D was released in late 2009, I picked it as the best APS-C camera for sports and wildlife photography 4 years in a row.

The current Mark II version is an excellent camera but it has stiff competition from the Nikon D500. This camera has accompanied me on many global wildlife photo shoots and has not disappointed me so far. You can read my comprehensive review here. I expect Canon to release a major firmware upgrade to 'jazz up' the camera's performance until the Mark III version arrives in the second half of 2018.

While it is too early to know anything definitive about the Mark III model, I suspect the following additional specs may be part of the new camera :

• New mid 20MP sensor
• Much improved ISO performance
• 4K video
• GPS, Bluetooth and NFC
• Dual DIGIC 7 processor
• 3.2 inch LCD screen with 1.6M dots

Keep checking back. More to come as I receive additional information.