Canon 7D 18-megapixel APS-C (1.6x crop) DSLR

The Canon EOS 7D has been officially announced today.  Presented below in unedited format is the official press release.

Canon 7D Press Release

CANON U.S.A. REDEFINES MID-RANGE DSLR CATEGORY WITH THE NEW EOS 7D DIGITAL SLR CAMERA

The EOS 7D Features Fast Eight fps Continuous Shooting, Class-Leading 18-Megapixel Resolution and Full HD Video Recording with Variable Frame Rates and Manual Exposure Control

Lake Success, N.Y., September 1, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced a revolutionary camera that redefines the highly competitive mid-range DSLR product category: the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. Professional photographers and advanced amateurs have been demanding higher performance and more diverse functions in their cameras, and Canon has answered – with the new EOS 7D. Far more than a slight improvement from a previous model, the EOS 7D DSLR is a brand new product that stands on its own with new features never before seen in any Canon camera. Whether it’s shooting at eight frames per second (fps), focusing with the new Zone AF mode or recording 24p Full HD video, the EOS 7D DSLR camera satisfies the most rigorous professional requirements with durability, flexibility, high-resolution images and customizable controls. With its unprecedented out-of-the-box performance and high-end feature set, the EOS 7D is poised as the ultimate step-up camera for serious photographers or a second camera for professionals in the field.

The EOS 7D boasts significant EOS advancements including a completely new 19-point Autofocus system, a new Canon iFCL Metering System (Intelligent Focus, Color, Luminance) and a new Intelligent Viewfinder. An 18-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors fuel the EOS 7D’s 14-bit A/D data conversion and its ability to freeze fast motion in high-resolution with eight fps continuous shooting up to 126 Large JPEGS using a UDMA CF card, positioning this camera for the studio as well as the sideline. The EOS 7D captures beautiful low-light images with or without a flash, at occasions such as a dance recital or wedding reception, thanks to a wide range of ISO speed settings from 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800). In addition to its new still capture capabilities, the EOS 7D features Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p. Native 24p recording helps videographers achieve a more cinema-style look for their footage without the need for post-processing.

“The EOS 7D represents a completely new chapter in digital photography and Canon product development. This camera stands alone as the most functional and innovative DSLR Canon has released to-date, bringing together all of the best professional features offered, along with numerous user requests at a price-point everyone can appreciate,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Evolution of Vision, the EOS 7D’s New Autofocus System

The Canon EOS 7D boasts the most advanced AF system ever seen in an EOS SLR. The completely re-designed system includes a new multi-axis cross-type 19-point AF grid, where the focusing points are evenly spread out across the image plane and clearly displayed through Canon’s new Intelligent Viewfinder. All 19 points are f/5.6-sensitive for both horizontal and vertical cross-type focusing, while the center AF point adds high-precision diagonal cross-type sensitivity for f/2.8 and larger aperture lenses. The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is the first EOS SLR to feature 19 cross-type focusing points that remain fully functional with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, which brings the performance of the AF system to unprecedented levels for assignments as varied as fast-moving sports action or low-light wedding ceremonies.

The Canon EOS 7D’s AF system allows numerous AF area selection modes never seen before in an EOS SLR camera. New modes include:

• Spot AF mode reduces the size of a single AF point to focus on small subjects like an animal in a cage.
• AF Point Expansion mode uses a cluster of AF points adjacent to the selected AF point to automatically assist focusing on moving subjects, such as an athlete on the run.
• Zone AF divides the 19 AF points into five selectable focusing zones and makes it easier to achieve focus with subjects that are difficult to track with Single Point AF or AF point expansion, such as birds in flight.

Additional AF improvements include a revised Automatic AF point selection sequence that allows a user to pick any one of the 19 AF points as a starting point for tracking moving subjects in AI Servo mode. (Previous EOS models required the subject to first be acquired by the center focusing point.) If the subject moves away, the camera will continue to track the movement with the remaining points and display the active focusing point in the viewfinder. Also, a time-saving feature is AF Point Switching, which allows photographers to select and register one AF point for horizontal compositions and a second AF point for vertical shooting, ideal for studio and portrait photographers.

To complement the new AF system, the exposure metering system for the EOS 7D has been completely re-designed to take color information into account, another first for an EOS system. Canon’s iFCL metering includes a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor that reads both illumination and color for consistent results in all lighting conditions, keeping exposure levels stable from shot to shot, even as the light source changes.

Canon’s new Intelligent Viewfinder uses a liquid crystal overlay to provide clear and precise displays of focusing points and zones, on-demand grid lines and a spot metering circle. The LCD overlay can also be illuminated in extreme low-light situations or turned off completely. The EOS 7D camera’s viewfinder includes a large all-glass pentaprism with an antireflective coating to maximize clarity and provide a brighter display. The EOS 7D’s Intelligent Viewfinder features 1.0x magnification with 100 percent coverage for accurate composition and checking of detail.

EOS HD Movie: Empowering the World of Videography

Canon has blazed new trails in HD video capture with the 5D Mark II. Now, the EOS 7D takes DSLR video to new heights with Full HD capture featuring fully manual exposure control, and selectable cinematic frame rates for both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards. Compatible with more than 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses, the EOS 7D lets videographers take full advantage of the camera’s large CMOS sensor to achieve the dramatic frame composition they desire. At the heart of the EOS 7D are two key proprietary Canon technologies, Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors and a large APS-C-sized CMOS sensor, helping to render stunning color reproduction, amazing depth of field and fine detail, even in low-light conditions. The Canon EOS 7D allows for three video recording modes – Full HD and HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio, all at selectable frame rates. The EOS 7D Digital SLR camera will record Full HD at 1920 x 1080 pixels in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); 720p HD recording at 50p or 60p (59.94) and SD video at frame rates of 50p or 60p (59.94). The EOS 7D features a new dedicated button to initiate live view for both video and still shooting. Once engaged, the same dedicated button will start and stop video recording. Like the EOS 5D Mark II, the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera provides users with the capability to use an external stereo microphone for professional audio effects or a built-in monaural microphone for convenience.

The Features You Asked For

A helpful new tool for architectural and landscape photography where angles and perspective are critical is Canon’s new built-in Dual Axis Electronic Level, featuring an artificial horizon over the image on the rear LCD screen in Live View or in the viewfinder using illuminated AF points for easy leveling while shooting. The dual axis electronic level shows both horizontal roll and vertical pitch, making it easy to identify when the camera is in a fixed level shooting position and ready to take the shot.

The EOS 7D’s pop-up flash features a built-in Integrated Speedlite Transmitter for control of multiple off-camera EOS Speedlites without the need for an external transmitter. This built-in wireless option is a compact and economical solution for studio and wedding photography with multiple flash set-ups.

A new Intelligent Macro Tracking function helps reduce blur during macro shooting by recognizing when a macro lens is attached and automatically adjusting the AI Servo sampling frequency. This AI Servo adjustment accounts for camera movement forward and back, a typical occurrence when moving in close for a macro shot as photographers rock back and forth, or a flower blows in the wind.

Once in your hands, you can immediately feel the ergonomic improvements of the Canon EOS 7D camera, starting with a new super-fluid body design with continuous curves outlining the top of the camera and a revised grip that fits better in a user’s hand. The camera has a new Quick Control Button, which opens an easy-to-navigate menu on the camera’s LCD screen. From this menu, users can adjust all camera settings including AF modes as well as set custom button functions, an insightful new feature that can easily customize each button’s function to the photographer’s preference. Another new feature is the RAW/JPEG toggle button providing quick dual-format shooting, allowing photographers to quickly add large JPEG or RAW file formats to their already selected shooting mode at the touch of a button.

The Canon EOS 7D camera also features a new large, clear 3.0-inch solid structure Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution for enhanced clarity and color when viewing images. The camera’s nine internal seals enhance weather resistance, and its 150,000-cycle shutter durability positions the EOS 7D as a “workhorse” for professionals in any photography discipline.

New Wireless Connectivity

Canon is announcing the availability of the new WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter (WFT) exclusively for the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter offers professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work. The WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter opens the door to new possibilities in remote and Geotagged shooting applications. Photographers can fire up to 10 cameras simultaneously from across the room or across the country while maintaining control over camera settings and remote live view on a laptop or smart phone.i The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter can also transfer and display images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible televisions and photo frames. Geotagging is now possible via Bluetooth, using compatible GPS devices to append coordinate data to the images.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers at the end of September, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $1,699.00ii. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,899.00iii. The Canon WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter is scheduled to be available in early November and sell at an estimated retail price of $699.99iv.

Canon Digital Learning Center

Online visitors and Web surfers are encouraged to browse the Canon Digital Learning Center and take advantage of the various educational resources that Canon has to offer for novices and advanced photographers alike. The Canon Digital Learning Center provides a schedule for a wide variety of Live Learning classes across the country with renowned photographers as well as online resources and tips. The site also features online tutorials for beginners and professionals to learn their way around a digital SLR camera and inkjet printer and unlock the full creative control of digital photography. To learn more about each program and register, please visit: www.usa.canon.com/canonlivelearning

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2008†, with global revenues of US $45 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2008 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

# # #

Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
* Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

† Based on weekly patent counts issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.
i The WFT-E5A WFT unit supports various LAN functions, including wireless LAN “11a” in environments where IEEE802.11b/g cannot be used, high-speed communication Ethernet (100BASE-TX), and Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). The WFT-E5A will also support the WFT server, which enables remote shooting while viewing the Live View image on a computer or handheld terminal, such as a smart phone.
ii Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
iii Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
iv Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

As you can see, Mr. Hitler is very upset about the Canon 7D…

The Canon 7D is slotted between the Canon 50D and 5D Mark II.  The Canon 7D retains the 1.6x crop sensor format of the 50D and its predecessors and is geared toward serious amateurs and pro wildlife and sports photographers.

The Canon 7D should be available fall 2009.  Check availability at Amazon.com.

Canon 7D Key Features

• 18-megapixel CMOS sensor
• Dual DIGIC 4 image processors
• 8 frames per second (max 94 JPEG / 15 RAW images)
• ISO 100-12800 (in ISO expansion mode)
• 19 point cross-type AF sensors
• Center AF point is 8-directional double cross-type
• 100% viewfinder coverage
• 1.0x viewfinder magnification
• 63 zone iFCL metering system
• 3″ 920k dot resolution LCD display
• 1080p HD video
• Live view mode
• External mic input
• HDMI output
• Pop-up Flash
• 150k actuation rated shutter

Another set of rumored specs for the Canon 7D has surfaced online – again the DP Review forum users are to blame.

Canon 7D Specs?

• 18-megapixels
• 8 frames per second
• 19 AF Points

[via Canon Rumors]

Another leak of an image purporting to be part of the Canon 7D has surfaced on a number of sites online.

The image is of the top plastic housing of what appears to be a new camera.  The speculation among a number of sites seems to be at a consensus that it is the Canon 7D.

[via DP Review among others]

The Canon 7D appears to be a realization now and only a matter of time before Canon officially announces it.  The above image comes courtesy of a forum poster on DP Review.

An analysis of this image in Photoshop reveals that it is either a very good fake image or a genuine leak.  It also reveals several other features, including:

• Built-in flash
• Video (via the mic holes)
• Body construction somewhere between the 50D and 5D Mark II

Additionally, one forum poster suggests that the lens attached to the camera could be the EF-S 18-55mm IS lens due to the location of the AF/MF switch.

The latest rumors suggest that the camera will be officially unveiled by Canon at a press conference on September 1, 2009.

The interwebs are abound with rumors about what the next Canon cameras to be launched will be. We know that there are events going on August 19th and September 1st. Canon Rumors says that the former will be for Powershots and the latter for the EOS line, seemingly the 1D Mk IV. But we’ve also been hearing rumors that the lower mid-level EOS line will see some more revamps on the 19th as well. Here’s a compilation of all the rumors we’ve seen and heard up to this point in the year so maybe we can sort this all out.

January

We were hoping for an announcement of some sort about the pro line of cameras back around this month, but we really didn’t hear much. All we got was that a budget was in place.

February

This month is when a little bit more buzz started coming out. We started hearing more about the Canon 60D or Canon 7D and more 1D Mk IV rumors and speculation. This is around the time when the 7D started sounding more like a Nikon D300 killer of some sort. This is also when we heard speculation about the use of a 16MP full frame sensor in the 1D Mark IV, while still maintaining 10 fps.

April

In April, different 1D Mk IV rumors started coming out pointing and different possibilities for the camera. We heard things like a 16MP full frame sensor, 18.2MP full frame sensor with 12fps and built in WiFi capabilities, and a 16MP sensor with 11fps. The speculation here grew even stronger because around this point we started to hear more and different things, which made trying to weed out the truth even harder to do.

June

The 60D and 1D Mk IV rumors continued. It was claimed that the 60D will have GPS built-in with WiFi as an additional option. Further, the 1D Mk IV was speculated to have the same features as well as have an APS-H sensor.

July

The Canon 3D rumors started pushing their way back to the top again. Whatever it is, it sounds very similar to the 7D in that it’s supposed to blow the Nikon D300 away. It was also said at this point that it will be announced after the D300 successor. With the D300s already announced, there is a possibility that we may hear about it soon.

Analysis

It makes total sense that these announcements will come as the 50D and the 5D Mk II were announced at around the same time. Additionally, the 1D and 1Ds are both in dire need of an upgrade. With the 5D Mk II still moving units very quickly, Canon probably will not replace it yet and will surely wait to see what Nikon has to give us in the form of the D700 successor. However, Canon needs something new to take on the Nikon D3x, D3, and D300.

As it is, Canon may have a hard time sticking with an APS-C sensor camera to take on the D300. Take a look at this chart and you’ll see why.

(See it larger here at Phillip Bloom’s Blog)

According to the chart, there are two types of APS-C sensors. Canon uses the smaller one vs the one that Nikon and Sony use. Because of the smaller sensor, they can surely make the smaller body cameras that will appeal to users with smaller hands. However, when it comes to sports and photojournalists that need those great quality shots, Canon will not really be able to compete with the bigger sensor. In this case, they need to put an APS-H sensor in a smaller camera. Whether that means putting it into a 5D Mk II body or a 50D body is what we will have to see.

Photojournalists and sports photographers love APS-H. Canon’s 1D Mk III shot the Olympics last year and photojournalists appreciate the ability to use the nice L lenses with a larger sensor but not as large as something like a 5D Mk II’s full frame sensor.

The point is that a need for the APS-H sensor camera is there, not only to move units but also for the Canon users. However, they also don’t want to just leave their 40D/50D users in the dust. Canon has to find a way to get more 40D users to upgrade.

As for the 1D Mk IV, they obviously have to meet Nikon’s D3 head-on and then best it in some way or another. GPS and WiFi built in would be a very nice and useful feature to help photographers get their images to their destined source much faster in order to compete with other photographers and normal folk using something like their iPhone.

It’d be very interesting for Canon to make the successor a full frame camera instead of making it APS-H again. Is so, then it will surely take on the D3 in terms of being the low-light king.

Canon 7D

This Canon 7D mockup image came with a spec list, which is rumored to include:

• 16.8 M-pixel 1.3 Crop Factor
• DIGIC IV
• ISO 100-6400 (extension: 50 ISO & 25400 ISO)
• 5 fps
• 3.2″ High Resolution Screen (LCD)
• 19-point AF
• HDMI Out
• Liveview
• HD Movie Mode including 720P (30FPS)
• Viewfinder: 100% Coverage
• Weather sealing as of 5D MKII
• EF Lenses only

[via DP Review]