Among the enhancements is a new 20.2-million-pixel imaging sensor featuring ‘redesigned’ micro lenses, to make them more efficient, according to Canon UK product intelligence consultant David Parry.
Canon claims that the 7D II is also more dust and moisture resistant than its predecessor, which featured 18MP but was 90g lighter than the 7D II.
The new version weighs 910g (body only). AP journalists were the first in the UK to see the 7D II, the launch of which follows feedback from 7D users.
Key firepower includes 10 frames-per-second shooting (compared to 8fps on the 7D), for up to 31 raw files. A new AF system boasts 65 points (all cross-type), with a centre point promising dual cross-type focusing at f/2.8.
In a boost for wildlife and sports photographers, the 7D II incorporates EOS iTR AF and Al Servo III technologies – first introduced in the EOS-1D X – to help subject tracking accuracy.
Canon claims the 7D II boasts a performance ‘almost matches the EOS-1D series’.
Also on board is a ‘more accurate’ 252-zone (150,000 pixel sensor) RGB exposure metering system, an improvement on the 1-series, explained Parry.
And the sensor now includes ‘flicker detection’, designed to ensure ‘images are only shot when light levels are at their brightest level’ – intelligently analysing the light source and detecting flickering light the eye simply can’t see’.
The 7D II does not come with built-in Wi-Fi, a move that would have added extra cost to the camera, which is expected to cost £1,599.99, body only, when it goes on sale in early November.
Parry reasons that, in any case, the camera’s target audience would be better served using a transmitter suited for transferring ‘raw’ files.
It is, therefore, compatible with the WFT-E7 that was launched alongside the EOS 5D Mark III. However, the 7D II is compatible with Eye-Fi cards.
Armoury also includes a built-in compass and GPS. Movie control has also been improved. For example, the Movie Servo AF speed and tracking sensitivity can be customised – a first for EOS – designed to give filmmakers ‘complete control for pull-focus effects and transitions between subjects’.
The 7D II also comes with a top sensitivity of 51,200, when expanded, and the highest native ISO in a Canon APS-C model of 16,000. The 100% optical viewfinder has 1x magnification and the 7D II features a Dual Digic 6 image processor.
Canon used a UK press briefing to stress the importance of the photo enthusiast to the UK photographic market. ‘The enthusiast is incredibly important to us – not just to Canon but to the whole photographic industry,’ said Parry, emphasising the knock on benefits in terms of tripod and accessory sales.
Most 7D camera sales across Europe stemmed from the UK, creating a larger potential market for SLRs aimed at this level of user, he Parry.
Manual operation extends to movie operation, where photographers can adjust shutter speed, aperture and ISO sensitivity.
Priced £1,600 and due out in October, features also include a 65-point AF system and a 10 frames-per-second burst rate.
