If noise about a new Canon EOS R7 turns out to be real, the days of Canon EF-M cameras might be limited.
Over the last two years, we have seen Canon grow their presence in the Mirrorless space. Full-Frame RF Mount cameras have come on in leaps and bounds, and many have re-joined the Canon fold. One area that Canon really needs to work on, though, is streamlining its offerings. Currently, Canon’s Mirrorless cameras are spread across two different mounts; EF-M and RF. This is incredibly confusing to consumers, especially as EF-M cameras offer no clear upgrade path to the newer RF mount. So, it comes as no surprise that there’s some noise about a potential Canon EOS R7. To me, this model number suggests it could be a Mirrorless replacement for the aging Canon 7D series, and honestly, this is what it needs to be. Let’s talk about this after the break.
So, what do we actually know about the potential Canon EOS R7? We know absolutely nothing about the camera. What we do know is that Canon’s General Manager, Tsuyoshi Tokura, has neither confirmed nor denied its existence. I know! What a startling revelation! The interview, held by a Japanese site called DC Watch, was recently shared by the lovely people at Canon Watch. When asked about a potential Canon EOS R7, Mr. Tokura simply stated that the lineup will be expanded in the future. Whether or not the lineup will be expanded with the Canon EOS R7 is still up for debate.
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Canon’s EF-M Mount Needs to Die
Canon has done a pretty good job with the RF mount cameras that have launched so far. The EOS RP is a good gateway into Full-Frame cameras that costs under $1,000. The EOS R was an excellent first attempt at replacing the EOS 5D IV. Now, the Canon EOS R6 and the Canon EOS R5 have proven that Canon means business in the Mirrorless space. If you haven’t noticed, all of these camera models are Full-Frame affairs. Canon’s APS-C presence is now limited to Rebel series DSLRs or the Mirrorless EF-M mount, which has not taken off outside of Asia.
With DSLR and EF/EF-S lens support coming to an end, this leaves Canon with the EF-M and RF Mounts. Canon’s APS-C Mirrorless cameras like the new M6 II are good cameras. Canon, however, has failed the system through its lack of lens support. Because of the lack of lenses, these cameras can be hard to recommend. Sure, you can adapt older Canon EF mount lenses to them, but when you buy into a system, you want native glass and support. Canon just hasn’t done enough to push the EF-M system forward. This is why the EF-M mount needs to die. It would make more sense for Canon to start over with APS-C cameras that use the RF mount. This is where the Canon EOS R7 could come into play.
The Canon EOS R7
There has been plenty of speculation floating around about the next camera from Canon. First, there was news about a high megapixel Mirrorless camera to take the reins from the Canon EOS 5DSR. While I am sure we’ll see that soon, I would expect that camera to have the model name of the EOS R 5SR, for example. To me, the EOS R7 just screams out as a potential replacement for the rugged workhorse Canon EOS 7D series.
Canon’s 7D DSLRs went head to head with the legendary Nikon D500. The 7D was an APS-C camera with fantastic ergonomics, outstanding weather sealing, and high burst rates. They were perfect for wildlife, nature, and sports photographers. A Mirrorless version of this camera would be absolutely perfect. As of right now, there isn’t a Mirrorless APS-C camera on the market that compares to these old rugged APS-C DSLRs. Canon would have the market cornered in this segment with a Canon EOS R7.
An APS-C RF Mount Camera Makes Perfect Sense
Releasing an APS-C Canon EOS R7 makes sense. Cram the camera with the 32.5-megapixel sensor found in the EOS M6 II, and give the camera the same excellent burst rates (14 fps). Canon should use Dual Pixel AF II and IBIS from the EOS R5 and R6, dual UHS-II card slots, and the RF Mount. Canon will have an APS-C powerhouse on their hands. Ensure the weather sealing is as excellent as the 7D II’s, and it will become a firm favorite with those who like to brave the great outdoors in any weather. An APS-C Canon EOS R7 would also pave a clear upgrade path to those who want to jump into Full-Frame RF mount cameras later. Canon will be able to simplify its lineup and put all their R&D efforts into RF Mount glass. It’s a win-win. Make it happen, Canon.
What do you think about a potential APS-C RF mount camera from Canon? Do you believe a Canon EOS R7 would sell? Should Canon skip APS-C altogether going forward? Let us know in the comment section below.