Canon EOS R7 Mark II Rumors 2026 - Specs, Features & Expectations

At long last, Canon is expected in the coming months to launch the EOS R7 Mark II, the successor to the well-regarded but now somewhat outdated EOS R7. The 7 series of cameras started with the original EOS 7D launched in 2009. That camera was hotly anticipated and for good reason. It would feature a new, high-resolution APS-C sensor that was built on the best technology the Canon could muster. It was a fast camera, too, only slightly slower than the top of the line 1D Mark IV but it had more resolution than that APS-H sensor-based camera. It also had full professional weather sealing and was Canon’s first real attempt to create a hybrid DSLR that could produce reasonably good quality HD video. 

The original 7D was a hit and was followed by the 7D Mark II a few years later that improved on the original in almost every way. While the original still remains a capable camera in 2026, it is more a niche, throwback camera compared to the Mark II. With improved resolution and image quality, the Mark II is still a reasonable choice for an APS-C wildlife and sports camera today. 

R-Mount Mirrorless Comes to Canon APS-C

Released in 2022, the R7 was the mirrorless evolution from the EF-S mount 7D DSLR cameras. It offered much increased resolution along with faster high-speed continuous shooting, radically improved autofocus technology and in-body stabilization. 

Specs included: 

• Sensor: 32.5-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor (Dual Pixel CMOS AF II)
• Processor: DIGIC X image processor
• Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with subject detection and tracking (people, animals including birds, vehicles)
  •  Up to 651 AF zones
  • Eye, face, head, and body detection
• Burst Shooting:
  • Up to 15 fps mechanical shutter
  • Up to 30 fps electronic shutter (with first-curtain or fully electronic)
• Image Stabilization: In-body Image Stabilizer (IBIS) up to 7 stops (with compatible RF lenses) or 8 stops with coordinated control
• Video Capabilities:
  • 4K 60p (oversampled from 7K, no crop)
  • 4K 30p (full sensor readout)
  • Full HD 120p
  • Canon Log 3, HDR PQ, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
  • No recording time limit (with adequate cooling)
• Viewfinder: 0.39-inch OLED EVF, 2.36 million dots, 120 fps refresh rate
• Rear Screen: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD, 1.62 million dots
• ISO Range: 100–32,000 (expandable to 51,200)
• Storage: Dual UHS-II SD card slots
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5 GHz + Bluetooth, USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, micro HDMI (Type D), 3.5mm mic input
• Battery: LP-E6NH (compatible with LP-E6N), ~660 shots (CIPA standard)
• Build: Magnesium alloy body, weather-sealed (dust and moisture resistant)
• Weight: Approx. 612g (body only) / 660g with card and battery

The R7 was and is a great update to the 7 series of APS-C cameras from Canon. But it has been outclassed by several cameras from other manufacturers, notably Fujifilm. Another update is needed if Canon is going to continue to compete in the cropped-sensor format.

Canon R7 Mark II Rumors

Now anticipated to be launching in May, the revised R7 Mark II is set to become the most powerful APS-C digital camera in the market -- maybe. Here are some key updates that I would want in the new camera:

1.  Faster sensor read out speed to reduce rolling shutter in video and to make electronic shutter photography better for fast action like birds in flight.
2. Advanced video features on par with or better than what was available in the Canon R5C.

A. 8K Raw Video
B. Oversampled 4K FINE UHD
C. Ability to shoot wither UHD 4K or DCI 4K
D. All flavors of Canon Log
E. Open gate
F. 4k 120p uncrossed
G. 14 stops of dynamic range (more if possible!)

3. Bigger body with improved grip
4. Advanced weather sealing on par with the Canon R3
5. Improved in-body stabilization with less "jello" effect for hand-held video work.
6. A price that is no more expensive than the original price of the EOS 7D in 2009 ($1,699)

That last bit, the price, might be wishful thinking. But, if Canon can do all of these things at that price I think they will have a winner. 

As far as resolution, I would like to see 40 megapixels, though current speculation indicates 39 megapixels is the likely number. 

2026: The Year for Canon APS-C with the R7 Mark II?

If Canon can deliver all of the above, I think they'll have a hit on their hands. One of these cameras will probably find its way into the rotation for our clients as well, both for video and photography work.

Moreover, the upcoming R7 Mark II could very well be what the original 7D was -- a ground breaking class leader in technology and image quality that set the standard for the APS-C sensor format for several years.

Recently, Canon has been focused on delivering the best full-frame RF mount cameras it can, with excellent options ranging from the excellent R5 Mark II to the newly available and stunning R6 Mark III. 

If the company can now deliver an APS-C camera in the R7 Mark II that is in line with the technical and image quality capabilities of those two full-frame cameras, 2026 could very will be the year that Canon retakes the APS-C crown.