Canon 7D Mark II – 10 features I would like to see

If there were ever a Canon 7D Mark II, here is my wish list and some explanations on why I would like to see these features.

24 Megapixel Sensor with usable shots at ISO-6400
Canon has already shown this to be more than possible in the recently released 70D
Next generation Hybrid AF Sensor
The 70D sensor based AF system has proven that Canon has finally sorted this feature out. This is perhaps the single biggest reason I don’t do more video with my 7D. Manual focus tracking is just too much hassle, especially when switching lenses during a shoot or you subject keeps drifting in and out of the field of focus.
Dual DIGIC 5 processors
The 7D proves that this is indispensable when it comes to Pro bodies. It leads to everything from faster (near instant) start-up times, fast and deep burst modes, better metering, AF tracking, etc, etc.
19-21 all cross type AF system, evenly distributed across the frame
The existing AF system in the 7D is bested only by that in the 1Dx. In real world settings, the 61 point AF system in the 5D Mark III is ridiculous and far from useful. It’s little more than a marketing gimmick (much like GPS) than a relevant feature. If anything selecting AF points on the 5D Mark III slows my productivity down, distracts me from my photo shoot and usually hit-or miss.
Dedicated processor for AF
Just like the current 7D, this is perhaps it’s single greatest strength. The AF system on the 7D is near invincible. It just works every time, on time and with almost no light at all, where the 5D Mark III will hunt half the time or just not acquire AF at all. This has been my single greatest frustration with the 5D Mark III. It has a fancy AF system, but it does NOT deliver as reliably and consistently as the 7D’s AF system. It also does not track as well as the 7D. I believe a big part of this is the shared single DIGIC 5 processor. No matter how much faster it may be than the DIGIC 4, it still must be multi-tasked with all other camera functions (metering, image processing, buffering, AF, OS, etc). This translates to some noticeable and sometimes serious lag. If you haven’t used a 7D or 1Dx, you most likely will not notice this. 🙂
10fps high speed burst mode
8fps is the minimum for capturing any kind of action. The 7D proves this. The 5D Mark III’s 6fps is just too slow for action. I’ve found my self missing half the shots I would otherwise get with my 7D. Cannon has already proven that 14fps is possible, but that is overkill too, just like the 5D3’s AF system. I good solid balance would be 10fps with a much much deeper burst than the already impressive 29 RAW+JPEG or 125 JPEG only. With two DIGIC5 processors and a little more on-board memory they should be able to double that easily.
NO GPS!
I’ve been out shooting a lot of places and not once have I wished for GPS. From what I understand, this feature is also incompatible with the 7D’s rugged chassis, and the main reason the 6D is part plastic. NO! NO! NO! I need rugged more than I need GPS. I also don’t need the added drain on my batteries or the extra menus to scroll through. NO!
WiFi Maybe
I’ve been out shooting a lot of places and not once have I wished for WiFi. I almost always work with RAWs and have no interest or need to upload my shot on the spot via my phone or whatever else. I have a remote trigger for when I need to work hands free. If anyone needs WiFi there’s the already very capable 70D or 6D. The 7D Mark II should have a higher purpose. I would sooner see an improvement on core features that directly affect my photography. When I’m out in the wild and off the grid, I don’t need the added drain on my batteries or the extra menus to scroll through. NO!
In camera HDR and faster with more than +/- 3 brackets
I find myself using this feature 90% of the time with my 5D Mark III, rather than doing bracketing. It’s extremely convenient and allows me to proof my HDR shot and retake as needed.
60fps at 1080p Full HD, 120fps at 720p HD
If the dual processors permit, let’s push it to 120fps at 1080p Full HD. While we’re at it, let’s even throw in some 4K video. Heck, if a tiny GoPro can shoot 4K, then why not a 7D Mark II?