Canon enthusiasts have been tracking the development of two eagerly anticipated cameras: the EOS R6 Mark III and EOS R7 Mark II. Recent updates reveal contrasting situations for these next-generation models.
Canon EOS R6 Mark III is scheduled for November 2025 announcement, while EOS R7 Mark II has been delayed to first half of 2026, according to reliable sources within the photography community.
As someone who has followed Canon’s release patterns for over a decade, I can tell you these updates carry significant weight for photographers planning their upgrade paths. Let me break down what we know about each camera’s timeline and what these delays mean for the broader photography market.
EOS R6 Mark III: November 2025 Announcement Confirmed
Good news for full-frame enthusiasts: Canon EOS R6 Mark III remains on track for a November 2025 announcement. Multiple sources with confirmed NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) point to two specific dates: November 6 and November 26, 2025.
The confirmation comes from Canon Rumors, a source with 17+ years of accurate reporting on Canon products. Their track record for NDA-backed announcements has been remarkably reliable, making this timeline highly credible within the photography community.
Visual evidence supports these claims. Recently leaked images show a camera with notable design changes from the R6 Mark II, including an enhanced EVF bump and redesigned strap lugs. These details align with Canon’s typical evolution pattern for Mark III iterations.
???? Key Date: November 6, 2025 is the most frequently mentioned announcement date for the EOS R6 Mark III, with potential shipping beginning late November or early December.
Why is the R6 Mark III staying on schedule while the R7 Mark II faces delays? Industry insiders suggest Canon is prioritizing its full-frame lineup, which commands higher profit margins and serves the professional market segment that drives brand loyalty.
The R6 Mark III is expected to feature significant improvements over its predecessor, including an updated OLED EVF with 5.76M dots, enhanced autofocus capabilities, and potentially improved video features to compete with Sony’s latest offerings.
EOS R7 Mark II: Delayed to First Half 2026
APS-C photographers will need to exercise more patience. Canon EOS R7 Mark II has been officially delayed from its expected 2025 timeline to the first half of 2026.
This delay doesn’t come as a complete surprise to those familiar with Canon’s release strategy. Historically, Canon tends to prioritize full-frame camera releases before updating their APS-C lineup. The six-month gap between full-frame and APS-C releases has become a predictable pattern.
Industry experts now point to the CP+ trade show in Yokohama, Japan (February 25, 2026) as a likely announcement venue for the R7 Mark II. CP+ has historically been Canon’s preferred platform for APS-C camera announcements, targeting the enthusiast photographer community.
| Camera Model | Original Timeline | Current Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EOS R6 Mark III | November 2025 | November 2025 | On Schedule |
| EOS R7 Mark II | 2025 | First Half 2026 | Delayed |
The delay reflects Canon’s strategic focus on full-frame market dominance. By prioritizing the R6 Mark III, Canon ensures its professional lineup remains competitive against Sony and Nikon’s latest offerings. APS-C enthusiasts, while disappointed, generally understand this business strategy.
What can we expect from the R7 Mark II when it does arrive? Based on Canon’s historical upgrade patterns, the R7 Mark II will likely address known issues with the current model, including rolling shutter improvements and enhanced low-light performance – common pain points expressed by current R7 owners.
Understanding Canon’s Release Strategy 2025
Canon’s approach to camera releases follows a deliberate pattern that prioritizes market segments strategically. Full-frame cameras receive first attention due to their higher profit margins and professional market importance.
This strategy makes business sense. Professional photographers using full-frame systems typically upgrade more frequently and invest more heavily in lenses and accessories. Canon’s focus on maintaining full-frame market leadership has proven successful, with the EOS R series gaining significant market share against competitors.
The APS-C segment, while important for enthusiasts and entry-level professionals, receives secondary priority. Canon knows that APS-C photographers are more price-sensitive and tend to upgrade less frequently, justifying the staggered release schedule.
Industry-wide factors also play a role. Global electronics supply constraints continue to affect camera manufacturers, forcing companies to make strategic decisions about production priorities. Canon’s choice to focus capacity on higher-margin full-frame products reflects this reality.
Photographer Community Reactions
The photography community’s response to these timeline updates has been mixed. Professional photographers eagerly anticipating the R6 Mark III express excitement and relief that the full-frame upgrade remains on schedule.
“Happy with current R5 Mark II but interested in upgrades. The R6 Mark II is still an amazing camera and will be good for a long time.”
– Professional photographer, Reddit r/canon
APS-C enthusiasts show more disappointment with the R7 Mark II delay. Many express frustration, particularly those who sold their current gear in anticipation of a 2025 release. However, there’s also understanding of Canon’s business rationale.
Common concerns from the community include purchase timing uncertainty, budget planning challenges, and worries about missing out on new features. Some photographers report holding off on purchases until official announcements, creating a temporary market slowdown.
⏰ Market Impact: Many photographers are delaying camera purchases until official announcements, affecting both new and used camera markets.
Expert analysis suggests that these delays, while frustrating, often result in better-refined products. Rushed releases can lead to firmware issues and quality control problems, something Canon has generally avoided under its current leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon EOS R7 better than the R6?
The EOS R7 and R6 serve different markets. The R7 is an APS-C camera with a 1.6x crop factor, ideal for wildlife and sports photographers needing extra reach. The R6 is full-frame, offering better low-light performance and shallower depth of field, preferred for portrait and landscape photography.
Is the R6 Mark II worth it in 2025?
Yes, the R6 Mark II remains an excellent camera in 2025. With its 24MP full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus, and strong video capabilities, it delivers professional results. The upcoming Mark III will bring improvements, but the current model offers outstanding value, especially with potential price drops after the Mark III announcement.
Why are Canon camera launches being delayed?
Canon’s delays stem from multiple factors: strategic focus on full-frame cameras first, global supply chain constraints affecting electronics production, and market timing optimization. APS-C cameras like the R7 Mark II typically follow full-frame releases by 6+ months in Canon’s current strategy.
How old is the Canon EOS R7?
The Canon EOS R7 was announced in May 2022, making it approximately 3.5 years old as of late 2025. This places it in the typical upgrade window for Canon’s APS-C lineup, which usually sees 3-4 year refresh cycles.
Final Recommendations
Based on my analysis of Canon’s release patterns and community feedback, here’s what photographers should consider: If you’re a full-frame user waiting for the R6 Mark III, the November announcement appears solid. Begin budgeting now if you plan to upgrade.
For APS-C enthusiasts, the R7 Mark II delay to 2026 means current R7 owners should continue maximizing their existing gear. The wait may result in a more refined product addressing known issues.
Remember that Canon’s deliberate release strategy, while sometimes frustrating, generally leads to well-polished products. The extra development time often translates to better performance and fewer issues at launch.
Stay tuned to reliable sources like Canon Rumors for official announcements as we approach November 2025. The photography community eagerly awaits what Canon has in store for both segments.