After tracking Canon’s product development for over 15 years, I’ve learned that camera releases rarely follow enthusiast timelines. The EOS R7 Mark II situation is particularly interesting because it represents Canon’s first serious attempt at a professional APS-C mirrorless camera since the legendary 7D series.
The Canon EOS R7 Mark II will NOT be released in 2025. According to reliable sources, the camera is now expected in the first half of 2026, with the CP+ trade show in March 2026 being the most likely announcement window. Canon appears to be taking extra time to implement significant technological improvements, particularly a stacked sensor that would address current R7 limitations.
This delay actually signals good news for photographers. Canon isn’t just refreshing the R7; they’re completely reengineering it with professional-grade features. Based on industry sources and community insights, here’s everything we know about the upcoming R7 Mark II and why waiting might be worth it.
Canon EOS R7 Mark II Release Timeline
Multiple reliable sources now confirm the R7 Mark II has been delayed into 2026. Canon Rumors, with their 17-year track record of accurate predictions, states the camera is expected in the first half of 2026. This timeline aligns with Canon’s typical product cycles and gives engineers more time to implement the stacked sensor technology.
The CP+ 2026 trade show, scheduled for late February in Yokohama, Japan, emerges as the most logical announcement venue. Canon has historically used CP+ to showcase significant camera releases, particularly those targeting professional and enthusiast photographers. The March 2026 window provides sufficient time for final development while maintaining competitive relevance.
Several factors explain this delay. First, implementing a stacked sensor in an APS-C format presents unique engineering challenges that Canon wants to perfect before launch. Second, market pressure from Sony’s A6700 and Fujifilm’s X-H2S means Canon needs the R7 Mark II to be genuinely competitive, not just incremental. Finally, aligning the release after the R6 Mark III creates a clearer product hierarchy in Canon’s lineup.
Stacked CMOS Sensor: A sensor design where processing circuitry is layered directly beneath the photodiodes, dramatically increasing readout speeds and enabling features like blackout-free shooting and reduced rolling shutter.
Expected Technical Improvements
The R7 Mark II represents more than just a refresh; it’s potentially a complete redesign addressing current R7 limitations. The most significant upgrade will be the implementation of a stacked APS-C sensor, bringing technology previously reserved for Canon’s flagship full-frame cameras to the APS-C format for the first time.
Sensor readout speed improvements will be dramatic. The current R7 struggles with a 30ms readout time, causing noticeable rolling shutter. The stacked sensor in the R7 Mark II should achieve 5-6ms readout speeds – a fivefold improvement that eliminates electronic shutter distortion for most practical shooting scenarios. This means wildlife and sports photographers can finally use the electronic shutter without worrying about tilted subjects.
Autofocus performance receives substantial enhancement through Canon’s latest subject tracking AI. While the current R7’s AF system is capable, it struggles at 30fps in challenging conditions. The R7 Mark II will inherit improvements from the R1 and R5 Mark II, offering more reliable subject detection and tracking, particularly for small, fast-moving subjects typical of wildlife photography.
Form factor changes are rumored to be significant. Multiple sources suggest Canon is moving away from the compact approach toward a more substantial body addressing professional complaints about the current R7’s build quality. Expect improved weather sealing, better ergonomics, and potentially compatibility with a battery grip – a feature missing from the current model that limits its appeal to professional photographers.
Current R7 Problems the Mark II Will Fix In 2025
Real-world user experiences reveal significant frustrations with the current R7 that Canon appears determined to address. The most notorious issue is rolling shutter distortion when using the electronic shutter. Photographers report tilted trees, skewed motorcycles, and distorted bird wings at speeds above 15fps. The stacked sensor in the Mark II should eliminate this limitation entirely.
Battery grip compatibility stands out as a critical omission. Professional photographers, particularly those shooting wildlife or sports, value the extended shooting time and improved handling a grip provides. Canon’s decision to exclude grip support from the R7 alienated their traditional 7D-series customer base. Industry sources strongly suggest this oversight will be corrected in the Mark II.
Buffer limitations frustrate users during continuous shooting. The current R7 can’t sustain its maximum burst rates for extended periods, particularly when shooting RAW. The Mark II’s improved processor and faster sensor readout should enable deeper buffers and faster write speeds, addressing this limitation for photographers who need sustained high-speed shooting.
Build quality doesn’t meet professional expectations. Many users report the R7 feels more consumer-grade than its 7D-series heritage would suggest. Weather sealing and overall durability fall short of what professional photographers demand for field work. Canon’s apparent move toward a more substantial body indicates these concerns have been heard.
⏰ Time Saver: Current R7 owners experiencing rolling shutter should switch to 15fps mechanical/electronic first curtain mode to eliminate distortion while maintaining reasonable burst rates.
Market Position and Target Audience (2025)
Canon clearly positions the R7 Mark II as their professional APS-C offering, bridging the gap between consumer models and full-frame professional cameras. This strategy revives the spirit of the legendary 7D series, which dominated the pro APS-C DSLR market for years. The expected $1800-2100 price range reinforces this positioning, placing the camera above enthusiast territory but below full-frame professional models.
Wildlife photographers emerge as the primary beneficiary. The APS-C crop factor provides extra reach without sacrificing resolution, while the anticipated improvements in autofocus speed and electronic shutter performance address their main pain points. Bird photographers, in particular, will appreciate the combination of crop factor reach and blackout-free continuous shooting.
Sports photographers gain a compelling option. The improved autofocus tracking and elimination of rolling shutter make the R7 Mark II suitable for indoor sports where full-frame reach might be excessive. Dual card slots (rumored to be included) and better weather sealing will appeal to professionals who can’t afford equipment failures during critical moments.
The camera also targets 7D Mark II holdouts who haven’t upgraded to mirrorless. Many professional photographers stuck with their 7D Mark II because no mirrorless model truly replaced its combination of performance, build quality, and ergonomics. The R7 Mark II appears designed specifically to win over this loyal but demanding customer base.
The 7D Legacy and Professional APS-C
Understanding the R7 Mark II requires appreciating Canon’s 7D-series heritage. The original 7D, released in 2009 at $1700, revolutionized the APS-C market by offering professional features in a crop-sensor body. The 7D Mark II (2014, $1800) further cemented Canon’s dominance in this segment, becoming the go-to camera for wildlife and sports photographers who valued reach over full-frame advantages.
The mirrorless transition left this segment underserved. Canon focused on full-frame R-series development, leaving APS-C photographers with consumer-grade options. The original R7, while capable, didn’t fully satisfy professional needs with its limited build quality and rolling shutter issues. Market research clearly shows a gap between the R10 (consumer) and R6 series (entry full-frame) that the R7 Mark II aims to fill.
Inflation-adjusted pricing provides context. The 7D Mark II’s $1800 launch price would exceed $2200 today. Even with the rumored $1800-2100 price range for the R7 Mark II, Canon’s actually offering more technology for less real money compared to its DSLR predecessor. This aggressive pricing suggests Canon recognizes the competitive threat from Sony and Fujifilm in the professional APS-C space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Canon R7 Mark II be released in 2025?
No, the Canon EOS R7 Mark II will not be released in 2025. Reliable sources confirm a first half 2026 release timeframe, with the CP+ 2026 trade show in March being the most likely announcement window.
Will the R7 Mark II have a stacked sensor?
Yes, multiple sources indicate the R7 Mark II will feature Canon’s stacked CMOS sensor technology. This would be the first APS-C camera from Canon with a stacked sensor, dramatically improving readout speeds and eliminating rolling shutter issues.
Should I buy the current R7 or wait for Mark II?
If you need a camera now and primarily shoot with mechanical shutter, the current R7 offers good value. However, if you frequently use electronic shutter for high-speed shooting or need professional build quality, waiting for the Mark II appears worthwhile given the significant improvements.
Will the R7 Mark II have a battery grip?
While not officially confirmed, industry sources strongly suggest battery grip compatibility will be added to address professional photographer feedback. This was a significant omission from the original R7 that Canon appears determined to correct.
What will the R7 Mark II cost?
Predictions place the R7 Mark II between $1800-2100, positioning it as a premium APS-C camera. This represents a significant increase over the current R7’s $1449 price but reflects the advanced technology and professional features being implemented.
Should You Wait for the R7 Mark II?
After analyzing the technical improvements, market positioning, and user feedback, my recommendation leans toward waiting if your photography style will benefit from the upgrades. Wildlife and sports photographers who struggle with rolling shutter or need better autofocus performance will find the Mark II’s improvements transformative. The stacked sensor alone justifies the wait for anyone relying on electronic shutter for high-speed work.
Current 7D Mark II owners should definitely wait. The R7 Mark II appears designed specifically as your mirrorless successor, addressing the original R7’s shortcomings while adding professional features you’ve been missing. The expected price point, while higher than the current R7, still represents good value considering the advanced technology being implemented.
However, if you primarily shoot at 15fps or slower, don’t need weather sealing, and your budget is tight, the current R7 remains capable. Canon’s aggressive pricing on the original model might improve as the Mark II launch approaches, potentially offering even better value. Just be aware of the rolling shutter limitations and consider whether they’ll impact your specific photography needs.
The R7 Mark II represents Canon’s recognition that professional APS-C photographers deserve serious consideration. Taking until 2026 to perfect this camera suggests Canon understands the stakes and wants to deliver a product worthy of the 7D legacy. For those who can wait, the payoff should be significant.