The ever-expanding Canon EOS R family already has mirrorless equivalents of its primary full-frame DSLR counterparts, the 5D and 6D. It seems logical, then, that the popular 7D might soon become the Canon EOS R7 – and Canon's managing executive officer certainly didn't deny the idea.
"Of course, I'm thinking of expanding [the EOS R line] in the future as a strategy, but I can't say yet whether it will be EOS R7," teased Tsuyoshi Tokura, when asked whether the Canon EOS R7 might join the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6.
• Read more: Canon EOS R5 vs R6
Of course, there's an added layer of complexity regarding Canon's 7-series cameras. Unlike the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and Canon EOS 6D Mark II lines, which both feature full-frame sensors, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is an APS-C system.
It would seem natural to assume, then, that the manufacturer would position a potential R7 as the first ever APS-C body in its R-series family – something, that outwardly at least, it has expressed no interest in. However, there is certainly smoke to this fire.
Notably, there has been no 7D Mark III; instead, the company gave us the Canon EOS 90D, which it said was effectively an amalgamation of the 7D and 80D product lines. Conveniently, this leaves a true successor to the 7D open for the R system.
There's also the resurgent rumor of an APS-C Canon EOS R coming in 2021, which could be the biggest clue yet that the EOS R7 could soon be joining its R-series siblings as a junior model.
For his part, Mr Tokura remained understandably coy about the prospect when asked about the camera by Digital Camera Magazine (a Japanese publication, no relation!), as shared by DC Watch.
"We have released two models this time, but the R series lineup is not yet complete. Of course, I'm thinking of expanding it in the future as a strategy, but I can't say yet whether it will be EOS R7. However, there is no doubt that the lineup will be expanded, so please look forward to it…"
Read more:
Canon EOS 7D Mark II review
Canon EOS R5 review
Canon EOS R6 review
