The Canon 7D has had its success in offering sports/action photographers who want top image quality and functionality DSLR without the bulk of a pro level camera such as the 1D series, but its been 5 years since its release and like many gadgets the 7D has reached its shelf life.
Although no confirmations of a release date yet, numerous sources state that its successor, the EOS 7D MkII will be announced this year at Photokina in September under a new name. Rumor also has been going around that the new model will be Canon's APS-C flagship model and will feature 24 megapixels (from its previous 18 MP), improved auto focus performance & focus points (supposedly taken from the 1DX) and an optical window-type viewfinder similar to those found in 35mm rangefinder or mirrorless cameras.
Elsewhere, there's likely to be plenty of features to be speculated: built-in WIFI and GPS, dual memory card slots, a faster burst rate of 8 frames per second plus improvements in video. Additionally, a 3" inch display, ISO 100-12,800 and weather sealing. If all these features are realized, the new model could sit well in the semi-professional category between the 6D and 70D, retaining its position as the go-to DLSR for sports photographers who don't want to lug around in the heavier 1DX.
While it is common for pre-production cameras to make its way to big events it's also reported that the new model has made its first appearance, tested by select photographers at the recent World Cup in Brazil. Eyewitness accounts report spotting a photographer exposing a noticeable Canon telephoto lens but covering his camera body even when his counterparts aren't.
With no official release date yet on the new model, consumers can only take all of the rumors with a grain of salt and wait until Photokina 2014, which is only a couple of months away.
