Canon Tutorial Series: Understanding the Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Taking advantage of the Broad AF Coverage in the EOS 7D Mark II (Canon Tutorial Video 1)

All Videos in the Canon EOS &D Mark II Tutorial Series
- Taking advantage of the Broad AF Coverage in the EOS 7D Mark II
- Utilize the intelligent viewfinder functions
- Using the new Full HD video features in real life situations
- Controlling the look of your images with exposure control functions
- Fine tuning custom controls

Canon USA Source for all the videos: www.learn.usa.canon.com>>

Join the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Facebook Group

Join / Visit the new Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Facebook Group >>
This public Canon EF Lens group is for anyone with an interest in the new Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM lens. Comments / Posting of Photographs taken with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens and any Canon DSLR APS-C / Full Frame camera. 

More Canon EF 50mm f/1.8mm STM Lens Information

• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8mm STM lens Media Release >>
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8mm STM lens Previews / Reviews >>
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8mm STM lens YouTube Video Review >>
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8mm STM lens Aperture / Depth of Field Test >>

Current Canon EF 50mm Lenses for EOS Full Frame / APS-C Cameras

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens
The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a peerless new standard lens featuring an ultra-large aperture for a narrow depth of field and soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is suitable for any shooting situations.

More Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens Information / Specifications
Canon USA >>

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens
Standard lens featuring superb quality and portability. Two high-refraction lens elements and new Gaussian optics eliminate astigmatism and suppress astigmatic difference. Crisp images with little flare are obtained even at the maximum aperture.

More Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens Information / Specifications
Canon USA >>

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
Compact and lightweight-an outstanding walk-around lens-Canon's EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a great entry into the world of EOS prime lenses. With an 80mm effective focal-length on APS-C cameras, 50mm on full-frame cameras, it's an excellent prime lens for portraits, action, even nighttime photography.

Join / Visit the new Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Facebook Group >>

More Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Information / Specifications
Canon USA >>

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens
This is the lightest EF lens of all at a mere 4.6 oz. (130g). Compact and high-performance, standard lens. Its Gaussian optics provide sharp delineation from near to far focusing distances. The color balance is excellent for a standard lens.

More Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens Information / Specifications
Canon USA >>

Canon EF 50mm Lens Source
Canon USA

Canon launches renewed Global Website

Canon launches renewed global website using new ‘.canon’ top-level domain name

Canon’s global site web address employing the new “.canon” top-level domain

TOKYO, May 16, 2016—Canon Inc. announced that the Company has gone live today with a renewed global website employing a web address that departs from the traditional location-specific “www.canon.com” to the new “global.canon” proprietary domain name. The launch marks Canon’s first use of the “.canon” top-level domain1 (TLD) since acquiring it in February 2015.

Because “.canon” can only be used by Canon Group companies and services, visitors to sites that use the new TLD can easily confirm their authenticity and be assured that the information they contain is reliable. Additionally, by leveraging the simplicity of the TLD, which is easy to remember and easy to understand, Canon aims to enhance the Company’s global brand value.

Canon begins using new “.canon” top-level domain
The TLD “.canon,” which makes use of Canon’s company name in the right-most side of the web address, is based on the new generic Top Level Domain (gTLD) Program.2 With the launch today of the “global.canon” website,3 Canon is providing information to a global audience with a new online presence.

Canon renews global website
Canon conducts business activities around the world, providing information and services over the Internet to not only the Company’s customers, business partners and shareholders, but to all stakeholders in countries and regions across the globe. In addition to the English-language version of the “global.canon” website launched today, Canon will introduce other languages to the site in the future to share brand messages and other information globally.

• A top-level domain (TLD) is the string of characters immediately following the final dot at the end of an Internet address or email address, such as “.com” or “.net.” 
• The introduction of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) followed the approval in 2008 by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the non-profit organization that maintains and regulates the Internet’s addressing system, of the relaxation and liberalization of new gTLD system adoption rules. Canon began efforts aimed at acquiring the TLD “.canon” in March 2010 and completed the process in February 2015 following a review by ICANN. 
• As of May 16, 2016, the Canon Global website is available in English only. Plans call for other languages to be added in the future with Japanese to be included by the end of the year. 

Source: Global Canon

New Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II Flash

London, UK, 12 February 2014 – Canon today expands the EOS System with the launch of a new flash, the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II. Designed for specialist DSLR shooters who are passionate about macro photography, it provides incredible flexibility to light and shoot a diverse range of subjects, and features a range of new updates including independent flash head operation, increased responsiveness and enhanced custom functions.

Compatible with Canon’s complete range of EOS DSLRs, the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II offers photographers fully automatic E-TTL II flash metering to deliver accurate and consistent exposures. Improved focusing lamps utilise new high-brightness white LEDs, which offer enhanced illumination than the predecessor product – making it easier to focus in low-light conditions. The new flash also offers photographers even more flexibility, with new left and right flash tubes which can be controlled independently, and a powerful Guide Number of 14 – allowing users to explore unique and creative lighting set ups when working close up at high magnifications.

Users can also employ the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II as a wireless optical master unit to operate and trigger EX-series Speedlites remotely, with wireless control of up to three groups of external flashes via infrared. Custom adjustment of lighting ratios is possible via an integrated LCD panel, providing even greater lighting precision. 12 new custom functions and three new personal functions are also available, giving photographers the freedom to further adjust settings to meet specific creative challenges.

The Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II also includes a range of new and enhanced features that offer even greater operability. Redesigned controls mean users can activate the unit from their DSLR’s menu, while a new indictor displays the flash’s charge progress, which has been improved to just 5.5 seconds and is near silent, ideal for photographers who capture timid subjects.

In addition, an improved body design includes a new one-touch lock lever, making it quick and simple to attach the flash to EOS cameras. A new metal mounting foot and dust wiping mechanism also provides additional durability and reliability, while the cord is now attached to the left of the flash’s body, preventing interference with the camera’s shutter button. The overall design also makes it easy to attach filters to lenses, providing even greater creative freedom.

Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II key features:

• Ring-flash design for versatile lighting
• Independently variable dual flash tubes
• Powerful performance – guide number 14 (ISO 100)
• Trigger other flashes wirelessly
• LED modelling lamps improve low-light focusing
• Easy-to-use controls
• Fast, silent recycling

Source: Canon Europe Press Release

Canon Speedlite Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II Flash PDF Instruction Manual
Canon Speedlite Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II Instruction Manual

Canon Speedlite Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II Flash PDF Quick Guide
Canon Speedlite Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II Quick Guide

Canon Speedlite Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II Flash PDF Guide Book
Canon Speedlite Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II Guide Book

Canon EF-S IS STM Lenses: Professional / Consumer Review Links

Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS STM Lens

Canon EF-S IS STM Lenses: Professional / Consumer Review Links
Reviews of the current Canon EF-S DSLR lenses are listed on this website. Following the lens links to the individual product review / preview pages.

Please note that previews / reviews are frequently updated.

Canon EF-S STM Lenses for APS-C / Crop Sensor Canon Cameras

• Canon EF-S 24mm STM Lens - View
• Canon EF-S 10-18mm IS STM Lens - View
• Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM Lens - View
• Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS STM Lens - View
• Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS STM Lens - View

Listing of Online Review Websites - Canon EOS / PowerShot Cameras

• DP Review
• DXO Mark
• ePhotoZine
• Imaging Resource
• Ken Rockwell
• Lens Tests
• PC Advisor
• PC Mag
• Photography Blog
• Photo Zone
• Ron Mart Blog
• SLR Gear
• The Digital Picture 

Consumer Review Websites - Canon EOS / PowerShot Cameras

• Amazon 
• CNET 
• Canon Australia 
• Canon USA 
• POTN - Photography-on-the-net

Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS STM Lens

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens: Links to professional / consumer reviews

Join / Visit the new Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Facebook Group >>

Canon announced the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 'Pancake' Lens on 11 May 2015. Official Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS STM Lens Press Release.

Compact and lightweight-an outstanding walk-around lens-Canon's EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a great entry into the world of EOS prime lenses. With an 80mm effective focal-length on APS-C cameras, 50mm on full-frame cameras, it's an excellent prime lens for portraits, action, even nighttime photography. Its bright maximum aperture of f/1.8 helps it not only to excel in low light, but also to capture gorgeous, sharp images and movies with beautiful background blur thanks to its circular 7-blade design. An updated lens arrangement with new lens coatings helps render images with excellent color balance, plus minimized ghosting and flare. Performance is brilliant, with a stepping motor (gear-type STM) to deliver near silent, continuous Movie Servo AF for movies plus speedy, smooth AF for stills. (Source: Canon USA).

PDF Download: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens PDF Instructions >>

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Depth of Field Test View >>

New Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Reviews to be updated as soon as its made available.

Comprehensive / Professional Reviews - Canon EF 50mm STM Lens

• DP Review - review
• DXO Mark - test / reviews
• Dustin Abbott - review
• ePhotozine - review
• Imaging Resource - preview
• Ken Rockwell - review
• Lens Tests - review
• Photozone - review
• Photography Bay - review
• Photography Blog - review
• Planet 5D - comparison / review
• Quentin Rademaker - review
• SLR Gear - review
• Steve's Digicams - preview
• The Digital Picture - review

Consumer / User Reviews - Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

• Amazon - read
• Canon USA - read
• Photography-on-the-net - read

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Features / Specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	50mm f/1.8
Lens Construction	6 elements in 5 groups
Diagonal Angle of View	46°
Focus Adjustment	AF with full-time manual
Closest Focusing Distance	1.15 ft./0.35m
Filter Size	49mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	2.7 x 1.6 in., 5.7 oz. 69.2 x 39.3mm, 160g

Source: Canon USA

New Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT Flash and Canon EF-M Macro Lens Announced

Accessorize This Spring With The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT Flash And Canon EF-M 28MM f/3.5 MACRO IS STM Lens With Built-In Macro Lites And Image Stabilizer

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 11, 2016 – Spring is all about having the right look and Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is giving photographers of all levels two new options that can improve their creativity and versatility; the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash and the Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens.

The new Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT is a powerful, high-performance flash, offering ultimate lighting control, ideal for fast frame-rate shooting such as sporting events, weddings or red carpet moments. Photographers will appreciate the increased number of continuous flashes with the Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash. Those looking to explore the world of macro photography will appreciate the stylish compact look of the new Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens, the first EF-M Macro Lens for the Canon EOS M Camera System, which features Image Stabilization and a pair of built-in miniature Macro Lites to enhance image quality during close-up photography.

The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT Flash Offers Improved Continuous Flash Firing and More
The Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash is compatible with most EOS cameras. It replaces Canon’s top-of-the-line Speedlite 600EX-RT, and improves continuous flash firing by approximately 1.1 to 1.5 times* when using AA batteries and up to two times* when adding the new optional Compact Battery Pack CP-E4N.

Additional Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash features include:

• Zoom flash head covers wide focal length range of 20–200mm; maximum guide number is 197 ft./60m at ISO 100, making the Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash the most powerful flash unit in the EOS system.
• Wireless flash shooting support is available for both radio and optical transmission with compatible Canon Speedlites, offering users greater functional range when using flash.
• Multiple flash system support allows control of up to five groups of compatible Canon Speedlites.
• Dust- and water-resistant body for reliable operation in harsh environments.
• Flash-readiness indicator on the display panel, simplified button and dial operation and variable manual flash output.
• New, specially designed accessories supplied include a built-in bounce adapter, plus SCF-E3 hard-type color filter sets, and a soft case. The new Compact Battery Pack CP-E4N is available as an optional accessory for improved continuous flash firing and more flashes per charge.
• Illuminated dot matrix LCD panel for enhanced display information, including flash mode and usable distance ranges plus C.Fn (Custom Function) and P.Fn (Personal Function) settings.

First Macro Lens in the Canon EF-M lens series

Photographers looking for a compact, lightweight macro lens should look no further than the Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens, the first Canon Macro Lens specifically designed for the EOS M Camera System.

The new lens features a pair of built-in miniature Macro Lite electronic flash units that illuminate close-up subjects as needed, helping to freeze movement, enhance color accuracy and provide a better sense of depth and dimension. Two curved flash units surround the front element of the lens, with the ability to illuminate both simultaneously, or one at a time. Users are also able to adjust the brightness of the Macro Lites between “bright” and “dim” settings.

The standard focusing range of the Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens extends from infinity to life-size (1 time). Additionally, a Super Macro Mode allows shooting at even higher magnifications up to 1.2 times. This feature allows you to capture smaller details that really make your subjects stand out against the background.

Additional features of the Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens include:

• Hybrid IS, the same feature as found on Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens, helps reduce camera shake for enjoyable handheld photography.
• Stepping motor (lead screw-type STM) helps provide smooth and quiet focusing operation when taking photos, and near-silence when shooting videos.
• One UD lens and two aspherical lenses** help deliver outstanding image quality at all distance settings by reducing chromatic and spherical aberrations.
• Angle of view similar to a 45mm standard lens (35mm equivalent) provides flexible image capture of various subjects and scenes at macro distances and beyond.
• Tapered lens top shape makes it easy to capture high-quality images at close range without casting shadows.

The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT electronic flash unit is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers in June 2016 for an estimated retail price of $579.991. Canon’s EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers in June for an estimated retail price of $299.991.

Source: Canon USA

New Canon PowerShot SX620 HS Digital Camera Announced

Share Memories On The Go With New Compact, Connected PowerShot SX620 HS Digital Camera

Latest Canon PowerShot Digital Camera Provides Impressive Image Quality and Zoom Range in a Compact Size

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 11, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, introduced today the new Canon PowerShot SX620 HS digital camera - ideal for individuals looking for a convenient, easy-to-carry compact digital camera capable of producing high-quality photos and videos. This new camera boasts a 20.2 Megapixel* CMOS imaging sensor and a powerful 25X Optical Zoom lens (25-625mm equivalent) in a form factor that will easily fit in a pocket or purse, making it an ideal camera for those passionate about photography to capture gorgeous imagery no matter where they are.

The camera’s built-in wireless capabilities make it convenient to share images and videos on the go, and its powerful 25X optical zoom lens makes it ideal for those wanting to zoom in and out of the action. The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS digital camera is a great companion for those looking to visually document their daily adventures and easily share their experiences as they explore new places and do new things.

As the successor to Canon’s PowerShot SX610 HS digital compact camera, the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS digital camera also features:

• An Intelligent Image Stabilizer (IS) that helps optimize image stabilization for virtually shake-free images in a variety of shooting conditions
• Built-in Wi-Fi®** and Near Field Communication (NFC™)*** to allow for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos to a personal computer or other compatible devices such as the Canon Connect Station CS 100
• 20.2 megapixel* CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4+ Image Processor to help deliver stunning image quality, even in low light
• The ability to capture spectacular 1080p Full HD video
• Large 3.0-inch (approximately 922,000 dots) LCD to allow for easy viewing, even from a wide angle
• Hybrid Auto mode that allows for recording up to four seconds of video before each image that is captured, then automatically combines each clip and still into a quick video recap of the day
• Smart AUTO mode which intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on pre-defined shooting situations to help create the best possible image
• Creative Shot mode that uses composition, color and lighting from an original image to create unique images with an artistic flair
• An Auto Zoom feature that, when enabled, makes the camera automatically zoom in on subjects and help keep them in focus

Canon’s PowerShot SX620 HS digital camera, available in black, red and silver, is scheduled to be available in late June 2016 for an estimated retail price of $279.991.

Canon Source: Canon USA

Canon’s Inaugural Photography Trends Study Celebrates National Photography Month

Image: Canon USA

Say Cheese! Snap Happy Consumers Highly Rate Their Photography Skills And Print Photos Of Pets, Food And Family!

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 11, 2016 – May is National Photography Month and to celebrate, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is revealing consumer trends that are taking the world of photography by storm.

Consumers today have more confidence behind the camera, according to the 2016 Photography Trends Study released today by Canon U.S.A. With 80 percent of consumers rating their own photography skills as good to excellent, and 62 percent boasting that they think their snapping skills have improved in the past two to five years, the desire to capture, share and save memories through the power of the image with friends and family is clearly on the rise.

And as more and more images are uploaded to social media platforms, consumers are still looking to preserve their memories with tangible prints. Nearly two out of four (64 percent) of those surveyed indicated that they are likely or somewhat likely to print their photos after taking them. Once printed, many consumers are also getting crafty with their photos, with 32 percent of the respondents creating scrapbooks or photo books, and one quarter using their prints to decorate their homes.

Camera Confessions: 2016 Photography Trends

• Count it out! One in four (24 percent) consumers are taking up to 300 photos per month.
• Pets, family and events really rate: We’re a nation of animal lovers, with over half (59 percent) taking more photos of their pets, than selfies (57 percent). Almost two-thirds (64 percent) report taking photos of their family and special occasions more than anything else.
• Memorable Moments Matter: The majority (80 percent) are capturing photos during family gatherings and holidays, like Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas and Hanukkah. Interestingly, photos at the gym are only taken by 16 percent of consumers.
• Video is hotter than ever: More consumers are using their cameras for capturing video. Almost one in five (17 percent) are using their cameras to create content to be used online, with ‘velfies’ (video selfies) also gaining popularity – half of consumers (50 percent) are using their cameras to capture video of themselves.

An Increased Appetite for Food Photography With more than 178 million photographs on Instagram tagged with #food, food photography continues to be a big trend and passion point amongst consumers. More than half of consumers (55 percent) take food photos to show off a personal creation or new recipe. More than one in four consumers (27 percent) admit they share photos of food to brag and to give friends and family FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).

Overall, the study also uncovered that as a nation we are true patriots when it comes to food photography. Almost half (43 percent) confirmed that American cuisine inspires most of their food photography with Italian cuisine coming in second place (22 percent), and Japanese and Chinese in third (nine percent) and fourth (seven percent).

What’s the hottest dish trending? Decadent ice cream dishes tops out as the most commonly photographed dish (51 percent), with pizza and pasta also coming in close behind as fan photo favorite dishes (44 percent and 42 percent respectively).

This month, join in the fun and grab a Canon EOS or PowerShot digital camera, PIXMA printer, a bowl of colorful ice cream, your favorite pet and gather the family around to celebrate National Photography Month.

About the Canon 2016 Photography Trends Study
The Canon 2016 Photography Trends Study was conducted online with 1,004 adult U.S. general population respondents. The survey was conducted by Toluna, between the dates of April 21 - 26, 2016.

Canon Source: Canon USA

Canon Releases The New EOS 7D Mark II Digital Camera

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Digital Camera

Canon EOS 7D Mark II User Manuals / Guides - View >>

Canon EOS 7D Mark II AF Guidebook Download - View >>

Canon EOS 7D Mark II - Birds in Flight Photo Gallery
Canon EOS 7D Mark II - Birds in Flight Photo Gallery>>

New EOS 7D Mark II Camera Provides Captivating Creative Power at an Affordable Price

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 15, 2014 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to introduce the EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR camera, incorporating professional features and quality in an affordable DSLR. Building upon the proven success of the EOS 7D camera, this new EOS model features a range of "EOS firsts" such as Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors for superb image quality and rapid burst shooting up to 10 frames per second (fps), as well as Canon's first 65-Point* All Cross Type autofocus (AF) system for compositional freedom and accurate, spot-on fast focus. Great for shooting indoor activities such as sporting events, concerts, or weddings, the camera's impressive low-light shooting capabilities along with its up-to-10 fps high-speed shooting can capture a fast-break basketball dunk, a band's encore performance, a bird in flight or wildlife in exceptional quality. In addition, the EOS 7D Mark II is the second EOS DSLR camera to incorporate Canon's innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF system for rapid and precise focusing of video as well as still images.

"With more processing power than any other EOS camera available today, the highly anticipated EOS 7D Mark II camera has everything serious photographers have come to expect from Canon's DSLRs and more," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "And, recognizing that for some, creative expression may expand beyond still photography, we continue to support these creative passions by offering new and innovative Full HD video capabilities, such as second generation Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology in the EOS 7D Mark II camera as well."

Outstanding Performance
Within the camera's durable magnesium alloy body resides a newly developed 20.2 megapixel APS-C Canon CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors, safeguarded by enhanced dust and weather resistance to protect the camera. Ideal for shooting in challenging lighting conditions ranging from indoor sports to dimly lit weddings, the camera features a standard ISO range of 100-16000 for both still and video (expandable to ISO 51,600). A new 65-point* All Cross-Type AF system with EV -3 sensitivity at the center point helps deliver sharp focus for still photos even in extreme low-light conditions on subjects with limited visible detail. The EOS 7D Mark II camera also features an enhanced version of Canon's EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF, originally introduced with the EOS-1D X DSLR camera, enabling the camera to recognize subjects based on face and color detection utilizing the new AE system, and can track subjects using all 65 AF points.

The camera's improved EOS Scene Detection system features a new 150,000-pixel RGB+IR 252-zone metering sensor for enhanced precision. The wide-area 65-point AF array combined with EOS iTR and adjustable high-speed continuous burst shooting up to 10 fps enables the easy tracking and capturing of fast moving subjects virtually anywhere in the frame such as birds in flight or running backs eluding a tackle. A new and innovative AF Area Selection Lever nestled around the multi-controller on the back of the camera makes it easier than ever for photographers to switch between the seven supplied AF Point Selection modes without removing their eye from the viewfinder.

At 10 fps, the camera's buffer capacity can consecutively capture up to 31 RAW images or 1,090 Large Fine JPEGsi. Built to last, the camera also features a shutter durability rating up to 200,000 cycles, approximately thirty three percent more than the original EOS 7D camera. A newly developed mirror mechanism uses motorized control to help reduce impact and enhance camera performance during high-speed continuous shooting. In addition to adjustable high- and low-speed continuous shooting modes, single-frame shooting and two self-timer settings, the EOS 7D Mark II camera also features silent drive modes for single frame and continuous shooting. The silent settings support discreet camera operation in quiet locations.

The EOS 7D Mark II camera's advanced AE system can detect and compensate for flickering light sources such as sodium vapor lamps that are often used in gymnasiums and indoor swimming pools. When enabled, this system automatically adjusts shutter release timing to help reduce disparities in exposure and color especially during continuous shooting.

Innovative AF Technology
The EOS 7D Mark II camera features the next generation of Canon's exclusive Dual Pixel CMOS AF (DAF) technology, originally introduced with the EOS 70D DSLR camera. New DAF features include user-selectable adjustments for Movie Servo AF Speedii and Movie Servo AF Tracking Sensitivity. Additionally, overall focusing speed, face detection performance, and performance in low light and with low-contrast subjects have been improved over previous Canon models. Dual Pixel CMOS AF employs proprietary Canon sensor technology in which effective pixels are able to perform both imaging and phase-detection focus measurement simultaneously to achieve dramatically improved AF performance in both video and Live View still imaging modes.

With Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF system and customizable Movie Servo AF, the camera provides continuous phase-detection AF during video recording for quick and accurate focus tracking of moving subjects over approximately eighty of the image area measured horizontally and vertically. DAF focusing modes include Face Detection with Tracking, FlexiZone Multi with 31 AF zones, and FlexiZone Single that allows users to position a focusing frame on the camera's LCD screen. Canon's DAF supports over 100iii models of Canon EF lenses (including many earlier models), providing a wide array of options for photographers to explore.

Expanding Creativity
The EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR camera provides a wealth of creative controls building on the features and functions of the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X professional digital cameras. The new camera's AI Servo AF III autofocusing algorithm is similar to that of the EOS-1D X camera in that tracking parameters (tracking sensitivity, acceleration/deceleration tracking, and AF point auto switching) can be easily customized for specific shooting situations, using the same type of AF Configuration Menu. This capability makes it easy for EOS 7D Mark II camera users to match AI Servo AF settings when used together with EOS-1D X and EOS 5D Mark III cameras, while also providing a high level of performance at an affordable price point.

The EOS 7D Mark II camera also offers the same level of High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Multiple Exposure (ME) functionality that was originally featured in the EOS 5D Mark III camera. The HDR mode includes five HDR shooting functions and allows users to save all source images in addition to the composited HDR image. Similarly, Multiple Exposure mode provides four compositing methods and also allows users to save individual source images.

Photographers and cinematographers will appreciate improved custom controls including a built-in intervalometer and bulb timer, also EOS DSLR firsts, to enable the capture of time-lapse images and long- exposure images. These features are ideal for recording fireworks, star trails, sunrises and more.

In addition to optional settings for Peripheral Illumination Correction and Chromatic Aberration Correction, found in other current high-end EOS models, the EOS 7D Mark II camera, for the first time, adds Distortion Correction that operates with most EF and EF-S lenses to improve image quality even further while recording video and in-camera JPEGs. The My Menu feature has also been improved with the ability to store more user-selected settings in five additional tabs.

A new and improved Intelligent Viewfinder provides approximately one hundred percent field of view, while adding the ability to superimpose a customizable selection of camera settings data such as dual-mode electronic level display, grid, exposure mode, white balance mode and AF mode. A bright, three-inch Clear View II LCD monitor (approximately 1,040,000 dots) on the back of the camera displays information and menus clearly even in bright sunlight. The EOS 7D Mark II camera is compatible with interchangeable focusing screens including the standard Eh-A as well as the optional Eh-S Super Precision Matte for use during manual focusing with large aperture lenses.

A built-in GPSiv Receiver provides a digital compass and can record location information including longitude, latitude, elevation, camera direction and universal coordinated time (UTC) as EXIF data for geotagging both images and movie files in real time. The built-in pop-up flash is convenient for many applications and can also act as an optical controller with compatible off-camera EX-series Speedlites for enhanced pro-quality lighting effects.

The EOS 7D Mark II camera features dual card slots for SD/SDHC/SDXC and CF memory cards, including Ultra High Speed (UHS-1) SD cards. Data transfer speeds from the camera to a personal computer are enhanced with the addition of a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port.

Stunning Movie Capability
The EOS 7D Mark II camera offers users the ability to shoot in 1080p Full HD or 720p HD video up to 60p enabling slow-motion capture at full resolution in either ALL-I or IPB codecs with optional embedded time code, exceeding the specifications of other current EOS cameras. Users can also choose between .MOV and .MP4 recording formats for maximum flexibility. The EOS 7D Mark II camera's mini HDMI port can be used to record uncompressed Full HD video to external recorders.

Canon's Stepping Motor (STM) lenses, such as the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, significantly reduce focus motor noise, letting the EOS 7D Mark II camera's built-in microphone capture clear audio of the scene being shot without picking up unwanted noise from the lens. The EOS 7 D Mark II camera also features a stereo microphone port and outputs stereo audio via the camera's mini-HDMI port. The EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR camera is equipped with a headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring, as well as a silent control feature that allows users to adjust audio levels during recordings. Other built-in ports include a PC socket for external flash units and an N3 socket for dedicated Canon wired remote control accessories. A cable protector is provided to maximize safety when using the USB 3.0 and mini-HDMI ports.

Availability
The EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers in November 2014 for an estimated retail price of $1,799.00 for the body only and $2,149.00 bundled with an EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. It will utilize a new LP-E6N lithium ion battery pack with increased storage capacity. The LP-E6N is fully compatible with the LC-E6 battery charger, which will be supplied as a standard item in all EOS 7D Mark II body only and zoom lens kits. Also scheduled to be available are the new optional Battery Grip BG-E16 and optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7A Version 2, with shipping dates and estimated retail pricing to be announced at a later date. Both the EOS 7D Mark II camera and Battery Grip BG-E16 are backwards-compatible to the current LP-E6 lithium ion battery pack.

For more information about the Canon EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR camera, the full list of product specifications and compatible lenses, visit www.usa.canon.com/eos.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Brief Specifications Canon EOS Mark II Sample Images

Canon Media Release Source: Canon USA