EOS 7D Replacement Time

[Wlgoodrich]

I’ve had a 7D for 13 years and I am ready to replace it since Canon no longer supports it. What would you recommend that has similar/better specs and buttons in similar places?

[deebatman316]

What is your budget to spend on a camera. DSLR cameras are being replaced by mirrorless cameras now. Its best to look into an EOS R Series Mirrorless camera. EOS M/ EF-M is a dead end lineup and has been replaced by APS-C RF Mount cameras. What lenses do you already have. If you go with the EOS R Series you'll need to use the EF-RF Mount adapter to use your lenses. Would you like to stay with APS-C or go Full Frame. On the EOS R series you can use EF-S or RF-S (RF Mount lens with APS-C image circle, not a separate mount) lenses with a 1.6x crop applied. But just know your megapixels will go down by a factor of 2.5x. So if you own a lot of APS-C lenses go for an APS-C camera. The successor to the 7D Mark II the R7 is a great camera. If you need a built-in flash the camera drops it. You'll need an external speedlite for flash needs. To get the most out of the EOS R Series cameras you'll need to USM lenses released in and after 2009. Older lenses will work but can't provide Dual Pixel AF since the lens lacks the hardware. 

Full Frame EOS R Series Cameras

• EOS R
• EOS RP
• EOS R3
• EOS R5
• EOS R6 
• EOS R6 Mark II
• EOS R8

APS-C EOS R Series Cameras

• EOS R7
• EOS R10
• EOS R50
• EOS R100 

[Wlgoodrich]

I’ve got EF series lenses. I like APS-C. As to budget I’d like to stay below $2K for the body. Mirrorless is a lot more expensive!

[deebatman316]

Look into to the EOS R7 this camera is the replacement to the 7D Mark II. It also comes in under budget you'll need a mount adapter to use existing EF or EF-S. Only buy the first party Canon EF-RF Mount adapter. There have been many reports of 3rd party mount adapter causing the camera to lockup or freeze. What lenses do you already Canon or 3rd Party. Adapted 3rd Party EF lenses are hit and miss once adapted to the RF Mount.

[Tronhard · Accepted solution]

Hi and welcome to the forum:
Given you prefer an APS-C body and in agreement with my colleague Demetrius' comments, I would suggest considering the EOS R7.  It is one of the new generation MILC cameras and has been positioned to be the replacement for the 7D-series.  It uses the same form factor batteries, and will take EF and EF-S lenses with an adapter.  It has In-Body Image Stabilization that will work on its own or in conjunction with a selection of RF lenses.

There is one change to the layout - the rear control wheel has been moved from its previous location on the mid-lower back to near the top and surrounds the joystick (which you would not have had).   It is hopefully a relatively minor change in ergonomics.

Canon seem to be offering some deals right now:
Canon Mirrorless Cameras: EOS | Canon U.S.A, Inc.

If you really prefer to stick with a DSLR, then the Canon EOS 90D is the last of that line, being also an APS-C camera.

I have created a comparison chart of the two sets of specs here:
Side by Side Comparison Canon EOS R7 vs. Canon EOS 90D: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

If you have further questions we are always happy to help.

[Wlgoodrich]

Thank you!! Very helpful. I do only buy Canon lenses. Even though I’m a hobbyist, no point in going cheap. Been there, done that!

[Wlgoodrich]

Thank you!! Very helpful!! I appreciate the comparison chart. Seems like mirrorless is (has been) the way to go.

[deebatman316]

The R7 would be a great upgrade from your current 7D. Provide better low ISO performance and better AF performance. What do you mainly shoot. Do you shoot sports or wildlife. If so this is the best upgrade for you.

[Tronhard]

Yes.  The major advances in mirrorless technology have been an impetus to Canon to move across and drastically simplify their camera offerings.  So, instead of lens mounts for FF and APS-C DSLRs, plus EF M-series, they now have just the one mount, the R mount.
However, they have continued their dual sensor approach so while the size of the mount and the number of electronic connections is the same, they have made two different lens offerings: R and RF to cater for the different sensor sizes.  Just as before RF (and legacy EF) lenses will work with their APS-C sensors but the resultant images will be cropped.  You can use your EF-S lenses with both APS-C and FF R-sensors, but if you do use EF-S lenses with FF, the area of the sensor utilized will be reduced to that of an ASP-C sensor, drastically reducing the MP size of the resultant image. 
So, to cut to the chase, your EF and EF-S lenses should work fine with the R7 body.  I would definitely consider RF and RF-S lenses for future purchases.

[deebatman316]

@Tronhard I think you mean RF(Full Frame) & RF-S (APS-C). Canon did have an "R" Mount back in the 60s before the FD & FL Mounts.