The Canon EOS R7, which launched in May 2022, was an exciting evolution in Canon's APS-C mirrorless family. With a 32.5-megapixel sensor, bursts up to 30 frames per second with the electronic shutter, and 4K 60p, it received abundant praise for being a great hybrid camera for wildlife, sports, and video. It is priced at $1,499 for body-only and fills a spot between the lower-end EOS R10 and the more expensive full-frame EOS R6 Mark II. The usage of Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and subject tracking for people, animals, and vehicles made it a versatile favorite among enthusiasts, who were pleased to have something speedy and compact, while still retaining usable image quality.
As the camera industry continues to evolve quickly, excitement around an R7 successor has increased due to its three-year stint in the market. Discussions around the EOS R7 Mark II began by early 2025, as Canon aims to compete against Fujifilm's X-T5 and Sony's A6700. Early rumors cited a release date of the R7 Mark II in Q3 or Q4 of 2025, along with discussions of a baby R1 with pro-like features. Once we reached mid-2025, we started hearing about its potential stacked sensor and enhanced video specs. By mid-year, details emerged about a potential stacked sensor and enhanced video specs, fueling excitement among APS-C loyalists frustrated by the original's rolling shutter issues and limited RF-S lens ecosystem.
Speculation also suggested a dual-model plan: a photography-centered R7 Mark II and an EOS R7 V focused on video (similar to the R50 V), which appeals to creators, with the V version offering uncropped high-frame-rate movie recording capability and robust audio options. The expected pricing, rumored to be $1,800-$2,000 for the Mark II, matches the additions in functionality and still keeps it positioned affordably priced.
However, the timeline shifted radically. Then, in August 2025, reports surfaced indicating prototypes were being tested, suggesting a 4-6 month timeframe. In September, it was noted there were some differences in design, such as larger body optics (a bulkier design), an LCD that tilted vertically, and controls that were more similar to the EOS R5 Mark II ergonomics. Retailers were notified that the expected briefing/reporting was delayed, and then on October 23, Canon Rumors confirmed the delay of the R7 Mark II until the first half of 2026, with March or later being expected. This scenario was consistent with Canon's previous launches by focusing on full-frame lenses (such as the EOS R6 Mark III in November 2025) before switching back to APS-C lenses. There may be practical reasons for the delay, such as adjustments to the supply chain and/or focus on integration of new technology, such as neural network autofocus from the EOS R1.
As we approach the end of 2025 without the R7 Mark II, the R7 is still a viable workhorse, especially with firmware updates that addressed some small complaints. Perhaps the extra time spent in development will produce a better product, and perhaps push the boundaries of what is possible with APS-C. If you want an upgrade, your best bet is to watch announcements (of what to expect, if anything) in early 2026. In the meantime, the R7 is still a good option to start with, especially if you are new to the Canon RF ecosystem.