Life span of Canon 7D

[Van]

Given the one year life span of Canon cameras such as the 40D and 50D plus various incarnations of the Rebel, is it likely that Canon has a 7D Mark I or an 8D ready for release any time soon?

[Johnf]

I am an aspiring "serious amateur".  I have been following (and purchasing) canon cameras for almost a decade.  I started with a 10D in 2003 and watched the canon lines evolve.  Northlight Images has some nice graphics of the time lines for Canon cameras.  Check out this link (you have to scroll down about half way down to see the chart I am talking about). 

http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/cameras/Canon_rumours.html

From the looks of it, the life of each line is as follows:

1Ds line Start 2002 3 year life 3 generations
1D line Start 2001 3 year life 4.5 generations
5D line Start 2005 3 year life 2 generations
XXD line Start 2000 1.5 year life 7 generations
XXXD line Start 2003 1 year life 6 generations
XXXXD line Start 2008 2 year life 2 generations

So the 7D line inserts between the 5D and the XXD line so I would predict a 2 year lifespan before the 8D or the 7D Mark II comes out.

There are many more rumor sites that you can follow but they can drive you crazy

Have fun

Johnf
(Waiting for the 1Ds IV that didn't come today as predicted by the rumor sites)

[Bob Atkins]

No, the 7D probably has a year or two to go before it gets updated.

Probably the most likely candidate for update is the 1Ds MkIII which is the last remaining camera in the EOS lineup without the capability of shooting video. I'd expect to see a new model within 12 months - but of course I could be wrong, I have no inside info, it's just a guess.

[jodaco]

I would say if you have an issue with your current camera that is preventing you from getting the shots you want (AF, ISO quality, etc) and it is resolved by a current camera that you can afford then get it as soon as possible. The longer you have it the longer it will provide you great pictures. Waiting for the next great thing is endless and all it means is that you're still shooting with the camera that's holding you back.

If you're getting the shots you want with your current gear then wait. But don't wait for the next camera. Wait until your shooting style or aspirations pushes you into the category above. There's no need to upgrade for it's own sake.

At least not from a photography point of view. If you just like new gear that's a completely different story. Can't help you there.