I think this announcement gives some clarity to Canon's offerings over the next couple of years. First, it makes it clear that Canon is willing to use the old 7 label and I believe they will use the 3 label (i.e., a 3D is coming). Second, it is clear the throughput with 2 digic IV processors is about 150 megapixels per second. Third, I think this camera is not a 1.3 cropper because there will be a 1D MKIV that is a 1.3 cropper. So here is what I think the line up will be coming out over the next 2 years:
1Ds MKIV - about 30 megapixel FF with about 5 fps all the other typical 1D features - $7,000
1D MKIV - about 15 megapixel 1.3 crop, 10 fps, all the other typical 1 d features, $4,000
3D - about 25 megapixels, FF, 6 fps, pro AF, two digic IV processors, 100% viewfinder (maybe # megapixels and fps will change but they will multiply together to about 150 megapixels per second - so maybe 21 megapixels at 7 pfs), $3,000
5D MKII - 21 megapixels, FF, 4 fps, old AF, 1 digic IV processor, 98% viewfinder - $2,200
7D - 18 megapixels, 1.6 crop, 8 fps, pro AF, two digic IV processors,100% viewfinder - $1,800
60D - 18 megapixels, maybe slightly better AF, 6 fps, 1 Digic V processor, 95% viewfinder - $1,200
If this is right there will be a lot of choice and everyone will be pretty happy, but as Pixel has been saying the pro AF in this camera (if it has it) indicates that other non-1D cameras will have it as well and to me that me the mythical 3D is coming before too long and will compete very well with the D700 and it successor.