EOS R and Mirrorless camera Rumours

Mirrorless rumours for Canon and other makes

Canon have decided to go all in on the mirrorless camera market, and here’s where all our info and rumours will appear.

This covers all manufacturers, although Canon cameras will get more interest from myself (they match my lens collection).

Now that Nikon have introduced the Z series of mirrorless, info about their Z series mirrorless cameras will be here as well as the Nikon Z page.

• 2012-2018 rumours are on the 2012-2018 Mirrorless archive page
• 2009-2012 rumours are in the Mirrorless archive page

EOS-R Adorama | B&H

EOS-RP Amazon.com | Adorama | B&H | Park cameras

R5/R6 B&H | Adorama

M/M2 – M3 – M5 – M6 – M6 II – M100 – M200 – M50
EOS R – RP – R3 – R5 – R6

All have their own pages.

Rumoured Mirrorless: | RS | R1 | R7

Latest news and mirrorless camera rumours

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What did the RF mount mean for EF/EF-S & EF-M? – see Keith’s articles about Canon’s changing lens mounts

2024  July

19th We did indeed get an R1 and R5 II  – I’ll just link to the coverage at DPReview, since specs and preorder links are all over the place.   R5 mk2 initial review  |  R1 info

—

So, as a long time 5DS and before that 1Ds3 user, what do I make of it?

The R1 would be great if I did stuff a 1DX was good for – I don’t ;-)

The R5 II looks a good solid update – yes, obviously better than my 5DS for the stuff I do from an image quality and IS [remember I’m not a wedding photographer, so AF and video are just not much interest to me…  There is much to commend it to a lot of other pro photography work…

Now the bit I probably never expected Canon to do much about…

• No improved multi-shot [i.e. real sensor data]
• The upscaling/NR only works on jpegs. Who lives in the tiny overlap in the Venn diagram of “Uses JPEGs”  and “Could make use of 180MP”

A minor gripe in reality but I’m waiting for the R5 mk2S ;-)

14th Fairly certain we’ll get some big announcements on the 17th. Such is the difference between now and when our rumour coverage was at a peak [15 years ago!] that there are no detailed spec lists or photos of the R1 and R5 mk2

Here’s a list of potential R5 mkII specs from CR

• No blackout during continuous shooting
• A better implemented pixel-shift high resolution mode
• “Some” illumination with the buttons
• LCD resolution more than doubled
• Focus sensitivity of -8EV
• Increased battery performance
• Maximum Electronic Shutter Speed “beyond” 1/8000s
• Dynamic range claim of 16 stops
• Full Size HDMI Port
• New “firsts” for Canon in AF algorithms
• Slightly heavier body
• New IBIS performance modes

and some older ones

• 45mp BSI Stacked Sensor
• New EVF design
• 12fps Mechanical & 30fps Electronic max burst rates
• Eye Controlled AF from the EOS R3
• New passive cooling design with two new vents
• Active cooling grip accessory
• Battery grip accessory
• 8K60P (with cavaets)
• CFexpress Type B / SD card configuration
• Launch Price: $3999 USD
• Announcement: July 17, 2024
• Shipping: August, 2024

June

29th The word is [aka CR] that the R1 and R5 mk2 will be announced in the third week of July, who knows, maybe with some lenses too…

May

15th Yay – a development announcement for the R1 – very heavy in marketing speak

Info on the [now 5 years old] R1 info page

April 3rd Yes, the page still gets updated every so often ;-)

It seems pretty sure now that an R5 mk2 should be announced within a month or so, for shipment starting in June/July [CR]

I may well wait for the glut of 2nd hand R5 camera bodies, to update the EOS RP I use for testing and making my YT videos.

—

It seems that we may get a development announcement for the R1 at the same time, but don’t expect one of those to be with you until much later in the year.

2023 August

21st Waiting for a Canon lens roadmap?

You’ll be waiting a long time, since Canon seems* to believe that its customers prefer to be surprised… [PP]

*Warning – machine translation at work, usual caveats apply

—

With the Nikon Zf retro widely expected soon [NR], lots of people have been asking about whether Canon is going to bring out a ‘Retro RF’, or even if they should?

Just what is a ‘retro’ camera – what sorts of people buy them. Is it just a sign of desperation from camera marketing departments, having identified a niche with disposable income…

16th

It seems that just like busses, you wait for new sensors from Canon and three come along at once…

Well, sort of… Three are suggested at CR [R1, R5 II and another]  Nothing this year though…

June

21st Who? – like many, my reaction to the news that DPReview is under new ownership.

Some entity known by the informative name of ‘Gear Patrol’.

I mainly frequent the printing forum, so I’m pleased to still be able to suggest it as somewhere to ask printer related questions.

May

8th Well, this has been on some people’s wishlist for some time ;-)

A [CR1] rumour about there being two replacements for the R5 – one being an ‘S’ version?

Interesting, just as I’m pondering ditching my Canon 5DS [albeit for not all of my work]

Canon, Nikon and Fuji are in the running – NB Sony need not apply ;-)

March

30th New R5 firmware [v1.8.1 for the Canon EOS R5] does indeed add multishot

This firmware includes the following improvements and fixes:

• [IBIS Hi-Res Shooting] has been added to the menu. By utilizing the in-body image stabilization mechanism, it is now possible to record images with higher resolution.To check your images, use the EOS Utility/Digital Photo Professional. EOS Utility/Digital Photo Professional requires updating.
• Added [Save and read communication settings to card] to the menu. Network settings can now be transferred between cameras of the same model.
• It is now possible to crop and resize images during image transfer to an FTP server.
• Added “Image Protection” for FTP transfer to the menu. Images transferred via FTP can now be automatically protected. This allows you to determine whether the image has been transferred by FTP.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Some initial reports suggest that this implementation of multishot may be rather more limited than many had hoped for

28th For some time we’ve been expecting a bigger firmware update/refresh for the R5. It seems that multi-shot is coming in that [CR]

A Canon EU page [appears to] show an IBIS High Resolution mode, which could in some circumstances five 400MP images [24576x16384px]

Most such multishot setups offer a variety of modes – more useful to many would be one that gives a ‘clean’ RGB 45MP i.e. making up for the sensor Bayer CFA.

As you’d expect, plenty of ‘I don’t need this, what about’ wailing on forums, but that’s what [many] forums are for ;-)

—

Meanwhile, the demise of DPR review coincides with it being 20 years since the first review on the site – the ColorVision PrintFIX print profiling system.

A video [~18 mins] about the two…

February

27th A Canon US patent application [PDF] looks at a new sensor phase detect pixel design which has elements at different depths. This gives a better sensitivity to differing light levels, and by deciding which top/bottom connections are made, the opportunity to have phase detect pixels for left/right – up/down and diagonal edge sensitivities.

 

 

15th I’m putting this on the ‘mirrorless page’, since that’s what Canon cameras are these days…

It seems that in Japan, Canon are retiring the ‘Kiss’  branding in Japan  [CR]

Next up should be the ‘rebel’ branding for the US

Seems that EOS R is the message going forward. Both Kiss and Rebel brands date back to the film era. That this change would be lamented by anyone may seem strange to those outside of the US/Japan, where such branding often seemed just to confuse camera reviewers… ;-)

2nd Some activity at last – the late winter camera announcements should bring some R cameras

The R8 could be a full frame camera with a new RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM – would this perhaps slot in as an RP replacement?

In crop sensor land an R50 could appear with a number of lens options including a new RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM

Both from [CR]

In suggestions elsewhere, Feb 8th is a popular date for announcements….

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The lack of  a replacement for my 5Ds is perhaps sharpening my interest in a GFX100S ;-)

2022 November

30th Early in the new year usually sees a few camera announcements.

It used to be a crop camera and then maybe [in the right years] something better, but with bigger announcements held for Photokina or an olympics or world cup.

Well, covid, supply chain issues, the switch to mirrorless and a massive drop in camera sales have really took a big chunk out of any predictability the camera timelines used to provide.  I’ve only had cryptic info from previous sources [one admitted they didn’t really get the info they used to get].

So, apart from “what everyone thinks is coming, is not actually coming until 2024”  [R1?] I can’t do much better than agree with the comments on this at [CR] for 2023

• Canon EOS R8/EOS R9 – Slotted between the EOS R7 and EOS R10, likely APS-C
• Canon EOS R50 Below the Canon EOS R10. Similar style camera to the EOS M lineup? EVF? maybe
• Canon EOS R5 S get regular mentions…
• Canon EOS R5 Mark II Q2 of 2023
• Canon EOS R7 C A cinema version of the Canon EOS R7?

17th Two RF mount APS-C cameras suggested for early next year [CR], along with a pancake 22mm RF-S lens.

So, EF-M and EOS-M are not entirely dead, just expect aspects to reappear in RF guise, until it becomes almost as if EOS-M never existed ;-)

2nd The EOS R6 mark II is announced. [Info page for EOS R6 Mark II]

1st So, do I really want to wait for a high MP mirrorless camera from Canon, or will the Fuji GFX100S suit me?

I’ll be testing Fuji’s two new tilt/shift lenses next year, but first a look at the GFX100S itself, from th point of view of the sorts of photography I do.

Two videos: Introduction to the GFX100S, and just what are the image files like – how do they change your approach to exposure

—

The EOS R6 mk2 is likely announced tomorrow  – Specs and some pricing [UK, so includes 20% VAT] from [CR] for what’s coming tomorrow

• Canon EOS R6 Mark II £2779
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II RF24-105mm IS STM Kit £3129
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II RF24-105mm IS USM Kit £3999
• Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM £2599
• Canon Speedlite EL-5 £499

USD Pricing:

• Canon EOS R6 Mark II Body: $2499
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens Kit: $3599
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens Kit: $2799
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II Body with Stop Motion Animation Firmware: $2599
• Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM $2099
• Canon Speedlite EL-5 $399

October

31st Looks like the R6 II is coming very soon

Suggested specs – Is that ‘Digital Zoom’ I see in the list!

• 24mp Full-frame CMOS Sensor
• Dual Pixel RAW / RAW burst
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• In-body stabilisation
• Digital Tele-Converter
• 12fps Mechanical
• Hybrid Auto
• 4K 30p (No Crop)
• 4K 60p (Cropped. The EOS R6 is a 1.1x crop)
• Canon Log 3/HDR PQ
• Cloud RAW processing
• RF/RF-S Lenses
• SD/SDHC dual card slot
• Not much change in the form factor over the original EOS R6

25th Has the M200 been discontinued? [CR]

Of course, Canon rarely announces such things. Stuff slips away in different regions for marketing and stock clearance needs.

Can’t say I’m surprised – the EOS M line has seemed like a bit of a stopgap ever since it was announced and I looked at the specs for the EF-M mount. I know it has its fans, but any long term expansion of the system was never going to happen – yes it is even more a dead end now…

13th At last, a camera rumour with a bit of substance? [all I’ve seen for ages looked less than convincing ;-) ]

Some specs for the R6 mk2 appear [CR]

• 24mp Full-frame CMOS Sensor
• In-body stabilisation
• 12fps Mechanical
• 4K 30p (No Crop)
• 4K 60p (Cropped. The EOS R6 is a 1.1x crop)
• Canon Log 3/HDR PQ
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• SD/SDHC dual card slot
• Not much change in the form factor over the original EOS R6

10th An R8? – seems a bit too much like,”there is a gap in numbers, here’s a rumour for it” [CR]

Reminds me of the EOS 8D -This page dates from long ago, when the rumours and interest in them was a lot more plentiful… ;-)

September

15th So, you want your camera cooling?
A Canon US patent application [USPTO] has a fan assembly under the camera, drawing air through vents on the back and out at the front.

 

 

August

25th Ever wanted much more screen area on the back of your camera? Two US patent applications from Canon [USPTO #1, #2] explore combinations of folded and foldable screens for what looks like a compact RF mount camera.

And more…

 

 

18th So, you want active cooling inside your camera? A Canon patent application [USPTO] describes ways of using a magnetic cooling fluid – pumped by use of a magnetic field.

 

4th There are suggestions that the next mirrorless R camera on its way is an M6 II style ‘vlogger camera’ [CR]

Will it have eye control focus? – see the 2nd patent below

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Two Canon US patent applications look at eye control focus for a big camera (like the R3) [USPTO] and a smaller one [USPTO].

Could this mean eye control focus coming to a wider range of cameras

The top of an R3 size camera

The eye control aspect.

A much smaller camera

July 28th An echo from deepest rumour history [2006 EOS 3D rumour archive page]. and long before mirrorless camera rumours…

Many years ago, forums went nuts over the Foveon ‘true colour’ sensor, and a whole lot of nonsense appeared about how it was the end for the Bayer sensor design.

Here’s an EOS 3F we were sent at the time ;-)

Well, it didn’t happen but Sigma [in Nov 2008] and a merry band of fans picked up the flag.

All’s not dead, since Sigma are now saying that a full frame version will be here by the end of the year.

A good interview, even if ‘in-house’.

26th new firmware for the R5 & R6

3rd All’s a bit quiet [again] in rumourland. [CR]

A video-centric R7 C is suggested as an option for next year – 7k 60P for those impressed by that sort of stuff.

Also, for this year, something like an RF mount version of the M6II [CR]

I do have the Laowa 90mm F2.8 2x macro here to test – a very nice lens… seen here on my RP

June

7th In the ‘well, why not’ category, an R100 is suggested [CR]

Very much at the ‘seems reasonable – lets posit some specs’ level ;-)

May

27th At last, a mention of a Canon high MP mirrorless [CR]

Maybe an announcement later this year, but likely a 2023 camera. The suggestion is 100MP+ and this goes along with a lot I’ve been told over the last few years, in that Canon wanted to cross that 100MP line.

100MP images are interesting to work with – let’s hope the sensor output is up to it in quality. I’ve had the feeling that Canon has been holding back on his until the sensor performance in terms of DR and noise and maybe bit depth was up to their stated aim of challenging MF (however that’s defined these days ;-)  )

23rd The R7 and R10 APS-C cameras are due tomorrow. Some info at [CR]

April

28th An uptick in R7 rumours – later this year for APS-C?

February

22nd After a long silence, a mention of a high MP RF mount camera appears [CR]

Apart from ’75MP’ there is no detail or timing.

20th New firmware for the R5/R6 – to fix an AF related freezing [CR]

9th New firmware goes to V1.1.1 for the R3 fixes the odd crash…

January

28th Another year, and, just back from an architectural photography job with my trusty 5Ds, I wonder when a mirrorless update for it comes along?

The R5 would do if something happened to the 5Ds, but as I noted when I had one here to test, it’s just not better enough in areas that matter to me for my work – hence waiting for the long rumoured ‘s’ version.

The latest at CR suggests 3 more R bodies this year

• APS-C
• Entry level FF (R6 sensor – maybe no EVF)
• FF body (new sensor – between R5/R6)

Not one for me, unless the RP breaks (it’s what I use for my YT channel) Looks like the bank account is safe for a while yet…

2021 December

13th A Video centric R5c is slated for earlier next year [CR]  – and it arrived [R5C]

Active cooling should make it a bit more usable for longer 8k shooting.

1st It seems that the long suspected APS-C RF mirrorless cameras could start to become a reality – but not until later in 2022 [CR]

How this affects the different elements of Canon’s current APS-C based cameras (from EF-M to the high/low end EF-S models) is as yet unknown. If nothing else going full RF mount to replace most DSLRs is going to make for a lot of potential cost savings for Canon.

November

18th New firmware for the R5/R6/1DX III on its way

London, United Kingdom, 16^th November 2021 – Canon Europe today announces firmware updates for the EOS R5 (firmware v1.50), EOS R6 (firmware v1.50) and EOS-1D X Mark III (firmware v1.60). Following the recent launch of the EOS R3, a powerhouse for sport and reportage photography, Canon bolsters its professional range of cameras with enhanced detection, seamless file transfer and optimized support for lenses.

Unrivalled detection for subject tracking

Across both the EOS R5 and EOS R6, this update delivers enhanced recognition of subjects. Users of these cameras are now able to select “vehicles” as the main subject. Inheriting this abilty from the EOS R3, the cameras can track racing cars and bikes. The update also enhances the overall AF tracking of people, with improved eye and face detection even when the subject is wearing a mask, as well as adding body detection. Strengthening detection within the EOS-1D X Mark III for winter sports, the firmware provides improved head detection for subjects wearing goggles and helmets.

Simplified operation for streamlined workflows

For professional photographers, their camera needs to operate as an extension of them, with seamless and intuitive functionality to help them capture the shot. This upgrade gives EOS R5 and EOS R6 owners the ability to set a custom white balance in Live View, streamlining manual white balance control. Across all models, the firmware ensures that photographers aren’t able to mistakenly transfer files by pressing the multi-controller when “Transfer with SET” is set for FTP transfer. Previously, the EOS-1D X Mark III employed separate buttons for voice memo and image rating, but with newly added settings users can use one button to do both functions simultaneously.

Enhanced support for lenses

As the RF lens range continues to grow, photographers are able to unlock new possibilities with their cameras. Thanks to this latest update, the EOS R5 is now compatible with Canon’s EOS VR SYSTEM and the RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE lens, enabling content creators to easily capture immersive footage for virtual reality. The update also offers full-time manual support for the RF 70-200mm F4L IS USM, even if AF is selected.

The EOS R5, EOS R6 and EOS-1D X Mark III firmware updates will be available to download from 2^nd December 2021 from local online support centres:

No.	Update	EOS R5	EOS R6	EOS-1D X Mark III
1	Change the settings for “simultaneous recording” and “current drive” during remote operation	X	X	X
2	Disable the multi-controller for FTP transfer	X	X	X
3	Change the default from Active to Passive with the FTP Server Passive Mode Setting	X	X	X
4	Enhanced recognition of subjects, includingvehicle and body detection	X	X
5	Improved Face/ Eye Detection with masks	X	X
6	Added White Capture Mode in Live View (Manual White Balance)	X	X
7	Added EVF Smooth to suppress lower frame rates in low light	X	X
8	Full-time manual focus support for RF 70-200 mm F4L IS USM	X	X
9	RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE support	X
10	Added settings to enable image rating and voice memo to be set at the same time			X
11	Change the Default Power Saving Settings forFTP Transfers from “use” to “not use”			X
12	Enhanced Head Detection for winter sports athletes wearing goggles			X

1st It seem the EOS R1 is getting some attention now the R3 is out.   No specs yet, but now flagged as a 2022 product.

This raises the question of where it will fit in its range of capabilities?

Will we see quad pixel sensor AF for example, and how does it fit in with the rest of the range (R5 mk2 and any high megapixel ‘s’; versions  – R5s or even R3s?)

As yet, nothing but guesswork, is all I’m seeing…  :-)

September

28th An APS-C EOS-R is suggested for mid next year [CR]

Meanwhile, two product codes “DS126841” and “DS126842” are registered [Nok]

Product announcements are likely due  in January and ‘Spring’ – meanwhile the EOS RP and R are showing their age, and I’m still waiting for the mirrorless 5Ds replacement…

14th The new ‘multifunction’ shoe is drawing some attention. Not that it won’t simply take your existing devices, but that to maintain weather sealing with existing (Canon) devices requires an adapter.

These new devices were announced with the R3

Canon DM-E1D
The Stereo Microphone DM-E1D is a compact microphone accessory for compatible EOS cameras that include the multi-function shoe. The Stereo Microphone DM-E1D easily mounts to the multifunction Hotshoe creating a digital connection to the camera. This means that no internal battery or cable connecting the mic to the camera’s mic port is required, helping you utilize the mic longer and also no impediment in using the vari-angle screen to its full range. It features a number of directional controls to suit the environment and your shooting needs.

Shotgun mode keeps audio focused on a subject directly in front of the camera, such as when interviewing someone for a documentary. Stereo (90°/120°) mode captures audio over a wide area for more ambient sound, ideal for nature scenes or entire orchestras. Adjusting the mic controls is as simple as pressing the menu button on the back of the microphone and using the touchscreen LCD on the back of the EOS camera to change settings. Whether you’re looking to capture an interview, record a concert or simply capture the sights and sounds of nature, the Stereo Microphone DM-E1D pairs wonderfully with a compatible EOS digital camera to help you achieve impressive audio.

Canon AD-E1
For a seamless transition from your current hot shoe accessories to the multi-function shoe, the Multi-Function Shoe Adapter AD-E1 is the answer. The Multi-Function Shoe Adapter AD-E1 provides a reliable connection for dust and drip-proof Speedlite accessories that you may already own such as the
Speedlite EL-1, Speedlite 600EX II-RT, Speedlite 600EX-RT, Speedlite 580EX II, ST-E3-RT or OC-E3 flash cord..The shoe adapter will also hold current accessories such as shotgun mics and on-camera LED panels securely to the camera body with dual locking pins on the multi-function shoe side.

Canon ST-E10
For wireless Speedlite setups requiring one or more off-camera flashes, the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 delivers a transmitter compatible with EOS cameras that include the multi-function shoe. Since this transmitter maintains a digital connection to the camera through the shoe, it does not require batteries, making the design approximately 30% smaller and approximately 50% lighter (than the ST-E3-RT II).

Controlling and changing the 5 independent groups across 15 Speedlites is as easy as pressing the menu button located on the transmitter and adjusting the settings from the vari angle touchscreen on the back of the camera, or with the flash setting screen when using the Canon Camera Connect app on your smartphone. With full flash control at your fingertips, the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 is an indispensable tool for advanced, professional flash photography.

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Well, we now have the R3 formally launched and if I did work needing great AF performance, it would be a serious proposition. The EOS R3 page has all the latest info and will be where updates. reviews and supply info are posted.

Even at the $5999 price, the camera is going to be a hit with a lot of working photographers

6th An interesting US Canon patent application [USPTO] covers different white balance for different parts of the scene, and offers the chance of smart lighting being used, if it has adjustable colour temperature. Think smart fill flash that adapts to variable lighting in a scene. There are probably lots of other things in the patent – just remember patents are not written for ease of reading…

August

19th The new Canon XF605 camcorder has a new power/data connection on its hot shoe connector. This is very likely to be present on the R3, not because Canon says so, but because Tascam mentions it in the blurb for their new XLR microphone adapter. More at [DPR]

16th A Japanese camera design patent by Canon [CR] has parts of the camera missing for your fingers to go right through.

An interesting bit of design, although as with most camera designs, left handers need not apply ;-)

120a.b are touch sensitive strips [Yes – as with the EOS R]

111a,b represent dials

See more at Japan Patent JP,2021-117300,A

As someone who likes shooting hand held, I rather like this design…

July

31st The site is on a new server – normal service resumed (let me know if you have problems with the site?)

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An interesting patent [CN] shows a sensor protection mechanism for an APS-C sensor, but with RF mount

The EF-M mount definitely seems to have a great future behind it…

In some ways it’s been a bit of an odd choice ever since it first appeared, back when Canon had not decided to go all-in with mirrorless. I’m sure it will carry on for a while, but RF is where the development work is happening.

June

17th A Canon patent application [USPTO] looks at combining subject detection with the IS system.

13th It’s been very quiet for any Canon info since the impending R3 captured people’s attention. I’ve heard nothing about the high MP mirrorless, and ongoing supply chain issues might still push it back into 2022 (fine for my bank balance).

The EOS R and RP are now looking old, although my own RP is still a camera I like using for a lot of my test work (and making my YT videos). They were both strongly influenced by existing DSLR sensors and electronics, and could both now be made more cheaply, with higher specs, and given a model name with a number in it…

Indeed, some cheaper EOS R options are suggested as what we’ll see next [CR] including an APS-C model.

The size and specs of any APS-C model will give an indication about just where Canon see the M series going.

As expected, any mention of RF mount APS-C brings out the 7D fans and EOS M fans on forums, both of whom I suspect make more noise than matching camera sales have an impact on Canon’s strategies. The EOS M line will get just enough attention to keep it going in markets where it’s popular,

…but from a personal POV I just don’t see much point in EOS M. Then again I’ve never really seen the point of M43 either (OK, I’ll get my coat…)

Whatever comes next, I think that apart from possibly one more iteration of the one series, the Canon DSLR range is dead once stocks are exhausted.

A slightly updated look at how the timeline might play out

May

10th Wrong USPTO link fixed for the previous post

9th An interesting patent application [USPTO] uses fine movement of the sensor stabilisation system to perform one of the jobs of the anti alias filter for the AF system and address problems of sampling and spatial aliasing. A version for DPAF and contrast AF is discussed.

Whilst landscape photographers might not worry about spurious aliasing derived fine detail, autofocus systems do care.

The patent is not written for casual reading, but applies to stills and video. The fine control of sensor positioning is also part of a multishot ‘super-resolution’ solution, where a traditional AA filter might also get in the way.

Something for future EOS R models?

April

29th A Canon US patent application [USPTO] looks at calibrating an eye-gaze system

Another new application looking at using eye AF [USPTO]

 

 

13th An EOS R3 is mentioned for a forthcoming development announcement [Nok]

So, is this the high MP camera or the ‘flagship’ 1DX mirrorless – if so then R1 might have seemed a reasonable number?

8th A Canon US patent application shows an in-body IS system for a small mirrorless camera [USPTO]

A look at the sample camera designs included shows IS in small bodies.

The first is G1 X styled

Note the flip out (hinge at side) display rather than the tilt type of the M5

Before reading too much into these drawings, do remember that patent applications can have all sorts of examples in them, so the next examples look M5 like (note lack of hinge at the left).

 

Does that sensor look bigger than APS-C? ;-)

M5 for comparison

The future of APS-C for Canon is an interesting question – does it just fit with M or will there be RF mount APS-C?

Then again, what’s the future of EOS-M as a global product?

March

30th New firmware for the R5, R6 and 1DX III

24th A suggestion in Japan [DCL] that OM digital may shed the shackles of Olympus’s M4/3 only policy by joining the L-mount alliance. Yes, M4/3 has a great future behind it… ;-)

Obviously my enthusiasm for this must at heart be driven by my 20th century use of the OM system – where I still use an OM24/2.8 for most of my videos and an OM50/1.2 on occasions. A full frame digital OM style body with L mount is doable, even if I’m not holding my breath ;-)

18th A ‘C’ version of the R5 is due later this year [CR]

Slightly bigger and with active cooling, it’s to be announced later this year, but with availability in 2022

February

7th OK, I’ll admit to still having a soft spot for Olympus from my film days, so I was pleased to see some mention of new stuff from the new business. Comments from the CTO [via 43R]

• They plan to launch multiple new products in 2021
• They will stick to MFT
• It’s possible they will make a PEN-FII
• There will be at least one product that will make you “WOW” (launch planed end of 2021)

My Zuiko 50/1.2 has had a new lease of life used with my EOS RP – definitely looking forward to using it on the mirrorless follow-up to my 5Ds

—

The ongoing hissy fit from some ‘we told you first™’ rumour sites over Craig at CR daring to suggest that EOS M was potentially a dead end continues, with various vague prognostications backing up the fact that the EOS M system does sell in some markets.

Sure it sells, I don’t think Canon will get rid of it any time soon, just that their real efforts will be elsewhere. I still have longer term doubts over EF-M as more than a stopgap lens mount solution. I’m more inclined to agree with [CN] than some of the ‘clickier’ sites ;-)

—

More pressing is whether/when Canon will go APS-C with the EOS R range. Nikon are likely to bring in a DX Z30 before long, and I do wonder just how Canon will fade away their APS-C range of DSLRs. An APS-C range of RF mount cameras could further marginalise the EF-M range.

One thing I have noticed is that small cameras seem to have vociferous fans – whether that makes the slightest difference to Canon is another matter though.

2020 November

25th Rumours have gone very quiet on the Canon side of things. Every site seems full of ‘deals’ at the moment ;-)

Some generalised 2021 expectations lists have done the rounds, but nothing that’s not predictable or close enough to launch to get some real info.

The reasonable 2021 expectations might well be:

• An RP update – Canon want to push full frame mirrorless into XXXD territory
• Another mid range EOS R (replacement) to expand the camera range more widely – look at price bands to get the feel for how the very wide EOS DSLR range will be replicated to some extent.
• APS-C – a regular suggestion, especially given what competitors are doing. This could make the EOS-M system the new compacts – ‘M’ sells well in some markets, so don’t write it off yet
• The one I want – an ‘s’ version of the R5
• The mirrorless 1 series – my suspicion is that it’s going to very distinctively look like a 1 series if I were to put it next to my 1Ds and 1Ds3

I note that a recent Nikon presentation [NR] included:

• Nikon to release several new F mount lenses in 2021.
• There are two new DSLR bodies to be released in 2021.
• Nikon has not stopped the development of DSLR bodies but the majority of R&D money is targeted at mirrorless. They are not ready to shut down the F mount.
• DSLR bodies are still outselling the Z-mount Mirrorless bodies but they expect within 60 days that mirrorless will outsell F-mount.

This raises the obvious question about Canon and EF and DSLRs.

• I don’t think we will see any more new EF mount lenses.
• DSLRs? maybe something 5D like, but I’m more and more thinking that the ship has turned and Canon is going all-in on mirrorless.

I’ve not been inclined to change this ‘vague predictions’ snapshot of the timeline for a bit

—

New firmware for the R5/6 should add: Canon Cinema RAW light | C-Log 3 | 1080p @ 120fps in a few months [CR]

October

27th Some Japanese photo sales figures from BCN provide a pretty graph showing changes of mirrorless sales.

There are so many caveats and details that (almost) any detailed analysis you see should be read with due scepticism

 

12th The M50 mk2 should be here this week.

This from [Nok]

Canon’s “EOS Kiss M2 (Black / White)” body, 15-45mm kit, double zoom kit, 15-45mm / 22mm kit and “PowerShot ZOOM” have been added to domestic retailers. It should be announced later this week.

4th Some reasonable M50 mk2 specs at [CR]

• 32.5mp APS-C CMOS sensor
• DIGIC X
• DPAF II
• 14fps
• 4K @ 60p no crop
• No IBIS
• Similar EVF resolution to the EOS R6
• Single SD card slot

September

30th Expect a M50 mk2 before too long, as well as a new flash (EL-1) and accessories.

From dealer listings [Nok]

23rd Every so often after camera releases in the past, and when the level of interest need re-stoking you get a burst of what I’ll call plausible and wish-list cameras.

So, we get an R7 and mentions of an R5C to add to the rather more strongly expected R5s

See these particular ‘specs’ critically examined at [CN]

Sometimes the rumours are from a source as bland as a Canon exec saying that there will be more ‘R’ cameras.

See this [DCW] for a good example of how to turn a quote …into a whole ‘article’ ;-)

“We have released two models this time, but the R series lineup is not yet complete. Of course, I’m thinking of expanding it in the future as a strategy, but I can’t say yet whether it will be EOS R7. However, there is no doubt that the lineup will be expanded, so please look forward to it…”

For the original Japanese interview, see [DCWI] or risk a translations ;-) [GooXLT]

—

The R5 has gone back and I’ve produced an R5 review article and a video to go with it. There are sample images and rather more detail in the article BTW.

10th I’ve an R5 and lenses here to test – questions welcome – see the short ‘unboxing’ video

9th Another Canon camera code appears at a certifications agency [Nok]

It’s suggested that DS126849 might be a correction for another recent model number. However the mention of Taiwan for manufacturing points away from a high end camera.

—

Firmware updates (1.1.1) for the R5 and R6 fix minor bugs and improve RF100-500 support.

R5 V1.1.1 [Canon] | R6 V1.1.1 [Canon]

5th Reducing the thickness of the sensor IS system is described in a Canon Japanese patent application [CN]

3rd A new ‘budget’ EOS R body is mentioned for 2021 [CR]

A cut down EOS RP could be an option – no EVF for those with better close-up vision than me ;-)
Canon have certainly said that a full frame camera cheaper than the RP is in their sights. See towards the end of the article (Apr 2019) in [EOS Magazine] .

Time to blur the EOS M/R borderline?

August

27th The R5 gets a firmware update [Canon] Some tweaks as to how temperature info is measured and used

—

An EOS M model is registered [Nok]

“Canon’s unannounced digital camera “DS126843” has also been registered with Taiwan NCC. Equipped with Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.2. EF-M mount, battery is LP-E12. Micro USB port and HDMI (type D) There is a terminal. Compatible with speedlight “600EX-RT” and stereo microphone “DM-E1”

—

In September I’ll have an R5 here – mainly to test out with tilt/shift lenses, but I’ll have ‘normal’ lenses too…

19th Purported EOS M specs at [CR]

• 32mp
• IBIS
• DPAF II
• New DIGIC Processor (perhaps a lesser version of DIGIC X?)
• EVF
• Dual SD Cards
• 12fps
• Full sensor width 4K up to 60p
• 1080p at 120p
• CLog

These seem a bit optimistic for the EOS M line?
Does it need a flagship camera with ‘dual cards’? If so then what about lenses?

13th Cameras get firmware updates and several are suggested for the R5 [CR] mostly for the video crowd, but unlikely to stop the whinging in some quarters ;-)

5th Suggestions of two EOS models later this year [CR] An M7 and M50 mk2

‘7’ did you say?…the magic number for a high performance crop sensor camera. It does make you wonder why Canon would bother with a top end M body, when all the best lenses for it would need to be adapted EF mount ones? If there’s to be a ‘better’ crop sensor camera then RF mount would seem the way – maybe even allowing for a (crop only) adapter for EF-M lenses. Seems complicated, but none of us know how Canon really thinks of EF-M fitting in its ongoing mirrorless lineup.

Checking the timeline… The M50 looks due for an update, as definitely does the M5

2nd Some dynamic range measurements [P2P] suggest that the new R5 sensor is on a par with others (Sony) that some have griped about for the last few years. Two stops improvement over my 5Ds should be noticeable…

NB – comparisons in the chart above are with other Canon cameras I have – you can adjust the settings

July

29th Manuals available for the R5 and R6

24th A mention [CR] of some new RF adapters coming later this year – this fits in with lots of things in patents.

• PL to RF with Cooke/i
• EF-Cinema Lock to RF
• Speedbooster

22nd The mention of another RF mount camera this year [CR] has stoked interest…

The expectations head towards a video camera with an RF mount. I’ve noted quite a few mount related patent applications [usually in the Lens rumours/info section]. Of course, there is also an R5s – the replacement for my 5Ds I’m waiting for ;-)

One recent example [USPTO] has this locking mechanism further on in the patent.

21st Updated firmware for the EOS R and EOS RP

Canon EOS RP Firmware Version 1.5.0 incorporates the following enhancements:

Support has been added for the following lenses:

• Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM
• Canon RF 800mm /f11 IS STM
• Canon EXTENDER RF 1.4×
• Canon EXTENDER RF 2×

Download at Canon UK

Canon EOS R Firmware Version 1.7.0 incorporates the following enhancements:

Support has been added for the following lenses

• Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM
• Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM
• Canon EXTENDER RF 1.4×
• Canon EXTENDER RF 2×

The operation of playing back through the multi-function bar has been improved (please refer to the latest version of the camera’s Instruction Manual that is released with the firmware update).

Support for the Battery Pack LP-E6NH has been added.

Download at Canon UK

15th A new product code registered for Canon cameras in regulatory filings: DS126843 [Nok]

It could just be a variant of the R5 with different wireless configuration,

13th It seems that there are reports of pre-orders exceeding ‘expectations and supply’ for some of the new products announced last week [CR]

We have received orders for the following products announced on July 9, 2020, that exceeded expectations, and it may take some time before the products are delivered.
[Applicable Products] EOS R5/EOS R6/Battery Grip BG-R10/Extender RF1.4x/Extender RF2x
We would like to thank you for all the orders we have received, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers waiting for the release.

9th Canon have announced the R5/R6 several lenses and the PRO-300 printer

• Camera/lens announcement
• Canon PRO-300 announcement

I know quite a bit about the PRO-300, since I’ve got one here to test and have just finished a lengthy PRO-300 review

It’s still here, so if anyone has any questions not covered in the review, please just let me know?

Preorders R5/R6 B&H | Adorama

—

Next Canon announcements? I’m thinking of an R5s and a R1 development announcement. I note that there is no multi-shot option in the R5. Something held back for the R5s?

4th Canon will be making announcements next Thursday at 1pm (UK time). There will be live events streamed from various locations.

REIMAGINE: a live event
You will be the first to be informed by Canon ambassadors and experts about our largest product launch to date.
09.07.2020 | 14:00 CET | Broadcast available in English only.
You can register for the event

US product launch event on the 9th | EU event | UK even

—

Not much to comment on the Z7 I’m afraid, due to my living in central Leicester and not currently supposed to go out…

June

26th The current list of Canon announcements in July [Nok]

• Canon EOS R5 Body
• Canon EOS R5 24-105 USM Kit
• Canon EOS R6 Body
• Canon EOS R6 24-105 STM Kit
• Canon EOS R6 24-105 USM Kit
• Canon WFT-R10 (A/B/C/D/E)
• Canon BG-R10
• Canon LP-E6NH
• Canon RF 100-500L
• Canon RF 800/11
• Canon RF 600/11
• Canon Lens Hood ET-101
• Canon Lens Hood ET-88B
• Canon Lens Hood ET-77
• Canon Lens Case LZ1328
• Canon Lens Case LZ1435
• Canon RF1.4x
• Canon RF2x
• Extender lens cap RF

23rd A visit to Nikon land for me. I’ve been wanting to add the Nikon 19mm tilt shift lens to my review collection for some time, and Nikon UK has kindly lent me a Z7 to try it out.

I’ll be updating things on the Nikon Z info page

If anyone has any comments/questions, please do feel free to drop me an email…

And yes, I will be writing up a short ‘first impressions review’ of the Z7 – I’ve got the 24-70 f/4 lens to try with it

18th Here are the camera products being announced by Canon on the 9th of July [CR]

• Canon EOS R5
• Canon EOS R6
• Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 IS STM
• Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM
• Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM
• Canon RF 100-500mm f/4-7.1L IS USM
• Canon RF 600mm f/11 DO IS STM
• Canon RF 800mm f/11 DO IS STM
• Teleconverter RF 1.4x
• Teleconverter RF 2x

This image is also from CR

May

5th Canon have a $100 firmware update for the EOS R that’s a real help for making high end stop-motion animation [DPR]

April

30th Two more ‘R’ bodies for 2021 are added to the mix [CR]

Possibilities include an RP update (R9) and the high MP R5 (R5s/R3) – this is the one I’ve also been told to expect, but again with no specs or name.

28th A suggestion that there may be a ‘higher end’ EOS M body on the way [CR]

Does this push a crop sensor EOS-R version out of the running for a while. There are still voices decrying the incompatibility of RF/EF-M mounts (no upgrade path etc. etc.) but does Canon’s research and sales info tell them something about people who buy EOS M cameras that the pundits miss ;-)

25th A comparison of EOS R/R5/RP camera sizes.

16th Some designs for construction of a sensor based IS unit appear in a Canon patent application [USPTO]

The patent includes a DSLR, but it’s about the IS unit, and we’re going to see this first in the R5.

I’ve highlighted the coils (in red) which control the movement of the sensor.

 

Much of the patent looks at just how you reliable connect up the moving parts.

March

11th New certification information [Nok] shows a Canon model DS126838, as opposed to the recent DS126832 [ R5 page ]. It uses the same LP-E6NH battery.

This could be the EOS R6, expected to appear after the R5

February

28th A suggestion [CR] that there may be an M5 mk2 later this year – a long way out so treat accordingly ;-)

22nd There are suggestions of an APS-C EOS R camera – the ‘R7’ [CR] for 2021 – no details and it’s a long way off yet. Any info found will appear on the EOS Rm/R7 page.

—

The R5 should start to ship before the Tokyo Olympics (start 24th July)

13th As widely expected there is a development announcement from Canon – thin on actual detail, as also might be expected.

Info on the EOS R5 page

What’s actually published…

• Newly designed CMOS sensor
• In-camera image stabilisation
• 20fps continuous shooting (silent shutter)
• 12fps continuous shooting (mechanical shutter)
• 8K video capture (of some sort)
• Twin card slots

8th That full frame Foveon sensor based camera from Sigma that people were expecting…

Delayed, with a return to the drawing board… [DPR]

—

Both EOS R6 and EOS R5 details seem a little more likely with Craig at CR having seen a video clip of the R6 sensor based stabilisation system in action.

So it looks like two cameras to be announced before long – there was mention of four full frame cameras this year, so 1D X mk3, R5 and R6 – what could be the third? It will come as no surprise that if the R5 is to come in at 45MP and the R6 at 20MP, my own hope is for an ‘s’ version that pushes towards Canon’s aim of clearly being the high MP leader, as it was with the 1Ds, 1Ds3 and 5Ds when I first got them.

As to if I wait for this as yet unknown camera, well that depends somewhat on what the R5 is really like ;-)

6th Courtesy of [Nok] some photos of the 850D and RF24-105 F3.5-5.6 IS STM have appeared [RF lens page] but no other cameras. That likely makes an actual announcement of a new EOS R body somewhat less likely in the near future, unless it’s some form of ‘development’ announcement.

2020 January

29th A lower MP EOS R6 is mentioned [CR] suggesting that Canon may be leaning towards their old naming scheme.

• 20mp full-frame CMOS sensor
• IBIS
• 12fps mechanical and 20fps electronic.
• 4K @ 60p
• New battery (same as the EOS R5?)
• June 2020 launch (May announcement?)

Of course this raises questions about a potential R7 and a R1 for mirrorless 1 series.

It also makes me wonder where the ROS R and EOS RP fitted?

• The EOS R is not quite a ‘5’ series
• The RP is in essence a mirrorless 6D mk2

So, an R5 becomes a mirrorless 5D mk5 and the R6 a mirrorless 6D mk3.

Were the R and RP really just ‘placeholders’ whilst Canon struggled to get it s mirrorless act together ;-)

28th So it seems that Canon may well be going for a 45MP EOS R5 (new page)

The specs [CR] still look a bit unbalanced in parts, but even if only largely true show a serious step forward for Canon mirrorless. The video and 12 FPS performance pitch it at 5D users, whilst the 45MP… well it’s not really any real difference to what I’ve got in the 5Ds.

I’m now really curious to see the image quality and whether it’s an update for my 5Ds or whether I wait for a higher MP EOS R5s ;-) I’m not alone in not caring not one jot about video capabilities or FPS. I also know that from a marketing POV, a 45MP camera at these specs will sell far larger volumes than a high MP ‘special’. It will also drive RF lens sales to an audience that can afford some of the new RF glass.

—

There’s a mention from a Chinese source that a new Foveon full frame camera is on its way from Sigma. I think our first Foveon related rumours were getting on for 15 years ago, and to be fair, the promise just never seemed to play out. Sigma is working on such stuff though [PR]

—

Something’s probably going to appear in the next few weeks – if it’s much like those specs, well, I’ll be very surprised, if for no other reason than the huge increase in processing power required over the 1D X 3 (and corresponding heat/power use).

24th It’s a month until CP+ (27/2 – 1/3) and whilst I was pleased to be invited, the business finances (I’m told ;-) ) don’t run to a trip to Japan for me. Pity, I’ve always fancied a visit to Japan :-(

Expect some announcements in the next few weeks, and who knows, maybe even a few solid rumours.

22nd Possible Canon full frame mirrorless cameras this year get a ‘lower than EOS RP’ option added [CR]

Meanwhile, on the associated forum thread, the ‘Canon is doomed, this isn’t -exactly- what I wanted’ crowd erupt over what is actually pretty sparse info… However I note the headlines on some of the ‘made for advertising/rumor’ sites already turning the broad tips at CR into product announcements ;-)

With the launch of the EOS R, Canon have showed they can be a lot tighter in controlling camera info leaking out.

Here’s an update to my timeline ‘guestimates’… (and they are that – email me if you know otherwise ;-)

I now think Canon may produce another 5D, but it will be the sort of update that the 1DX3 was over the mk2. It would be a mirrorless camera with a mirror and likely no sensor IS, which will be positioned to drive people to the true mirrorless version.

There may be a mirrorless fast/low MP/video oriented camera to appeal to the 7D crowd (well, some of them, it’s unlikely to be crop sensor).

Canon wants done with mirrors – how they do this and maintain sales in a still fast shrinking overall market won’t be easy.

20th There are suggested dates (Feb/May) for two EOS R bodies [CR]

One could be a high MP body (Rs?) and the second a lower MP than the EOS R aimed at speed (and likely video). As to which will be first and any specs or other info, that is, as you’d suspect … still unknown ;-)

The CP+ show is late Feb, so expect some firmer info to appear within 2-3 weeks

What might part me from my cash would be a good update for my 5Ds – More than extra MP (which would be nice) I’d like sensor DR improvements (although it’s hardly ever an issue even with my EOS RP), IS and a well implemented multishot super-res mode. As to Video, FPS, AF – bottom quarter of my wish list ;-)

2020 January 14th As reasonably pointed out [TH], Canon’s new 1DX 3 (and the new D780) can be seen as mirrorless cameras with a mirror based viewfinder. Adding a secondary EVF to the big pentaprism block of the 1DX body is doable. but would take far more R&D effort than Canon was probably willing to invest at the moment – That said, I’d bet there is a hybrid DSLR or two sitting in a Canon workshop somewhere, much as there are 1DX3 bodies with IBIS.

There will be new RF mount cameras coming this year. The timelines suggest both the 5D4 and the 5Ds are due for a refresh, but in the current market who knows?

I don’t think we’ll see an APS-C EOS RF camera until the full frame line-up has been expanded. When it does come, expect some cheaper RF kit lenses to appear but I don’t feel Canon wants to expand the EOS R line too far downmarket (yet).

There’s also the matter of just how to handle the APS-C xxxD/Rebel range of DSLRs – look for any ‘last gasp’ updates here to give a lot of clues as to what will go into the EOS R ‘Rebel’

See the main Camera rumour page for more about this, including some of Canon’s 2012 comments about what/who EOS M was for…

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For 2019 rumours see the Mirrorless /EOS R 2019 archive page

For 2018 rumours see the Mirrorless 2012-2018 archive page