Camera rumors in 2024: what cameras are coming, officially and otherwise!| ExploreTechify
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And we keep seeing long-running camera rumors come to fruition. For example, Canon finally announced its flagship Canon EOS R1, just in time for the Olympic Games, along with its most important camera, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. But somehow that hasn't stopped the rumors – because I'm already hearing about another R1 body on the way!
That comes hot on the heels of Nikon dropping its leading hybrid camera, the Nikon Z6 III, and Sony launching its updated vlogging camera, the Sony ZV-E10 II – both of which were also the subject of endless scuttlebutt.
Canon rumors 2024
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Canon is always the subject of more camera rumors than any other manufacturer, in large part because it has been the most prolific photographic patenter for 38 consecutive years. And these patents are often the first clues we get as to what is coming in the next wave of cameras.
While the first half of the year was uncharacteristically quiet for bodies, we've now had the Canon EOS C400 (the first-ever camera with triple-base ISO), along with the EOS R1 and R5 Mark II (the first-ever bodies with in-camera neural net upscaling and denoising).
So, with a new flagship, cinema camera and the most important product in its lineup both safely launched, what else can we expect from Canon?
Canon EOS R6 Mark III
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While I still don't think that the R6 Mark II needs replacing, I've changed my tune on the Mark III rumors – because now it isn't just wishful thinking, there actually seem to be breadcrumbs to follow.
Not only that, but my biggest reservation about replacing the Mark II was that it just seemed too short a life cycle (my opinion originally being that the OG R6 was replaced so fast due to misjudged specs when it launched). However, I had the chance to chat to a senior exec who explained Canon's camera life cycle philosophy, and it feels that a two-year lifespan for the R6 may be the norm.
Anyway, I'm hearing that the Canon EOS R6 Mark III may have a 24MP stacked sensor very similar to that of the R3, with the 5.69 million-dot viewfinder similar to that of the R5, with 4K 120p / FullHD 240p video (with audio) and improved stabilization and autofocus.
Crucially, however, it will not possess any of the in-camera AI upscaling or denoising of the EOS R1 or EOS R5 Mark II – nor the new Digic Accelerator-powered autofocus systems (such as Dual Pixel Intelligent AF or Action Priority mode).
Canon EOS R1X
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I'm calling shenanigans on this one, but the internet is reporting on a Canon EOS R1X – which will supposedly be the "true flagship" offering high-resolution shooting.
Obviously the Canon EOS R1 is the company's flagship, and it has chosen the traditional 24MP resolution sweet spot for a reason – I truly can't see Canon releasing a high-resolution update of it. If you want more pixels, you can upscale shots to 96MP in-camera – and if you really want more pixels, the R5 Mark II shoots at 45MP with in-camera upscaling to 180MP.
I think this rumor is down to two things. Firstly, it's a hangover of the 80MP Canon camera rumor that's been doing the rounds for years. Secondly, it's probably wishful thinking from members of the photographic community who have been decrying the R1 for not having more resolution (overlooking the fact that pro sports cameras from Canon and Sony shoot at 24MP for good reason).
However, while I'm highly skeptical that we're going to get an 80MP EOS R1X, I wouldn't be surprised if this rumor actually takes the form of a Canon EOS RS – following in the footsteps of resolution-oriented bodies such as the Canon EOS 5DS.
Canon RE-1
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Fujifilm and Olympus have been doing it for a decade. Nikon has done it with the Nikon Zf and Z fc. And Canon could be the next manufacturer to produce a vintage-styled mirrorless camera – possibly a modern version of the iconic Canon AE-1.
I recently asked one of Canon Inc's top execs about the market's growing appetite for retro and film-style cameras. "There’s a certain amount of people who really love film and cameras with a more vintage look. Therefore there is a possiblilty that we will address those needs from the industry".
And when he was pressed further on which Canon film camera he would most like to see resurrected in digital form: "My favorite is the AE-1 – for myself, that would be my choice. But whether as a company, as the Canon brand, we would revive that in digital format or not is a different topic. So I cannot make any clear comments on that, unfortunately, but my personal preference is the AE-1."
If you need any more indication that the company is looking at retro cameras, Canon conducted a market survey asking which of its film cameras customers would like to see made digital. Some posited options were the Canon P, Canon F-1, Canonet QL17… and the Canon AE-1.
Canon EOS R5C Mark II
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Does the launch of an R5 Mark II indicate the launch of an R5C Mark II? It's possible. Personally, I didn't realize that launch of the original R5 indicated the launch of the original R5C – but Canon insisted that both models were planned from the start (rather than, as some have suggested, the R5C being released to counter criticism about the R5's recording limitations).
It's fair to say that the R5 Mark II doesn't suffer nearly the same overheating / recording limitations as the original, even when shooting at 8K – especially with the new cooling fan grip that adds an active cooling system.
However, while the camera definitely has a lot of Cinema EOS DNA (including things like C-Log2, tally lamp and full-size HDMI, and XF-HEVC S / XF-AVC S delivery), Canon told me that if I want more shooting flexibility when it comes to recording limitations for dedicated video shooting, the R5C may still be a better choice. And so, theoretically, would an R5D Mark II.
If we do see it, I would expect it to have very similar specs to the R5 Mark II. However, it would be a given that it would have an integrated and superior active cooling system – and I would also like to see the in-body image stabilization carry over this time. ND filters would be good, too, especially for a Cinema EOS product.
Canon 3D VR Camera
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I had a chance to talk to Canon about its prototype 360° / 180° 3D VR Camera. It's clear Canon is really doubling down on virtual reality, having introduced the Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens a couple of years ago and with a pair of APS-C 3D / VR stereoscopic lenses on the way as well.
This new camera, which physically looks like a mashup of the Dual FIsheye and the Canon PowerShot V10, combines all the tech in one: 360° / 180° 3D VR 8K capture, along with VR live streaming.
While this wasn't something Canon said to me, I've heard that the camera has a target price of under $1,000 (about £820 / AU$1,590). This is definitely something to keep an eye (or even a Dual Fisheye) on…
Canon Powershot V1, 10 Mark II, V100
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Rumors of a Canon vlogging camera swirled for years until the Canon PowerShot V10 finally dropped. And with vlogging cameras being the hottest thing in the industry right now, it looks like Canon is following Sony's lead and producing a whole range of dedicated vlogging devices.
Canon PowerShot V1
An APS-C sensor will be the primary way that this flagship model differentiates itself from the mid-range V10 with its 1-inch sensor – though it is possible that the V1 will feature some flavor of Dual Pixel AF II. It has also been suggested to us that weather sealing (with new microphones, to accommodate the disrupted audio caused by water build-up) is on the agenda.
Canon PowerShot V10 Mark II
Improved autofocus, FullHD video up to 120p, along with a better solution to windshields and other accessories (compared to the slightly haphazard region-by-region products available for the current V10) are said to be coming to the Mark II.
Canon PowerShot V100
Following the naming convention of the mirrorless EOS R line, the V100 (like the Canon EOS R100) will be the entry-level model of the PowerShot vlogging family.
Canon Posture Fit
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Back in 2021 Canon introduced us to Posture Fit: a concept camera that looks like a Pixar character and sits on your desk, where it keeps an eye on how you're sitting using a wide-angle lens and skeletal mapping. When it spots you starting to slouch, it flashes and wobbles and beeps on your desk to tell you to straighten up – and it'll even remind you to get up and move around, if you've been sitting too long.
After falling off the radar ever since, recently a patent was filed in Japan describing a Posture Fit that could monitor multiple subjects in its field of view – not just the person sat at the desk in front of it. Again, it's not a photographic camera (so it can't be used for spying or surveillance) but it's a very clever lifestyle device that anyone who sits in front of a computer will surely benefit from.
Canon EOS R7 Mark II
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The original Canon EOS R7 is only two years old, but the manufacturer showed us with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II that it's more than willing to update a camera after two years if there's a big improvement to be made.
With the Canon EOS R7 Mark II, that big improvement could take the form of a new stacked APS-C sensor – which would push the OG R7's already impressive 30fps burst speed to even greater heights. With rumors that Canon is looking to update its fleet with stacked sensor in at least three cameras – and the potential of its newly designed triple-layer stacked sensor – this could be very exciting for sports and wildlife shooters.
Canon EOS R3 Mark II
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The R3 sits in a strange position in Canon's lineup, now that the R1 is here. Once the placeholder product until an official flagship was announced, some feel that it's a lame duck given that the actual flagship outclasses it in every way.
However, many of the innovations of the R3 made their way into the R1 (and indeed the R5 Mark II). Does the R3, then, become the technology launchpad of the EOS R family? The camera that debuts the latest tech, before it is further refined for the tentpole products?
I can certainly see sense in that. The Canon EOS R3 Mark II could, for example, be where the company debuts its first global shutter sensor – testing the waters with the sensor tech (which, it should be remembered, does come with a number of compromises) before doubling down on it in the R1 Mark II.
At the same time, though, it could equally be that there is no further need for the R3. With the camera approaching its third birthday, the next few months are going to be very interesting…
Canon wearable neck camera
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Wearable cameras are big business, and Canon has designed an intriguing one that's worn around the neck. Ostensibly for use in the manufacturing and maintenance industries, this adjustable camera features a laser indicator to show where the point of focus is and ensure that the right area is in frame – meaning that there are a wealth of consumer possibilities for the device as well.
This is one we're really intrigued by. As we've seen from the likes of the Canon PowerShot Zoom, Canon PowerShot Pick and Canon PowerShot V10, the manufacturer is increasingly bringing these intriguing concept cameras to market – and we really hope this new wearable follows suit.
Canon drone
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In March 2022 Canon submitted an application for a patent for a product that is a drive device, an electronic device and an image pickup device with a mobile body.
From the illustrative diagrams included in the application, it looks like the design of the camera unit could be very similar to that of the Canon Powershot Pick – an AI-powered camera capable of recording both video and stills. It automatically detects movement, can track a subject and can be controlled using voice commands.
The Powershot Pick features an 11.7MP camera, has advanced face recognition, connects to a purpose-made app and is compact, lightweight and portable – all of which are features that would be desirable on a drone camera.
The Canon verdict
What we think: The flagship EOS R1 is finally coming, but Canon is being very cagey on telling us what it actually does. A new R5 is on the way, too, but you should also brace for more category-expanding PowerShot cameras like the V10 and Zoom, as Canon looks to broaden its appeal beyond the core camera crowd.
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