Canon’s launch cycle has been unconventional lately, likely due to past leaks of major products. Simon from The Ordinary Filmmaker reports that a source with a 75% hit rate claims Canon will officially announce two full-frame camera bodies this month. Interestingly, one of them isn’t the EOS R1, which is expected to have a similar development announcement and launch as the EOS R3 prior to the Tokyo games.
The source suggests that the two cameras will be available for preorder, while the EOS R1 will likely require a wait until Q4. Apart from the EOS R5 Mark II and EOS R1, there has been no information about other cameras. Canon has registered 3 EOS R and 2 Cinema EOS cameras with certification bodies, all expected to be announced by early Q4 of 2024.
Speculations about the second camera include an EOS RP follow-up (possibly an EOS R9) or an EOS R6 Mark III. The EOS R6 was announced in July 2020, shortly after the EOS R5, and was refreshed in November 2022. The EOS R6 line has been the best-selling EOS R full-frame camera series. If a refresh is announced on May 15, it would be only 560 days since the previous announcement, significantly less than the 846 days between the EOS R6 and EOS R6 Mark II.
The market has changed significantly in the creator world, with new platforms, higher production quality, and increased competition from Sony and Nikon. Streamlining product launches and manufacturing could result in cost savings for Canon. A recent 1999, could be part of Canon’s promotion programs mentioned in their latest financials.
The third camera registered has WiFi 5, while the other two have WiFi 6, which could indicate an entry-level model. However, the current EOS R6 Mark II also has WiFi 5, suggesting that mid-range cameras may not require upgraded WiFi specs.
Canon has been more cautious with teasers and leaks, as more people knowing about upcoming products increases the likelihood of leaks. Some major retailers outside the USA have not had NDA meetings about this cycle of product launches, and accessory makers are under NDA expiring this month.
While more information is known about the EOS R5 Mark II, sources have requested that it not be published. The possibility of an EOS R6 Mark III is a new consideration based on recent observations, but coincidences can happen, and new history can be made. More specification details are expected to be revealed soon.
via: CR