I can't remember this many camera rumors swirling around at the same time since… well, ever!
More importantly, I can't remember this many camera rumors all coming true either. All the reports about the Fujifilm X100VI, Instax Mini 99 and Leica SL3, for example. And with the Paris Olympics just months away, all eyes are on Canon for its new flagship camera.
You know what else I can't remember? This many camera rumors about DSLRs and even film cameras! I know that Y2K-era cameras and 35mm film are making a resurgence, but this is a huge surprise to me – albeit a very welcome one.
As always, camera rumors often sound too good to be true – and there's a lot of nonsense on the internet. However, more often than not, where there's smoke there tends to be fire. So take a few pinches of salt and see what's on the way in 2024!
Canon rumors 2024
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.
Having filled out the EOS R range with cameras like the Canon EOS R8 and Canon EOS R100, and introduced a new product line with the Canon PowerShot V10 vlogging camera, what is the industry leader working on this year?
Canon EOS R1
Conspicuous by its absence at CES, CP+ and The Photography Show, there are now rumblings that the EOS R1 will be announced in April – perhaps alongside or shortly after another headline product (see below).
Despite previous rumors including things like 85MP resolution and a global shutter sensor, the latest reports are that the R1 will "have less resolution than many think" and that it will not use a global shutter sensor. Indeed, the most recent rumblings are that it will have a 30MP stacked sensor, capable of shooting up to 240fps bursts and 6.7K 60p video, with a 1/1,250 sec flash sync time and a completely electronic shutter. Perhaps we're even looking at Canon's new triple-layer stacked sensor.
We know that Canon has patented haptic feedback for silent shooting in a 1-series (or maybe 3-series) body, which could corroborate the fully electronic shutter. We also hear that the camera will feature an even more accurate version of the Canon EOS R3's Eye Control AF, which enables you to move the focus points by looking around the EVF.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
The reports have been all over the place on this one. The successor to the Canon EOS R5 was first thought to be arriving before the R1, then it was the second half of 2024, and now there's chatter that it could be announced in April either just before or in sync with the new flagship.
With the R1 set to concentrate on performance, the R5 Mark II will remain the company's high-resolution stills and 8K model. Reports of a 60MP sensor have given way to rumblings that it will keep the same 45MP sweet spot, but in the form of a new stacked sensor for even faster performance.
It seems a shoo-in that we will see another iteration of the 400MP photos introduced to the original R5, made possible by the magic of pixel shift. And it's a pretty sure thing that 8K 60p, with increased record times, will be implemented. In fact, I've heard that Canon is even aiming for 4K 240p, in order to make this the class-leading camera when it comes to video frame-rates.
Other than that, we will undoubtedly see the autofocus modes that debuted in the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and were further honed in the Canon EOS R8 – namely subject detection expanded to include horses and planes, along with a bump up to the burst shooting. The latest whispers are that the R5 Mark II could deliver 60fps continuous shooting, which would be pretty dang impressive.
Canon 3D VR Camera
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 EOS R7 Mark II
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 looks to 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
With the reports that the R1 won't use a global shutter sensor, could it be that the technology debuts in the next version of the EOS R3? It would make sense. The R1 is expected to be an all-purpose powerhouse, with high resolution and ISO sensitivity rather than just all-out speed. Global shutter sensors are designed to be fast, but the compromise is a higher base ISO and more restricted sensitivity.
The R3, meanwhile, is very specifically a speed-oriented sports camera. And with speed a priority over megapixels or ISO, a global shutter sensor feels like a much better fit in this product line. However, rumors suggest that we shouldn't expect a Canon EOS R3 Mark II until at least 2025.
Canon RE-1
Fujifilm and Olympus have been doing it for years. Nikon has done it with the Nikon Zf and Nikon 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 can't say yes or no, but as you say, some consumers are particularly fond of some of the best-selling models of the past, their design and appearance," said a Canon exec when asked if the company would produce a retro-style camera. "In addition, you can see that our EOS body, whether in appearance or operability, has been improved by listening to customer feedback and requests. We attach great importance to the fact that there is a consumer base that wants a retro body."
Such importance, in fact, that 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. Fingers crossed!
Canonet
With the ongoing rollercoaster success of the Fujifilm X100VI, not to mention the Leica Q3 and Ricoh GR III, it's been proven that premium fixed-lens compact cameras are here to stay. And, given that all the above models are on perennial back-order, there's a massive gap in the market for someone to take advantage.
Enter Canon, which reportedly has an "active, even if just exploratory" ongoing project about launching its own fixed-lens APS-C camera – a description that seems a perfect fit to resurrect the iconic Canonet product line (which includes the Canonet G III QL17, pictured above).
Canon Powershot V11
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, expect a successor sooner than later.
With the V10 being an entry-level model, we've heard rumblings that the next one will be a higher-end version. It's been suggested to us that weather sealing (with new microphones to accommodate the disrupted audio) is on the agenda, along with a better solution to windshields and other accessories than the slightly haphazard region-by-region products currently available.
Canon wearable neck camera
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
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.
Canon EOS RS
Not to be confused with the EOS R5, rumors persist that Canon is developing a high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera to compete with the likes of the 61MP Sony A7R IV. In fact, we've even seen some reports suggesting that a medium format-rivaling 100MP EOS R is being worked on.
The latest rumblings come in the form of a list of purported specs for what has been dubbed the Canon EOS RS – a nod to the Canon EOS 5DS, which is the 50MP high-res DSLR that the mirrorless version would effectively replace.
According to these claims, we can expect an 80MP sensor, with a slightly larger body than the EOS R that comprises a bigger grip, LCD and EVF. Additionally, it is claimed that the "viewfinder" (it is unclear whether this is the EVF or the LCD) can be tilted up and down, and that the camera possesses a "new style" of joystick (potentially the Smart Controller from the 1D X Mark III that also features on the R3) along with dual SD card slots.
Canon EOS C50 and C90
Want more Cinema EOS? The Canon EOS C50 and C90 are supposedly set to join the Canon EOS C70 and Canon EOS R5C in the RF-mount cine cam lineup.
These have been long rumored, but are yet to make their expected debut at any of the broadcast trade shows where a launch would make sense. This could be due to the ongoing component crisis, of course.
The Canon verdict
What we think: Canon has gone all in on EOS R, discontinuing DSLR development and culling the EOS M line completely. The flagship EOS R1 is finally coming, as is a new R5, 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.
More camera rumors: Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Sigma rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh rumors
