The Canon R1 and R5 Mk. II are on Summer’s Horizon
Canon enthusiasts, get ready for some big news! The much-anticipated Canon R1, a flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, and the next-generation Canon R5 Mk. II, are set to make their grand entrance. According to the latest buzz, these cutting-edge cameras could hit the market as soon as mid-July 2024.
What We Know So Far: Canon’s Latest Registrations
The latest revelations come courtesy of CanonRumors, a trusted source for insider news from Lake Success. They have uncovered information from Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, indicating that Canon has registered two new camera models for 2024. These models, codenamed ‘DS126928’ and ‘DS126922,’ are now widely believed to be the Canon R1 and the Canon R5 Mk. II.
The Canon R1
Positioned between Canon’s consumer-grade mirrorless cameras and its professional Cinema line, the Canon R1 promises to be a game-changer. This flagship model is expected to feature a revamped CMOS image processor paired with a DIGIC Accelerator, aiming to deliver outstanding video quality with enhanced resolution and dynamic range.
Canon has hinted that this powerful processing duo will handle vast data volumes at lightning-fast speeds, suggesting that the R1 might support 8K video. Another exciting development is the introduction of a global architecture system. This system is designed to function like a global shutter, potentially eradicating the rolling shutter issues that have plagued moving camera shots for years.
Additionally, the R1 will come equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it a versatile tool for professionals on the go. Expect to see this camera in action at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where its capabilities will be tested in the heat of world-class competition.
The Canon R5 Mk. II
The Canon R5 Mk. II is shaping up to be a worthy successor to the popular R5. Rumors suggest it will feature a 45-megapixel stacked backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, offering a faster readout than the R3. This enhancement is expected to improve heat management during long video shoots and allow for rapid 30 fps still image bursts, potentially through a mechanical shutter. However, there’s speculation that Canon might follow Nikon’s lead and eliminate the mechanical shutter entirely.
The R5 Mk. II will also boast Canon’s latest pre-burst capture technology, ensuring photographers never miss a critical moment. Improved eye-tracking autofocus and a smart controller are on the cards, along with a stacked processor design capable of handling high-resolution 8K video internally. There’s also talk of advanced AI-based autofocus functions, allowing the camera to intelligently switch between One-Shot AF and AI Servo AF as subjects move within the frame.
Rumored Availability
While exact pricing details are still under wraps, insiders suggest that the R1 and R5 Mk. II will be priced similarly to their predecessors. Expect the Canon R1 to be around $6,499, and the Canon R5 Mk. II to hover near $3,899.
Mark your calendars for July 17, 2024, when Canon is expected to officially announce these cameras. Shipping might start by the end of summer or early fall, just in time for the holiday shopping rush.