Rumor Round-Up: Canon Edition

Please note any image of a product that hasn't been released yet is a simple Photoshop job done by me just for the article.  They are for visual and entertainment purposes only and ARE NOT spy shots or claiming to be.

Right now Canon is considered to be the industry leader and they have been for years.  Their EOS line is top notch and the additions of the EOS 1D Mark IV, 7D, and t2i have further solidified it.  So what is Canon planning next?  I have written short summaries of what to expect in terms of new bodies and lenses, but let’s not forget there is new imaging technology always developing even when it isn’t for a DSLR.  For example, expect to see some new Canon PIXMA printers at Unique Photo soon.  These printers will have the ability to print screen grabs directly from Canon Digital Cameras that support HD video recording.  There may be some announcements in August and I can’t wait to see what’s happening.

 

 

EOS 60D (ETA within weeks - Summer 2010)

The expected EOS 50D replacement has been perhaps both the best and worst kept secret this summer.  Last week camera data for a “EOS 60D” appeared on DxO Labs, the popular sensor/optics measuring website.  The information is now taken down, but it was there and it’s about time for the 60D.  The 50D was a nice camera for its time, but it’s time came and went fast.  Here are the specs I am anticipating: Name: Canon EOS 60D - 99% Sensor: 18MP CMOS - 85% Slight chance of a 50D 15.1 MP sensor refresh for better high ISO performance, but I doubt it ISO: 100-12,800 - 90% I expect an improvement from the 50D and similar performance to the t2i and 7D Frame Rate: 6.3 fps - 99% I can’t see an upgrade here, it would make the camera too similar to the 7D HD Movie: Same features as t2i and 7D - 90% Unless Canon launches something revolutionary in the 1Ds Mark IV and wants to place it in the 60D as well, expect the video features to be just as excellent as the t2i and 7D LCD Screen: Same as Rebel t2i - 50% I am pretty certain the t2i’s wide 3” high res display is the new industry standard, but there has been a lot of speculation on a possible articulating screen (similar to the Nikon D5000) for the 60D.  This one is a toss up. I could see the LCD going either way here. AF System: Sadly the same as the 50D - 75% I would love to see Canon step up the game here and include the same superb AF system that the 7D uses, but I am skeptical of such an upgrade. Viewfinder: See above, same as 50D - 85% I am pretty sure Canon will keep the 50D’s 95%/0.95x magnification viewfinder.  Again it would be great to see the 100% viewfinder of the 7D, but something has to differentiate the two models. Metering: Same 63-Multi Area as 7D - 95% Unlike the AF system and Viewfinder, I expect the new 63-Multi Area to become the new standard in Canon EOS DSLR cameras.  Nikon’s similar 3D Matrix metering system has been standard place since the F5 in 1996 so I expect Canon to follow suit here. Flash Commander:  Same as 7D - 85% This is another feature from the 7D that should make it’s way into the new 60D.  Being able to trigger and adjust the power of external Speedlites is a nice feature that maybe is a bit much for a rebel, but certainly makes sense in a XXD type camera. Form Factor: Same as 50D - 75% There has been some talk about a change in the form factor of the XXD line.  Some people think that Canon will try to mimic Nikon’s popular D90 camera.  However, based on the success of the XXD line in the past and the manufacturing/design costs, the form factor will probably be the same. Summary: The announcement of a Canon EOS 60D is imminent.  I expect it to have fantastic features and to be a much more “modern” camera than the 50D.  However if video recording isn’t important to you, grab a 50D while you still can.  It’s a strong performer that takes fantastic pictures and right now it’s at the lowest price point it will reach being sold as a new (not used or refurbished) camera.  We have a few more on order here at Unique Photo, but it will be our last shipment.  The 50D is not officially discontinued, but we won't be buying any more of them to put on our shelves.

 

EOS 1Ds Mark IV (ETA Fall/Winter 2010)

The Canon 1Ds Mark III took high resolution DSLR imaging to an unheard of level at the time with it’s 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor.  Three years later it is still considered to be top of the line, although it’s off-spring, the EOS 5D Mark II sports the same resolution with full HD movie recording and much improved ISO performance.  Here’s what to expect in the newest 1Ds camera! Name: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark IV - 100% Sensor: 32MP CMOS - 95% The exact number of 32 is just a guess and a number I have heard floating around rumor sites and forums.  36 has also been mentioned.  I am not a sensor engineer so I can’t tell you what number makes more sense, but I am very certain that the EOS 1Ds line will take back the Megapixel throne, with a new high resolution CMOS sensor. ISO: 50-6,400 - 40% This is an interesting spec to predict because of the anticipated high resolution sensor.  We may see an ISO range of 50-3200 that can be expanded to 25 on the low end and 6,400 or 12,800 on the high end.  This doesn’t sound exciting compared to the EOS 1D Mark IV’s ISO expansion that reaches 102,000.  However the 1Ds series is a line targeted towards studio photographers who often use lights and care more about dynamic range, sharpness, and tonal quality than low light performance.  I don’t have a good read or any info specific to this. Frame Rate: 3-5fps - 75% The 5fps of the Mark III will certainly not be improved upon.  With so many pixels expected on the sensor, I am not sure about the frame rate even staying at 5.  Depending on the processing power of the camera, it may be lowered to help handle the huge 30+ megapixel files.  We have yet to see the power of a Dual Digic V powered camera and the 1Ds Mark IV will probably be the first to feature two of the powerful processors. HD Movie: Improved features froms t2i and 7D - 90% In addition to being the benchmark for still photography, I fully expect Canon to include new video recording features in their 1Ds series.  A 1Ds camera may seem overly expensive to a casual shooter, but to a professional working in video, the potential quality to price ratio is a bargain compared to high-end camcorders.  If Canon is going to take their HD video recording a step further in future models, it may very well start at the top and trickle down over the next couple years. LCD Screen: Improved 3” display - 99% The 1Ds Mark III had a nice large 3” LCD, but it’s 230k dot resolution is pedestrian by today’s standards. As I mentioned, the t2i LCD is super impressive and innovative because of its aspect ratio and resolution.  Though I am not sure how changing the aspect ratio of the LCD would impact the design of the rest of the body.  The LCD screen will either be the same as the t2i or the 5D Mark II.  Either way you win here because there is a guaranteed improvement.  There won’t be any articulating screen silliness going on because professionals would be appalled by a feature like that. AF System: Updated 45 point TTL-AREA-SIR -95% Expect the same improvements that the 1D Mark IV received.  The 1Ds Mark III didn’t have the same reported focusing issues that the 1D Mark III had, but the improved AF System of the 1D Mark IV is a no-brainer for the 1Ds series.  While most studio shooters won’t be shooting sports, this is a flagship camera and it will have the latest AF technology that Canon has to offer. Live View: Updated from 1Ds III 99% Live View was a new technology in DSLR cameras when the 1Ds III was released in 2007.  Since then there have been numerous improvements.  Expect there to be a more sophisticated “Live” Histogram and faster AF Speed.  There will probably be an electronic level similar to the 7D. Metering: Same 63-Multi Area as 7D - 99% Again, II expect the new 63-Multi Area to become the new standard in Canon EOS DSLR cameras. It will be in the 1Ds Mark IV. Summary I wouldn’t expect this camera right away, but an announcement should be made sometime later this fall, maybe not even in time for PhotoPlus.  There hasn’t been much talk about specific features quite yet, but based on what we know about Canon, they will do something to make this camera a hit. The people who need this camera will buy it right away without worrying about the price tag.  The 5D Mark III will probably have trickle down features from the 1Ds Mark IV, and the ETA on a 5D Mark III is probably sometime NEXT summer/fall.

Canon typically releases a few lenses every year.  The 70-200 f/2.8L IS II was released in January so it’s time for the other three lenses.  I have heard a wide variety of rumors out there on the web, so it’s mainly speculation, but a few lenses make sense. Here are a few of the most interesting candidates.

 

 

14-24mm f/2.8L - 60% (ETA: Spring/Summer 2011)

Rendering of a potential 14-24L. Notice how I lost patience on the zoom ring and left the numbers from the 16-35L. All Photoshop, but it will probably look something like this when its announced.

I rate this lens at 60% because I just don’t think Canon will be quite ready to release it for this fall, but this lens is definitely coming.  There was a patent for it last winter/fall that got spread around online.  It’s a lens Canon needs to have in it’s lineup, a niche group of wide angle junkies have purchased the Nikon 14-24G f/2.8 with F to EF mount adapters to use on their Canon EOS bodies.

30 or 35mm f/1.8 EF-S USM - 75% (ETA Summer 2010)

Nikon's popular 35mm f/1.8G DX lens

24-70 f/2.8L IS II - 75% (ETA Summer/Fall 2010)

This rendering compares a rendering/interpretation of a new 24-70 IS (left) vs the current model (right).  Maybe I went a little too crazy here, but the point is adding IS to a lens like this isn't as simple as just throwing in IS.  It often requires some redesigning and almost always, an increase in size.

This lens has been talked about for a long time on rumor sites and forums.  Image Stabilizer in a mid-range zoom would not be a first for Canon.  Their 17-55 f/2.8 EF-S lens has IS.  However the EF-S design allows the lens to be smaller.  A 24-70 f/2.8 full frame lens will be huge, literally and figuratively.  It will be a big seller because the mid-range zoom is a staple for many professionals and stabilization makes it even more useful.  However I’m interested to see how Canon approaches the design because the fact is that adding stabilization makes a lens larger.

 

50mm f/1.4 USM II (L?) - 60% (ETA Summer/Fall 2010)

The 50mm f/1.4 USM just celebrated its 17th birthday this June.  Canon has made some excellent lenses that are good for decades, literally.

16-70 f/4 EF-S IS - 25% (ETA 2011?)

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 IS USM lens.  Crop body shooters want an equivalent of this lens for a general purpose zoom.

People have been clamoring online for this lens to be released to use on their crop bodies.  I don’t know I just can’t see this lens ever being created.  Maybe there will be a 16-35 f/4 IS as an update for the 17-40 f/4L to compete with the recent Nikon 16-35mm f/4G VR?  I could see this being a nice walk around zoom for crop body shooters like the 24-105 is for the 5D Mark II, but I just don't believe it's in Canon's plans right now.

 

Other Mentions

There are a number of rumored lenses flying around online all of the time and I listed the ones I found most interesting.  Other lenses I’ve seen come up in rumors are 100-400 replacement, a 60mm EF Macro, and a 35mm f/1.4L II.  Out of all of the lenses I have listed in this post, I think we will see three of them introduced this fall.

Powershot Cameras

Canon’s popular line of compact Powershot cameras are refreshed much more frequently than their DSLRs and EF/EF-S lenses.  So while I can’t say exactly what will be coming out, they are pretty easy to predict.  The following cameras have been discussed:

 

Powershot G12

After the 14+ Megapixel G10, Canon became wise to the fact that cramming a ton of pixels on a tiny Point and Shoot sensor was a detriment to image quality.  So the G11 saw a Megapixel reduction, which I personally had never seen before in the industry.  Needless to say the G11 was a hit.  So what’s next?  We saw Canon use a CMOS sensor in the SD4000, so I predict we will see a CMOS sensor in a G12 which will result in even better image quality at higher ISO settings.  Also expect full 1080p HD video recording and maybe some small ergonomic changes.  Perhaps the lens will have a maximum aperture of f/2 on the wide-end just like the Powershot S90.  Although I personally prefer a flat high resolution LCD, the swivel LCD of the G11 was a popular feature and it should be the same (maybe with improved resolution) on the G12.

 

Powershot S90 Replacement (S95?)

The extremely popular Canon S90 (Images courtesy of Canon USA)

See my comments on the G12 above.  I expect it will inherit all of the internal upgrades that the G12 will receive.  Of course there will be no hot-shoe or viewfinder.  Although the S90 was very popular with its sleek design and intuitive control ring functions, I can imagine some ergonomic changes here, mainly a better grip.  The only complaint I have heard about the S90 was it’s sub-par grip and almost slippery feel.

Powershot SX30 and/or SX1 Replacement?

The SX1 is a discontinued model from the past that had very modern features. (Images courtesy of Canon USA)

Expect a new power zoom with a high resolution swivel LCD and HD video recording.  The SX-1 was way ahead of its time when it was released in 2008 with a CMOS sensor and full 1080p HD video recording.  Image quality will improve in a replacement.  The SX-1 had the specs everyone wants today, but some people just weren't happy with the results.  I never used it myself so I can't say for sure. Even though the lower-end (relative to the SX-1) is only a year old, it’s CCD sensor is dated.  I predict there will be an upgraded SX30 that merges the two lines together.  With the advancement of technology in entry level DSLR/EVIL cameras, the demand for superzoom compacts has decreased.  They still have their place, but I can't see Canon producing two separate lines anymore.

 

Powershot D20 & D30

The clever, but uncomfortable Canon D10 (Images courtesy of Canon USA)

Rugged compacts have become trendy lately.  They solve a lot of problems for people who bring their cameras on vacation, to the beach, skiing, etc...  With strong competition from Olympus, Sony, Panasonic, and Fuji, I believe Canon will release 2 new waterproof/rugged compacts to replace the current D10.  Expect the higher end model to have a deeper rating (maybe 30ft vs 10ft) for underwater photography.  Both will have full 1080p HD video.  I have doubts about a CMOS sensor trickling down to this kind of camera yet, but at some point at will. A change in form factor would be nice, but no rumors on that.  However when looking at Canon's Official Website, you should notice it says "Canon D Series Digital Cameras" but there is only one D series camera right?  I don't know if this was intentional or not, but it makes a lot of sense for Canon to expand this line of compacts.

Canon EVIL System? (ETA Summer/Fall 2011)

Believe it or not this little guy (an old Canonet Rangefinder) had a full frame sensor too,well a full frame of 35mm film, but you get the point.  Canon has made small interchangeable lens cameras in the past.

Maeda also said the company was working on a smaller version of its upmarket single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras in a bid to compete with the new breed of mid-range so-called “mirrorless” cameras launched by Sony Corp, Olympus Corp, and Panasonic Corp.

“It’s not a question of whether or not you have a mirror. There is a consumer need for good-quality cameras to be made smaller,” Maeda said. “We will meet this need.” With Olympus, Sony, and Panasonic (Nikon will be joining very soon too) already in the EVIL market with their cameras, Canon wouldn’t be breaking any ground with just another EVIL camera.  I expect Canon to do something huge (not literally!) and offer an extremely thin and compact DSLR camera that uses normal EF and EF-S lenses.  However it will probably be another year or two before we see something like this from Canon. Check back next week for the latest information on rumors from other brands.  There will be a surprise too.  Something NEW is coming to Unique Photo... Stay tuned and keep shooting. :)