Everyone agrees that Canon was late to the full-frame mirrorless party. It’s not hard to see why, as the brand are (and have been) in the number one spot for as long as anyone can remember. However, that all changed last year with the launch of the EOS R – Canon’s first-ever full-frame mirrorless model, which was followed by the more entry-level EOS RP.
If the rumour mill is to be believed though, Canon look set to ramp its mirrorless game up to the next level, with reports that a Pro version of the EOS R is set to be launched in the very near future. As always, it’s worth taking these rumours with a pinch of salt, but if the rumours are true, Canon’s next mirrorless could prove to be a real game-changer.
So, let’s run through the different areas of specifications that are being linked to the EOS R Pro (or whatever it eventually comes to be known by). First up is resolution and this could prove to be a very important factor for professional photographers as the rumour websites suggest the pixel count could come out as 75-MP. This would blow away the resolution of the EOS R (30-MP) by more than double and even eclipse the 50-megapixels on offer from Canon’s current highest resolution cameras – the 5DS/5DSR DSLRs.
However, it’s not just the resolution that could turn heads as some websites have reported that the sensor could be revolutionary too and could incorporate a ‘moving’ design. Why would you need such a design you may ask? Well, the answer could be linked to another reported specification, with other websites reporting the new Pro mirrorless camera could use a hybrid lens mount that would enable both EOS EF and RF lenses to be used.
Such a move would prove massively popular with existing professional photographers who have spent years using the Canon brand and have built up a bag full of expensive EF glass and who would also be able to mix this glass up with the impress RF lenses that have already come to market.
The rest of the rumoured specifications suggest the new camera would be firmly targeted at work pros, with headlines claiming the body would offer dual memory card slots, weather sealing (enabling the camera to be used in harsh environments) and a rear joystick that would be similar to the feature expected to be present on the forthcoming Canon EOS 1DX MkIII camera, which has been confirmed for development by Canon.
In terms of timescale, there’s no official word, but past launch timings suggest Canon would want this camera on the market in time for big worldwide sporting events such as next year’s Tokyo Olympics. In short, this is shaping up to be an amazing camera from Canon and photographers shouldn’t have that long to wait.
DigitalRev 