A good source has chimed in on the possibility of a Canon EOS R body with an APS-C sensor.
In a recent interview, a Canon executive made a comment about the EOS M and EOS R systems, saying (google translated) “Since EOS R is a full-size system, it can not be downsized to EOS M size. EOS M has a role/existence value as an APS-C system.”
A few sites took that to mean that there would be no APS-C sensor equipped EOS R body. We took it to mean that they cannot shrink the RF mount and the ergonomics needed for a “prosumer/professional” camera to the EOS M size of a camera and that a compact APS-C system like the EOS M would continue to exist for the foreseeable future.
Back to the source. We've been told numerous times in the past and again this week that at least one APS-C equipped camera is currently being developed and tested.
Why do we believe this? The EOS 7D series of cameras. If EOS R and the RF mount as the future for Canon, which I think most people they are. There is no way that the hugely popular EOS 7D series of cameras is going to be cancelled or just remain a DSLR. There will have to be some kind of EOS R replacement for it. The feature set of the line, mixed with its affordable cost make it a camera that must exist in the Canon lineup.
When could an APS-C EOS R body arrive? I would think after the “professional/sports/wildlife” EOS R body. This point is just a prediction.
Interestingly, there is absolutely no reliable information out there about a Canon EOS 7D Mark III camera. We haven't received a confirmation that such a camera is coming as of yet. That could all change, and we think the first half of 2019 is likely when we'll hear or see something about the line.
The signs are pointing to an EOS R replacement instead of a Mark II version. This should come into focus in the next month or two.
But where does that leave the M series? A just slightly smaller alternative? With the size and flexibility of the 80D, I've never been tempted by the M's. Speaking only for myself, of course.
Not 'If' but 'When' The only thing that they could technically do (ignoring price) is put a crop mode into the FFs which increased FPS when engaged, I'd love that but Canon have shown no signs of going in that direction.
I think the M line stands on its own, small/light mass market appeal good value/quality. APS-C on the R is more about the 7D brigade, robust, weather resistant, L glass users looking for reach at a more affordable price point than FF equivalent. The possibility that some specs on say a m5II may be the same or even better on paper than an APS-C R (fps for example) doesn't mean it's a superior camera for the job. The reverse is also true and an APS-C R would not make the M line redundant.
That would sort things out nicely and end all speculation regarding future:
* EOS M = APS-C (from entry level to hi-end)
* EOS R = FF sensor (with crop mode)
The M takes the place of the powershot series, so it can remain its own system. However, as EF transitions to R, the M series will need a few more lenses because people will not be buying EF lenses anymore, and M can not take RF lenses.
I have both FF EF and the M system. I choose the M when portability is the most important criteria (areas restricting "pro" like cameras). For everything else, its EF.
That makes no sense. Why would Canon produce a second series of "L" lenses for the M ecosystem when portability is the M's advantage. It makes for sense for a APS-C R mount. Then Canon can produce a few consumer zooms/primes for APS-C and the users that want better lenses can use RF natively.
Unlikely, since not everyone would be able to afford it, which defeats the purpose of EF-S glass.
Something about this just doesn't quite seem right to me...
As I've posted previously, those who felt/hoped/believed that Canon's first full-frame mirrorless body would utilize the EF mount...I believe their thoughts were from their hearts and not their brains.
Here, too...I'm getting the same vibe.
The EF-S series of lenses (of which I own a couple)...presumably...would function on this rumored APS-C/R body only with an adapter?!
That doesn't make sense to me.
So will there be a whole new family of lenses?
A 17-55 2.8 IS ER-S?
That just doesn't make sense, at least to me.
What works, in my mind, is a bare-bones (full-frame) R mount starter camera, with the least expensive 28-70 R-mount lens that can be built.
Build it (price it right)...and they will come.
The M series is the portable line, as a couple of manufacturers have/are doing. Sony has a clear semi-pro/pro, larger size line (a7) and an enthusiast/semi-pro portable line (aXXXX). Panasonic is basically going to follow this model with a larger FF announced and yet declaring intention to support their existing m4/3 line, among others.
The Canon M series has been extremely popular in Japan and is actually popular with certain niches elsewhere. It has a been a good development proving ground for their R system; it will continue to be used as a gateway drug for current smartphone and soccer parents, a good B-roll/back up system for pros, and a satisfying system for travelers and those seeking to downgrade to a smaller, inexpensive system with great IQ.
This is not to say this is unique to Canon. This appears to be approach by a number of companies, as stated previously.
The camera would still have RF mount. As mentioned, the existing R camera already goes into crop mode when a crop lens is attached. But the lenses could be called RF-C or something (?). But who cares about the name? The important thing is that crop-sensors are significant cheaper than fullframe sensors, and that some lenses could be made lighter and more compact if designed for crop-mode on the R cameras.
I can easily imagine going APS-C mirrorless some day (I currently own a 7DII). But after the launch of the new fullframe mirrorless system from Canon, I can't ever imagine going the route of EOS-M. If I'm going to invest in mirrorless from Canon, it should be in a camera compatible with their most interesting and broad selection of lenses. That's not what the RF system is today, but that is the way I expect it to go...
i'd rather expect a slightly larger, higher-end M body to succeed 7D II.