A Translation of a Japanese Interview
“Canon has been forced to change their plan for 2011 because of the earthquake on the 11th March 2011 in Japan and floods in Thailand, but they are going to be back to the normal operation in 2012.”

Summary of interview with Masaya Maeda, Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Image Communication Products Operation at Canon Inc.

He stated that they are planning to release mirrorless compact system cameras in 2012.

Concept of Canon’s mirrorless system

• Try to develop a compact camera which features high image quality.
• Trying to make cameras smaller and more compact, mirrorless system could be the key.
• Miniaturization of cameras is the top priority, which means the cameras may have a different mount to the EF mount.
• For mirrorless cameras, being able to change lenses is certainly a big merit, however, the ratio of use of interchangeable lenses is very low. We have to think on how we can make users use interchangeable lenses more, that is very critical. We have to look into the whole system as well as miniaturization.
• All DSLRs featuring EF mount would be getting smaller and smaller with high image quality. For interchangeable lenses, we are going to stick to EF mount.
• EF lenses are being developed and extended this will include shooting movies. The compatibility of the new system and the EF system is very important.
• As a premise of the new mount for mirrorless system, “the image sensor will be larger than the regular standard size” would be necessary.
• The quality of image sensor will be improving. Having said that, in time downsizing the sensor is coming in the future.

C300 movie cameras

• C300 contains various ideas of camera systems including new mounts. C300 was made from a lot of feedback from people in the movie industry, a good example is C gamma.
• New unique lenses for movies are going to be marketed in 2012, Auto Focus for movies and the smooth movement of aperture are being developed.”

 Source: [NL] via [DCW]

Some insights
[NL] mentions we’ll be seeing the 7D Mark II as well as a 5D Mark III by the time Photokina 2012 rolls around next September.

They also go on to mention that if Canon does release a higher megapixel full frame camera (30+ mp), it won’t be the 5D Mark III that gets them. The testing of higher megapixel sensors was also mentioned and it’s said all of this will depend on the “market”.

With all that being said, is it being insinuated that the 5D Mark III would get the same or similar sensor to the 18mp one in the 1D X?

The recent price drops of the 5D Mark II (down to $1999 in the US) I don’t think are a direct precursor to an imminent 5D Mark III announcement.

7D Mark II
Absolutely zero information has come my way about a new 7D. What I don’t think will happen is an APS-H 7D. They won’t eliminate the use of EF-S lenses on the body.

I’ve only heard about a 24mp APS-C, and an updated 18mp APS-C sensor. Niether of which there is much information about.

cr

The lenses keep on coming
I received some pretty good detail about a new EF 70-200 f/4L IS that may be announced in the next month.

The first version of this lens is terrific, and for a while outperformed the 2.8 IS counterpart (other than light gathering ability).

Some points on the reported new lens.

• It will include a newer version of the Canon fluorine coating reducing light scatter within the lens.
• The new coating will drastically increase the scratch resistance on the front element.
• The lens will be fully metal, besides the zoom and focus rings.
• The image quality is supposed to be the best as far as Canon zooms go (like version 1 was).
• Mid January announcement.

cr

S100 Reviewed
A regular of the CR Forums has posted a mini review of the PowerShot S100. He’s taken the time to post some comparisons against the PowerShot S95.

A Snippet from the review:

Overall, I’m really pleased with the S100. It will be good for all of the things my S95 is good for…and do them a little better across the board. The frame rate is faster, it seems to focus more rapidly (still slow compared to a dSLR), but in particular the dramatic improvement in ISO noise means not only better low light performance, but also higher possible shutter speeds in brighter conditions.

Read the Review 

Canon PowerShot S100 @ B&H Photo

thanks neuroanatomist

cr 

APS-C Before Full Frame?
Received word today, that the next planned DSLR announcement from Canon will be in February 2012. It’s a loose date and could happen at the end of January as well. The floods in Thailand are messing with parts availability.

It will most likely be a camera using the current 18mp sensor, with some modifications. Expect DIGIC V as well.

Lenses?
I’m told from the same person we’ll see a lens announcement before the next DSLR. No word on what.

Next “G”?
Again, the same person is saying the next “G” series camera will be a departure from what we have now.

cr

Canon will introduce the GP-E1 GPS addon and Bluetooth/Wifi addon.

cr

Expanded ISO Specs

• L = 50
• H1 – 102,400
• H2 – 204,800 

Movie Mode Specs

• MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
• 1920×1080 30p/25p/24p
• 1280×720 60p/50p
• 640×480 30p/25p

Focus Point Layout

GPS Addon
Canon introduces the GPS addon the GP-E1

http://www.canonrumors.com/2011/10/eos-gps-addon-introduced/ 

Price?
The last I heard, the price has not been finalized. It is speculated it will be in the $7000USD range.

Canon has leaked the name
The 5th paragraph down.

http://www.canon.com/news/2011/oct18e.html?WT.mc_id=C126149

Mention of DIGIC IV Below
The DIGIC IV processor is dedicated to AE and AF only. It is not a typo.

Specifications

Canon EOS-1D X

• Full Frame
• 18.1MP
• Dual DIGIC 5+ – 17 Times The Processing Power of DIGIC 4
• ISO 100-51200 Native
• 100,000 Pixel RGB Metering Sensor
• EOS iSA (Intelligent Subject Analysis)
• 61 Point AF
• 21 f/5.6 Cross Type Sensors
• 20 f/4 Cross Type Sensors
• 5 f/2.8 Dual Cross Type Sensors
• EOS iTR AF (Intelligent Tracking & Recognition Auto Focus)
• 12 Frames Per Second
• 14 Frames Per Second JPG Only
• 400,000 Shot Rated Shutter
• Ethernet Connection
• March Availability

TOKYO, October 18, 2011—Canon Inc. and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. today announced the introduction in Japan of the new EOS-1D X digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera offering a high level of performance to satisfy the demands of professionals in such fields as sports photography, photojournalism and studio photography.

To date, Canon has developed its top-of-the-line digital SLR cameras through the 1Ds series, which delivers exceptionally high image quality, and the 1D series, which achieves superlative high-speed performance. Integrating the strengths of these two series, Canon’s new professional flagship model, the EOS-1D X, brings together the highest levels of image quality and speed performance.

The new Canon EOS-1D X incorporates a newly developed approximately 18.1-megapixel 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor which, in addition to achieving an optimal sensor size and pixel count balance, effectively makes use of Canon’s proprietary semiconductor technologies to ensure low-noise performance. Featuring Dual DIGIC 5+, which comprises two new high-performance DIGIC 5+ image processors—each realizing approximately 17 times the processing power of DIGIC 4—the camera delivers exemplary image quality and speed performance, in addition to data processing power that has been greatly enhanced compared with the EOS-1D Mark IV, released in December 2009. Compared with the EOS-1D Mark IV’s sensitivity range of ISO100–12800, the EOS-1D X offers a range that has been expanded by two steps, to 100–51200,* for outstanding imaging results with reduced noise, even when shooting indoors and other dimly lit settings.

Combining a 100,000-pixel RGB metering sensor and DIGIC 4 processor, the Canon EOS-1D X’s new AE system, the EOS iSA (Intelligent Subject Analysis) System, is capable of determining not only brightness levels, but also a subject’s face and target color, making possible high-precision exposure control. The newly developed AF system incorporates an AF sensor with a total of 61 autofocus points for improved high-precision subject capture. The sensor includes 21 f/5.6 cross-type sensors, 20 f/4.0 cross-type sensors, and 5 f/2.8 dual cross-type sensors. Equipped with 20 f/4.0 AF points, the new camera offers the same level of precision as the EOS-1D Mark IV at f/2.8. Additionally, working in tandem with the new AE system, the camera’s EOS iTR AF (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition Auto Focus) function is capable of tracking a subject’s face or target color to maintain focus on a moving subject.

The Canon EOS-1D X’s new Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors make possible high-speed continuous shooting of up to approximately 12 frames per second with high-precision AE and AF performance. In the ultra-fast continuous shooting mode, the camera realizes a continuous shooting speed of up to approximately 14 frames per second (mirror remains raised during shooting, JPEG images only).

The Canon EOS-1D X delivers high reliability even in harsh shooting conditions. The rugged shutter unit boasts a lifespan of over 400,000 cycles while the camera’s exterior covers and operation panels employ a dust- and moisture-resistant design. Furthermore, the camera features a new dust-removing system incorporating two vibrating elements, a first for the EOS series, improving on the earlier cleaning system.

The new EOS-1D X comes equipped with a Gigabit-Ethernet connection that, when shooting in locations equipped with a wired LAN connection such as large sporting arenas, enables data to be transferred to editing desks quickly and reliably. Inheriting the same basic operating design as previous models, which focused on offering instantaneous operation, such aspects of the new camera as its button and control layout and GUI were reviewed and redesigned, with great attention given to operability when held vertically, during blind-touch operation, and when confirming images.

Featuring advanced video-capture capabilities, the Canon EOS-1D X’s upgraded imaging system and Dual DIGIC 5+ deliver greatly enhanced movie quality. In particular, the camera minimizes the occurrence of color artifacts and moiré, and enables the shooting of low-noise video even in dark conditions.

The Canon EOS-1D X will be available in Japan from late March 2012 at an open price. Canon has set initial production at 7,000 units per month.

Rumor Roundup ala Planet5D
@PlanetMitch over at Planet5D has posted a rumor roundup that touches on Canons events in the next month or so.

He’s also invited me to talk live on his site on Monday, October 3, 2011 at 3PM EST.

Read the roundup

Patent – The return of the aperture ring.
@Photography Bay has posted a patent pertaining to aperture rings returning to lenses. The ring would be for video capture on DSLRs.

Read all about it 

PRO-1 Printer
Apparently the PRO-1 moniker is for a “series” of printers. I’m not sure if we’ll see more than one. I know printers aren’t all that exciting, we’re waiting for the juicy EOS stuff.

Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Availability?
The most recent information I have is it will be officially announced this fall, with a Q2 2012 availability.

Canon still has to start churning out the new 500 and 600.

cr

Woo!
Canon has announced that its EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM and EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto lenses – which feature completely redesigned optical systems, the latest Canon Image Stabilization (IS) technology, new IS and AF Modes and improved build quality – are now shipping to selected dealers.

Canon EF 300 f/2.8L IS II $7299 @ B&H

Canon EF 400 f/2.8L IS II $11499 @ B&H

thanks Guillermo

cr

*Busted*
Another spec list torn apart by the community. The crop factors are off to a lot of people. APS-C isn’t 1/1.6.

Received 8 spec lists today! I expect 1.6x more tomorrow.

1D Mark V
A new claimed spec list of the upcoming 1D Mark 5.

We’re still getting conflicting 1Ds Mark IV & 1D Mark V model names. I’m still not sure what the new flagship will be called.

• Sensor: 36 x 24mm CMOS sensor
• Processor: Dual DIGIC 5
• A/D conversion: 14 bit
• Image sizes: 32.4 mp, 16.2 mp, 8.1 mp @ 5, 3 fps
• APS-H mode (1.3x) – 24.9 mp, 12.5 mp, 6.2 mp @ 8, 3 fps
• APS-C mode (1.6x) – 20.3 mp, 10.1 mp, 5.1 mp @ 10, 3 fps
• Movie Mode: 1920 x 1080 @ 29.97, 25, 23.976 fps
• 1280 x 720 @ 59.94, 50 fps
• 640 x 480 @ 59.94, 50 fps
• APS-H mode (1.3x) – 1920 x 1080 @ 59.94, 50 fps
• APS-C mode (1.6x) – 1280 x 720 @ 119,88, 100 fps
• Viewfinder: Magnification: 0.76x, 100% frame coverage
• APS-H viewfinder magnification zoom: 0.87x – 89% viewfinder crop
• APS-C viewfinder magnification zoom: 1.0x – 82% viewfinder crop

Go on and discuss what you think. This is fairly inline with what we’ve heard previously.

cr

A camera for 2012?
Apparently the 5D Mark III is not yet a finalized product and there are still 2 decisions to be made before the product is ready for consumption.

1. Split the 5D line into a still camera and an advanced video feature camera.
2. A camera between the 5D Mark III and 1D

It was also mentioned the still and video teams within Canon is very much separate and there is no overlap between the two departments. There could be some internal shakeup soon in that regard.

Do not expect a new 1D/1Ds camera to advance video functionality all that much.

February 2012 would be the earliest for an announcement that will address the 5D line.

cr

5D Mark II for $2499 at B&H

Contest Closed
The contest is now closed to new entries, good luck to the folks that did get a chance to enter!

Lomography Giveaway
The folks at Lomography are giving away a set of their EF Diana lenses.

See the prize here.

Shop Lomography

Lomography is also offering Canon Rumors readers 10% off any of their products. Simply enter the coupon code “canonrumors” without the quotes during checkout.

http://www.lomography.com/

cr

600D
Not unexpected, but a new Rebel will arrive in 2011.

I’m told it will be announced in the April timeframe.

There will be no Rebel XS successor. Expect the T2i to become the entry level Rebel.

5D Mark III
Nothing of note. I do expect it to arrive in 2011 in some form.

7D Mark II
There won’t be a 7D replacement until at least 2012.

1Ds Mark IV
Something is coming at the end of 2011, I’ve had a few more assurances that the camera will be a departure from the current 1Ds family.

1D Mark V
Nothing I’m told about the Mark V I put much stock in. Full frame comes up as expected. This camera is probably still in very early testing and development.

The merging of the 1D/1Ds may occur in 2012. There are some signs to suggest the possibility, the biggest one being the departure the next 1Ds will take (maybe even the name of the camera).

Mirrorless
Nothing of note has been mentioned lately.

PowerShot
The usual upgrades can be expected to start in late January. I’ve received nothing out of the ordinary.

Megapixels
The megapixel war is not over, even if Canon is the only one fighting it. Expect large increases in the next 12 months.

cr

Black Friday deals too
I am making no money on this, the folks at LR.com have been great to me and thousands of others.

They’ve started a huge sell-off of used rental gear. Lots of 7D’s and 5D Mark II’s have been added. They’re going to go fast.

Their “Black Friday Deal” is 10% of ALL used gear from 6:00 AM CST Thursday and through until 11:59PM CST Friday.

Visit LensRentals.com

*UPDATE*
It looks like the 5D Mark II’s are all gone now.

*UPDATE 2*
The 7D’s are gone now.  Still a lot of great lenses to choose from.

I think that 1D Mark III will be gone as soon as 6:01AM CST hits.

cr