DCWatch has posted an interview with Canon's Executive Office for the imaging division at Canon Inc. in Japan. There were a few interesting questions and answers above and beyond what we've already heard since the EOS R was launched.

What does The R in EOS R mean? (Google Translated)

The development concept word for this new system is “Reimagine optical excellence.” The letter “R” took the first letter of its first word “Reimagine”. However, in the development stage, various words such as “Revert”, “Reborn”, etc. with “R” flickered with the meaning of “redefining” EOS again “to reactivate”. As a result, we have developed the concept of “Reimagine optical excellence.” And decided to use “R” for both product name and system name. I felt that I could put down the feelings of the development team well.

Asked about EOS M and EOS R and how they fit in the Canon lineup (Google translated)

That's right. 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.

While I think he's saying that EOS M will always be an APS-C system, the EOS R form factor will not be shrunk. That doesn't mean we won't see an APS-C EOS R body. If we're going to get a mirrorless replacement for the EOS 7D series, it will have to be in the EOS R form factor purely for ergonomics, build quality and usability.

When asked about the RF lenses already released (Google Translated)

There was a desire for customers to sympathize with the meaning of creating a new system. When asking the world of a new system like this, we should put out a lens that can express barely the characteristics of the system. RF28-70mm f/2L USM, RF 50mm f/1.2L USM will not be able to plan the product so far because it will be incredible size and weight if made with EF mount. It is a product that can be done because the degree of freedom of lens design has increased considerably by eliminating the mirror and shortening the back focus. As a symbolic lens symbolizing the EF mount once, I put out a lens called “EFv50mm f1.0L”. I believe that we have created a lens equivalent to this time as well.

These lenses were obviously made to show what is possible with the RF mount right out of the gate. I think Canon did a much better job flexing their muscles than Nikon did with the manual focus Noct 58mm f/0.95.

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