Imaging Resource sat down with Canon executives to discuss the future of the EOS R system and RF lenses. There is a lot of great hints in the interview about what we can expect from Canon in the future for the system.
A few points worth noting from our perspective.
The EOS R and RF mount system have been designed to be around for the next 30 years, just like the EOS and EF mount have been. Canon will continue to develop DSLRs, as sales have remained strong for those cameras.
We developed the EOS R System for the next 30 years, and started by introducing higher-end RF lenses. Yes, we are very serious about mirrorless. But please do not get the wrong impression, we will continue to enhance DSLR technology and products as well. We will work hard on both DSLR and mirrorless technologies and will wait to hear what customers say about each. Regarding the EOS R series, we are considering multiple models including a pro-level model, although I cannot comment on the time frame at this point.
While the immediate future is going to focus on the EOS R system, which obviously needs to play catch-up in some regard, Canon is fully committed to the system.
Canon was late to the 4K party, but don't expect that to be the case with 8K capable cameras, as they already have an 8K capable EOS R camera on their roadmap, which would suggest it's already in development.
Video will play a huge role in the EOS R System for sure. For example, an 8K video capable camera is already in our EOS R-series roadmap
We're trying to confirm the 2019 roadmap before we say too much, and we should be able to get that done shortly. The CP+ show in Japan begins on February 28, 2019, and it's usually a major show for Canon. We expect a lot of EOS R related products to be announced prior to that show.
We wouldn't be surprised to see Canon address the future of the EOS Rs video capabilities at NAB in April.
I would assume that an 8K capable image sensor will also benefit still photographers.
Well, for one, it would be newer. And readout speeds would probably need to be high, right? It's not better because it can do 8K video, it can do 8K video because it is better. Probably will not make a huge difference if we're only considering image quality though.
Canon are having a hard time getting better sensors to market. Sony are having a hard time designing good lenses. Don't know if I'll call that a draw or a win for Canon...
You're in luck! Samsung just released one this week. An 85 inch 8k tv for $15,000. Sounds reasonable, right? ;):p
And what are you lacking sensor wise? DR? The difference between the brands is so small as to be silly. IQ? Canon again is right there. Color is noted by those in the know as definitively superior in Canon. DPAF trashes everyone else.
I doubt you or anyone else can see the difference except for color science in any photo by any sensor on the market today.
PS in DR Canon generally meets or exceeds all others as ISO climbs beyond 100.
Then there is an option.
EOS C700 FF or other video centric camera for those truly into real video.
The R cameras are for us mere mortals who shoot stills and some home videos of kids etc. We do not want to spend the bucks for all the hooey video stuff that will never be used.
It amazes me how many complaints on this matter when canon has way superior products designed to do real video that will use all your EF lenses.
I'm with you on that. The color doesn't matter much to me, DR has been pretty amazing, as has been high ISO shooting. Just simply amazing to me with my MIV. The only thing that hasn't been amazing is some odd banding in certain shooting conditions.
No matter what Canon announces, the whining about their (excellent) sensors will never stop.
And nobody complains about the poor Sony colors....
Spec -sheets seem to be all that matters.
And for those who don't understand 8k - it's not that everyone needs the video to display that large, we don't need screens with that resolution. 8k allows panning and cropping options in post. A lot of what you are seeing on TV and in theater appears like the camera is panning, when it's actually fixed and cropped to simulate camera motion.
8K in 3:4 ratio is 45MP. CFast cards writing speeds are, AFAIK, just shy of 400MB/s. So lets assume Canon can make a camera that shoots 45MP at 10 fps.
What would be the usage scenario? Sports photographs cropped 50% and printed to cover a wall?
Well, I added an A7R III to my Canon stable the moment it came out over a year ago. And I'm very impressed. The Sony's dynamic range is everything. I only bring the Sony on my vacations these days. My Canon gear has been staying home a lot. It's a real shame. I love my Canon glass.