One of the biggest questions in the world of Canon is what will the company do with the EOS M lineup? I think most people, whether they wanted it to happen or not are resigned to the fact that Canon isn't likely to spend resources developing the EOS M system.
I have spoken to two sources recently, and both suggested that 2021 will be the last year of the EOS M lineup and that the EOS M50 Mark II was a “stop-gap for a couple of future RF mount APS-C cameras”.
This is the first time that I've heard that there are two APS-C RF mount cameras coming, but it makes some sense. The EOS M lineup has its fans, and if Canon can release an APS-C RF mount camera around the same size as current EOS M cameras, they'll have a winner.
Both sources were also adamant that there will not be RF-S lenses for APS-C EOS R cameras, but that future lens design will “fill the void of no dedicated APS-C lenses”. This makes some sense, as the only lenses APS-C shooters will likely require is a walk around kit zoom and a wide-angle lens.
I have reported that a Canon RF 18-45mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is coming in 2021, and that looks like it would be suitable as a kit lens for a crop camera, but it will also cover full-frame sensors. Canon will also be doing a Canon RF 10-24mm f/4L USM. which would cover the wide-angle needs of crop shooters, but I still think Canon will need a non-L lens starting at 10mm for cost reasons.
I suspect the EOS M will hang on a bit beyond 2021 as inventory will still exist, but I do think Canon needs to directly address this sooner than later.
More to come…
If so, this sounds like the end of APS-C as we know it. At least in Canon land.
That said, I can’t see them discontinuing M production as long as they sell well and are profitable. Just maybe little further development.
I have no problem buying a spare m200 and picking up an m6ii to cover me for a decade off the clearance racks. I just can't believe that they could ever come close to meeting the form factor. Not the end of the world but I still hate it.
We'll see what happens.
If they finish the EOS M line I will buy 2 2nd hand bodies of M50 just to use that lens gem!
Anyway is it a crazy idea to make an RF Lens that still fits the 54mm bayonet but only covers a APS-C sensor size in order to keep the weight and size of the lens down? I too would hate to go though the hassle of the ef \ ef-s situation again but if I can use my EOS R \ R6 in a cropped mode with a APS-C designed lens I'd be ok with that I think.
I guess the point is the m50 + 15-45mm is the same focal range as the 24-70m of a full frame at a 1/4 of the weight ...
I did a video a few years back comparing the 2 setups -
There is no secret I'm bull on the Canon M line for travel, and is what I still recommend for people looking to get a "better camera"
What about the ultra tiny ones like the M200? That body is practically as tall as the EF-M lens mount. With an RF mount and lens, that design simply doesn't seem feasible.
So the role of APS-C seems to either shift to reach and speed optimized bodies like the 7 series, or price regions that you can't reach with a FF sensor (sub 500?). Without dedicated lenses, there is only a little cost savings in the body and 0 size and weight savings, unless we are specifically talking reach limited setups. To me that justifies saying that the role of APS-C in the future is different from what it was in the past.
Exactly this. I got the first M1 during its clearance sale and it's been a treasure. My M50 hasn't been great but I just snatched up a m6ii. And I'll be prepared to snatch up another one or two to hold me over for a very long time.
I do like the canon 10-18 EF-S lens and agree that I would like to see an updated RF version with better performance but cheaper priced than a equivalent UWA FF lens. Something like the price of a Canon EF 11-24 F4 doesn't make sense IMO for the people that will own a RF APS-C body. Otherwise I will just adapt my Canon 10-18.
Overall I am very happy the RF line is getting APS-C options. I don't like the ergonomics of the M line and want to stay with APS-C. Assuming that the RF APS-C body (the high end one) won't have a super small form factor.
I was introduced to the Canon land with an analog Rebel (500N) , then went on with two digital Rebels (350D and 450D). Then, after big and long hesitation, I upgraded to the smallest model that supports AF micro adjustments (80D). I like the IQ and features of my 80D especially with my walkaround 15-85 lens, but it lacks in two parameters: (1) it's too big (especially the grip) and too heavy, (2) has no IBIS.
So I hoped that by the end of this year or beginning of 2021 I will be able to choose my next camera from at least two APS-C mirrorless models/lines that are capable similarly to my 80D, but are smaller, lighter (at least somewhat) and have IBIS. I also hoped that one of them will be (a kind of) EOS M 5 II.
Now the rumors keep saying that this will not happen and the only viable option is to switch to Fuji... (ignoring the Sony A6600 because Sony also seems to focus too much on FF and leaving the APS-C to slowly die).
Even if the new APS-C RF body had IBIS (but Nikon Z50 doesn't, so I expect that Canon will cripple the APS-C body in the same way), I still doubt they would make an RF 15-85 (how huge would need it be for FF) to have a reasonable walkaround lens (actually, I never understood the 3x "kit zooms", I never bought them with the body). According to the rumors they will never make a smaller/lighter 35mm F2 and 85mm F2. The existing 35 and 85 RF lenses are too big because of the added close focus feature (I can occasionally use extension tubes) and IS (no big need if the body had IBIS). And what about an equivalent (in size, weight and price) of the EOS M 22mm F2 and 32mmF1.4? The rumors say that they will just not happen either.
So it's not the end of the world, but most probably the end of my use of Canon gear...
Doesn't this go against the cr3 rumour that the apsc-r will be the same size as the r6, now we're back to talking about teeny wee apsc r's. What's the point!