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Rumors and talk about Canon's coming ‘Retro' style camera that will likely pay hommage to the Canon AE-1 to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 have been relatively quiet over the last few months. There have been a few things mentioned over that time, but nothing worth publishing.
This past week I had a discussion with someone, and they told me that the camera is coming in 2026.
EOS R6 Mark III / C50 Sensor Inside
The new camera will apparently use the latest 32.5MP full-frame sensor that we see in the EOS R6 Mark III and C50. I'm not surprised by this as the more of these sensors Canon produces, the less expensive they become to manufacture.
How much will it cost?
The ‘retro' camera will come in “significantly less” than the $2799 EOS R6 Mark III. It's going to have less features, minimal focus on video and will have the entry-level DIGIC X processor.
Again, that's not a shock. If you're going to make what some may consider a niche product, it has to be affordable so it will sell well and remove the niche label that some feel it will be.
I think it would have to launch in the area of $1999 to be a sales success. Canon isn;'t in the business of making low volume consumer and prosumer cameras.
New Retro Lenses?
There is a possibility of “at least” 2 lenses that will match the aesthetic of the camera. I have no idea what lenses they would be, but I suspect they will be current lenses with a new look.
I don't think we're going to see any L lenses converted for the retro look. I think a zoom and a prime would be the logical the way to go. Your guess is aa good as mine on this one.
If I had to choose? The new RF 45mm f/1.2 STM and RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM.
What has Canon said about a retro camera?
Canon talked openly about the prospect of a retro style camera earlier in 2025 during the CP+ trade show. They even mentioned the AE-1 and talked about the design challenges that would arise to make it as usable as possible.
This is Canon speak, and it means Canon is actively working on the camera.
Canon Executive Manabu Kato: I'm really glad to hear that you're an AE-1 enthusiast because I also like that camera.
Thanks for the question about the retro look, the style and the design. It’s not as simple as saying, “Okay, let’s develop this camera to look vintage.” In a camera like this [EOS R5 Mark II, editor’s note], we have the camera part, the lens part, and the accessories' part, and they all have to coordinate to form a camera.
That’s why we have to start the design by considering, “If we change the camera part, how will it affect the lens, how will it affect the accessories?” Those are the things we consider first in our designs.
And we really focus on the ergonomics of the grip, the positioning of the dials, the buttons and other elements. So if we were to do that with the design of the AE-1, would it really achieve the kind of ergonomics and usability that we need in a Canon camera? That's the big question.
I hear you, and there is indeed a lot of demand for vintage-looking cases, and that’s not something we’re ignoring. We’re listening. But those technological challenges, as well as the commercial viability challenges, are things we’ll also have to carefully consider before we can move forward with a vintage design.
https://www.canonrumors.com/canon-executives-discuss-retro-camera-design-hello-canon-eos-re-1/
When can we expect it?
April of 2026 is the 50th anniversary of the AE-1.
It's not out of the question that there could be an announced around that time. I and the person I spoke to have no confirmed information about an announcement date, so this is another guess based on logic.
Yes, there are some people that don't see the point in it and aren't into the ‘retro' thing, which is valid. However, there are many that would be very excited to get their hands on one. I do think a couple of retro lenses, even if they're just repackaged versions of current lenses would really drive the excitement.
I still think it should be called the Canon RE-1. There's no better name for it!
More to come…
Imagine if it outsold the R6III...
Let's see, if it comes true...
But for sure, I'd take an R6m3 over it - every second!
Daydreams can be dangerous to your health.
Be careful! 😉
But I will wait for those complaining about the c*** hammer, wanting both, 2k$ AND R6m3 features at the same time.
Personally, I would prefer to let it be "fully functional" for a reasonable price.
It's a RETRO camera, you push the button and it takes a photo. It doesn't try and precapture photos nor track face or balls. AEB is the most advanced feature it would need. Keep all of the other photography basics like G-P-S, horizontal/vertical level. Give AI a holiday 😀 no audio notes, no WiFi. Single battery, single card (real cameras only had 1 roll of film).
What lenses? Can't be retro without a 50mm to suit!
Cute or not, I expect such camera to have nothing less than the autofocus of a R8, not to mention the R6 Mark III.
To me, they could remove video recording entirely, but photography-wise, it must have almost everything.
A photographer's camera that is decently paid must have photography features that suit its price.
Retro-styled is not retro-operational. If they wanted to make a retro digital camera, it would be worth less than a R8.
I guess two retro lenses as CR mentioned make sense.
There seems to exist, according even to Canon executives, a real demand for them.
And I don't think those customers will ask for high-end features. I only wonder why everybody prefers the AE-1 over the A1, better ergonomics in my opinion.
Will I buy it? Maybe not, unless I need a backup or EDC body to replace my aging R.
But if Canon can make money with it, they should produce it quick, before this fashion fades away!
The only interesting line for me was that it will be a photocentric camera. Probably not enough to lure me into buying one, but a good thing to see.
Maybe this camera will have WiFi 6 and it is the camera which was recently registered.
If Canon can make money with such retro cameras - good for them.
I learned to use a camera with my fathers AE-1. This was the first SLR in my hands.
I get nostalgic thoughts seeing this RE-1.
But since Luigi Colani designed the Canon T90 back in 1986 I would never want a camera without proper ergonomics anymore.
My brother owned the T90 and I fell in love with it back then.
But anyone else that like retro and have enough money - go get it.
The RF 45mm is a perfect contender🤣