Update: the Xitek forum thread where the scanned pages showed up is here (thanks Mike)

Japanese magazine Impress published their Canon predictions for 2013. They are usually very accurate, so we should take this seriously. The scanned magazine page appeared on the Chinese Xitek forum. The figure near the images are the probability percentage estimates.

In brief:

• EOS 7D Mark II will have a newly developed sensor, 10fps burst rate, and ISO up to 25600
• EOS 70D will have same sensor as 7D Mark II, burst rate limited to 3fps, ISO 25600
• EOS M2, the second iteration of Canon's mirrorless camera will be released in 2013
• EOS 1DSx, that's the name of Canon's high megapixel DSLR.

That's it. We can only wait….

[via CR, NL]

Our reader Chris did an interesting reasoning about when the Canon EOS 70D may be released. I post his thoughts as they were sent to me.

I've tried to calculate a possible release for the “70D” and on the Dutch Wikipedia of the 60D, I've seen a interesting chart. Two facts: The 40D (2007), 50D (2008) and 60D (2010) we're all released by the 3rd quarter of the year. The whole xxD-series has been released between the first and third quarter, never the 4th quarter. And the 60D is now by far out the recordholder of all the Dxx / xxD's if you look at the time between an existing and announced xxD:

1. 60D 27 months old (release: 26 august 2010 and still getting older)

2. 50D 24 months old (release: 28 august 2008)

3. 40D 12 months old (release: 20 August 2007)

So add everything together: 60D is at low stock at least in Western Europe (Netherlands, Germany and Belgium) while the (body)price is dropping for 2 months. Even with a “low” price, Canon offers an 50-100 euro cashback on the 60D body/kit. It looks like they're trying to get rid of the last stock. The cashback is untill 29th of january 2013, and combine with the fact that the release will be between january and august or 3rd quarter 2013.

Between now and 6 months, we'll see at least a replacer for the 60D or an official press release…thats a fact.

PS: Here's the Dutch Wikipedia chart (underneath the page) of the xxD releases: http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EOS_60D

Yes, this really makes a sense. Thank you Chris! The discussion about the 60D stock levels started here.

Canon EOS 60D price check: Amazon, B&H, Adorama, Canon USA, J&R, Digitalrev, Borrow Lenses, eBay

New tidbits about Canon's 2013 announcements showed up, both here and at Canon Rumors. But not exactly the same tidbits.

Let's start with the EOS M. CR is reporting that

[...] one of the announcements will be to introduce a second EOS-M body. The body will be slightly bigger, and have a viewfinder. They will also introduce at least two new lenses with the body. I’d expect a telephoto zoom and a fast prime.

I have no information about a new EOS M mirrorless camera, my source told me that there will be new EOS-M lenses. Apparently Canon wants to see how well the EOS M is doing before releasing a more pro oriented body. I also got word (earlier) about two new EF-M lenses, but my source was referring to fast primes, a 35mm and a 50mm (f/2.8).

Next, the EOS 7D Mark II. Both here and at CR we got word that Canon will announce the EOS 7D Mark II before end of Q1. In addition I have been told that Canon will also announce the EOS 70D and a new Rebel (possibly the successor of the EOS 1100D). Three new DSLRs in Q1? Possible. No EOS 7D II specs.

Finally, the mighty big megapixel DSLR (~46 MB). While I have informations suggesting a Q3 announcement, CR is reporting a Q1 announcement, quoting:

The 40+ mp camera gets another mention and we should expect an announcement in Q1 of 2013. The camera will be physically bigger than the 5D Mark III, but will be smaller than the EOS-1D X. It’s noted that the sensor is currently in EOS-1D X styled bodies.

I am rather confident there will be new EF-M lenses, and also about the new DSLRs. And while I have been told Canon is testing the big megapixel DSLR, it could take some more time to get announced.

One of my sources informed me about Canon's 2013 roadmap. The source is reliable, was right in the past. So, here comes the rumor:

• New EOS video lenses before the end of January 2013. No hints about specs or focal lengths
• New EOS-M lenses in Q1 (February-March). The source was referring to prime lenses, possibly a 35mm or 50mm faster than f/3.5 (f/2.8 was suggested), could have image stabilization.
• At least two new DSLRs before March 2013. One being a new Rebel, the other most probably the EOS 70D
• And finally: the rumored high megapixel DSLR (at least 46MP) could be announced during Q3. Unfortunately no specs here, except that it will have 6fps, and a newly designed sensor with very good low ISO performance. No hints about the name, but it will not have the “D” in the name. It's said to be something “very new” and specifically aimed at studio photography. Prototypes already undergoing tests.

My take: sounds all plausible. Unfortunately, without specifications it's hard to get an idea. Moreover, translation was difficult and I can't be sure something didn't get lost in translation. Nevertheless:

• Canon will most probably announce some more lenses for the EOS-M mount. At least they should, imo.
• The EOS 60D is definitely due to be replaced by an EOS 70D. I think this is the most reliable of the rumors listed above
• The high resolution DSLR was already rumored in the past. The only new spec (6fps) is credible. The previous rumor was about 10fps, which sounds weird to me. A 10 fps camera with 46MP needs lots of processing power, and a very performing hardware. 6fps are more close to what is feasible with a 46MP sensor.

Canon EOS 60D Listed As Discontinued? Thanks to our reader Chris who emailed this. Not sure what is going on here. Amazon Germany lists both the EOS 60D body only and the kit with the EF-S 18-135mm IS lens as discontinued. The last line in the picture above says that the item has been discontinued by the manufacturer [Auslaufartikel (Produktion durch Hersteller eingestellt): Ja]. Click on the links above and scroll down to the paragraph titled Produktinformation.

Typo or an embarrassing error that may suggest an upcoming EOS 70D? The latest rumor we heard about the Canon EOS 70D was saying that there will not be any announcement soon. What do you think?

The latest Canon EOS 7D Mark II rumor says Canon will announce the camera in January 2013 (before CP+, possibly during PMA). The Canon EOS 7D Mark II might be announced along with the EOS 700D, and there should not be an EOS 70D for some time. Instead of the EOS 70D, the EOS 7D with a reduced price tag will target the market share of the EOS 60D.

Regarding the (rumored) specs of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II: 10fps and a sensor with no more than 25MP.

It's also said that Canon is leaking false rumors to track leaks.

[via NL]