Rumor: Canon’s 2013 Roadmap (Lenses, New Rebel, EOS 70D, High Res DSLR)

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 M In Stock Update (for USA)

Canon EOS M In Stock Update

Canon’s mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS M, is slowly starting to ship in the US. Amazon US has the kit with the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM lens in stock and ready to ship for $799 (click here).

Adorama has a bundle with the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM, a Kingston 32GB Class 4 SDHC Memory Card and a Lowepro Dublin 30 Camera Pouch in stock and ready to ship for $812.37 (click here).

If you are based in Europe or in Asia you may want to check DigitalRev’s Canon EOS M offers, the price is an absolute bargain compared to European online shops.

My Canon EOS M arrived a few days ago. Stay tuned for an upcoming review.

Canon EOS M In Stock Update

 

More Canon EOS M Sample Pictures Published

DPreview just posted a batch of Canon EOS M (production model) sample shots.

[dpreview] had a chance to shoot with the Canon EOS M, the [Canon’s] first mirrorless camera, over a weekend on Santa Fe, New Mexico. Shooting exclusively with the 22mm F2 prime lens, [dpreview] prepared a gallery of real-world images shot in a variety of situations and under a range of lighting conditions. In addition to camera JPEGs, we’ve processed a series of images at different ISO settings through the latest version of Adobe Camera Raw.

There is also a rather significant sentence:

[…] it’s hard to shake the impression that a potentially promising camera risks being undermined by woefully slow autofocus.

If you live in Europe you can get the Canon EOS M at DigitalRev with a concrete discount, usually €200 less than other EU-based online shops.

Canon EOS M price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Want The Canon EOS M Now And For Less? DigitalRev May Be Your Best Choice (if you live in Europe)

Want The Canon EOS M Now And For Less? DigitalRev May Be Your Best Choice

While neither Amazon (maybe by third party sellers) nor Adorama or B&H have Canon’s supersmall mirrorless camera, the EOS M, in stock and ready to ship, Hong Kong based DigitalRev’s online shop has various EOS M kits and bundles on sale and all are ready to ship. But there is more than just a well organized shop having the EOS M in stock. DigitalRev’s prices are absolutely competitive: around €200 less than what you would pay if shopping in other, EU-based online shops. And shipping is free. Some examples.

  • The Canon EOS M with EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is sold to customers in Germany for €644.80, to Italy for €644.80 and to the UK for £464 (click here)
  • The Canon EOS M with the EF-M 22mm f/2 and the EF/EF-S adapter is sold to customers in Germany for €683.65, to Italy for €700.60 and to the UK for £509 (click here)
  • The Canon EOS M with EF-M 18-55mm and EF-M 22mm and Speedlite 90EX is sold to Germany for €785, to Italy for €805, to the UK for £ 579 (click here)

I chose three EU countries for the example, but prices should be more or less the same for other EU countries.

How does this work? I was so curious that I decided to contact DigitalRev and to ask them. DigitalRev assured me that for almost all European countries the listed prices are comprehensive of all import taxes and customs handling fees. When checking out you will see (either hoovering over the price with the mouse, or below the price) a sentence like “No Import Tax/Duty to Pay: Any import tax/duty charged will be billed directly us“. If you get this on check-out, then everything is fine and the listed price is all you will have to pay (e.g. €644 for the first kit in the list above).

Let me recap this: For those countries that are offered with “No Import Tax/Duty to Pay” the prices are comprehensive of all custom taxes and import handling fees: DigitalRev assured me by email that if for any chance a customer is charged for additional taxes upon receiving the ordered items, she or he may contact DigitalRev and ask for reimbursement. So, you shouldn’t run into any nasty surprises when the ordered items enter your country. I have been told that this is applicable to almost all European countries. Things may be different for the US (due to different tax laws among states), no problems of any kind if you are in Asia. However, and wherever you are located, to be sure you just have to verify it before checking out. Look out for “No Import Tax/Duty to Pay” and you should be fine. I know from customers in the UK that everything worked as expected for them. There are many different EOS M bundles on sale at DigitalRev, check it out here.