[Rumor] Canon High Resolution DSLR And EOS 7D Mark II Tidbits

Two rumors surfaced during the last weekend. First one comes from CR and is about a >40MP DSLR. The interesting thing: the sources states that two prototypes of this high res cam were tested during the London Olympics. The camera housing is said to be that of the EOS-1D X. The camera should have a high framerate, despite its high res sensor, 8 fps have been mentioned. Finally, there are more, unspecified “new features and technology” that are tested with the prototypes.

Second one comes from NL. This rumor basically overlaps with another rumor CanonWatch was first to report. An EOS 7D Mark II could be around the corner, and may get announced later this year (Photokina?). This DSLR will be the new APS-C flagship in Canon’s line-up. The rumored specs:

  • 24MP – an all new sensor with phase AF on chip and noticeably lower noise than the current 18MP.
  • 1Dx/5D3 based AF system.
  • 10 FPS.
  • ISO 100-25600.
  • High speed video, with still capture.
  • Improved durability and sealing.

I got this rumor in the past, with slightly different naming. My source named a 70D to be the new APS-C flagship and a 7D Mk II as the entry level full-frame DSLR we all think Canon is working on. As I wrote before, I do not think that Canon’s entry level FF DSLR will be named 7D Mk2, but 6D. Last point: The EOS 7D has just seen a massive firmware update, isn’t that somewhat strange if Canon plans to release the second iteration of its popular APS-C flagship? On the other hand, the 7D was released three years ago, and hence due for an update.

Btw, the 7D got a concrete price drop in the last month. The EOS 7D can be found refurbished at Canon Store for $1,359, click here) and on eBay too, starting refurbished from , and new from (.

[via CR, NL]

[Rumor] More Canon Entry Level Full-Frame DSLR Tidbits (Expected For October, Not Photokina)

A quick update about Canon’s entry level full-frame DSLR. The rumor comes from NL. They report about a 22MP camera that could be named EOS 6D. I reported similar rumors time ago, but my sources named this cam EOS 7D Mark II. Nevertheless, I think “EOS 6D” has more possibilities to be the real name. It makes more sense, imo, especially if you consider the fact that the EOS 7D is Canon’s APS-C flagship, and that the EOS 5D Mark III is Canon’s full-frame flagship. An entry level FF DSLR would be positioned between the 5D Mk3 and the 7D. Hence, “EOS 6D” makes perfectly sense. However, it could also be that an EOS 70D will succeed to the actual 7D (bringing the glorious xxD line back to semi-pro levels) and that an EOS 7D Mark II could indeed be the entry level FF camera. Speculations, I know.

There is another thing: NL’s source(s) say that this entry level full-frame DSLR will not be announced during Photokina in September, but later in October.

[via NL]

 

[Rumor] New 35mm f/1.4L II Soon To Be Announced?

The rumor comes from CR. Not a new rumor, and a plausible one. It’s said that three prototypes of the next iteration of the 35mm f/1.4L are already out in the wild, given to selected photographers for testing purposes. The new 35mm should then be announced after Canon has started mass production and shipping of the 24-70mm f/2.8 II USM. Finally, the 35mm f/1.4L II USM should be announced in 2012 and be available for the masses in 2013. Last month I reported about a patent that most probably refers to the new 35mm, check it to know more about the optical properties of this lens.

The actual 35mm f/1.4L USM has a price tag around $1,344 (click on the shop name to learn more): B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

[Rumor] New EF 135mm f/1.8L IS And A Leaked Image? Yes, But Image Is A Fake!

While a new EF 135mm lens is for sure in Canon’s plans, the picture above (first seen in Chinese Xitek forum) is most probably a fake. There have been rumors about a 135mm f/1.8 or f/2 in the past. However, I wrote about a patent for a 135mm f/2.8 lens back in July (the big news was the apodization filter discussed in the patent). Hard to say if it has anything to do with the rumored next EF 135mm. However, the actual EF 135mm f/2.0L USM has f/2.0, the new one (if the patent has something to do with) would have f/2.8. Not unrealistic if you consider that the new one could/will also have IS.

EF 135mm f/2.0L USM price and availability check (around $821, click on the shop name): B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Below you can see the existing EF 135mm f/2.0L USM lens.

[via CR]

[Rumor] Canon’s Medium Format Camera Tidbits And Maybe No Pro Oriented Mirrorless At Photokina

I have got some new information about Canon’s murmured upcoming medium format DSLR, said to be announced at Photokina in September. My source told me that the camera will have an EF mount but may not be named EOS. Moreover, the medium format DSLR could possibly not accept all of the EF lenses, due to focal length issues. In other words: newer EF lenses will be supported and (older) lenses with popular focal lengths that actually are suited for full frame sensors will see new editions for the medium format camera (possibly in Spring 2013). Since an EF mount accepts all EF lenses, the only way I can figure out you can block certain EF lenses from being used is through electronic sensing (my speculation). It is not known if the medium format DSLR will have a mechanical interlock for EF-S lenses (though I think this is more than plausible).

Finally, the same source told me that Canon could not announce a more pro oriented mirrorless system camera in Fall (Photokina), leveraging first the recently announced EOS M.

That’s all folks. Let me know your thoughts.