I got word from a source that Canon is actively testing more than one prototype with a sensor over 75MP. It appears as if +75MP are the total count of photodiodes on the sensor, not the effective pixel count. The tested sensors employ the technology Canon introduced with the Canon EOS 70D, i.e. dual photodiodes for each pixel. The effective image resolution of the sensor should thus be around 36-38MP. The source also said that while Canon is researching high resolution sensors they put priority on image quality and to further improve high ISO/low light performance. There is no pressure to win the high resolution race. The source said that “this is not part of Canon’s philosophy” That is to say that Canon will embrace a lower resolution sensor if image quality does not correspond to expected figures. The high DSLR should be announced sometime before summer 2014. The source clearly stated that these prototypes have nothing to do with the successor of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. No indication about the name. Finally, the camera will do 4K video.

Previous features like high frame rate and EOS-1 shaped body have also been confirmed by the same source. Hard to say what we can expect. With the EOS 70D, Canon showed us that they still are on the edge when it comes to sensor technology (and research), and it is plausible they will employ the same tech also on full-frame sensors, pushing full-frame video performance event further. One thing is sure: with all this Canon high resolution DSLR rumours surfacing in the last weeks we can safely assume that there is something in work.

[shoplink 4119][/shoplink]

Lots of rumors regarding the fabled high resolution DSLR Canon is supposed to release sooner or later. The latest rumor again comes from Photography Bay, and suggests that Canon’s big megapixel DSLR will have 44.7MP and could be announced by the end of August. Again, it is said the camera will have an EOS-1 form factor (see pics above).

Previous rumor had word about a 75MP and a non-Bayer sensor. The 44MP DSLR should output 4K and be able to do UHDTV. It appears Canon is challenged to engineer a camera that has high processing speed (to stream video at full bandwidth) without draining batteries too fast. The source of the rumor also suggests that Canon will favour dynamic range and image quality over high resolution. This is perfectly in line with Canon’s conservative approach to sensor tech. The camera is also supposed to have a port for an external, electronic viewfinder. The rumor I am reporting here does not exclude Canon is indeed field-testing a 75MP camera.

 

That’s what the latest Canon big megapixel rumor suggests, that the rumored 75MP are a ‘total usable photosite’ count and refers to a non Bayer multilayer sensor. Some time ago I reported a Canon patent that refers to such a sensor (this patent). Previous cover of the rumor here.

[via NL]

New Canon big megapixel rumor. While in the past 45-50MP were rumored, now word is Canon has a 75MP DSLR out in the wild undergoing testing. The camera should have the same form factor as the EOS-1D X. No much specs have leaked, except that the camera will have a higher frame rate than the EOS-1D X, that the rear LCD is very high resolution. The camera may be announced in 2013, but will be released not before 2014.

Although this is the first time I hear about this, it is not implausible. Canon tested (and had) high res sensors in the past. The question is if such a sensor, i.e. a 75MP sensor, will go into production and be featured in a camera. I take the possibility of the announcement with a grain of salt.

[via PB]

The video comes from Canon Germany. At the end it says: “your audience is waiting for you”, and then points to July 31st. Don’t expect anything earthshaking, could be something consumer-graded, or a local event.

[via CR]