Camera rumors in 2024: what cameras are coming, officially and otherwise!

Thanksgiving is almost here – and the camera rumors are still coming faster than slices of pumpkin pie!

All year long I've watched as huge camera rumors turned into products on shelves – from the Canon EOS R1 and the Leica Q3 43 to the Instax Wide 400 and Fujifilm X-M5 – but there's plenty more water cooler talk about new bodies of all shapes and sizes.

I love the fact that rumors about film cameras are a thing again, especially after the rapturous reception to the Pentax 17, and I'm hearing all kinds of chatter about new cameras from Nikon, OM System, Sony and others coming before the end of the year.

The important thing to remember about camera rumors is that there is a whole lot of smoke blowing around. However, smoke often means fire – so watch out for the fumes and check out what's being whispered around the industry right now…

Canon rumors 2024

Canon is always the subject of more camera rumors than any other manufacturer, in large part because it has been the most prolific photographic patenter for 38 consecutive years. And these patents are often the first clues we get as to what is coming in the next wave of cameras.

While the first half of the year was uncharacteristically quiet for bodies, we've now had the Canon EOS C80 and EOS C400 (the first-ever cameras with triple-base ISO), along with the EOS R1 and R5 Mark II (the first-ever bodies with in-camera neural net upscaling and denoising).

So, with a new flagship, two new cinema cameras and the most important product in its lineup both safely launched, what else can we expect from Canon?

More stacked sensor smoke was added to the fire recently, when reports surfaced that the Canon EOS R7 Mark II will indeed feature an image sensor with a stacked design.

However, what's new is that this signifies a "significant" shake-up for Canon's APS-C bodies – with the R7 Mark II leading the way by "going upmarket", as only Canon's very top tier cameras (the EOS R1, EOS R3 and EOS R5 Mark II) currently have stacked sensors.

I've been hearing about the R7 Mark II having a stacked sensor for quite a long time, and it certainly made sense following the rumors that Canon would put stacked sensors in at least three cameras. Since that rumor we've had the R1 and R5 Mark II, so this would mark the third.

Could the R7 Mark II even be the launchpad for Canon's triple-layer stacked sensor? I always thought that the flagship R1 would be the camera to get that, but if Canon is serious about the R7 "going upmarket" then it would make perfect sense to debut the tech in its new APS-C flagship.

Canon EOS R7 Mark II

Canon EOS R6 Mark III

While I still don't think that the R6 Mark II needs replacing, I've changed my tune on the Mark III rumors – because now it isn't just wishful thinking, there actually seem to be breadcrumbs to follow.

Not only that, but my biggest reservation about replacing the Mark II was that it just seemed too short a life cycle (my opinion originally being that the OG R6 was replaced so fast due to misjudged specs when it launched). However, I had the chance to chat to a senior exec who explained Canon's camera life cycle philosophy, and it feels that a two-year lifespan for the R6 may be the norm.

Anyway, I'm hearing that protoypes of the Canon EOS R6 Mark III are in the wild and being tested by trusted ambassadors and pros. Little in the way of concrete specs are out, but it's believed to have a 24MP stacked sensor very similar to that of the R3, with the 5.69 million-dot viewfinder similar to that of the R5, with 4K 120p / FullHD 240p video (with audio) and improved stabilization and autofocus. It is also said to inherit the dual CFexpress B / SD card setup of the R5 series.

Crucially, however, it will not possess any of the in-camera AI upscaling or denoising of the EOS R1 or EOS R5 Mark II – nor the new Digic Accelerator-powered autofocus systems (such as Dual Pixel Intelligent AF or Action Priority mode). That said, recent chatter suggests that it will have a mysterious new button or dial on the top – the last time I heard about something like this, it was the Film Simulation dial on the Fujifilm X-T50… though I wouldn't count on Canon doing the same!

Despite initial rumblings that it would appear in Q4 2024, it's now being whispered that we're actually looking at a Q1 2025 slot as Canon appears to be struggling with the longstanding component crisis (which is presently delaying shipments of the R5 Mark II by up to six months in Japan).

Canon gimbal camera

Going back about three and a half years, Canon designed a gimbal camera featuring an interchangeable lens mount (which was widely believed to be EF-M, but on closer inspection I think it might have been RF or RF-S).

Fast-forward to today and Canon has resurrected its plans, and designed a camera that is strikingly similar to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – but now featuring a fixed zoom lens instead of an interchangeable one.

This looks to be a small sensor system, and it's probably a fair guess that we're looking at the kind of 1-inch sensor featured in the Canon PowerShot V10 and G7X Mark III. If Canon can actually get the product to market this time, it could be hugely popular.

Canon EOS R1X

I'm calling shenanigans on this one, but the internet is reporting on a Canon EOS R1X – which will supposedly be the "true flagship" offering high-resolution shooting.

Obviously the Canon EOS R1 is the company's flagship, and it has chosen the traditional 24MP resolution sweet spot for a reason – I truly can't see Canon releasing a high-resolution update of it. If you want more pixels, you can upscale shots to 96MP in-camera – and if you really want more pixels, the R5 Mark II shoots at 45MP with in-camera upscaling to 180MP.

I think this rumor is down to two things. Firstly, it's a hangover of the 80MP Canon camera rumor that's been doing the rounds for years. Secondly, it's probably wishful thinking from members of the photographic community who have been decrying the R1 for not having more resolution (overlooking the fact that pro sports cameras from Canon and Sony shoot at 24MP for good reason).

However, while I'm highly skeptical that we're going to get an 80MP EOS R1X, I wouldn't be surprised if this rumor actually takes the form of a Canon EOS RS – following in the footsteps of resolution-oriented bodies such as the Canon EOS 5DS.

Canon RE-1

Fujifilm and Olympus have been doing it for a decade. Nikon has done it with the Nikon Zf and Z fc. And Canon could be the next manufacturer to produce a vintage-styled mirrorless camera – possibly a modern version of the iconic Canon AE-1.

I recently asked one of Canon Inc's top execs about the market's growing appetite for retro and film-style cameras. "There’s a certain amount of people who really love film and cameras with a more vintage look. Therefore there is a possiblilty that we will address those needs from the industry".

And when he was pressed further on which Canon film camera he would most like to see resurrected in digital form: "My favorite is the AE-1 – for myself, that would be my choice. But whether as a company, as the Canon brand, we would revive that in digital format or not is a different topic. So I cannot make any clear comments on that, unfortunately, but my personal preference is the AE-1."

If you need any more indication that the company is looking at retro cameras, Canon conducted a market survey asking which of its film cameras customers would like to see made digital. Some posited options were the Canon P, Canon F-1, Canonet QL17… and the Canon AE-1.

Canon EOS R5C Mark II

Does the launch of an R5 Mark II indicate the launch of an R5C Mark II? It's possible. Personally, I didn't realize that launch of the original R5 indicated the launch of the original R5C – but Canon insisted that both models were planned from the start (rather than, as some have suggested, the R5C being released to counter criticism about the R5's recording limitations).

It's fair to say that the R5 Mark II doesn't suffer nearly the same overheating / recording limitations as the original, even when shooting at 8K – especially with the new cooling fan grip that adds an active cooling system.

However, while the camera definitely has a lot of Cinema EOS DNA (including things like C-Log2, tally lamp and full-size HDMI, and XF-HEVC S / XF-AVC S delivery), Canon told me that if I want more shooting flexibility when it comes to recording limitations for dedicated video shooting, the R5C may still be a better choice. And so, theoretically, would an R5D Mark II.

If we do see it, I would expect it to have very similar specs to the R5 Mark II. However, it would be a given that it would have an integrated and superior active cooling system – and I would also like to see the in-body image stabilization carry over this time. ND filters would be good, too, especially for a Cinema EOS product.

Canon 3D VR Camera

I had a chance to talk to Canon about its prototype 360° / 180° 3D VR Camera. It's clear Canon is really doubling down on virtual reality, having introduced the Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens a couple of years ago and with a pair of APS-C 3D / VR stereoscopic lenses on the way as well.

This new camera, which physically looks like a mashup of the Dual FIsheye and the Canon PowerShot V10, combines all the tech in one: 360° / 180° 3D VR 8K capture, along with VR live streaming.

While this wasn't something Canon said to me, I've heard that the camera has a target price of under $1,000 (about £820 / AU$1,590). This is definitely something to keep an eye (or even a Dual Fisheye) on…

Canon Powershot V1, 10 Mark II, V100

Rumors of a Canon vlogging camera swirled for years until the Canon PowerShot V10 finally dropped. And with vlogging cameras being the hottest thing in the industry right now, it looks like Canon is following Sony's lead and producing a whole range of dedicated vlogging devices.

Canon PowerShot V1
An APS-C sensor will be the primary way that this flagship model differentiates itself from the mid-range V10 with its 1-inch sensor – though it is possible that the V1 will feature some flavor of Dual Pixel AF II. It has also been suggested to us that weather sealing (with new microphones, to accommodate the disrupted audio caused by water build-up) is on the agenda.

Canon PowerShot V10 Mark II
Improved autofocus, FullHD video up to 120p, along with a better solution to windshields and other accessories (compared to the slightly haphazard region-by-region products available for the current V10) are said to be coming to the Mark II.

Canon PowerShot V100
Following the naming convention of the mirrorless EOS R line, the V100 (like the Canon EOS R100) will be the entry-level model of the PowerShot vlogging family.

Canon Posture Fit

Back in 2021 Canon introduced us to Posture Fit: a concept camera that looks like a Pixar character and sits on your desk, where it keeps an eye on how you're sitting using a wide-angle lens and skeletal mapping. When it spots you starting to slouch, it flashes and wobbles and beeps on your desk to tell you to straighten up – and it'll even remind you to get up and move around, if you've been sitting too long.

After falling off the radar ever since, recently a patent was filed in Japan describing a Posture Fit that could monitor multiple subjects in its field of view – not just the person sat at the desk in front of it. Again, it's not a photographic camera (so it can't be used for spying or surveillance) but it's a very clever lifestyle device that anyone who sits in front of a computer will surely benefit from.

Canon EOS R3 Mark II

The R3 sits in a strange position in Canon's lineup, now that the R1 is here. Once the placeholder product until an official flagship was announced, some feel that it's a lame duck given that the actual flagship outclasses it in every way.

However, many of the innovations of the R3 made their way into the R1 (and indeed the R5 Mark II). Does the R3, then, become the technology launchpad of the EOS R family? The camera that debuts the latest tech, before it is further refined for the tentpole products?

I can certainly see sense in that. The Canon EOS R3 Mark II could, for example, be where the company debuts its first global shutter sensor – testing the waters with the sensor tech (which, it should be remembered, does come with a number of compromises) before doubling down on it in the R1 Mark II.

At the same time, though, it could equally be that there is no further need for the R3. With the camera approaching its third birthday, the next few months are going to be very interesting…

Canon wearable neck camera

Wearable cameras are big business, and Canon has designed an intriguing one that's worn around the neck. Ostensibly for use in the manufacturing and maintenance industries, this adjustable camera features a laser indicator to show where the point of focus is and ensure that the right area is in frame – meaning that there are a wealth of consumer possibilities for the device as well.

This is one we're really intrigued by. As we've seen from the likes of the Canon PowerShot Zoom, Canon PowerShot Pick and Canon PowerShot V10, the manufacturer is increasingly bringing these intriguing concept cameras to market – and we really hope this new wearable follows suit.

Canon drone

In March 2022 Canon submitted an application for a patent for a product that is a drive device, an electronic device and an image pickup device with a mobile body.

From the illustrative diagrams included in the application, it looks like the design of the camera unit could be very similar to that of the Canon Powershot Pick – an AI-powered camera capable of recording both video and stills. It automatically detects movement, can track a subject and can be controlled using voice commands.

The Powershot Pick features an 11.7MP camera, has advanced face recognition, connects to a purpose-made app and is compact, lightweight and portable – all of which are features that would be desirable on a drone camera.

The Canon verdict

What we think: After six months of near-silence, Canon has now launched its two most important stills cameras and a pair of crucial cinema cameras. I'd be surprised if we see any more bodies this year, but it seems a smart bet that the R6 Mark III could appear at the start of 2025.

More camera rumors: Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Sigma rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors