Latest Canon sensor boasts 63 megapixels, but dynamic range is only on par with the 6D Mark II
A data sheet detailing a new full-frame Canon sensor, boasting 65 megapixels and Dual Pixel AF, has leaked online – and speculation is running rampant about what it is and what it means for the company's upcoming cameras.
The Canon EOS R family, in particular, has been a point of focus for the pundits. With persistent rumblings that the Canon EOS R successor will be a high resolution model, said to be in the region of 70MP, it's easy to conclude that this 63MP chip will be the one that finds its way into the new camera.
However, a number of factors suggest that this sensor isn't up to spec for the next EOS R – and, in fact, may not be for a commercially released camera at all. (And, as with any leak, it should also be remembered that it may not ever see any form of release – and may not even be true – until officially confirmed by the manufacturer itself.)
In its analysis of the leaked document and specs, Canon News focuses on four key factors that point to this sensor not being a logical fit for the rumored hi-res Canon EOS R.
Not a commercial sensor?
Firstly, the read noise is said to be no better than a Canon EOS 80D sensor, but much worse if that sensor were made an equivalent size. "The read noise of this is far worse than for instance an 80D sensor scaled. At worst case, this sensor should be no worse than the 80D sensor, as it's the same pixel pitch as the 80D sensor."
Secondly, the dynamic range falls below both the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and 80D, being on par with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. "The DR matches the 6D Mark II DR curve and not the current generation 5D Mark IV or even 80D DR curves… This would have the same DR as the 6D Mark II from ISO 100 to ISO 3200".
Thirdly, its burst mode is woefully slow. "5.2 fps at 12 bit depth means it would be around 1.3 fps at 14 bit assuming it's using slope ADC's (which canon uses)," notes the site. "Not only that but DPAF takes around twice the read time so if you want AF you're looking at .6 FPS or a glorious 2.6 fps in 12 bit ('speed mode')".
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Finally, rolling shutter would be an enormous issue with this sensor. "… with a 188ms sensor read time (in the 'speed mode' no less), it will be at least twice as bad as the EOS R in full sensor readout electronic shutter."
The data sheet for the 63MP sensor, the Canon 35MM63MXSD
Given some of the stunted specs, Canon News even suggests that this could be an older Data Sheet for an unreleased or since-scrapped sensor. Either way, it seems unlikely that it has any relation to the purported 70MP EOS R successor.
James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes.
