Canon announce release date for EOS-1D X

Although we've not heard anything officially from Canon UK, the Canon Japan site is today claiming the EOS-1D X will go on sale from June 20, 2012. Meanwhile rumors continue to circulate that Canon will announce an 'affordable full-frame camera' (priced below the current EOS 5D Mk III) and probably using STM technology, a 36 or 48MP replacement for the Canon EOS-1Ds Mk II and a brand new 'mirrorless' entry. We've been told that at least one of these is imminent, though we're inclined to believe that all three are likely to be announced just prior to Photokina (Sept 18- 23, 2012).

Pre-order the Canon EOS-1D X at Amazon.

Leica product launch May 10

It has ben reported on various sites and intent communities that invites have gone out to publishers for an event in Berlin on May 10th for a range of new products. Rumors are circulating about an M9 variant with a black and white sensor (no color filter array), which I think is plausible though I was expecting that announcement at this year's Photokina. The date is significant. May 10th is too good an opportunity to pass up for the introduction of a new M10, I really can't believe Leica would miss this date to launch a new X2 and a mirrorless solution. I expect to see all three, maybe even a new S3 (which is due a refresh) with the M10 B&W announced at Photokina.

Carl Zeiss to add 15mm f/2.8 prime to DSLR range?

Carl Zeiss are rumored to be launching a new ultra-wide in ZE / ZF DSLR mounts, and have started a teaser campaign on Facebook. Our guess is a Distagon T* 15mm f/2.8, or maybe f/3.5 with a price of around $4,000.

Is Canon about to unleash the EOS 5D X? UPDATED

UPDATED 2 March, 2012: Canon has launched the EOS 5D MkIII.

 

Rumours of the replacement for the EOS 5D Mk II have been circulating the internet for ages, indeed with a three year product cycle, the camera is well overdue. Nikon has launched the low-light D4 and hi-res D800, but my impression is that Canon will change-the-game with a new hi-res, low-light camera.

I've heard from various sources that we'll see a full-frame DSLR with a 22MP CMOS sensor, 61-point AF system (like that of the EOS-1D X) and 3.2-inch 1,040K dot LCD, dual SD/CF card and 5fps continuous shooting. There's no word on the video spec, but it seems unlikely not to have 1080p at 30/25/24 fps unless Canon are using that to differentiate between the EOS 1D X. I say that, as I think the new camera will have similar low light performance up to ISO 51,200 (maybe even expandable to ISO 204,800, like the 1DX). We'll know soon enough.

Lately, we've seen internet sites owned by the print publishers talk of rumours surrounding the release of new cameras when they've been in possession of, if not the cameras full spec with accompanying demo and advertising material by the maker's PR people, at the very least an invite to the press launch. It's at odds with the maker's stipulation that the invitation may not be published anywhere, so I'm guessing they're playing word games ...

It will be interesting to see if they start talking about a new Canon DSLR released at the end of this month, or maybe early next. My guess is we'll see these stories appear soon, now that the rumour sites have started the chatter. This is largely generated by retailers, and can't be quietened by the makers, because ...well they're their customers and besides it's good (viral) marketing...

The price of the Canon EOS 5D Mk II has been dropping recently, I suspect in anticipation of the new camera. Please follow the links to buy at Jesspos (UK) £1,669.95 inc VAT (was £1,799.95) and Adorama (US) at $2,399.00 after an instant $100 rebate.

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Is this the Canon EOS 5D Mk III? Time will tell.

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New pro Canon DSLR to be launched Tuesday?

I don't usually report on rumors but according to the Canonrumours site*, Canon is to release a new pro-level DSLR Tuesday, October 18, and I'm not that comfortable with some of the (obviously) unverified specifications. The rumor is that the EOS APS-H 1D and full-frame (35mm) EOS 1Ds line are to be amalgamated, with the new camera featuring a full frame 18-megapixel full-frame sensor, continuous shooting at 12fps and boast a 61-point AF system.

Full-frame (35mm) cameras are now firmly seen as pro-territory, courtesy of the Nikon D3s (and Canon's own 1Ds and 5D models) and the only real advantage to retaining the APS-H format is the framing rate. Ask any press photographer or photojournalist which they would rather have for a given fps, more megapixels on a full-frame camera or slightly less on APS-H, and, it would be the former every time. It gives them more options. You can simply crop in to achieve the same effect while also allowing the lens' original field of view.

However, Canon is very conservative when it comes to the EOS 1D models, it's not a product segment to take risks with. I don't need to tell anyone that the full-frame EOS 1Ds Mk III is overdue for replacement. And, if there's a camera that should be updated it's this model. In this instance, though, the rumored specification doesn't fit as an appropriate upgrade for either EOS 1D or the 1Ds.

If it is accurate, that means Canon are going to have to persuade current 1Ds Mk III owners to drop from 21-megapixels to 18-megapixels. And, that's just not going to happen. Without doubt certain features will appeal, but the rumored 12fps of the new model is not going to be of interest to the typical 1Ds demographic.

While the 5D Mk II damaged sales of the 1Ds, Canon will effectively be asking 1Ds shooters to switch to that model. It's a great camera, but it's not a 1Ds. Few would argue that it needs upgrading in terms in AF and build and I've not even mentioned video. Canon are going to want to expand that on the 5D MK III rather than make that model appeal to studio users and the features don't complement each other.

So what's going to be announced on Tuesday? Well let's say the amalgamation rumor is true, in which case the new camera will have to appeal to both types of user. As I've already mentioned, the rumored spec would be at odds with users expectations at this level. So could the specification be inaccurate or only part of the full spec?

I think that maybe Canon is about to launch a camera with a full-frame 36-megapixel resolution sensor shooting at 5fps with an option, perhaps, to drop to 18-megapixel resolution and 10/12fps continuous shooting rates. That would be something, but I'm only guessing. And I've not mentioned what Nikon is rumored to be launching later in the month. But it would fit, we'll just have to wait and see.

*Source.

UPDATE 18 October. Canon has announced the EOS-1Dx.