Canon: Lower end model EOS RF camera to be released next

Imaging Resource had an interview with Canon USA and Canon Inc executives and Canon boldly stated that an amateur or lower end model is the next EOS RF camera coming out.  This is no surprise, the rumored release was always the lower end RF model coming out first, and the higher end (possibly higher MP model coming out sometime in late 2019 or even early 2020).

In light of Nikon's major announcements this past week, a little more transparency from Canon is certainly welcomed.

Canon Inc: We are considering multiple models within the EOS R series targeting a wide range of customers including pros. We believe our decision to introduce EOS R as a first model was right but we are also aware that a lot of customers are looking forward to seeing a high-end model. We promise we are working on this but it might take some time to introduce.

On the other hand, we recognized that a lot of amateur customers are very interested in stepping up to full-frame through customer feedback. This was a pleasant surprise.

We are developing multiple EOS R cameras now but due to varying levels of preferred features we are likely to launch an amateur model next to let a large group of customers step up and enjoy full-frame image quality. Have no doubt that a professional model is coming, but perhaps it may not be the next model we introduce.

They also reiterated that the 2.8 zooms are coming soon for the RF mount.  Most of what was said in the interview has been said before, however, it is a good interview to read from imaging-resource.  For those still using the EF mount, Canon also reassured those users, as they promised that the EF and RF mount development will continue.

Canon Inc: The answer is we will do BOTH. For example, among the EF lens lineup, F2.8 L series zoom lenses are the best-selling models to pros and advanced amateurs. We would like to offer F2.8 L-series zoom lenses in the RF lens lineup as well, with improvements we could not have achieved with the EF mount. These are already under development, so please look forward to hearing from us soon. Also, we are working on new concept RF lenses which have never been seen in the market. All of these lenses will take advantage of design flexibility provided by the RF mount

Read the full interview here

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