We've been speculating about the flagship Canon EOS R1 since late 2021, making it arguably one of the worst (or best) kept secrets in camera history, because even now that it's finally official, we still know very little about.
Canon confirmed that its latest flagship is in development today (May 15), but we still don't know most of its specifications and features, except which processor it will use.
According to the announcement, the processing power under the hood of the EOS R1 will come from a 'system' that combines a new processor called Digic Accelerator with the existing Digic X engine, and then both are combined with a new CMOS sensor. .
While the resolution of the sensor is yet to be confirmed, Canon has said it has “achieved high-speed, high-precision subject recognition” with this system and some advanced deep learning technology. The example the company cites is keeping focus locked on a single lens in a team sport, but this is nothing new: it's already a Servo AF feature on the Canon EOS R3 and a similar feature is available on the Nikon Z9.
So to offer something new, Canon says its new AF system will be able to recognize a subject's movements and lock on to a team member performing a specific action, so it will change focus when necessary in a feature called Focus Priority. action that will reduce the number. of missed opportunities that a photographer might regret.
Canon also says that image quality has been improved, but does not go into detail about how this has been achieved. We can only speculate that it has to do with that new sensor.
It has been confirmed that the new EOS R1 is being tested in the field and will arrive in 2024; It should surely be ready in time for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. That said, it's highly unlikely to hit stores before then, but it could be in the hands of Canon's professionals for the summer's biggest sporting events. At this point, it is more realistic that the EOS R1 will be released to the public in late 2024.
That product timeline is based on the Canon EOS R3. While its development announcement was made in April 2021, it was officially revealed in September of that year and went on sale in November.
We expect many more leaks and rumors between now and its official reveal, and I'm pretty sure we'll unofficially hear more about the Paris Olympics. Canon's official press release is below.
