In a relatively slim press release, Canon has confirmed that they are indeed developing an EOS R1 flagship camera, aimed for a 2024 release. It will have a new image processing system (DIGIC Accelerator) that Canon says will improve the camera’s autofocus and other functions. The new subject-tracking capabilities in particular sound very interesting, especially the ability of the camera to recognize important subjects with “Action Priority.”
Canon is already working on field tests of the EOS R1, so we may see a few photographers using it during the upcoming Olympic Games. They also shared an image of the camera – unsurprisingly, it looks very similar to the EOS R3:
Update: Some initial specifications were listed at Adorama and then deleted:
- 30MP CMOS Sensor with dual gain
- Electronic-only shutter with less rolling shutter than any mechanical shutter – so in other words, no global shutter
- 1/1250 flash sync speed
- 120FPS shooting with all functions, 240FPS burst with limited functions, 1-second pre-capture
- Enhanced dynamic range over the R3 and R5
It is very possible that these specs were mere placeholders. After deleting them, Adorama said “We did not receive official specifications or details directly from Canon.” I have no reason to doubt Adorama’s claim, and at this point I would be surprised if those specs are accurate. But I’ll leave them up just in case.
The full press release is below.
New Image Processing System Further Improves AF and Image Quality
MELVILLE, N.Y., May 15, 2024 – Canon U.S.A., Inc. today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc. announced today that it is currently developing the EOS R1, a full-frame mirrorless camera, as the first flagship model for the EOS R SYSTEM equipped with an RF mount and is aiming for a 2024 release.
The EOS R1 is a mirrorless camera geared toward professionals that brings together Canon’s cutting-edge technology and combines top-class performance with the strong durability and high reliability sought in a flagship model. This camera will dramatically improve1 the performance of both still images and video and meet the high requirements of professionals on the frontlines of a wide range of fields including sports, news reporting, and video production.
This camera employs the newly developed image processor DIGIC Accelerator in addition to the pre-existing processor DIGIC X. The new image processing system, composed of these processors and a new CMOS sensor, enables large volumes of data to be processed at high speeds and delivers never-before-seen advancements in Auto Focus (AF) and other functions.
By combining the new image processing system and deep learning technology to an advanced degree, Canon has achieved high-speed and high-accuracy subject recognition. For example, subject tracking accuracy has been improved so that in team sporting events where multiple subjects intersect, the target subject can continually be tracked even if another player passes directly in front of them. In addition, the AF “Action Priority” function recognizes subject movement by rapidly analyzing the subject’s status. In moments during a sports game when it is difficult to predict what will happen next, this function automatically determines the player performing a certain action, such as shooting a ball, as the main subject and instantly shifts the AF frame, thereby helping to capture decisive moments of gameplay.
The combination of the new image processing system and deep learning technology will help to improve image quality. Canon implements the image noise reduction function, which has been previously developed and improved as part of the software for PCs, as a camera function to further improve image quality and contribute to user creativity.
Canon is working on field tests for this camera and will support capturing definitive and impactful moments at international sporting events to be held in the future.
Going forward, Canon will continue to expand the EOS R SYSTEM lineup of fascinating cameras and RF lenses, thereby continuing to meet the demands of a wide range of users and contribute to the development of photography and video culture.
About Canon U.S.A. Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $29.4 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. as of 2023 has ranked in the top-five overall in U.S. patents granted for 38 consecutive years†. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To learn more about Canon, visit us at www.usa.canon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/canonusa.# # # 1 In comparison to EOS R3 (released in November 2021)† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office. Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.