Camera rumors in 2024: what cameras are coming, officially and otherwise!

Prototype Leica camera body
(Image credit: James Artaius)

The camera rumors have hit overdrive, now that 2024 is in full swing – and already we've seen plenty of leaks turn into reality. 

Most prominently, all the camera rumors that swirled about the Fujifilm X100VI and Leica SL3 turned out to be bang on the money. And given that this is an Olympic year, we know that at least one new flagship camera is on the way. 

This year is a very strange one, though, in that we're hearing plenty of camera rumors about DSLRs and even film cameras – something I never would have believed, this time last year! 

As always, camera rumors often sound too good to be true – and there's a lot of nonsense on the internet. However, more often than not, where there's smoke there tends to be fire. So take a few pinches of salt and see what's on the way in 2024!

Canon rumors 2024

(Image credit: Canon)

Canon is always the subject of more camera rumors than any other manufacturer, in large part because it has been the most prolific photographic patenter for 38 consecutive years.

Having filled out the EOS R range with cameras like the Canon EOS R8 and Canon EOS R100, and introduced a new product line with the Canon PowerShot V10 vlogging camera, what is the industry leader working on this year?

Canon EOS R1

Conspicuous by its absence at CP+, there are now rumblings that the EOS R1 will be announced in April – perhaps alongside or shortly after another headline product (see below).

Despite previous rumors including things like 85MP resolution and a global shutter sensor, the latest reports are that the R1 will "have less resolution than many think"  and that it will not use a global shutter sensor. Indeed, the most recent rumblings are that it will have a 30MP stacked sensor, capable of shooting up to 240fps bursts and 6.7K 60p video, with a 1/1,250 sec flash sync time and a completely electronic shutter. Perhaps we're even looking at Canon's new triple-layer stacked sensor.

We know that Canon has patented haptic feedback for silent shooting in a 1-series (or maybe 3-series) body, which could corroborate the fully electronic shutter. We also hear that the camera will feature an even more accurate version of the Canon EOS R3's Eye Control AF, which enables you to move the focus points by looking around the EVF. 

Canon EOS R5 Mark II

(Image credit: Canon)

The reports have been all over the place on this one. The successor to the Canon EOS R5 was first thought to be arriving before the R1, then it was the second half of 2024, and now there's chatter that it could be announced in April either just before or in sync with the new flagship.

With the R1 set to concentrate on performance, the R5 Mark II will remain the company's high-resolution stills and 8K model. Reports of a 60MP sensor have given way to rumblings that it will keep the same 45MP sweet spot, but in the form of a new stacked sensor for even faster performance.

It seems a shoo-in that we will see another iteration of the 400MP photos introduced to the original R5, made possible by the magic of pixel shift. And it's a pretty sure thing that 8K 60p, with increased record times, will be implemented. In fact, I've heard that Canon is even aiming for 4K 240p, in order to make this the class-leading camera when it comes to video frame-rates. 

Other than that, we will undoubtedly see the autofocus modes that debuted in the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and were further honed in the Canon EOS R8 – namely subject detection expanded to include horses and planes, along with a bump up to the burst shooting. The latest whispers are that the R5 Mark II could deliver 60fps continuous shooting, which would be pretty dang impressive.

Canon EOS R7 Mark II

(Image credit: James Artaius)

The original Canon EOS R7 is only two years old, but the manufacturer showed us with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II that it's more than willing to update a camera after two years if there's a big improvement to be made. 

With the Canon EOS R7 Mark II, that big improvement looks to take the form of a new stacked APS-C sensor – which would push the OG R7's already impressive 30fps burst speed to even greater heights. With rumors that Canon is looking to update its fleet with stacked sensor in at least three cameras – and the potential of its newly designed triple-layer stacked sensor – this could be very exciting for sports and wildlife shooters.

Canon 3D VR Camera

Canon 3D VR Camera

(Image credit: Digital Camera World)

While CES 2024 didn't have any major camera announcements, we did get to see Canon's latest concept camera – which continues the company's push into 3D, started in 2021 with the Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8 L Dual Fisheye

Currently known as Concept Model 003: 360° / 180° 3D VR Camera (previously glimpsed last year), this device looks like a mashup of the Dual Fisheye and the PowerShot V10, with front and back VR lenses for 360° capture – and the rear lens can pop forward for stereoscopic 180° 3D VR. 

Proposed specs for the prototype include 8K 30fps, 4K 120fps and live streaming, with a planned price of under $1,000 (about £820 / AU$1,590). 

Canon EOS R3 Mark II

(Image credit: Future)

With the reports that the R1 won't use a global shutter sensor, could it be that the technology debuts in the next version of the EOS R3? It would make sense. The R1 is expected to be an all-purpose powerhouse, with high resolution and ISO sensitivity rather than just all-out speed. Global shutter sensors are designed to be fast, but the compromise is a higher base ISO and more restricted sensitivity.

The R3, meanwhile, is very specifically a speed-oriented sports camera. And with speed a priority over megapixels or ISO, a global shutter sensor feels like a much better fit in this product line. However, rumors suggest that we shouldn't expect a Canon EOS R3 Mark II until at least 2025.

Canon RE-1

(Image credit: James Artaius)

Fujifilm and Olympus have been doing it for years. Nikon has done it with the Nikon Zf and Nikon Z fc. And Canon could be the next manufacturer to produce a vintage-styled mirrorless camera – possibly a modern version of the iconic Canon AE-1

"I can't say yes or no, but as you say, some consumers are particularly fond of some of the best-selling models of the past, their design and appearance," said a Canon exec when asked if the company would produce a retro-style camera. "In addition, you can see that our EOS body, whether in appearance or operability, has been improved by listening to customer feedback and requests. We attach great importance to the fact that there is a consumer base that wants a retro body."

Such importance, in fact, that Canon conducted a market survey asking which of its film cameras customers would like to see made digital. Some posited options were the Canon P, Canon F-1, Canonet QL17… and the Canon AE-1. Fingers crossed!

More hybrid lenses

(Image credit: Canon)

We've just seen the launch of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 Z – yes, a 24-105mm lens with an f/2.8 aperture. Not only is this a real trinity buster that is going to change the game for professionals, it's also the first in a line of hybrid lenses on the way from Canon.

We know precious little else at this point, but Canon is working on a series of optics that sit in the middle of its three product spheres: cinema lenses, photography lenses, and broadcast lenses. Each category has unique demands, such as focus breathing or remote control applications, so Canon has produced distinct product lines for each industry. Now, however, with the rise of hybrid cameras and hybrid shooters, it is producing lenses that can be used across all three disciplines.

While we don't know if they will all revolve around the coveted f/2.8 trinity aperture, or whether they will all feature Power Zoom (the "Z" in the new 24-105mm's name), we can be pretty confident that this line will always possess the new dedicated clickless aperture ring, focus breathing suppression, and the "cinema look" to marry with the dedicated CN-R Cinema EOS primes

Canon Powershot V11

(Image credit: James Artaius)

Rumors of a Canon vlogging camera swirled for years until the Canon PowerShot V10 finally dropped. And with vlogging cameras being the hottest thing in the industry right now, expect a successor sooner than later. 

With the V10 being an entry-level model, we've heard rumblings that the next one will be a higher-end version. It's been suggested to us that weather sealing (with new microphones to accommodate the disrupted audio) is on the agenda, along with a better solution to windshields and other accessories than the slightly haphazard region-by-region products currently available. 

Canon wearable neck camera

Canon wearable camera patent – a camera that is worn around the neck

(Image credit: Canon • JPO)

Wearable cameras are big business, and Canon has designed an intriguing one that's worn around the neck. Ostensibly for use in the manufacturing and maintenance industries, this adjustable camera features a laser indicator to show where the point of focus is and ensure that the right area is in frame – meaning that there are a wealth of consumer possibilities for the device as well. 

This is one we're really intrigued by. As we've seen from the likes of the Canon PowerShot Zoom, Canon PowerShot Pick and Canon PowerShot V10, the manufacturer is increasingly bringing these intriguing concept cameras to market – and we really hope this new wearable follows suit.

Canon drone

(Image credit: IP Force)

In March 2022 Canon submitted an application for a patent for a product that is a drive device, an electronic device and an image pickup device with a mobile body. 

From the illustrative diagrams included in the application, it looks like the design of the camera unit could be very similar to that of the Canon Powershot Pick – an AI-powered camera capable of recording both video and stills. It automatically detects movement, can track a subject and can be controlled using voice commands. 

The Powershot Pick features an 11.7MP camera, has advanced face recognition, connects to a purpose-made app and is compact, lightweight and portable – all of which are features that would be desirable on a drone camera.

Canon EOS RS

Not to be confused with the EOS R5, rumors persist that Canon is developing a high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera to compete with the likes of the 61MP Sony A7R IV. In fact, we've even seen some reports suggesting that a medium format-rivaling 100MP EOS R is being worked on. 

The latest rumblings come in the form of a list of purported specs for what has been dubbed the Canon EOS RS – a nod to the Canon EOS 5DS, which is the 50MP high-res DSLR that the mirrorless version would effectively replace. 

According to these claims, we can expect an 80MP sensor, with a slightly larger body than the EOS R that comprises a bigger grip, LCD and EVF. Additionally, it is claimed that the "viewfinder" (it is unclear whether this is the EVF or the LCD) can be tilted up and down, and that the camera possesses a "new style" of joystick (potentially the Smart Controller from the 1D X Mark III that also features on the R3) along with dual SD card slots. 

Canon EOS C50 and C90

Want more Cinema EOS? The Canon EOS C50 and C90 are supposedly set to join the Canon EOS C70 and Canon EOS R5C in the RF-mount cine cam lineup. 

These have been long rumored, but are yet to make their expected debut at any of the broadcast trade shows where a launch would make sense. This could be due to the ongoing component crisis, of course.

(Image credit: Canon)

The Canon verdict

What we think: Canon has gone all in on EOS R, discontinuing DSLR development and culling the EOS M line completely. The flagship EOS R1 is finally coming, as is a new R5, but you should also brace for more category-expanding PowerShot cameras like the V10 and Zoom, as Canon looks to broaden its appeal beyond the core camera crowd.

More camera rumors: Nikon rumorsSony rumorsOlympus rumorsFuji rumorsPanasonic rumors • Sigma rumorsHasselblad rumorsLeica rumors • Ricoh rumors

James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.