Image: Canon
Canon has announced it is developing the EOS R1, which it describes as the "first flagship model for [the] EOS R system."
Recent Videos
It would be consistent with the company's previous development cycles to deliver a pro sports flagship in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics, so it doesn't come as a complete surprise.
The company has tried to avoid using the word 'flagship' in reference to its current EOS R3 high-speed model, meaning this will be the first model to explicitly take over from the EOS-1D series of DSLRs at the top of the Canon lineup.
Details in amongst the marketing speak are rather vague, but the company promises to improve on both stills and video performance compared with the existing EOS R3, with a
"Digic Accelerator" processor providing additional capabilities beyond those of the existing Digic X processor with which it will be paired.
This co-processor is likely to be tasked with handling the complex algorithms created by the machine-learning process, as the company talks about "never-before-seen" advancements in autofocus. The camera will aim to better track subjects when multiple plays overlap and intersect, with one of the few details of new features being an "Action Priority" function that will shift the AF point to a player it recognizes as taking a decisive action.
Canon says the new camera will be built around a new CMOS sensor and that the camera will be capable of implementing sophisticated noise reduction that would currently need to be applied in PC-based software.
We'll expect more concrete details at the Paris Olympics approach, but Canon suggests the camera is already being field-tested in preparation for them. Canon says it's aiming for a 2024 launch.
Canon develops EOS R1 as first flagship model for EOS R SYSTEM
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 improve* 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.
* In comparison to EOS R3 (released in November 2021)
