UPDATE: We have an update with a photo that is more clear plus a poll to say what you think it might be

Daniel Freytag alerted me to this blog post with Canon prototype bodies and lenses and canonrumors.com has covered it… but there are these snaps from what is reportedly a Canon employee testing some new equipment in the field and the observer posted 6 photos.

In my analysis, it looks like a Canon EOS 7D mk II — most of the buttons on the back and top match the current 7D… the thing that is baffling to most people is the lack of popup flash seen – which is why many are saying this is the Canon EOS 5D Mark III – but I seriously doubt it – unless they’ve abandoned much of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II setup.

Maybe it is the Canon EOS 7D mk II with a new ‘pro’ feel – meaning no silly popup flash!

I’m also a bit surprised with the lack of articulating screen – I indeed thought Canon would be bringing it to the entire line, but the Canon EOS-1D X didn’t have it – so maybe the “pro” cameras won’t – and the pro-sumer ones will? Again, that may hint that the Canon EOS 7D mark II is moving up to the pro level.

Look for my images showing my analysis below.

images

See apertureAcademy for all the photos — note that images 1-3 on their site are most likely the Canon EOS-1D X as the top of the camera matches the top of the Canon EOS-1D X images we’ve seen.

Aperture Academy snaps 5 & 6 - click to see all 6

My comparisons

ApertureAcademy photo (rotated) plus Canon EOS 7D and Canon EOS 5D Mark II backs shown for comparison... click for larger size

Note – I gathered the Canon EOS 7D and Canon EOS 5D Mark II backs from CanonSize.com without their permission… tho I will be blogging about them soon.

My analysis of Canon EOS 7D prototype?

Here’s the top of the Canon EOS 7D with the photo from Aperture Academy

Camera tops - bottom is Canon EOS 7D

What are your thoughts?

This sure has the look and feel of the Canon EOS 7D to me – what do you think?

(cover photo credit: snap from the video)

Well, with all the rumor postings in the last week, I guess it is time to do a roundup of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III rumors…

Summary of possibilites:

• GPS to be included?
• Sticking to 21 mp?
• March Announcement?
• Eye controlled focusing system?

Links

Here are the links to the rumors summarized below:

• EOS 5D Mark 3 from northlight-images
• The 5D Mark III Megapixel Count? [CR2]
• 5D Mark III Information [CR1]
• Canon 5D MK III rumored to be announced in March
• silentJournalist.org – which includes additional info including patent images

Rumors!

from Keith over at northlight-images — first I’ve heard of the 5D3 possibly being renamed the 5D X in similar way as the Canon EOS-1D X

January 20th Several comments have suggested that an all new version of the 24-70/2.8L will be a kit option for the 5D3 (or 5D X as several would like to call it).

I note that 24-70 replacement rumours pops up very regularly, although this time, IS hasn’t been mentioned. I was just looking at the archives and notice both 24-70 and 100-400 replacements being mentioned back in 2007.
I’m not holding my breath…

19th More 5D3 rumour chatter [CR], meanwhile we’re told that the 5D2 replacement will be on view at the UK Focus show in March, which would suggest a launch for CP+

I’m going to the show, which also should also see Olympus’s new take on the ‘OM’ brand and maybe a D800 on view. I’m not rating this 5D3 for Focus rumour too highly at the moment, given we were told that it would appear -after- the 1DX started shipping.

I note too the prices suggested for the D800 with ($3k) and without AA filter ($3k9) offer a splendid new revenue stream for higher end cameras.

from several canonrumors.com posts (see links above)

Less is more?
The new Canon mantra? A long while ago, we had heard the next version of the 5D Mark III would sport a 30+ megapixel file. We’ve heard recently that the Nikon D800 would be announced with a 36mp sensor.

The latest I’ve heard about the 5D Mark III’s sensor, and it comes from multiple places. Is we’re going to see it remain in the neighbourhood of 21mp. I’ve been told both 21mp or 22mp from various people.

Announcement?
The most consistent mention is March for an announcement. I think they’ll announce a 5D mark III type camera after the February 7, 2012 announcement of the Nikon D800.

Minimal Specs
Two communications came in tonight about 5D Mark III sightings in an Asian nation. One mentioned the 5D Mark III getting GPS related certification, no mention of what that certification was called. It was also said the camera doesn’t have a high number of autofocus points compared to the 7D or 1D series bodies.

The second communication talked about a prototype having eye control autofocus. This sort of rumour hasn’t appeared for a long time, but lots of people have fond memories of the eye controlled AF of the EOS-3. There was also a mention of the camera being capable of 5fps.

Summary of 5D Mark III features mentioned today.

• GPS Enabled
• Less than 19 AF points
• Eye control autofocus
• 5fps

from silentJournalist.org

Canon leaks information about the 5D Mark III having a 22mp sensor, GPS related certification, less autofocus points than the 7D or 1D and having Eye Controlled Autofocus System.

Its been a while since we heard of this sort of Eye Controlled AF technology being used, lots of people have memories of the eye controlled AF of the EOS-3. It was also a mentioned of the 5D Mark III would be capable of 5fps.

Summary of 5D Mark III features.

• GPS Enabled
• Expect sensor to be 22mp instead of 30mp
• Less than 19 AF points
• Eye control autofocus
• 5fps
• Look for February for an announcement and a Shipping date in March along with the D800.

(cover photo credit: snap from the video)

canonrumors.com just posted this CR2 rumor post: “Next EOS not a 1Ds4 or 5D3…. could be a 1D Mark 5?”

What I do know

The next EOS camera will NOT be a 5D Mark III.
The next EOS camera will probably not be a 1Ds Mark IV. Probably is the key word here, it could change.
The next EOS camera will not be an APS-C camera.

What’s left?
A new model camera introduced to the lineup, or a replacement of a current camera. I’m currently leaning towards a replacement of the 1D Mark IV.

Please read the rest of the post as there’s more – including a spec list!

Announcements coming

Here are the things we know are coming up – whether they mean there’s a DSLR behind them we do NOT know…

• October 18th CPS event in the Netherlands
• October 26 announcement before PhotoPlus
• November 3rd announcment in LA

(cover photo credit: snap from the fake 5D3 commercial several weeks ago)

Things are heating up in the camera world as the weather cools off in the northern hemisphere – and with Canon’s announcement of something major coming November 3rd, as well as another potential release on Oct 26 (see below), plus the recent patent finding for an aperture ring (again see more below), we thought it time to do a quick rumor roundup – as well as announcing that we’re going to have Craig Blair from canonrumors.com live on planet5D next Monday – a month before the Canon announcement.

planet5D live with Craig from canonrumors.com

Monday Oct 3rd 3pm ET

please join us for this live conversation where you get to ask the questions!

To convert GMT for your time zone, use this GMT conversion site

What do we know?

• November 3rd Canon announcing something that is (in their words) “an Historic Global Announcement”
• It has been 3 years since the Canon EOS 5D Mark II was announced
• The disasters earlier this year in Japan threw off many things
• the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is still selling like hotcakes tho Canon has put out rebates (more on this coming)
• And don’t forget this Northlight-images chart of the Canon product releases… the 1Ds Mk III is the oldest and most likely for a refresh if Canon were to keep that line open (there are some thoughts they might merge that with the 1D Mk IV).
  

  Northlight-Images.com Canon DSLR Release Chart

• October 26th is likely a printer announcement, but the question is why does it have the EOS logo on it? (note: printer details from CR)

Canon October 26 announcement

What do we think?

• We’re not expecting a DSLR at the October 26th announcement (but that EOS logo is a bit confusing)
• I’m not expecting a DSLR at the November 3rd announcement
• I suspect there’s one or two larger sensor video cameras coming from Canon Nov 3
• I still think Canon is working towards 2012 HDSLR cameras – doing it “right” as opposed to rushing out intermediate models
• Mirrorless isn’t as exciting as we thought? “Poll #2: Are you going to buy the new Nikon 1 mirrorless camera?“
• canonrumors.com latest rumors
• No 5D Mark III on Novemeber 3
• Opinion – What EOS Will Look Like by Photokina
• New Video Camera Information?
• NorthLight-Images rumors
• Keith doesn’t think we’ll see 5D3 until after 1Ds Mark IV is announced
• Latest 5D3 rumors

New patent for Aperture ring for HDSLR video?

Just yesterday, Photography Bay posted this story “Canon Bringing Back Lens Aperture Rings for HDSLR Video”.

Small section from the Photography Bay story

Anyone who has shot video with a Canon DSLR recognizes that smooth iris pulls are impossible while recording with Canon’s EF lenses. In one of the more interesting patent applications of late, Canon revealed that it is working on new lenses with aperture rings for adjusting aperture settings during video capture.

The new lenses with aperture rings utilize electronic control of the lens diaphragm rather than a mechanical aperture ring of yesteryear.

Conclusions

Tough calls here – I’m still under the impression that we’ll not see a new HDSLR as there were strong signals that there wouldn’t be one before 2012. As I said above, it seems to me (and I’m not in the business of selling cameras so I could be way off here) that Canon has realized what a power position they are in after the success of the current line up and it would be best to hit a home run with the next generation of bodies as opposed to putting out half-assed upgrades just to satisfy the ‘must have new camera’ groupies.

Also, tho the price in the USA and Canada for the 5D2 has dropped and there’s a Canon rebate in the USA for $100 off, that doesn’t mean they’re clearing out product for a new release. There have been several rebates for the Canon EOS 7D and we are still on the first generation there.

And – according to the poll in the right hand column ==> you guys tend to believe the November 3rd announcement is for large sensor video cameras as well.

In any event, join us this coming Monday to ask these questions of Craig Blair from canonrumors.com! When you join us live in the chat room on planet5D live, you get to ask the questions right alongside me.

Sound off in the comments

(cover photo credit: snap from the fake 5D3 commercial several weeks ago)

canonrumors.com posted on Sunday but we thought you’d want to know – we’re all dying to know what is coming from Canon and Nikon and others and some rumors have said we’d see a new Canon DSLR before the end of the year, yet CR is suggesting (see below) that there won’t be anything this year in the DSLR arena (tho there may be video cameras – see their post)

The details from CanonRumors.com

I have received a lot of small rumors throughout the week. There’s till life out there, even if there isn’t anything overly exciting.

I’ll break them down.

DIGIC V

Apparently DIGIC V will be powering the next Canon DSLRs. We all expect better noise reduction and processing speed, however there is also a “brand new feature”. I’m still waiting to find out what that is.

PowerShot G12 Replacement

There will be no G12 replacement in 2011.

2011 DSLR?

Most information I am receiving now seems to suggest there will be no DSLR announcement in 2011. There are definitely a lot of prototype bodies out there, we just won’t be hearing about them until 2012.

It was suggested this was to make sure Canon could meet the production demands that the Christmas and holiday seasons require.

It was also flatly said that “Canon will announce a new camera when it’s done, and not a minute before”. Canon has no desire to announce a camera and it not be available for 2-3 months.

Canon Mirrorless

The R&D is ongoing. There is no prototype cameras out to photographers though.

via Canon Rumors.

What do you think?

We continue to dig for rumors – what do you think? Are you disappointed if canonrumors.com is correct?

(cover photo credit: I blurred an old image of a Canon camera)

In this brief report, canonrumors is reporting they’ve heard the Canon EOS 5D Mark III may be announced as early as October – yes, this year. As with all rumors, we have to take this with a grain of salt… but we thought you should know of the rumor.

the canonrumors report on the Canon EOS 5D Mark III

The Next DSLR?
I’m told we’ll be seeing the 5D Mark III announced in October, with delivery shortly there after. I was not given any specs, which is probably a good sign.

We said originally, that the 5D Mark III would come before a 1Ds Mark IV or similar camera. Things appear to have come full circle and negate a lot of what I’ve been told this fall in regards to the 5D3.

Next Announcement Date?
We have the middle of September, possibly September 13-September 15 timeframe for a few more PowerShots. Some folks don’t read the site all that well and have posted other dates quoting us.

Our previous poll

we did a poll a few months ago – does this change your opinion?
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

(cover photo credit: snap from the video)

We’ve been keeping our ears to the rails and it looks like things are really going to be hopping in the HDSLR world this week with new HDSLR cameras coming from not only Nikon (as we told you about last week) but Sony seems to be on the brink of not only one, but maybe several new HDSLRs (which may even be full frame rivaling the Canon EOS 5D Mark II?).

The new Sony A77 HDSLR

[image source: found in this forum post but no credit was given for original]

The Sony Rumors

The first I saw of the rumored Sony A77 was thru Philip Bloom’s blog post “Sony enters the video DSLR revolution FINALLY…a bit late but not too late!”

First off they have the rather killer function of the translucent mirror. A lovely ability to use the actual viewfinder to shoot video. Secondly the specs (although not sure these are confirmed):

Brand new sensor. Hopefully with the clever ability to down-sample the image to 1080p. No idea what the moire, aliasing, rolling shutter will be here. But apparently the new sensor has video recording in mind so theoretically we should have less of these…hopefully!

3 million dot OLED VF (!)
FULL HD recording in 60p, 50p, 25p and 24p. Now that is something special. No other DSLR does this…yet

AVCHD 2. This is a 28mbps rate rather than 24. This is great.

No idea if there is a headphone jack or audio controls, but this a big step up.

Now…if this were a full frame camera I would be salivating. We STILL have no competition to the 5DMKII in that respect after all this time.

More from SonyAlphaRumors

Philip has a lot more to say about the A77 so skip over there!

There’s also coverage (from Philip’s source) sonyAlphaRumors “(SR5) The video revolution is coming: A77/NEX-7/VG20 with FullHD 60p and full manual controls!”

On August 24 Sony will make an amazing announcement. There is no doubt! And one of the thing you will like most is the new video features! I just learned from my sources that the new A77, Nex-7 and VG20 will support the new AVCHD 2.0 standard. This means that all those camera (!) will be able to record FullHD videos in 1080 60/50/25/24p at 28Mbit/s! Do you like that? Wait…there is even more! All camera will support full manual controls while recording video. And you can shoot video in P or A or S or M mode! All three cameras were development having video recording in mind. That means that the new sensor and the new BIOZ processor have been optimized to avoid artifacts like the weird jello effect. And as I already told you the new 3 million dot OLED viewfinder will have a high refresh rate! Can’t wait to see the first video samples!

We also found this video which appears to be for the A77

Note that there’s a “movie” button in the upper right

Sony A77 HDSLR camera from demo movie

More on future Sony full frame?

Andrea from SonyAlphaRumors added today:

One more thing: The future rumors: The same sources that gave me correct info about all the new Sony cameras are already sending me bits of info about the next DDAY in 2012. The event will be important for everyone seeking full frame cameras and lenses. And that will be the new rumor adventure we will have to go the next months. As I said, there are at least three new FF cameras coming and the new lens quantity is much bigger!

We should know more tomorrow – what do you think?

(cover photo credit: snap from the forum which is unattributed)

We’re nearing the fall here in the northern hemisphere – a somewhat traditional time for camera announcements and there are big rumors of Nikon releasing something next week! Will Nikon release a Canon EOS 5D Mark II (reviews) killer?

As with Apple and Canon and Nikon, rumors fly but we don’t really have much good info to go on… right now, NikonRumors is saying:

The ratio of tips and rumors I received for a new DSLR vs. mirrorless camera announcement on August 24 is 50/50. The main difference is that I got some details on the mirrorless camera and nothing on the DSLR front. This is why I changed my “prediction” from two DSLR bodies to a mirrorless only announcement next week.

First Rumors

DentonImages reported a few weeks ago:

This is the email I received from a reader describing a recent Nikon event organized for major authorized dealers in a country I will not mention online in order not to get anyone in trouble:

They essentially explain what happened with Nikon since March 11th (earthquake, tsunami, Fukushima, etc.) and what major decisions have been taken since concerning the product plants situated in the area.

They told us that most of the machines have been moved to a new plant in Malaysia and most of the employees have been moved as well with some monetary compensation. Then, some photo slides of the Malaysian plant have been shown. The new facility is already producing cameras and lenses. Expect to see “Made in Malaysia” Nikon product very soon.

Now, as you can imagine, everybody asked for the D700 and D3 replacement schedule. Here is what the Nikon rep said: “Two new FX bodies will be announced by the end of August. Availability in Fall.” Even though the rep wasn’t explicit about which current cameras are going to be replaced, it was quite clear they were talking about “old body designs” (guess D700 and D3). Nevertheless, the two FX cameras will be aimed at different customers who have different needs: one camera for “expert” photographers, the other for “pro” photographers. Technical spec and form factors will be significantly different as well.

Could it be that the camera for the “expert” photographers is actually the previously rumored D400? In any case, the major announcement scheduled for the end of August seems to be on track and has not be delayed by the recent tragedy in Japan. All information so far points to the announcement of two new DSLR cameras. The Nikon Coolpix line will also be upgraded, probably somewhere in the middle of August.

via Nikon rep: two DSLRs will be announced by the end of August | Nikon Rumors.

canonrumors.com followup

This is the latest from CR

*UPDATE 1* Nikon Announcements Next Week
A reader has written in about this post and says the big megapixel camera is from Nikon.

A Nikon division (I won’t mention the country) will be showing new Nikon products on August 24, 2011. The showing is “confidential” and will require an NDA. We already know the Nikon mirrorless will be coming.

Please don’t yell at me for posting Nikon stuff on Canon Rumors (trust me, it’ll happen).

Whatever Nikon does, could give some insight into what Canon and others in the industry will do. Photographic equipment companies rarely one up each other in the span of a month or so.

Upcoming DSLRs
I received word that one manufacturer will surprise everyone with a big megapixel camera next Thursday, August 25, 2011.

The report is very vague, but comes from a bang on source. I’d almost [CR3] this.

What are you hearing? Sound off in the comments below please.

(cover photo credit: snap from the Nikon site)

Time and time again I get the question… Do I buy a Canon EOS 5D Mark II (or a Canon EOS 7D etc.) now or wait for the 5D3? Many rumors (consolidated list below) point to a new set of Canon HDSLRs coming – but when?

This is a typical tech dilemma which happens with all kinds of products – which is also one of the reasons Apple has become so secretive (and Canon is really much like Apple in that regard)… first, if they were to announce new products that won’t be out for a couple of months, sales of their existing product drop thru the floor. Second, they want to build up some anticipation and excitement (and fodder for blog posts like this one HA!), and lastly, they don’t want to tip their hand to the competition.

As you can see from the varied theories and rumors and thoughts below, just about anything is possible and it is likely impossible at this point to predict what is coming. We’ve been told that there are bodies of some kind out being tested by some pros (which is normal part of doing camera development) but we don’t know what they are!

What to do!?

Advice

My first advice is this – if you need a camera now (pick a reason), then buy one now! Please have a look at our planet5D buyer’s guide first of course (buying thru the links there and on the ads for amazon, B&H, adorama below support planet5D).

Think of it as a rental for the time being. If you’re interested in what ever the next camera that is going to be announced by Canon, then you can use the camera you buy today to do what you need and then sell it when you can get your hands on the next one. Canon and Nikon cameras retain much of their original value – especially if they have low shutter actuations… so you can think of the difference in price from what you buy and sell the camera for as the rental price for the next xx months. I suspect that you’ll be surprised at how inexpensive it is to ‘rent’ this way as compared to real rentals.

If you don’t “need” a new camera now, then you might want to wait. The only question here is how long do you have to wait? Right now, your guess is as good as mine. I don’t have any inside information to share.

Here’s what I expect to happen before the next major announcement from Canon – they’ll put out a teaser ad. I don’t know how many of you remember, but about a month before the 5D2 was announced, there was a series of teaser ads that showed just a little bit of a silhouette of a camera body (which was part of the idea for our logo actually). If they’re smart, they’ll build up they hype on the next major release again.

Canon Evolution ad Screenshot - FongMin Su

What is really next?

There’s a lot of questioning about what order cameras are coming from Canon (and Nikon too for that matter) – there’s plenty of speculation going around. So we asked your opinion and got a varied answer as well…

Common question Do I buy a Canon EOS 5D Mark II now or wait

As you can see, there’s a slight majority of you who think that the anniversary of the announcement of the 5D2 would be a perfect time for the 5D3. Makes a lot of sense to me too.

On the other hand, as I’ve heard from planet5D fans who’ve been talking to Canon, the feeling is that the 5D2 is still selling too well to bring out the next version. They point to next summer as the most likely date for the 5D3. Here’s a sample of one item I’ve been sent lately:

the person I spoke to is privy to all research and development ideas re the 5D. While he did say Canon, Japan, kept a few things to themselves, he said I was right not to expect a new camera 5d for a year. They are selling well, so why a mk III now? Also don’t expect more than 12 minutes video if your local importations laws say anything more is classified as a camcorder and subject to higher tarriff.

And don’t forget this Northlight-images chart of the Canon product releases… the 1Ds Mk III is the oldest and most likely for a refresh if Canon were to keep that line open (there are some thoughts they might merge that with the 1D Mk IV).

Northlight-Images.com Canon DSLR Release Chart

However, have a gander at the rumor roundup below… could Canon announce another camera before the 5D3?

Welcome canonrumors readers! Bookmark our planet5D HDSLR news page to read CR and a bunch of other blogs

Rumor Roundup

canonrumors.com latest thoughts:

July 12

No 1Ds, however……
I’m told a mid September announcement for a 1D Mark V. It will be a full frame high fps camera that will lead to the amalgamation of the 1Ds/1D line. Availability for the camera will be at the end of October.

June 22

August 2011 7D Mark II

• 24 Mega pixel Full Frame
• Dual Digic V
• Will be a partial replacement for the discontinued 1D Mark IV

September 2011 1D Mark V

• 32 Mega pixel Full Frame
• Dual Digic V
• Will be a partial replacement for the discontinued 1D Mark IV and complete the merging of the 1D line

March 2012 5D Mark III

• 32 Mega pixel Full Frame
• Digic V
• New 11 point AF system
• Will have the best video features of the EOS line

NorthlightImage rumors

Latest July 12

Thanks to all the reports about its appearance. It seems that there are a lot of people wishing for a 5D3 really soon.

Without a 1Ds3 replacement actually shipping, I don’t see a 5D3 announcement this year, if it’s going to follow form and offer similar MP to the top of the range model. I’d also suggest that with the Nikon D700 unlikely to be replaced this year, Canon is happy selling the 5D2 as fast as they can make them.

Also check northlight-image’s threads on the 3D, 7D2, and 1Ds Mk IV

other opinions

example post of someone waiting for the 5D3: 5 Big Reasons I’m still holding off for the 5D Mark iii

This is a bit old as we’re hearing that for Canon, most of the supply chain has freed up, but we also heard that they had delayed some of their scheduled product releases due to the earthquakes.
“Is it disruption to production or is a Canon 5D Mark III on the way? Canon EOS 5D Mark II listed as out of stock at all major UK camera shops”

Summary

Yikes! The rumors are all over the place. Again, if you need to buy a camera, buy it now – waiting for the next great thing will only frustrate you as I suspect we’re a long way off.

I feel we’re more likely to see a Canon EOS 7D refresh before we get the granddaddy 5D3, but that’s just what my gut tells me. The rumors have all sorts of variations!

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(cover photo credit: snap from the fake 5D3 commercial earlier this week)

This Canon EOS 5D Mark III commercial is a beautiful tease, but also a fake – oh how we want it to be real don’t we? According to the video poster, “of course a fake was a school project…”

No, we don’t have any info on when the 5D3 will really come out… all we can do is speculate like everyone else. Tho I am speculating that Canon will do a tease commercial just like they did with the 5D2 before it was announced.

The 5D3 fake commercial

For feedburner daily email readers: watch the video (note: feedburner and other email systems disable the javascript embed tags so the videos won’t display.)

There are some additional photos.

Such a nice image:

5D Mark III full fake

[source: Foto Actualidad via PetaPixel](cover photo credit: snap from the video)