Just a day after hearing that the Canon EOS R7 might be unveiled in June or July, a new report from a Japanese site suggests an announcement could actually happen on May 24.
This is exciting for Canon enthusiasts who have been looking forward to the brand adding more RF-mount cameras. The report also mentions that the Canon EOS R10 could be announced at the same time, along with two RF-S lenses.
A different report from the trusted source Canon Rumors also puts the announcement date at May 24 for both the cameras and lenses and has shared some potential specifications for the EOS R10.
If the information from Canon Rumors is accurate, it appears that the EOS R10 will be the budget-friendly option, likely featuring a 24.2MP APS-C sensor (in contrast to the EOS R7’s expected 32.5MP). It might deliver burst speeds of 15fps with the mechanical shutter and 23fps electronically (compared to 15fps/30fps for the R7). Another indicator of its affordability is the rumored single UHS-II SD card slot.
The upcoming lenses are said to be the RF-S 18-45mm IS and RF-S 18-150mm IS, with the possibility that both cameras will be offered as kits with one or both lenses.
Analysis: Is the EOS M line coming to an end?
In the realm of Canon’s mirrorless cameras, it’s notable that there are currently six full-frame R-series models while only three exist in the M series.
Speculations about an EOS M5 Mark II surfaced in 2019 when Canon released the EOS M6 Mark II, but that model never appeared. Now, rumors suggest the EOS M6 Mark II has also been discontinued (despite still being available on Canon’s website and at many retailers), fueling theories that Canon may indeed be phasing out the EOS M line.
Given the popularity of Canon’s EOS R lineup, it wouldn’t be surprising if the M series gets retired. If the EOS R7 and R10 incorporate the highly accurate autofocus system found in Canon’s full-frame models, and if the rumored specifications are correct, the M cameras might struggle to compete with the performance of the new APS-C RF-mount models.
The appeal of the M cameras was largely their affordability – ideal for hobbyists. If the prices for the RF-mount APS-C cameras are set attractively, Canon may see many current M-series users upgrading and even draw in new customers from competing brands. The EOS M50 Mark II was somewhat underwhelming, as it offered little improvement over its predecessor, and the EOS M200 wasn’t particularly impressive either, though both cameras are functional in their own right. The EOS M6 II remains the flagship of the M-series and was previously recognized as one of the best compact and travel cameras.
The ongoing shortage of parts could also be influencing Canon’s decision to focus on the EOS R system.
Whatever Canon’s current strategy may be, the future of the M series remains uncertain, but it’s clear that the company is placing its bets on the RF mount.
