Canon EOS R1 Development Announcement, Release Date in Late 2024

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Canon has announced the development of the EOS R1, positioning it as the inaugural flagship model within the EOS R system. This aligns with Canon’s typical development timeline, hinting at a probable release timed around the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The distinction is made between the EOS R1 and the current EOS R3 high-speed model, as Canon refrains from labeling the latter as a flagship. Thus, the EOS R1 will explicitly succeed the EOS-1D series of DSLRs as Canon’s top-tier offering.

  • Aiming for release in 2024
  • Professional mirrorless camera with high durability and reliability
  • Conventional video engine DIGIC X
  • Newly developed video engine DIGIC Accelerator
  • Newly developed CMOS sensor
  • High-dimensional fusion of new video engine system and deep learning technology
  • Achieving high-speed and high-precision object recognition
  • AF “Action Priority” function
  • We are proceeding with field tests of this unit to support the capture of decisive and moving moments at upcoming global sporting events.

The Canon EOS R1 is now listed at B&H.

While specific details amidst the promotional language remain scant, Canon pledges enhancements in both still photography and videography compared to the EOS R3. A new “Digic Accelerator” processor, complementing the existing Digic X processor, is promised to elevate performance.

The Digic Accelerator is anticipated to manage intricate algorithms generated by machine learning, facilitating unprecedented autofocus advancements. Notably, Canon hints at features like an “Action Priority” function designed to dynamically adjust the autofocus point based on recognized decisive actions during overlapping and intersecting plays.

Canon hints at a new CMOS sensor at the core of the EOS R1, enabling advanced in-camera noise reduction typically relegated to post-processing software. While concrete specifications are awaited closer to the Paris Olympics, Canon indicates ongoing field testing with a targeted launch in 2024.

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)