There's A Canon 8K EOS R Coming

Canon is readying an 8K-capable EOS R camera, one of a number of models the company is planning to add to its mirrorless full-frame range. The EOS R launched back in September, packing a 30.3-megapixel full-frame sensor with ISO range of 100-40,000, along with Canon's DIGIC 8 image processor with a dual-pixel autofocus.

Initial reactions have been solid, though unsurprisingly Canon fans have been quick to submit their wish-lists for what they'd like to see next. At the same time, the camera company's roadmap is already being worked on. Reports in November suggested a 75MP+ EOS R model was in the pipeline.

However aside from just stills, video is a particular focus for the soon-to-grow family of cameras. Yoshiyuki Mizoguchi, Group Executive in the ICB Products Group of Canon's Image Communication Business, confirmed some details of that in a recent interview with Imaging Resource.

"Video will play a huge role in the EOS R System for sure," the company said. "For example, an 8K video capable camera is already in our EOS R-series roadmap. And we are not just looking at video from a camera perspective, we are also working on how to make RF lenses better for video capture as well."

Those lens improvements could be significant. Canon uses so-called Nano USM actuators, which deliver a smoother, quieter autofocus that's particularly useful for video. Canon plans to extend the use of that technology, with new lenses in the range.

What Canon wouldn't be drawn on, though, is when exactly we could expect to see the 8K EOS R. Nor, indeed, when the other new models might be released, though it did discuss a rough order that the cameras will arrive in.

"We are developing multiple EOS R cameras now but due to varying levels of preferred features we are likely to launch an amateur model next to let a large group of customers step up and enjoy full-frame image quality," the company confirmed. "Have no doubt that a professional model is coming, but perhaps it may not be the next model we introduce."

It's fair to say that Canon lagged rivals when it came to embracing mirrorless camera technology. In the same way, it's also reasonable to point out that the company was slow to add 4K support to its models, too. What seems clear now is that Canon doesn't intend to make the same mistake again when it comes to 8K.