amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I noticed in the last few days that the Canon M5 is listed as "discontinued" on some retailer websites. Prices for it have also dropped dramatically in the last month too, both for new, used and refurbished (the latter are now sold out at the Canon USA website).

So, I'm taking wagers here on what Canon will do next:

1. Simply discontinue the M5 and not replace it. That will leave only the M50 in the M-series line-up with a built-in viewfinder. All other current M-series rely upon an accessory viewfinder (which sits in the camera's hot shoe, so you can't use the viewfinder and an accessory flash at the same time?)

2. Announce an M5 Mark II in the not-too-distant future.... Perhaps with the same 32.5MP sensor found in the M6 Mark II (up from 24MP in previous models).

3. Follow Nikon's lead and offer an R-series camera with an APS-C sensor. (See the Nikon Z50.... versus the full frame Z6 & Z7. Keep in mind that Nikon never had an APS-C mirrorless until now. Their old mirrorless system was way out in left field with a CX/1" sensor.)

Some possible clues:

Keep in mind, EF-M lenses for the M-series cameras cannot be used on the R-series or EF-mount cameras and there's no adapter so far (and may never be one) allowing RF lenses to be used on the M-series cameras.

EF and EF-S lenses can be adapted for use on either EF-M mount or RF-mount cameras. The Canon OEM adapter for EF/EF-S to EF-M is a single and simple design that supports the lenses' existing features, while for EF/EF-S to RF-mount there are four different OEM adapters, three of which offer additional features such as a control ring or drop-in filters.

Canon has been very slow to develop EF-M lenses... After seven-plus years in production they still only offer eight EF-M lenses, most of which are slow, variable aperture, mostly plastic zooms with STM focus drive.

That's in stark contrast to the rapid pace they're developing RF lenses. After just over a year they already have ten RF lenses, both zooms and primes, most of which are premium L-series with advanced performance features, high build quality and in many cases very large, non-variable apertures.

Canon has filed patents for a number of RF-series lenses: 17-70mm f/3.5-5.6, 15-35mm f/4L, 16-35 f/4L, 14-40 f/4L, 16-40mm f/4L, 17-72 mm f/3.5-5.8, 35mmm f/1.4 DS, 24mm f/1.4 DS, 28-135mm f/4, 24-170mm f/4, 18-170mm f/3.6, 28-270mm f/2.8, 35mm f/1.8, 20mm f/2, 35mm f/2.8, 45mm f/2.8, and 35mm f/2. Of course, not all these patent designs will eventually make it into production. There are quite few close duplicates. Still, seventeen recent patents for RF-mount lenses. In comparison, I think it's been years since any patent was filed for an EF-M lens design.

Kinda tells us where Canon's "head is at"... doesn't it?

So, get out your crystal ball, speculate to your heart's content, and place your bets on what the future holds for the two different (and mutually exclusive... d'oh!) Canon mirrorless mounts.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

No offense intended, but tell me why one might care. If I have a camera that takes satisfactory images, what do I need to do regarding Canon's plans?

TylerDurdensReel Loc: Fresno Ca.

If you aren't interested why respond? What a waste of your time and bandwidth.

I will never understand for the life of me why people have to tell everyone that they aren't interested in someone else's posting.

When anyone says "No offense intended", what they are really saying is that they know what they are saying is offensive to someone but they don't want to be held accountable for being offensive. What they don't realize is everyone knows that game and they still think you are a donkey.

User ID

My chrystal ball says Canon is just gonna push
in the chairs, turn out the lights, and go home.

User ID

Amusing that you've risked wording it in just that way.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

"If you aren't interested why respond? What a waste of your time and bandwidth."

You are right. Sorry. Please accept an apology.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I find this interesting and rather timely.
A friend of mine is looking to upgrade her camera or switch systems.
The lineup of potential lenses is one thing to consider, if they ever make it to reality.
Thanks, amphoto1, for posting this.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

"really saying is that they know what they are saying is offensive to someone but they don't want to be held accountable for being offensive."

OK! Here is what the "donkey" really thinks. I'm pissed at both Canon and Nikon. They should be investing their huge market share revenues in innovation. Instead, they try to protect their base.

"Still, seventeen recent patents for RF-mount lenses."

They could have and should have done that five years ago.

DSPhoto Loc: South Carolina

7+ new cameras and many new lenses for Canon in 2020.

https://youtu.be/C8ojOr6Aoro

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

None of the above. I think they will simply phase out the whole M line.
And no to the APS-C R.
With the dropping cost of sensors, Canon will focus on FF mirrorless while continuing support and some development of DSLRs. Canon's focus on R lenses and backward compatibility for legacy lenses points in this direction. Also the rumored hybrid that uses both R and EF lenses without an adapter indicates a desire to transition pros toward mirrorless as well. The benefits of better lenses possible with mirrorless will eventually lead (most) pros to give up the optical viewfinder.
For new photographers FF may become entry level.
Right now you can get an RP for just under $1,000. I think an entry level FF mirrorless in the Rebel price range is not far off. Until then there might be an T8i to fill the gap. If the RP can be had for $999 and a new top of the line Rebel body having an intro price usually in the $700-$800 range, can a FF "Rebel R" at say $850 be far off?

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

As with most successful companies, Canon's goal is not primarily about making the best cameras and lenses, but about making profit. Profit is what keeps companies in business. If Canon determines that manufacturing gear aimed at hobbyists with limited budgets is where the money is, then that's where Canon will concentrate its design, production and marketing efforts. Demand for high end, state-of-the-art equipment has always been a limited market, and thereby often a greater financial risk than producing for the masses. To simply look upon it as a race about who can produce the very best is to ignore what really matters to the manufacturers - analyzing and filling demand, and maximizing profit.

dick ranez

Canon seems to be successful following their roadmap - whatever it is. They don't need to focus on Nikon or Sony to succeed Unveiling several new camera bodies and some "consumer" R lenses will keep them at the top of the heap. Canon is in this game for the long haul and will keep plodding at it's own pace regardless of what their critics complain.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Add to this that Canon is showing a camera now that natively uses both EF/EFS and RF lenses on the same body with NO adapter required.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Why?

User ID

(Download)