With camera makers feeling the effects of global stock shortages along with everyone else, it’s no surprise that the long-awaited Canon EOS R1 – set to be the company’s high-end mirrorless model – is unlikely to appear anytime soon.
According to the generally well-informed CanonRumors (opens in new tab)retailers have been warned not to wait for the R1 until the second half of 2023, meaning it could be at least a year before we see what could be an exceptionally exciting camera.
The EOS R1 – if indeed it’s called that – will almost certainly be seen as a mirrorless replacement or equivalent to the long-running Canon EOS 1DX series DSLR models. Many professionals are still using these cameras, especially given the ongoing difficulties in getting the Canon EOS R3, the current leader in Canon’s mirrorless lineup.
As a result, agencies that equip their entire staff are reluctant to fully commit to mirrorless in case of problems with acquiring the technology they need.
Analysis: Mirrorless uncertainty keeps high-end DSLRs alive – for now
While the Canon EOS R3 is undoubtedly one of the best mirrorless cameras, and certainly one of the best professional cameras you can buy right now, getting one isn’t always easy.
Supply issues across the electronics industry have led to a surge in DSLR sales as old stock is broken down by those unwilling or unable to wait for a mirrorless counterpart to be available.
If such issues didn’t exist, it would be reasonable to expect that we would have already seen an R1, or at least some sort of development announcement to whet our appetite.
On the other hand, it could be argued that Canon is better prioritizing replacing its early mirrorless models such as the Canon EOS R and Canon EOS RP, as mass market consumer models naturally sell more widely and bring more photographers to the market. Canon’s ecosystem.
Supply issues aside, it would also make sense for Canon to spend more time developing its mirrorless lens lineup, so professionals can be confident they have a comprehensive system to buy from when they feel ready to make the switch to mirrorless.
An improved entry-level full-frame model that sits below the Canon EOS R6 in terms of price would likely be very popular, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see this camera appearing long before a class-leader like the R1.
