Canon full frame mirrorless camera could be in the works

A Canon executive has hinted that the company is exploring the possibility of launching a new camera and lens mount system sometime in the future.

The Photokina 2014 event is over now. There have been numerous product launches in Cologne, Germany, much to the excitement of photographers and videographers.

Nevertheless, it is worth pointing out that a lot of rumored cameras and lenses have not been announced during the world’s biggest digital imaging trade fair. This is to be expected, as sometimes rumors do not come true.

One of them referred to the announcement of the development of a Canon medium format camera. A possible reason for this turn of events may have been revealed by Masaya Maeda, the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive of Image Communication Products Operation.

During an interview with DC.Watch, Masaya Maeda said that the Japan-based manufacturer is analyzing the possibility of introducing a new mount system, as the market is heading towards “miniaturization”.

Masaya Maeda introducing the Canon 7D Mark II at Photokina 2014. The company’s representative has hinted that Canon is working on a new lens mount, which could mean that a full frame mirrorless camera is on its way.

Canon is researching the possibility of launching a new camera and lens mount

The interview with Masaya Maeda has been granted at Photokina 2014 where the 7D Mark II, PowerShot G7 X, PowerShot SX60 HS, and three lenses have been revealed.

As usual, no matter how many products a company unveils, the world will still be curious to find out more about future cameras and lenses.

The manufacturer’s Managing Director has decided to drop a few hints about future models. Masaya Maeda admitted that Canon is investing in market research and development, and that there are signs pointing at “miniaturization”.

Moreover, it appears that the next step would be to announce a completely new mount. Canon’s representative says that the system would not be related to EF, EF-S, or EF-M cameras and lenses, so we should not act surprised when another mount becomes official.

There is no medium format camera, but do not rule out a Canon full frame mirrorless camera

Since miniaturization is brought into discussion, this could mean that a medium format camera, which would be a rather large device, will probably not be launched in the near future.

On the other hand, the same thing does not apply to a mirrorless camera with a full frame image sensor. Sony is drawing all the plaudits in this department, where its FE-mount cameras and lenses have been mostly welcomed by the photography community.

Surely, the EF-M system has not been doing well in terms of sales, but things could change with a Canon full frame mirrorless camera. Masaya Maeda has not specifically mentioned such a system. However, it is the only one that makes sense at this point.

Miniaturization could also refer to the image sensor, which would mean that the company might go under APS-C-sized sensors. Either way, we should take this with a pinch of salt and wait for more information before jumping into conclusions.