2024 has been a year of significant transformation for Canon, particularly in the realm of full-frame cameras. We’ve witnessed the release of the EOS R5 Mark II, the highly anticipated EOS R1, and later this year, if rumors prove accurate, the EOS R6 Mark III. Canon seems to have almost entirely refreshed its full-frame lineup, with the exception of the EOS R8, which was launched in early 2023. This marks a nearly complete overhaul of their full-frame system, leaving only a few gaps to be filled.
However, in stark contrast, Canon’s APS-C lineup appears to have been left in the dust, overshadowed by the excitement surrounding the full-frame cameras. This lack of attention has left Canon’s APS-C offerings in a somewhat precarious position, as they are currently the least competitive among Canon’s RF-mount cameras. This raises an important question: What can we expect from Canon’s APS-C lineup in 2025?
The APS-C Focus for 2025
There are whispers that Canon’s focus in 2025 will shift toward revitalizing its APS-C lineup, a segment that has been somewhat neglected in recent years. As a passionate advocate for smaller, high-performance cameras, I find this shift to be not only necessary but also exciting. The prospect of Canon finally giving its APS-C cameras the attention they deserve opens the door to a range of possibilities that could reinvigorate this segment and reestablish Canon as a leader in the APS-C market.
But what exactly should Canon do to achieve this? Let’s dive into some predictions and recommendations for Canon’s APS-C lineup in 2025, based on both current market trends and lessons learned from past experiences.
The Challenge of APS-C Lenses
One of the most glaring issues with Canon’s current APS-C lineup is the lack of high-quality prime lenses and fast zooms tailored for APS-C sensors. While third-party manufacturers like Tamron and Sigma have stepped in to fill this void, it’s clear that Canon needs to step up its game in this area. For instance, the EF-M 32mm F1.4 lens was a standout option for the EOS-M system, and many users, myself included, would love to see a similar lens re-released for the RF-S mount. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that Canon will make this move, leaving many APS-C users to rely on third-party lenses or compromise with less-than-ideal options.
Lessons from the EOS-M System
The EOS-M system, which focused on small size and portability, was once a promising segment for Canon. However, with the EOS-M system now discontinued, there is a notable gap in Canon’s current lineup that remains unaddressed. The EOS-M’s strength was its compact form factor, which made it a favorite among travel photographers and casual users alike. Unfortunately, the current RF-S lineup does not adequately fill this gap, particularly for those who value portability without sacrificing performance.
Canon has always taken a global approach to camera marketing, often tailoring products to meet the demands of specific regions. While the RF APS-C system has attempted to cater to a global audience, it has not achieved the dominant success that Canon typically enjoys. This is especially evident in markets where smaller, more portable cameras are favored, such as Japan. In these markets, Canon’s competitors, like Sony and Nikon, have made significant inroads, capitalizing on the demand for compact, high-performance cameras.
The Need for a Travel-Friendly APS-C System
As someone who frequently travels, I have found Canon’s full-frame system to be less than ideal for on-the-go photography. The size and weight of full-frame cameras and lenses can be cumbersome, making them less practical for travel. This has led me to seek out a more travel-friendly APS-C system, but unfortunately, Canon’s current APS-C offerings leave much to be desired.
This sentiment is shared by many other Canon enthusiasts, including my colleague Craig, who has even considered switching to the Fuji system for his travel needs. If loyal Canon users are beginning to look elsewhere, it’s a clear indication that something is amiss with Canon’s APS-C strategy.
The Importance of Size
Size matters when it comes to cameras, particularly in markets where portability is a key selling point. In Japan, for example, even relatively expensive cameras can perform well if they are small and easy to carry. The Sony ZV-E10 II, which has consistently held the top spot in sales, is a prime example of this. It outperforms cheaper competitors simply because it offers a compact form factor without compromising on features.
Canon has traditionally excelled in this area, with the EOS-M lineup and the small DSLR SL series. However, Canon has yet to bring this approach to its RF mount cameras. The Nikon Z30, while larger than some of its competitors, still manages to strike a balance between portability and performance, offering a control layout that appeals to both enthusiasts and casual users. In contrast, Canon’s RF-S cameras have taken a more consumer-oriented approach, which has not resonated as strongly with the market.
The Opportunity for a New Compact Camera
While it may not be possible for Canon to create a camera as small as the ZV-E10 II, due to the larger size of the RF mount compared to Sony’s FE mount, there is still an opportunity for Canon to develop a camera that strikes a balance between portability and functionality. A camera that sits between the Nikon Z30 and the Sony ZV-E10 II in terms of size and features could be a game-changer for Canon in the APS-C segment.
However, Canon’s previous attempts at creating small, portable APS-C cameras have been less than successful. The EOS R100, for example, while featuring a viewfinder, falls short of the mark in terms of size, weight, and overall appeal. It doesn’t come close to the compactness of the EOS-M models it was meant to replace, and this has contributed to its lackluster performance in the market.
The Case for a Viewfinder-Less Design
Interestingly, the EOS R100 includes a viewfinder, a feature that I would argue is unnecessary for its target audience. The EOS M200, for example, which was shockingly well-received, featured a touchscreen interface that appealed to users who were more accustomed to smartphone photography. This design choice made the M200 a popular choice for casual photographers, particularly in markets where compactness and ease of use are highly valued.
In contrast, the inclusion of a viewfinder in the EOS R100 seems to be a misstep, particularly given the camera’s target demographic. A touchscreen interface, similar to that of the M200, would have been a more appropriate choice, especially for users transitioning from smartphone photography. In 2025, Canon could benefit from rethinking its approach to entry-level APS-C cameras, possibly by eliminating the viewfinder and focusing on a more streamlined, smartphone-like experience.
Predictions for the 2025 APS-C Lineup
Despite the challenges and missteps, there is still hope for Canon’s APS-C lineup. The current lineup, consisting of the EOS R7, R10, R50, and R100, offers a rough framework that Canon could build upon in 2025. Here’s how I envision Canon’s APS-C lineup evolving:
Canon EOS R7 Mark II
The EOS R7 is currently positioned as a prosumer camera, but for its successor, the EOS R7 Mark II, Canon should aim to elevate it to a truly professional level. This means making it a fully functional and ergonomic twin to the EOS R5 Mark II, complete with a new 32.5MP stacked sensor. A stacked sensor would offer a much faster readout and significantly improve electronic shutter performance, which would be particularly appealing to wildlife and sports photographers.
Additionally, the EOS R7 Mark II should feature cross-type AF points to enhance autofocus performance, making it a “dream” camera for bird photographers and other enthusiasts who demand fast and accurate focusing. While it’s unlikely that Canon will include high-end features like a DIGIC accelerator, the EOS R7 Mark II should still offer enough performance enhancements to justify its place as a top-tier APS-C camera.
A battery grip should also be available for the EOS R7 Mark II, something that was notably absent in the original R7. This addition would not only improve ergonomics for portrait orientation shooting but also extend battery life, making it a more versatile option for professional photographers.
Canon EOS R10 Mark II
The EOS R10 Mark II should inherit many of the features from the current EOS R7, effectively positioning it as a more affordable alternative to the R7 Mark II. The R10 Mark II could utilize the existing 32.5MP sensor from the R7, while offering a more compact and less rugged build quality, similar to the relationship between the 90D and the 7D line in the past.
Ergonomically, the R10 Mark II should be designed to resemble the EOS R6 or R8, offering a comfortable and intuitive user experience. While it’s possible that Canon may forgo in-body image stabilization (IBIS) in the R10 Mark II to keep costs down, the camera should still offer robust performance, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts who want a capable APS-C camera without breaking the bank.
Like the EOS R7 Mark II, the R10 Mark II should also offer a battery grip option, catering to photographers who require extended battery life and improved handling for vertical shooting.
Canon EOS R50 Mark II
Of all the cameras in Canon’s current APS-C lineup, the EOS R50 seems to be the most well-positioned. As a low-cost hybrid camera, the R50 offers a good balance of features for both stills and video, making it an ideal choice for beginners and hobbyists. The 24MP sensor is well-suited to this camera, and there may be little need for a Mark II version in 2025
However, if Canon does release an R50 Mark II, it could benefit from minor enhancements, such as improved autofocus performance and additional video features. While the R50 Mark II wouldn’t need to be a revolutionary upgrade, it could serve to keep the camera competitive in the entry-level market.
Canon EOS R100 Mark II
In contrast, the EOS R100 is arguably Canon’s most problematic camera. As mentioned earlier, it falls short of the compactness and portability that many users desire, and its design choices, such as the inclusion of a viewfinder, seem out of step with market trends.
For the EOS R100 Mark II, Canon should consider a complete redesign, possibly drawing inspiration from the popular EOS M200. By eliminating the viewfinder and focusing on a touchscreen-centric interface, the R100 Mark II could appeal to a wider audience, particularly in regions where compact cameras are in high demand.
Alternatively, Canon could choose to discontinue the R100 line altogether and focus on improving the R50 as its primary entry-level APS-C offering.
Conclusion: Rebalancing Canon’s APS-C Strategy
2025 presents Canon with an opportunity to rebalance its APS-C lineup and address the gaps that have been left unfilled for too long. By focusing on developing a range of high-quality lenses, releasing more compact and portable cameras, and refining its approach to entry-level models, Canon could reinvigorate its APS-C system and reestablish itself as a leader in this segment.
Canon has always been a company that listens to its users and adapts to market trends. If Canon can take the lessons learned from the EOS-M system and apply them to its RF-S lineup, there’s no reason why it can’t achieve success in the APS-C market in 2025 and beyond. The challenge will be to find the right balance between performance, portability, and affordability, ensuring that Canon’s APS-C cameras can stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II at B&H, Adorama.
Canon EOS R1 at B&H, Adorama.
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Via: CanonRumors
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