The Photography trends of yesterday seem to be making a comeback today. We are seeing growth in 35 and 120 film, there is the obvious boom of instant cameras, the return of the fixed lens compact, such as the Canon PowerShot V1 and it looks like the next thing will be “retro” styled cameras.
We’re confident at this point that we will see a retro camera based on the Canon AE-1 sometime in Q4 or early Q1 2026 for the 50th anniversary of the AE-1. We are going to call the new camera the Canon EOS RE-1, because it just makes sense.
Nikon has obviously done well in this segment, or they wouldn’t keep releasing new models such as the mirrorless Nikon Zf.
We have been told that the camera will not be in the upper segment in teh Canon lineup such as the EOS R5 Mark II or the EOS R6 Mark III whenever that comes to the market.
Canon EOS RE-1 Features
The Canon EOS RE-1 will be based on Canon’s current non-stacked 24mp sensor that we see in both the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Canon EOS R8.
If that isn’t what you wanted to hear, it makes a lot of sense if you think about it. The camera will be geared towards photographers and tug on the heartstrings of nostalgia. It will have to be a camera that sits at a similar price point as the Nikon Zf, and that’s around $2000.
This won’t really be a camera videographers will be into, so the market is probably a lot smaller than something like a Canon EOS R6 Mark III.
We have also been told that it will be equipped with IBIS, so it’s not just a Canon EOS R8 redo at a higher price. $2000 is the likely sweet spot.
It would probably also do quite well as a second body for some full-frame shooters.
We Can’t Wait To Be Honest
We don’t know if it will come in both black and silver at this time, but if there is a silver one with a matching lens or two, we think it would be pretty cool.
The Canon RE-1 will probably be a slow burn for information, but as mentioned earlier, we’re confident that it is indeed coming.
Love or hate the idea, let’s just let the ones that love it, love it.
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But knowing about the modern ergonomics I wouldn‘t buy one.
Only real comment is that if the sound they use for a simulated shutter is that of the original AE-1, it will sound like every iPhone in the world.
A blend of some analog and some modern digital interface might be neat, but I understand there is no making everyone happy with such a unicorn.
At least it will not be an R100 in a retro metal body…(suspenseful music) …or will it?
They said their source indicates it won't be "upmarket" which worries me that it likely will be an R8 sensor with the capabilites of the R50 or R100. Like what OM did with the OM-3 but more downmarket.
The world’s most popular camera* is…Canon
Although quite advanced in its electronics the cameras themselves were very cheaply made compared with the likes of Nikon, Pentax, Fujica etc. However, to be fair, many have stood the test of time.
The plastic bodies of the EOS 1 and 1n cameras were interesting; they went through a process of lacquering and baking to produce a rather nice, tough finish, that didn’t feel at all “plasticky”.
Its simple Nikon, if the dial is in "C" then you're in auto ISO with the exposure compensation dial activated. If you're in a designated ISO value on the ISO dial, then the exposure compensation dial is deactivated..is that so hard Nikon??? (Nikon Z F owners will understand what I'm getting at)
I have to admit that not doing a Canonet QL17 GIII style or Canon P style camera is the most disappointing aspect of this retro camera. Nothing wrong with the AE-1 (necessarily) but man, can you get any more predictable?.....I'm still totally going to buy it, but I'll look at it with contempt for all of its days. :cautious:
Hard to imagine Canon doing this. And too me seems like waste of resources. But I don't understand this retro thing in general either, so I might of course be totally wrong...