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The technology of yesteryears is making a resurgence in innumerable ways. We have already mentioned the rise of digital cameras and their vintage counterparts, with film becoming a choice for many photographers, too. Nikon also revived retro camera aesthetics with the Nikon Z f and the Z fc, and now, Canon is also on its way to the same. It is not surprising to see Canon jump on the bandwagon because this new shift in camera trends is here to stay. Here is a look at a new rumored retro camera by Canon and what features it could have.
The lead image is taken from an article published in 2024.
Canon to Get AE-1 Replacement
According to Canon Rumors, the company will release a new version of the Canon AE-1 in Q3 or Q4 of 2026. Why? Because this beloved camera is turning 50 next year. To give you a brief introduction about AE-1: it was a film camera launched in 1976 for $250, making it one of the most affordable cameras for users. It had great built, despite being a camera designed using plastic materials. It was also device that people could afford at least once in their lives.
At the moment, there is no name given to the device, but for clarity’s sake, it is now being called RE-1, as it will be a mirrorless retro camera. Furthermore, this device will not be in the upper range like the R5 Mk II or the R6 Mk III. Here is a look at its rumored features:
- The new Canon camera will feature the company’s non-stacked 24MP, which is also used in the EOS R8 and EOS R6 Mk II.
- 24MP is a great sensor if you do not need to print wall-sized images or need extra pixels to crop. Furthermore, like the Nikon Zf, this device will cost around $2000. It is perfect for anyone looking for a small camera with a hint of nostalgia.
- Furthermore, this will mostly be for photography, as videographers won’t really need it. That’s why we do hope it has great features, such as weather resistance, a RAW option with cinema camera color profiles, and more.
- Also, there will be in-body image stabilization, making it easy for certain genres of photography.
- Unsure if it will come in a silver option. But we do hope that’s the case.
Why a Retro Camera is The Need of the Hour
The talk about this kind of camera has been going on since 2023. During an interview at the Photo & Imaging fair (via Asobinet), Junichi Murakami, the director of optical development at the company’s R&D center, said that he could not confirm or deny. However, the company has been listening to their users, and they do value the feedback. But they couldn’t share more details at that time.
If this conversation has been happening since then, it is pretty evident the company must have thought about retro cameras seriously. However, we must also remember by the time Canon launches its retro device, Fujifilm will already have its GFX100RF in the market. This means there is better innovation, and perhaps OM Sytem will also do something. As a result, Canon will have to reinvent a bit. A bigger sensor and more options, such as multi-exposure with RAW files, are a few things one must look at.
Canon really will have to step up if it wants to be as innovative as Sony, Fujifilm, or Nikon. And that can only happen if they look at the future rather than think about the past.
