Canon has filed registrations for three new cameras, one of which could be a digital homage to the iconic AE-1.

      TL;DR Canon has registered three new EOS R cameras, indicating upcoming announcements. Rumors suggest these include a retro-inspired R8 II (digital AE-1), an R7 II featuring Canon's first stacked APS-C sensor, and an R10 II, all anticipated for the second half of 2026. The standout is the R8 II, which may launch in mid-September, drawing design cues from the iconic Canon AE-1, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

      The AE-1 is renowned for its popularity among hobbyist photographers due to its user-friendly design. Nikon has already shown that retro-digital designs can be successful with the Zf, and Canon has been reportedly developing a comparable idea for some time. Rumored specifications for the R8 II include a 32.5MP full-frame sensor, 40fps electronic shutter burst, in-body image stabilization, oversampled 4K video, and two SD card slots, an upgrade from the single slot of the original R8. However, it remains uncertain if the retro design will include film-style image processing features or is merely aesthetic.

      The EOS R7 II may be technically significant, rumored to introduce Canon’s first stacked APS-C sensor, which positions the circuitry behind the sensor for faster read-out, facilitating quicker burst shooting and blackout-free viewfinder usage. Currently, only Fujifilm’s X-H2S uses a stacked APS-C sensor. The resolution could increase from 32.5MP to 39MP. The EOS R10 II, aimed at entry-level users, is expected to feature improved autofocus and a larger burst buffer, although fewer dramatic updates are anticipated.

      None of this information has been officially confirmed; Canon has only disclosed the wireless registrations. The memory crisis has raised component costs across the consumer electronics sector, and Canon's ability to keep these cameras competitively priced may hinge on how the DRAM shortage impacts sensor and processing expenses. Apple recently increased iPhone 17 prices by 10% in Japan due to similar pressures, a situation that also affects camera manufacturers. The fact that three products are registered at once implies Canon is planning a simultaneous launch rather than a staggered one. With the AE-1's anniversary approaching, they have until the end of the year to make a significant impact.