Canon has registered 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. Speculations suggest there will be a retro-styled R8 II (digital AE-1), an R7 II featuring Canon's first stacked APS-C sensor, and an R10 II, all anticipated in the second half of 2026.

      Canon has filed registrations for three new cameras with wireless certification organizations, which usually indicates forthcoming announcements. Speculation highlights potential updates to Canon's mid-range mirrorless series: the EOS R8 II, EOS R7 II, and EOS R10 II, all expected to be unveiled in the latter half of 2026. The most intriguing of these is the R8 II, possibly debuting in mid-September with retro aesthetics inspired by the iconic Canon AE-1, a celebrated film SLR from 1976 that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

      The AE-1 ranks among the most popular cameras ever produced, favored by amateur photographers for its user-friendly design. Nikon has already demonstrated the success of a retro-digital concept with the Zf, and Canon is said to have been developing a similar idea for several years. Rumored specifications for the R8 II include a 32.5MP full-frame sensor, 40fps electronic shutter burst capability, in-body image stabilization, oversampled 4K video, and two SD card slots, up from one in the original R8. It's unclear whether the retro design is purely aesthetic or if it includes film-style image processing modes.

      The EOS R7 II might have more notable technological advancements. It is rumored to feature Canon's first stacked APS-C sensor, which places circuitry behind the sensor for quicker readout, allowing for higher burst rates and blackout-free viewfinder usage. Currently, only Fujifilm’s X-H2S offers a stacked APS-C sensor. The resolution could potentially rise from 32.5MP to 39MP. The EOS R10 II, aimed at beginners, is expected to come with enhanced autofocus and a larger burst buffer but fewer significant updates.

      None of this information is confirmed. Canon has not disclosed anything beyond the wireless registrations. The ongoing memory crisis has increased component prices across consumer electronics, and Canon's ability to set competitive prices for these cameras will depend on the impact of the DRAM shortage on sensor and processing costs. Apple recently raised iPhone 17 prices by 10% in Japan due to currency fluctuations and component pressures, and camera makers face similar challenges. The three registrations together suggest that Canon intends a coordinated launch rather than a staggered release. The AE-1 anniversary provides them with a timeline until year's end to make a significant impact.