In a recent interview with DC.Watch Canon's Senior Managing Director Maeda Masaya confirmed that a high megapixel DSLR camera is in development (Google translation):
Q: image sensor or will toward the size and high pixel size?
A: I am working in the high pixel camera. There are two ways of roughly divided into high pixel and high sensitivity to user needs. Although Canon was not preceded the high sensitivity system and say either, I think the future is to be going to move (overlooking the high pixel) In order to meet such as graphics-based user, also in the direction in which to go up the number of pixels.
High pixel camera towards users who want high image of the resolution will not believe, you soon out. This is the camera, such as was up the number of pixels while maintaining the pixel quality. Interchangeable lens I will expand as a "group". The ...... now that I want to add a new one line to EF lens any more does not say, please do not ask any more (laughs).
A dpreview forum member provided a nice recap of the entire interview:
- The decline in DSLR sales is coming mainly from the entry level, as the evolution in that segment has slowed. He admits that they have not been able to introduce new entry class products that would spur people to change models (the original statement can be seen as an indictment of either Canon, or the entire DSLR industry). However, he does note that developing countries like Brazil and India are still seeing double digit growths.
- He speculates that maybe part of the mirrorless needs can be met by high end compact cameras, as the latter type gets more and more zoom range. Canon is trying both options.
- On the other hand, he also speculates that mirrorless may replace the Rebel line in the future.
- Annual updates of entry class models are no longer likely. (Canon never did annual updates of mid- and high-end models anyway.)
- He sees electronic shutter as the future, saying "global shutter makes more sense."
- Canon will apparently stick with "glass" based IS for the time being, and believes it still has room for improvement. (Curiously, the other alternative the interviewer suggested was electronic IS, and neither side seems to talk about IBIS.)
- Durability against e.g. shock and drop, in addition to "uncompromising optics," is a focus point in developing new EF lenses these days.
- Full size mirrorless? "Uh, I can't answer that now."
- Medium format? "The 35mm format has so much potential left. Although I don't deny the merits of a larger sensor, there are many other things we need to be doing right now."
