Canon’s BIG 2026 Plans | R3 II & R7 II?
Jan Wegener made a summary of the latest Canon rumors. So far the start of the year has been boring so let’s hope some new toy’s will be announced soon 🙂
Jan Wegener made a summary of the latest Canon rumors. So far the start of the year has been boring so let’s hope some new toy’s will be announced soon 🙂

According to the FCC certification letter for Canon’s new camera announced on December 17th last year, there is reason to believe that the EOS R7 Mk2 will be released before June this year. This is because the FCC certification is only confidential for 180 days. The specifications mentioned in the certification, such as the LP-E6P battery and the CFexpress+SD dual card slots, all point to the R7 Mk2.

Source: Weibo

A new report suggests Canon is preparing a limited-edition version of its PowerShot G7 X Mark III compact camera. Specifics are still unclear—there’s no confirmed design theme, colorway, quantity, pricing, or release timing—so treat this as an unconfirmed rumor for now.
If it materializes, expect a cosmetic refresh rather than a hardware overhaul. The G7 X Mark III remains a capable pocket camera with a 20MP 1-inch sensor, a 24–100mm (equiv.) f/1.8–2.8 lens, a flip-up touchscreen, a mic input, and 4K video—features that continue to appeal to travelers and vloggers. A limited run could serve to refresh interest while the long-rumored Mark IV remains unannounced.
According to OF we will get this:
On Reddit Canon Photographers Outlined the 2026 Lens Wishlist:
The suggested RF 35-135mm F2 is viewed as a potential favorite that could challenge the RF 28-70mm F2 for the user’s top spot.

A new, unverified rumor suggests Canon could tease the EOS R3 Mark II with a development announcement in the first week of February, reportedly to minimize leaks during potential field testing around the Olympics. Nothing is confirmed, and details remain sparse.
As with any early rumor, treat the details with caution. Even if this specific claim doesn’t pan out, a high‑resolution, high‑end Canon camera seems plausible in the near term.
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PetaPixel has published their predictions video for 2026.
As far as Canon goes, they definitely make a very bold prediction: 2026 will be the year in which Canon will open the RF mount to third party full frame lenses.
Let’s hope they are right with this prediction.

Circle CP+ on your calendar. Canon could roll out new APS-C bodies in the first half of 2026, and the star of the show is very likely the EOS R7 Mark II. Timing lines up neatly with the end of February CP+ show in Yokohama.
Headline rumor: Canon is testing an APS-C sensor around 40MP that can feed up to 8K/60p video. If true, that would give Canon the highest-spec APS-C video pipeline on the market and match (or surpass) Fujifilm’s current 40MP BSI lead on the stills side.
Does 40MP for an R7 II make sense? Absolutely. The original R7 sits at 32.5MP—jumping to ~40MP is only about a 15% bump in linear resolution, but the “40” badge plays great on a box and unlocks meaningful benefits for both detail and video oversampling. Most importantly, it finally gives Canon a chance to debut a BSI and/or stacked APS-C sensor. If this is the flagship crop sensor that has to carry Canon’s APS-C line for the next 4–5 years, it needs modern silicon. Full stop.
On full frame, Canon users can climb the stacked ladder with the R5 II, R3 and R1. On APS-C, the R7 II will be the top rung—there’s nothing above it. That’s exactly why this sensor has to be the one that resets the bar.
Quick math check: a ~40MP Canon APS-C would be roughly 7728 pixels across. That’s just enough horizontal resolution to deliver true 8K UHD (7680 wide) without cropping. Translation: if the processor and heat management are up to it, full-width 8K becomes real.
Fujifilm currently owns the APS-C resolution crown with its 40MP BSI sensor and 8K/30p capability. Sony’s latest a6xxx bodies favor speed and AF sophistication over headline resolution. If Canon truly ships 40MP with 8K/60p, it leapfrogs everyone on the spec sheet and puts pressure on both Fuji and Sony to answer with faster readouts or higher frame-rate 8K.
All this resolution needs glass to match. The RF-S lineup has good mainstream zooms, but a flagship APS-C body begs for faster, sharper options. Canon has loosened the door a bit for third parties on APS-C, which helps, but a native Canon trio would make this body sing:
The good news: high-res crops pair beautifully with existing full-frame RF telephotos. The RF 100–500mm becomes a wildlife scalpel on APS-C.
Launch window: before the end of February 2026 feels likely given CP+. The original R7 debuted at a very friendly price; adding BSI/stacked silicon and 8K ambitions could nudge the R7 II higher. If Canon goes stacked, think premium. If it’s BSI-only with smart readout tricks, it could stay closer to current R7 territory. Either way, expect the original R7 to hang around as the value option—or see a price drop if Canon wants to push volume.
Which one would I bet on? The safe money is a very good BSI sensor that still hits the 8K marks (maybe with limits) and delivers a big generational jump in responsiveness. If Canon actually pulls off stacked, we’re talking about the most ambitious APS-C camera they’ve ever shipped—period.
CP+ is coming fast. If Canon wants to make a statement in APS-C, the R7 Mark II is the moment to do it. I’m ready for a bigger splash this time.
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Via CR

Image on top shows the epic Canon 200mm f/1.8 EF lens
Canon is going FAST! Asobinet spotted a new patent describing the optical design and specs of three new RF lenses:
The 200mm f/1.8 would be a remake of the epic EYE of Sauron EF lens! This thirty year old piece of history truly deserves a modern remake 🙂
It’s rumored that Canon has allowed Viltrox to make their APS-C lenses available with native R-mount autofocus support.
Once more Canon refused to give Full—-Full Frame access!