We had what looked like excellent information about a possible 60D replacement, and while that may still be happening, a new DSLR has appeared that seems to be aimed right at those who aren't quite ready for a mirrorless camera, but still want something small and portable. This new camera, possibly called the EOS-b (some are referring to it as the 100D), was leaked last night by Best Buy, and we have some details for you below.
I was able to take a screenshot before the site went down:
Here are the specs that were on the website:
- Height: 3.6 inches // Width: 4.6 inches // Depth: 2.7 inches // Weight: 13.1 ounce
- 18 Megapixel APS-C Sensor with DIGIC 5 Processor (5184 x 3456 max image size)
- ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12,80 (expand. 25,600)
- Movie Servo AF // built-in Mono Mic // Video Snapshot with editing capabilities
- Shutter Speed: 30 seconds to 1/4000 second
- 4 fps continuous
- 3" LCD (1,040,000 dots) and Viewfinder with 95% Coverage
- SD, SDXC, SDHC Cards
- White Balance: Auto, Preset (daylight, shade, etc.), Custom, Bracketing
- Price: $800 with Canon EF-S 18 - 55mm f/3.5 - 5.6 IS zoom lens
So the rumors are that Canon needed to come up with an extra small DSLR because people don't seem to be buying into the EOS-M. I actually really like the idea behind the M, and I think the mount for that camera is something they could certainly use on a budget cinema camera, but consumers are strange about their preferences, and I'm sure part of the hesitancy is that the EOS-M is priced like a DSLR, but it's much, much smaller. I would guess the mindset behind this new EOS-b (or whatever they call it), is that people will be more willing to pay DSLR prices for something that looks more like a DSLR.
This camera is going to have pretty much the same performance as the EOS-M -- in fact, most of the specs are identical. This is the same sensor Canon has been using in the T4i, and it's more or less the same sensor they've been using in the T3i/T2i/7D/60D. If you need a very small DSLR, this is going to be the smallest from Canon (it's about 5 ounces lighter), otherwise I don't know that it's going to be a great option for video shooters.
While I understand the pro or semi-pro market is a tiny percentage of their sales, I can't help but feel that a more rugged-looking EOS-M, similar to the Olympus OM-D or the Fuji X series, might have looked like a better deal for consumers. There are some other rumors that they will be introducing a new mirrorless camera, but details are scarce on that at the moment, other than that it may include an electronic viewfinder.
Either way, we'll find out soon enough if we're only getting this new EOS-b/100D, or if we're also getting the new 60D replacement, the 70D.
