Canon retro hybrid mirrorless camera based on vintage AE-1 leaks ahead of supposed 2026 launch

While not much is known about the upcoming retro full-frame camera, a leak out of Canon Rumors suggests that it will likely be based on the same sensor as the Canon EOS R6 III, although with a cut-back feature-set and the Digic X image processor. That suggests that the RE-1 will launch with a 32.5 MP sensor, and it will be a video-centric camera, rather than a photography camera. The leaks seem reasonably credible, given Canon has previously commented on the possibility of a retro-inspired digital camera, with an engineer previously telling fans to "stay tuned," and that Canon had recognised the demand for such a camera. 

The rumours point to a "significantly lower" price for the new retro Canon camera, and speculation suggests that the camera will launch at around $1,999. This would put it in direct competition with the Nikon Z f ($1,999.95 MSRP on Amazon), which is also a retro mirrorless camera designed for both video and stills, again lending credence to the rumours of the Canon AE-1-inspired camera. Supposedly, Canon will also launch two new lenses with matching retro styling when it announces the AE-1-based digital mirrorless camera.