Canon teases cheaper PowerShot compact cameras, new APS-C models, and retro EOS camera coming soon

We recently reported on leaks about two upcoming new Canon cameras: A compact APS-C model aimed at the throat of the Sony ZV-E10 II and a new PowerShot V3, which would be a power-zoom spin on the recently announced PowerShot V1. Now, in an interview at the CP+ show with Phototrend, Canon executives have opened up about these future product lines, as long as you read between the lines. 

According to Canon engineer, Manabu Kato, Canon has heard the outcry for a retro-styled camera, like the Nikon Z f (curr. $2,396.95 on Amazon) and the company is seemingly investing resources into how to approach designing such a camera. Kato implies that one of the major concerns with a retro camera — seemingly one that has held Canon back from the retro market until now — is ergonomics. That said, the executive didn't outright deny the recent rumours of a retro camera modelled after the legendary AE-1. However, if Canon is planning to launch a retro camera design, it will seemingly not be anytime this year. 

Regarding Canon's APS-C line-up, which was recently in the news because of a potential new APS-C hybrid camera for social media purposes, Kato was tight-lipped on details, but commented “Stay tuned,” going on to say that Canon is aware of current expectations regarding future APS-C cameras, and that it plans to meet those expectations.

This all but confirms that Canon is planning some form of response to the compact APS-C market that is currently ruled by cameras like the Sony ZV-E10 II (curr. $999 on Best Buy) and Fujifilm's massively hyped X-T line-up and new X-M5. Currently, it looks like this will come in the form of the Canon EOS RV, which appears to have some video-specific features in its latest leaks. 

Recently, a Canon PowerShot V3 also leaked as a potentially more affordable power-zoom variant of the Canon PowerShot V1 that launched earlier this year at around $990. Canon's Go Tokura directly says that the PowerShot V1 “Will be our flagship compact device,” confirming that the V1 is likely as expensive as the PowerShot line-up will get, at least for now. Secondly, Yasuhiko Shiomi confirmed that the 1.4-inch sensor used in the Canon PowerShot V1 is made in-house and not sourced from another manufacturer. 

Canon has long made its own sensors for many of its cameras, but investing the R&D and manufacturing its own sensor for the PowerShot line-up reinforces that Canon is committed to the compact camera line-up for the foreseeable future.