Canon just dropped a bombshell—they have clearly said no to a pixel-packed version of the Canon R1 camera. In an interview at CP+ in Yokohama, Japan, with the PetaPixel team, a Canon representative clearly said a big NO to a higher-resolution variant of the Canon R1 camera.
So, what do you think? Is it a misstep or a masterstroke? Let’s discuss further.
Canon EOS R1: A Flagship Built for Speed, Not Pixels
Canon R1 is a camera made for speed and not pixels. It’s a custom-tailored camera specifically made for sports shooters and wildlife photographers—those who need lightning-fast performance from their camera.
As we all know, the Canon R1 camera features a 24.2MP sensor with a continuous shooting speed of 40 FPS in RAW, as well as Canon’s latest generation of AI autofocus. In fact, it’s a dream camera for many photographers out there.
But here’s the kicker—some photographers, or maybe even YOU, would love to have, or at least the option of, a higher-resolution Canon R1—something that uses a 45-megapixel stacked sensor and directly competes against the Nikon Z9 or Sony’s 50-megapixel monster, the Alpha 1 Mark II.
But it’s Canon’s decision, and the team led by Go Tokura, Executive Vice President and Head of the Imaging Group, has closed the doors on all possibilities of a high-resolution flagship camera.
“We consider the flagship to be at the pinnacle of our lineup, which means we’re not going to have two flagship models,” Tokura told PetaPixel. “We’ve put everything—the best performance and trust—into the EOS R1.”
Translation?
Canon is very clear about its flagship strategy. Right now, they believe speed doesn’t require high resolution. And if you want to shoot landscapes, architecture, or anything that demands a super high-resolution sensor, they have a clear message:
You can go for the R5 series. If you need more than that, you’re free to look elsewhere.
But I need your feedback—do you think Canon is right in their decision, or are they actually missing the mark? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Why No High-Res R1? The Science Behind the Decision
Let’s break it down and understand why Canon is thinking this way. First, we need to understand that Canon isn’t just being stubborn—it’s physics.
If you go for a higher-resolution sensor, it means smaller photodiodes, resulting in lower sensitivity, more noise at higher ISOs, and compromises in dynamic range. For a camera like the Canon R1, which is built to excel in both image quality and performance, Canon has to maintain a balance.
We also have to remember a key part of the interview, where Tokura said: “If we focus on just one aspect of performance—like resolution—it would destroy the balance. Our 5-series handles high resolution instead.”
So, we have to understand that the Canon R5 Mark II, with its 45MP sensor, is Canon’s answer for pixel lovers out there.
But here’s the catch—the Canon R5 Mark II lacks the R1’s rugged build, integrated grip, and flagship-level ergonomics that professionals love to have in a high-resolution camera. So Canon is very clear: you should either pick speed or resolution.
If you pick speed, you get the Canon R1. If you want a high-resolution sensor, you get the R5 II.
What do you think? Does this decision sit right with you, or does it feel outdated in 2025? Should Canon have at least considered a flagship-level solution with a high-resolution sensor, just like other camera makers have?
Back in the DSLR Days, They Had Two Flagships—Why Not Now?
Back in the DSLR days, Canon did split its flagship lineup into two flavors: the speed-focused 1D and the resolution-heavy 1Ds.
Canon has been making their 1-series cameras for decades—it’s nothing new. In the DSLR era, their research and development team was smart enough to offer two flagship models based on market demand and technological limitations at the time. They had the speed-focused 1D and the resolution-focused 1Ds.
So, if they already did it in the past—why not now?
Tokura’s take is clear: “We would probably never consider developing another model using the same body as the EOS R1.”
But let’s be real—times have changed. Technology now allows for a high-resolution flagship camera, just like the Nikon Z9 and the Sony Alpha 1 Mark II. And as I mentioned, Canon already had two different flagship models in the DSLR era—so why not now?
Yes, we do have alternatives like the R5 II, but that’s not a real solution for professionals who need a unified body like the R1.
The Bottom Line: Love It or Leave It
For professional photojournalists, wildlife photographers, and sports shooters who need a low-resolution, high-speed camera, the Canon R1 is a match made in heaven.
But for those who were craving a high-resolution flagship, sorry folks—Canon is not in the mood to create a high-res R1 or its equivalent anytime soon.
Yes, we do have the R5 II, at least in that series, but for now, a high-resolution flagship remains off the table
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source petapixel.com
