Canon is gearing up for a digital SLR camera that will slot in between the entry-level professional 5D and the top-tier 1D Mark III, according to a detailed new rumor. The reported tip supplied to CG would have the camera, possibly called the EOS-3D, just enter into full-frame category with a 15.1-megapixel sensor, lower than the 21 megapixels of the 1D; it would also be smaller than the pro camera and shoot bursts at a slower frame rate. However, the DSLR would also match most of the image quality features, including 14-bit color processing, a 3-inch screen, and a similarly complex autofocus system.

The camera may also exceed the 1D Mark III with ISO sensitivity up to 6400 (versus 3200) with a special extension up to ISO 12800, the tip indicates. No release date is set for the camera, though the imminent launch of the PMA photography expo next week points to an announcement at or before the show itself.

A second tip from the same source also echoes earlier claims of an EOS-5D Mark II. The camera will purportedly use a 12.8-megapixel sensor and the newer 14-bit image processing of the 1D but tone down most features to create an upgrade for the original 5D, including an ISO 3200 sensitivity cap, an improved but 9-point autofocus system, and an improved camera body. Whether it will be available at the same time as the 3D is unknown.