Mystery new Canon DSLR spotted in Kenya field testing
updated 05:00 pm EST, Mon January 23, 2012
Canon 5D Mark III or 7D Mark II may have been seen
Canon's next higher-end DSLR may have been spotted by photographer Stephen Oachs during a rare coincidence of running into a Canon employee during a photo shoot in Kenya. The Japanese man was officially testing the new 200-400mm L lens but was using an unfamiliar DSLR body. The Q (quick menu) button was located in an unfamiliar position non the right, and the battery grip had a joystick that's not present on most other versions Canon makes.
The unnamed tester was smart enough not to name the camera or to say when it would be released. The already known 200-400mm lens is expected to ship in March or April, he said, which could be a minor clue as to a release date if Canon wants to synchronize the release.
Three cameras are the most probable models. As one of Canon's oldest still active DSLRs, the EOS 5D Mark II is due for a sequel soon and could get a Mark III to improve full-frame shooting, which would make it a good fit for the high-end 200-400mm lens. Alternately, it could be a 7D Mark II to seize on the popularity of the mid-range pro camera. A third, less likely option is the long-rumored 3D, which would sit between the 5D and the 1D X.
