We have been told that Canon has “accelerated” development of the “pro” level EOS R camera, and we’re not talking about the high-resolution model that we expect to see in late 2019 or early 2020.

This new camera will be along the lines of a mirrorless version of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II (or III).

The source also mentioned that it is possible this camera could be announced alongside the EOS-1D X Mark III in the first or second quarter of 2020. Though the date of the announcement is a long way from being decided.

Announcing these two cameras together would be a unique move for Canon, and while I think it’s possible, I suspect we’ll see a development announcement for the EOS-1R X (as I feel like calling it) well before the actual camera ships.

An EOS R professional body with some new RF super-telephoto lenses at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics next July could be a great time for the launch of pro-level EOS R and RF mount gear.