Extended M series

MikeJ9116 wrote:

Photato wrote:

Blue II wrote:

Photato wrote:

Now that we are just days away from the new M50 announcement and rumors suggest it would be something new about the sensor, I wonder if Canon will introduce with this camera a higher tier model based on a new enlarged sensor. I say higher tier because contrary to what the model name suggest, there is almost no room for a model in between the M6 and the M100.

Granted, such sensor won't be Full Frame, but larger than the current APS-C, enough to cover the 3 most common aspect ratios. 3:2, 16:9 4:3. A more efficient use of the image circle.

Canon used to have a sensor between APS-C and FF. It was an APS-H with a 1.3 crop factor. I don’t see them bringing it back.

Why not?
Canon has made in the past custom sensor sizes like the 1.5" for the Powershot G1 X II using the same oversize concept.
One reasonable question would be of economy of scale and that model proves that Canon has no problem running relative small quantity of sensor production.
This oversized sensor looks to me like a very reasonable way to improve the image quality and functionality of the M series without the need of any sophisticated technology and a boost for EF lens sales.

I would like to see an intermediate sensor but, IMO, Canon has been moving to reducing manufacturing costs which doesn't bode well for adding a low production, expensive item to manufacture like an image sensor. They might do it if they plan to offer it in several other models but this is highly unlikely. FF is the only niche where they are willing to offer multiple sensors due to the the higher sales prices of these models.

Canon also makes their own 1" sensors only for dedicated video cameras, which is in itself a smaller market than a premium M series would be.
Besides, these are INVESTMENTS where they could make more money by selling more EF lenses. For instance I'd pay a premium of up to $200 for such sensor which more than cover the cost of production and also would I'd be more willing to buy an EF 85mm prime for portrait given that is more suitable for Portrait with a reduced crop factor sensor.

I think the M50 will be based on the current 24mp sensor and the best we can hope for is it will receive some tweaks to enhance its performance. Or maybe the next generation of APS-C sensor will be in it, if we are lucky.

Don't disagree here, we'll find out soon.