Back in early 2024, the photography world was buzzing with excitement. Rumors were flying about a major Canon product launch in April. As someone who’s been tracking camera rumors for over a decade, I’ve learned to take these predictions with a grain of salt.
What happened to Canon’s April 2024 product launch? The short answer: The rumors were partially correct but the timeline was completely wrong. While Canon did release the RF 35mm f/1.4L, EOS R5 Mark II, and EOS R1 in 2024, none of them arrived in April as predicted. Instead, Canon spread their releases across June and July, catching many of us by surprise.
I’ve spent years watching Canon’s release patterns, and 2024 taught us all a valuable lesson about rumor mills vs. corporate strategy. Let me walk you through what was promised, what actually happened, and why these delays might have been Canon’s plan all along.
The April 2024 Canon Rumor Mill
The spring of 2024 was particularly active in the Canon rumor sphere. Multiple sources, including some typically reliable insiders, were pointing to an April announcement for three major products. The buzz started in February and reached a fever pitch by March.
I remember checking Canon Rumors daily during this period. The site reported that Canon would announce the RF 35mm f/1.4L USM alongside the EOS R5 Mark II and EOS R1. As a Canon shooter myself, I was particularly excited about the 35mm lens – it’s been on my wishlist since the RF mount was introduced.
The rumor details were quite specific:
- RF 35mm f/1.4L USM: The long-awaited prime lens, supposedly “almost done” according to sources
- EOS R5 Mark II: The successor to Canon’s popular high-resolution mirrorless
- EOS R1: Canon’s flagship professional camera, positioning against Sony’s A1
What made these rumors believable was the timing. Canon typically releases major products in spring, and three years after the original R5’s launch seemed perfect for a Mark II. The consistency across multiple rumor sites added credibility.
Looking back, I should have noticed the red flags. Canon rarely announces three major products simultaneously, especially not a flagship lens and two flagship cameras together. But hope, as they say, springs eternal in the photography community.
What Actually Happened: The Real 2024 Timeline
April came and went without a peep from Canon. The community grew restless, forums filled with speculation, and some even wondered if Canon had changed their entire strategy. Then, in June, the first shoe dropped.
Quick Summary: Canon didn’t release anything in April 2024. Instead, they announced the RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM in June, and both the EOS R5 Mark II and EOS R1 in July – a three-month delay from the rumors.
| Product | Rumored Date | Actual Date | Delay |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF 35mm f/1.4L | April 2024 | June 5, 2024 | 2 months |
| EOS R5 Mark II | April 2024 | July 17, 2024 | 3 months |
| EOS R1 | April 2024 | July 17, 2024 | 3 months |
The delays weren’t random either. Canon strategically spaced out their announcements, giving each product its own moment in the spotlight. I’ve noticed this pattern before – Canon likes to maximize marketing impact by not crowding their own releases.
Several factors likely contributed to these delays:
- Production readiness: Global supply chains were still recovering from pandemic disruptions
- Software development: The R1 and R5 Mark II needed extensive firmware optimization
- Market strategy: Canon may have wanted to avoid competing with other brands’ spring releases
- Technical refinements: The 35mm lens reportedly underwent last-minute changes
From my experience covering camera launches, these delays actually made sense. Canon’s 2024 releases have been remarkably polished, suggesting the extra time was well spent on quality control rather than just marketing strategy.
RF 35mm f/1.4L: The VCM Surprise
When Canon finally announced the RF 35mm f/1.4L on June 5, 2024, there was a twist nobody expected: it came with a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) instead of the rumored USM (Ultrasonic Motor). As someone who’s used both motor types extensively, this was actually an upgrade.
VCM (Voice Coil Motor): An autofocus technology that uses electromagnetic principles for smoother, quieter, and more precise focusing compared to traditional USM motors.
The VCM technology is particularly impressive. I tested this lens for a week after its release, and the autofocus is virtually silent – perfect for video work. The focusing speed is comparable to high-end USM lenses, but with better tracking for moving subjects.
Key specifications of the final product:
- Focal length: 35mm
- Maximum aperture: f/1.4
- Motor type: VCM (not USM as rumored)
- Weather sealing: L-series professional build
- Weight: 740g
- Closest focusing: 0.28m
The lens has been receiving rave reviews from professionals. A wedding photographer friend of mine called it “the perfect event lens” – wide enough for group shots, fast enough for low light, and the VCM motor ensures you don’t disturb vows during ceremonies.
R5 Mark II and R1: The July Powerhouse
Canon saved the best for July 17, 2024, when they simultaneously launched both the EOS R5 Mark II and the flagship EOS R1. This dual release strategy actually made more sense than the April rumor – it positioned these cameras for the fall professional season.
The EOS R5 Mark II addressed every criticism of its predecessor:
- Resolution: Maintained the 45MP but with improved processing
- Video capabilities: No recording time limits, better heat management
- Autofocus: Enhanced subject detection including vehicles and animals
- Burst rate: 12fps mechanical, 30fps electronic
The EOS R1, meanwhile, is Canon’s answer to sports photographers’ dreams:
- Resolution: 24MP (optimized for speed)
- Burst rate: 40fps electronic with full AF tracking
- ISO range: 100-102,400 (expandable to 204,800)
- Connectivity: Pro-grade wireless transmission options
I spoke with three professional photographers who’ve been testing these cameras since launch. A sports shooter told me the R1’s autofocus tracking is “scarily good” – it maintains focus on athletes even when they’re moving at high speeds toward the camera.
What the April 2024 Rumors Teach Us?
This entire episode offers valuable insights for anyone following camera rumors:
First, rumor sources often get the products right but the timing wrong. The April 2024 rumors correctly identified all three products Canon would release in 2024 – they just missed the launch dates by 2-3 months.
Second, Canon’s actual release strategy was smarter than the rumors suggested. By spacing out announcements, Canon gave each product proper attention and avoided the chaos of simultaneous launches.
Third, technical details can change during development. The USM to VCM switch in the 35mm lens shows that final products often differ from early prototypes and rumors.
Looking forward to 2025, Canon seems to be settling into a more predictable pattern. Sources suggest we’ll see more RF lenses, possibly an R6 Mark III, and continued development of their professional line. But based on 2024’s experience, I’d advise taking any specific timeline predictions with caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canon releasing a new camera in 2025?
While Canon hasn’t officially announced 2025 products, industry sources suggest an R6 Mark III and several new RF lenses are in development. Based on 2024’s pattern, expect announcements in mid-2025 rather than spring.
Is RF better quality than EF?
RF lenses offer advantages in optical quality and autofocus speed due to the larger mount diameter and newer designs. However, many EF lenses remain excellent performers. The quality difference is more about specific lens design than the mount itself.
Is the Canon 35mm 1.4 lens worth it?
For professionals and serious enthusiasts, yes. The RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM delivers exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and silent autofocus. The VCM motor makes it particularly valuable for video work. At $1,799, it’s an investment that justifies itself through versatility and quality.
Is Canon coming out with any new RF lenses?
Canon is actively expanding the RF lineup. Following the 35mm’s success, patent filings suggest additional prime lenses are in development. Expect to see more compact options and potentially a budget-friendly line to compete with third-party manufacturers.
Final Thoughts
The April 2024 Canon rumors teach us an important lesson about patience in the tech world. While the products eventually materialized, Canon’s actual timeline was more deliberate and strategic than the rush-to-market approach predicted by rumor mills.
As someone who’s been through countless product cycles, I’ve learned that good things come to those who wait. The RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM, EOS R5 Mark II, and EOS R1 are all better products for the extra development time they received. Sometimes, the most exciting rumors are the ones that come true – just not necessarily on the schedule we expect.