Canon's hotly anticipated EOS R5 and R6 could finally launch on July 9

(Image credit: Canon)

It's been previously rumored that Canon would be announcing the highly anticipated EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless flagship in early July, but no specific date was whispered through the grapevine.

Reliable leaker Canon Rumors (opens in new tab), though, has been told by sources that the video powerhouse will officially be announced on July 9.

The online rumors and photography site has also published an image (opens in new tab) depicting Canon's upcoming products, with two new models leading the charge – the EOS R5 and the much-rumored EOS R6. And that could mean both snappers could be announced on the same day.

According to Canon Rumors, six new RF lenses will also be announced on July 9, alongside the two camera:
RF 50mm f/1.8 IS STM
RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM
RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM
RF 100-500mm f/4-7.1L IS USM
RF 600mm f/11 DO IS STM
RF 800mm f/11 DO IS STM

As per a previous reveal (opens in new tab) by Canon Rumors, the 'DO' in the model names of the 600mm and 800mm primes stand for 'Diffractive Optics' which, according to Canon, are lens elements that "enable telephoto lenses to be lighter and more compact while maintaining a high level of performance". 

That could make these two new telephoto lenses smaller and lighter than Canon has ever produced, and could rival the weight and dimensions of similar lenses made for micro four third-format cameras.

Two new teleconverters for the RF mount will also be revealed on the same day.

We'll have to wait a little longer to actually get our hands the EOS R5 or EOS R6, though, as the current global pandemic has thrown a spanner in the production lines. Canon Rumors suggests that the EOS R5 will only start shipping in September, while the EOS R6 could be available a month sooner in August.

We wait with bated breath.

Sharmishta Sarkar
Managing Editor (APAC)

Sharmishta is TechRadar's APAC Managing Editor and loves all things photography, something she discovered while chasing monkeys in the wilds of India (yes, she studied to be a primatologist but has since left monkey business behind). While she's happiest with a camera in her hand, she's also an avid reader and has become a passionate proponent of ereaders, having appeared on Singaporean radio to talk about the convenience of these underrated devices. When she's not testing cameras and lenses, she's discovering the joys and foibles of smart home gizmos. She also contributes to Digital Camera World and T3, and helps produce two of Future's photography print magazines in Australia.