Canon Quiet Until Q4: No Major Announcements Expected Until Late 2025

As we approach the midsummer lull, Canon fans hoping for exciting new product reveals may have to temper their expectations. July, traditionally a quiet period in the industry, appears to be even more subdued this year. According to reliable sources, Canon doesn’t plan to announce any new gear until the fourth quarter of 2025—making this a particularly uneventful summer for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

A Slow Season and Uncertain Conditions

The absence of announcements during July isn’t necessarily unusual. It’s often a slow month for the camera industry, with fewer retail sales and little movement on product roadmaps. However, this year’s silence feels more absolute than in past cycles. No credible leaks or product development briefings have surfaced, even among those typically in the know.

Some speculate that U.S. tariffs may be adding a layer of uncertainty. While it’s not clear whether tariffs are directly responsible for delaying new launches, supply chain concerns are certainly a factor. These complications seem to affect camera bodies more than lenses, perhaps due to the more complex manufacturing and regulatory processes involved.

Many in the industry are hoping for a return to “normal,” but the timeline for that remains frustratingly vague.

Canon’s 2025 Camera Lineup So Far

Canon has already released two new cameras this year: the EOS R50 V and the PowerShot V1. Both models cater to content creators and vloggers more than traditional photographers, marking a shift in Canon’s target demographic for these releases.

While these cameras have been well-received by the video-centric crowd, still photographers have found less to get excited about. That may change later this year. Multiple sources suggest Canon is planning to release several new EOS R series bodies and potentially Cinema EOS cameras in Q4.

However, even if these cameras are announced before the end of 2025, it’s likely they won’t hit shelves until 2026. Canon has followed a similar strategy before—announcing gear late in the year and shipping the following calendar year—particularly when dealing with more advanced full-frame and APS-C bodies.

What to Expect on the Lens Front

Canon was relatively active with lens announcements in 2024, introducing seven new RF lenses, including high-profile releases like the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM, RF 24mm f/1.4L VCM, RF 50mm f/1.4L VCM, and the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Z, all launched in Q4.

So far in 2025, we’ve seen the debut of three lenses: the RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM, the RF-S 14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM PZ, and the RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM. If Canon follows last year’s trend, we can expect another three to five lenses to be announced later this year.

There’s also chatter about a backlog of lenses being tested in the field—everything from RF-S glass to super-telephoto optics. However, the latter may be reserved for 2026, aligning with major international sporting events like the Summer Olympics, where Canon typically showcases its latest long-reach innovations.

Firmware Frustrations

While we wait for new hardware, many users are also looking for firmware improvements—particularly for the Canon EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II. Unfortunately, both cameras are overdue for updates, and insiders believe the R5 Mark II is the main holdup.

Reports suggest that the R5 Mark II suffers from a host of bugs and power issues, especially in cold environments. These aren’t limited to extreme temperatures, making the issue more widespread than some may expect.

Canon faces a tough balancing act here. It’s difficult to roll out major new features while also trying to stabilize a platform that isn’t yet reliable. One frustrated user summed it up perfectly:

“My R5 IIs don’t even come with me anymore—they’re too unreliable. The R5 still works.”

Your opinion on the R5 Mark II may depend on your specific use case, but clearly, some professionals have lost confidence in its dependability.

In the Meantime, Use What You’ve Got

Despite the lack of fresh announcements, the current Canon ecosystem is far from inadequate. Between EF-mount legacy glass and the ever-growing RF lineup, most photographers can find what they need without much compromise.

Pricing remains the number-one concern when it comes to Canon’s RF lenses. While there are excellent value options available, the perception of high prices has been hard to shake. Canon is unlikely to launch new gear into an uncertain economic environment without a clear plan to manage pricing expectations. Don’t expect aggressive rebate programs or significant discounts anytime soon.

We’ve already reported extensively on what’s likely coming, but—as has been the case in recent years—we still don’t know when.

For now, patience is the name of the game.

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Via: CanonRumors