Canon R1 has been announced

[neuroanatomist]

R1 is pretty clearly aimed at sports. The "5" series has been events, even though I think Canon is broadening out the R5 in part to compete with other brands.

That’s been the case since the 1D and 1Ds lines were merged in 2012. The 1D X took a small step down in resolution from the 1Ds III while maintaining the speed of the 1D IV with a FF sensor. The 5DIII took over from the 1Ds III, and a few years later there was a 5Ds. There will likely be an R5s at some point, as well.

Objectively, Canon’s strategy has been successful. Good, affordable entry level bodies with the brand people see in the hands of pros. Not sure why some people think Canon should change their strategy now. The market has changed dramatically both in terms of the type and number of cameras sold over the past decade, and Canon has continued to lead the market with their market share unchanged even as Nikon lost a lot of customers to Sony.

The initial feedback on R1 performance is excellent, which is completely unsurprising. Canon knows how to meet the needs of the pros that use 1-series cameras.

[Kayaker72]

For sure the R1 is aimed at sports shooters, but I'm really curious as to how it will perform with wildlife. Has anyone seen any impressions in that category as of yet? I own the R5 and it works really well with the RF 100-300 f/2.8. Will the R1 be a noticeable improvement with animals? Maybe I need to wait and see.

Not yet, but I am looking. It is interesting that Jim Cable is claiming a significant better hit rate with the R1 with Olympic sports. I have seen where Canon is having mini-events and letting reviewers borrow cameras. But I have yet to see much regarding hands on with wildlife, other than the launch videos. This is part of why I think Canon might be focusing the R5 II for wildlife, they included a launch video. He uses all the superlatives..."game changer"..."next level"....

Objectively, Canon’s strategy has been successful. Good, affordable entry level bodies with the brand people see in the hands of pros.

Yep. And where are people most likely to see "pros" using Canon cameras? Sporting events.

Great strategy. And fortunately, great cameras as well.