Canon EOS R1
Designing Dynamism
The EOS R1 is our first professional mirrorless flagship model, combining the most powerful engine system in EOS history, Accelerated Capture, with deep learning-based analysis technology. This model provides excellent image quality, autofocus performance, speed, and reliability. From the outset, the development of this design was driven by the "1" philosophy, based on the trust built over half a century of previous "1" flagship models, and by a strong ambition to design a mobility that responds to the dynamic movements of professionals.
Strength and Refinement
The goal was to balance the seemingly contradictory elements of a strength that exceeds professional expectations and a sophistication that appeals to their sensibilities. The design achieves this through its fundamental form and precise attention to detail. The powerful yet elegant balance of straight and curved lines, the innovative grip pattern that combines functionality with beauty, and the presentation of the face of the camera all embody a new design language for the "1" series, condensed into a sleek black body.
A Dynamic Form
An updated form that retains the lineage of the "1" series. Every detail has been meticulously crafted for intuitive operation, so that photographers won’t miss the moment for a crucial shot.
The grip was designed with mobility in mind, allowing for deft handling of the camera even in fast-paced shooting environments. The length, width, and depth allow it to be held comfortably in both horizontal and vertical orientations, and to shift seamlessly between the two.
The button layouts on the front and back are sensible, ensuring consistent operability in both vertical and horizontal positions.
The newly developed electronic viewfinder improves visibility and fit by carefully adjusting the shape and thickness of the eyecup, enabling smooth eye tracking.
Innovative "Geometry"
The rubber grip features a newly designed cross pattern. This pattern, composed of intersecting short raised lines, was created through extensive trial and error, taking the friction coefficient, angle, height, and length of the lines into account. This geometric pattern ensures a firm grip in either orientation, providing the most slip-resistant grip in EOS history. The design also provides a high grip strength in harsh weather conditions. The cross-pattern also extends to the to the lens mount, where the lens meets the camera body, allowing for a secure grip when attaching or detaching a lens.
The cross pattern has been optimized by carefully tracing the complex curved shape of the grip surface. Aiming for a visually advanced look emblematic of the R1 and a beautiful appearance that makes you want to pick it up, we carefully assessed the need for and placement of each and every line.
A Coexistence of Hard and Soft
The area surrounding the Canon logo, which comprises the face of the camera, is formed with V-shaped folds. Inspired by the essence of the camera, which captures light and produces an image, the curved bent-metal folds converge at a point, creating a sharp, dignified presentation.
The V-shaped ridges provide a sense of hardness and an imposing presence, while complementing the camera's streamlined form. This section was designed with particular attention to its relationship to the EOS R3 and its continuity with the EOS R5 Mark II.
A Deeper "Black"
The EOS R1 body features a new jet black coloring that is deeper than conventional black. This deeper black gives the camera an elegant commanding presence befitting a "1" series camera.
The body's black finish also serves to visually streamline the R1's minimally compact size, designed for high mobility and portability without compromising the performance or durability demanded by professionals.
A Design that Evokes the 1 Series
The EOS R1 is a professional model designed not only for photographic performance, but for use in a broad range of environments. Neither beauty nor ease of use alone constitutes good design. In developing this design, we sought to embody the specifications and aesthetics that professionals desire.
Even when improving the shape of the grip or the layout of the buttons, we had to be cautious about changes that affected familiarity of use. We diligently honed the shape and movement to make them better than ever, while maintaining critical features inherited from previous "1" models.
The result is a new, yet iconic design that is instantly recognizable, with features and symbolic elements that identify it as part of the "1" series. We hope this meticulously crafted form and design will be cherished and used for many years to come.
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Continuously Searching for the "New"
"I've been responsible for designing compact digital cameras, binoculars, lenses, and mirrorless cameras. In my design work, I always consider what is new for each product, focusing on the user and outputting the design in a way that resonates with the person using it."
Yoshiyuki Kashiwagi, Canon Design Center
Art Direction: Hiroshi Goto / Photo: Kei Hayakawa
Canon Design Center