The photography world is currently abuzz with rumors surrounding the potential fall-release of a new full-frame mirrorless camera from Canon. While the news is not confirmed per se, Canon Rumors (a sort of TMZ for photography-lovers) has been dropping hints as to what features the device may contain. However first, it might be useful to understand what exactly a mirrorless camera is, and what sets it apart from DSLR cameras. A quick primer from explains that a mirrorless camera

“is one that doesn’t require a reflex mirror, a key component of DSLR cameras. The mirror in a DSLR reflects the light up to the optical viewfinder. In a mirrorless camera, there is no optical viewfinder. Instead, the imaging sensor is exposed to light at all times. This gives you a digital preview of your image either on the rear LCD screen or an electronic viewfinder (EVF).”

The advantages of using mirrorless cameras as opposed to DSLRs include the fact that designs are often smaller and more compact (a plus for many professionals), a wide variety of interchangeable lenses are compatible with the devices, and the viewfinder can still be accessed while in video mode. With Nikon launching its own full-frame mirrorless camera on August 23rd, it’s only natural that Canon would want to get in on the trend. An exact release date has not been speculated on, but according to Canon Rumors, there will be two separate releases, and

“the first one to come will be the “flagship” model…this camera will sport a 30.4mp sensor. The second full frame mirrorless body will be a lower megapixel count. Both camera bodies will be shipping by mid 2019, but the exact announcement date for the first camera is unknown at this time.”

Consumers and industry insiders are essentially preparing for a drop sometime between September and January, and many hypothesize that Canon may release more details just in time for Photokina, a photography trade fair held in Europe that is taking place September 26th-29th. As far as price is concerned, the jury is still out.