According to DSLR magazine, the release of the long-awaited successor to the 12.8-megapixel, full-frame Canon 5D has been delayed a few times due to unexpected technological advancements Nikon made with the D3 and the D700.

Citing an informal conversation with Canon technicians, DSLR Magazine, which is based in Madrid, reporter Valentin Sama writes that the 5D replacement will be announced during the upcoming Photokina.

Sama says that according to sources of “complete reliability” the camera will have a 21-megapixel sensor and its DIGIC IV processor will approach the threshold of available technology in terms of noise reduction in high ISO settings.

Sama goes on to say that Canon is pursuing more in terms of tonal range with the 5D, in the hope of achieving the fantastic color quality that Nikon offers in the D3 and the D700.

He speculates about a 50-megapixel 1Ds Mark IV. Who knows?

Click here for a translated version of the Spanish-language article.

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