New rumors surfacing in the DPReview forums suggest the Canon 5D Mark III replacement will be called the Canon 5D X with a second model called the 5D Xs.
The rumors point to a 28MP full frame sensor and a DIGIC 6+ processor, which is consistent with past rumors that referenced the camera as the 5D Mark IV.
There are a couple of things about the naming scheme that make sense. First, we’ve heard the name 5D X tossed around before. But will that be confusing with the pronunciation of the new 5DS cameras?
Second, the 5D X model name is consistent with the Canon 1D X branding. The 1D series jumped from the 1D Mark IV naming scheme to simply 1D X.
Additionally, the number four is considered a bad number in Japanese culture and it is not uncommon to see that number avoided in product naming schemes. Although, recent models from Canon and Nikon have not avoided it so much.
While all of the Canon 5D Mark III talk is still rumors at this point, I appreciate readers continuing to send in these tips. As always, if you have more details, please feel free to reach out and contact me.
I have been wondering about if Canon is really going to use the “Mark IV” name on the replacement of the “Mark III”. A lot of Chinese people would not want to purchase product with the pronunciation sound of “four” in Chinese since it has the similar pronunciation sound to the Chinese world “death”.
I can not imagine telling people in Chinese: “I own a Canon 5D Dead (they generally skip the English word “Mark” when speaking) which may also be heard as “I own a Canon 5D that is dead” in Chinese. Imagine buying a 5D Mark IV and become a prime teasing target for every Chinese Nikon (and any non Canon) users to make fun of you!?! Considering the size of the Chinese market, I think it would be wise for Canon to use the “X” and avoid the “IV (death)” on any of their cameras.
This speculation about the avoidance of the word “four” is trivial nonsense. It’s already been disproven by the existence of the 1D IV model. The 5D series is not a mass market consumer camera model anyway that will worry the entire superstitious population of China. Just stick to the camera rumor specs please if you continue to report on rumors at all.
Why Canon don’t go with a new series like a 2D-3D or 4D, it may get consumer a bit exited which is well needed