p.4 #1 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
I would not hang too much on the release cycles up 'til now. Unlike others, I think Canon DSLRs are post-adolescent, and I think the cycles will slow in terms of real performance/image quality upgrades. They may continue to release new versions, but the changes will be incremental (USB 2.0 to Firewire, or a new DIG!C).
Earlier, Canon had three major issues to overcome in their DSLRs:
1. Compared to 35mm, the DSLR cameras had very slow handling characteristics.
3. Compared to 35mm, the DSLR cameras lacked in quality up to A3 enlargements (larger than that was not a primary issue).
4. Compared to 35mm, image quality varied too radically across the DSLR line.
It was necessary to overcome all these issues as quickly as possible, yet continue to sell cameras while doing so. Thus we saw short cycles and radical improvements in either image quality or handling with each cycle. As of the release of the 350XT, all three of these issues have been met. We are effectively "there" in terms of matching 35mm performance for most purposes.
The last major "handling" issue will be an 8fps 24x36mm 1D camera at $5000, which at least two Canon Japan execs have said is coming. The Canon-Spain execs hinted at a possible "October surprise" of a completely new camera in the lineup, but their hint was extremely specious.
This doesn't mean Canon won't continue to improve their cameras, but as we've seen with computers, the improvements won't be those that will greatly change the capabilities of the camera (think of the changes from the F-1 to the F-1n to the New F-1, or the various AE-1 models as examples).
p.4 #2 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
Philippe Arnez wrote:
Using this data (and adding in Jan'05 for the XT (not sure of the exact date)
If canon keep the 1D and 1Ds line seperate it looks like the 1D might be due for an update sometime soon.
Apr 19, 2005 at 09:01 AM
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p.4 #3 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
Michael, the chart for MP is very consistent with the release date, a continuous linear increase. However, do you anticipate the chart may took a different function since from 2000 to 2005 Canon have been comfortably enjoying the easy competitions but this may all change soon?
p.4 #4 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
Son,
I think I remember reading, either some discussion here and/or an interview with Canon directors that suggest Canon and perhaps Nikon have technical improvement paths that are not necessarily driven by competition between them. We should all remember that product planning MUST start several years before its planned introduction so Canon have to have a continuous improvement plan and I don't think they can rest on their laurels unless they can see Nikons 3-5 year plan while they are making theirs. Consequently I believe that the trend graphs do hold some merit.
For the next upgrade to the 1Ds family I think that Canon already have the pixel. They can shrink the 1Ds2 pixel from 7.2um to 6.4um and get a 20.5MP sensor. I'm not sure if that is a big enough step from 16MP though. To maintain throghput that may also have to upgrade their Digic II processor as the file size will increase.
For the 1D family if they use the 6.4um pixel in place of the 8.2um the 8MP sensor will increase to an impressive 13MP. Personally I think this may be more likely as it would be a real step up and the 1D2 is an older camera than the 1Ds2. The same holds true for a Digic upgrade, and as this is the PJ/nature camera it will be key to ensure no performance is lost.
p.4 #7 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
I don't care about whether it is a 1.6 or 1.25 crop factor but if it is the 1.6 - put a better viewfinder in it!! Give me a viefinder as far from the 350 as you can. Lose the dial and stream the ergonomics of the prosumer canons so that they are closer to the 1 series. It is too much of a mental jump from one to the other way of working the controls. I will be happy then but if I want everything and the cake too I would want eye control as well. Then there would be no reason left to buy a newer camera after that. I'm waiting
p.4 #8 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
Personally, I'd like to see a much lighter 1 series FF body & lenses, something like a carbon 1ds mk2, and some new wide glass. 22mp will be fine, but without new glass whats the point?
p.4 #9 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
Why upgrade at all? just kidding! My other camera is an A2 film body that I bought in 1997. Still works perfect when I want to use Velvia! I did have to replace the command dial though. So as I see it, I will still be using my 10D five years from now. Well, unless the shutter goes and the cost of replacing the shutter....no, wait, shutter replacement cost is still only a fraction of the money I am saving on film and processing...yup, I guess it is true, I am a mizer, and I'll still be using a 10D when the 50D is the cats assss.
p.4 #10 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
In my opinion, Canon has to improve and add
1. The dynamic range of image sensor, this makes difference from slide and DSLR.
2. Brightness and shown information of 20D's viewfinder
3. The wifi 802.11g
4. Memory Buffer size for raw
5. Writing speed for flash memory
6. Wireless remote release
7. Wireless control of external flash same as KM 7Hi
Now, the my 20D works great, if Canon does the above modification, I'll put it on my purchase list.
p.4 #11 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
Just my two cents.
On the prosumer end, anything more than 6mp seems to be overkill. Yes, an 8mp sensor will look better than a 6mp on a 20x30" print, but the vast majority of prosumers will never go over 11x14".
Here are the things my wife would ask for as an entry level Dslr user, who is now using a Rebel XT:
1) Higher ISO's to take indoor/evening shots of children. Iso 6400 or 12800 will be great when the sensors can do it.
2) A moderate price 18-125 or 18-200 lens (the Tameron and Sigma don't count because they focus much slower and less accurate than the Canon lenses).
3) Fast focus that is accurate.
4) An even more intelligent light metering system in full auto.
p.4 #12 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
More pixels if you want (I don’t think I need them, but I don’t mind).
Every better low light/high ISO performance.
Better low light focusing.
Improved dynamic range.
ISO in the viewfinder.
Auto-ISO mode. I set the minimum shutter speed, preferred aperture and a limit on ISO. The camera sets the ISO to meet my preferred aperture. When my ISO limit is reached, aperture is sacrificed to maintain shutter speed.
Now moving a bit out of the box….
How about the ability to alter ISO pixel by pixel?
ISO set to 100. The sky is too bright, the ground is too dark. Exposure is correct to the highlights and, based on a pixel by pixel histogram, the system alters the ISO of the dark areas to achieve correct exposure. I get to set a limit of 1 or 2 stops for this action.
This is over simplified. A reasonably good algorithm would be necessary to prevent very flat images.
Call it an electronic neutral density filter.
Being able to vary ISO from shot to shot is one of the most powerful features of digital. Designs should take better advantage of this fact.
p.4 #14 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
I have a long history of brilliant ideas...that someone else already thought of.
It seems likely that Canon has thought of this already. It may be too costly to implement, or thought to be of too little interest to the customer, or available in the next model.
Time will tell.
p.4 #15 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
The Canon patent I referred to above is basically a ND LCD on top of the sensor, so each pixel in ther LCD can be progressively darkened once enough photons have been collected - the more photons collected, the darker it the LCD pixel gets and that sensor pixel doesn't blow out. If not many photons are arriving, it doesn't get dark so shadows continue to accumulate valuable photons. The density of the LCD is controlled on a per pixel basis and the "tone curve" for this would be applied in reverse by software later to re-expand the dynamic range. Getting each LCD pixel to have a the same and reproducible tone curve is required for this to work but may be tough in practice....
p.4 #16 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
How about a pop-ip flash that can AT LEAST swivel upwards on the "next" 20D?
Ability to include ISO in AV and similar modes and to be able to set "brackets" for this. ie. Allow the CPU to shift ISO between 200 - 800 for you in AV type modes.
Setting presets so I can save a few if my own "modes" that records all the cameras settings, for quick option changing (yes - this exists now in a limited way)
p.4 #17 · Possible new Canon DSLR in the fall - What would you like to see?
Lots of great ideas here! I am particularly intrigued by the concept of a square format sensor, or perhaps an "ideal format" aspect ratio (e.g., 6x7) for those whose goal is to make high quality prints of landscapes and other static images. From a marketing point of view (which is the only one that matters) I think there is a huge gaping hole between the 20D and the 1Ds Mk II in terms of price, and the 1D Mk II really doesn't matter to landscape photographers because they need resolution a lot more than the faster framing rates and "1" series autofocus. I would like to see Canon introduce one new model with the digital guts of the 1Ds in the body of a 20D at the price point in the neighborhood of the Kodak DCS PRO SLR/c or used 1Ds. Based on the frequent feedback on this (and other DSLR forums) I'd bet this model would sell like hotcakes.
. You should try selling your idea to the mfg's :-)