I was thinking more from a marketing point of view - how does an electrical store upsell a first time buyer from a 400D to a 30D? It's going to be difficult assuming the 400 is as cheap as I suspect it will be.
Another thing - I said noise would be a disadvantage... but I might well be wrong there. One of two things is going to happen (obviously). Either the new sensor would be included in the next version of the 30D, in which case the noise had better be as good as the current 8Mp sensor, Or the next xxD will have to have a 12Mp (or so) sensor to differentiate between lines.
EDIT - You're right about size. That will be a BIG issue to many. I was looking at the 350D but it was the tiny size, plus the fact it had a negative weight (I swear!). Too light.
Another issue, of course, will be storage. 25% increase in file size is relevant. I know HDDs are fairly cheap nowadays, but it's still an extra (hidden) cost of owning a DSLR. I need to upgrade my entire system soonish. But I'd rather spend the money on lenses!
Who knows? Who cares? I'm very happy wth my 30D!
Mark
Edited by markshaxted on Aug 09, 2006 at 01:00 PM GMT
If this is true, then where does that leave the 30D? I'll answer that.
The end of the line.
It makes more sense to merge the 1.6 crop bodies than the 1 series. The DRebel and 10/20/30D series line have steadily moved closer in features offered. The economic reasons for model variation have diminished, as manufacturing matures. Now they maximize profit by merging to a single offering in the low end.
I don't think there'll be a 40D. I think we're migrating upward: single 1.6 crop body, entry level full frame, possible midrange full frame, probably a 1.3 crop workhorse that doesn't get upgraded in terms of frequency like the other models, and the most variation will be in the high end as new sensor technologies come on line finally....
Offering a single entry level DSLR will encourge people to step up to a 5D type body if they desire higher build quality...
The market is too broad for just a single 1.6 crop body. Besides, not everyone wants a FF camera. I really think there is potentially a HUGE market for a sealed 1.6 semi-pro lightweight body.
Think about it. What's the 5D good for? Landscape/portrait/fine art. That's the intended market for it. Offer a 1.6 sealed body for a little more and you'll have every sport/wildlife (maybe PJ) shooter clammering for it.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a 10mp Rebel. It all comes down to marketing and MPs sell cameras at that level. Realistically, it shouldn't impact the 30D sales because if you are moving up to that level or above you should be able to recognize that MPs are not the sole determining factor in the purchase decision. That said, there are enough dumb people out there that it will probably cut into sales somewhat.
I think it will hurt the 30D. But the extent depends upon how many fps and the buffer. If it's the same, then the controls (assuming they're dumbed down) will be the only real difference.
If the controls and fps and buffer are different, it will be like the difference (on a lesser scale) between a 5d and a 1dmkIIn.
There's no way they're going to merge all 1.6 bodies - leaving all those $1,500 Cameras to Nikon, Sony and others, while only selling at $500-$600 body. It's not gonna happen.
50D (or whatever, 30D replacement) will be out before Christmas I'm sure.
wtlloyd wrote:
If this is true, then where does that leave the 30D? I'll answer that.
The end of the line.
Very doubtful (new model will come out)
It makes more sense to merge the 1.6 crop bodies than the 1 series. The DRebel and 10/20/30D series line have steadily moved closer in features offered. The economic reasons for model variation have diminished, as manufacturing matures. Now they maximize profit by merging to a single offering in the low end.
More sense? I don't think so, ever heard, don't have all you eggs in one basket?
I don't think there'll be a 40D. I think we're migrating upward: single 1.6 crop body, entry level full frame, possible midrange full frame, probably a 1.3 crop workhorse that doesn't get upgraded in terms of frequency like the other models, and the most variation will be in the high end as new sensor technologies come on line finally....
Really, a 1.3 crop? You do know that canon said the 1.3 crop is dead, right?
Offering a single entry level DSLR will encourge people to step up to a 5D type body if they desire higher build quality...
Like other's said, not every one wants a FF DSLR (but I know I do! )
that's a 370D on the Chinese news boards today!. 
