DPReview: "One of the most common complaints we've seen about the 5D Mark II is that it still has the same AF system as the original 5D. Why is this?"
"Firstly the market's evaluation of the 5D's AF system has been very positive; there have been no complaints from users, with everyone saying it's very good. Given that, to a certain extent, we think we shouldn't change it. And also there's some limitation with size; the AF sensor in the 50D is very big; the one in the 5D is much smaller. If we wanted to have all cross-sensors in the 5D Mark II, it would mean we might have to sacrifice the compactness of the body. It's all a question of balance of features and benefits."
"Executive summary" of interview Summary written by Pixel Perfect five posts below and added to my original post above via an edit (because I thought PP's summary was very well done!):
*no heat problems with extended live view/video usage for subsequent still shots.
* APS-C and EF-S to be around a long time,
* No FF in the 50D segment for a long time,
* 60D to have video,
* possibility of a hybrid AF as used in video cameras as Canon aren't happy with live view AF performance currently.
* Exciting new developments for next year
There have been no complaints from users? No one listening to the people saying that there is a single useable AF point, albeit a good one?
Not sure I follow his logic either. If there is a bigger AF sensor in a smaller body (50D) then to put it in a larger body would mean making the larger body bigger?
It's BS anyway, the AF sensor is exactly the same size which is why the points are nearer the edges on the crop camera.
So utterly lame. Makes sense that this guy is the head of the SLR division. Doesn't have a clue. Kinda puts the entire canon lineup, from the 50D through to the 5D mkII and the mkIII's into perspective.
*no heat problems with extended live view/video usage for subsequent still shots.
* APS-C and EF-S to be around a long time,
* No FF in the 50D segment for a long time,
* 60D to have video,
* possibility of a hybrid AF as used in video cameras as Canon aren't happy with live view AF performance currently.
* Exciting new developments for next year
"The EOS 1Ds Mark III, by comparison, offers robust durability and long shutter life as the most important features for use in harsh studio conditions, we believe."
Harsh studio conditions. Right.
So desperate that each camera can't be used outside the niche they designate it for that they can't even talk normally about it.
The part about the dynamic range and ISO expansion being better on the 5D2 than the 1Ds3 made me smile! So basically, at current UK prices, you are paying an extra £2,300 over the cost of the 5D2 for the 1Ds3 which offers a slightly longer shutter life, probably a better battery and 19 Point AF.
Given the 5D Mark 2 and the Nikon D3, I am beginning to see an upgrade to both the 1D3 and 1Ds3 next year!
Allan Bruce wrote:
This is the single most disappointing thing from the interview :-(
You're assuming they are telling the truth. Frankly, I would not be surprised if they are playing cards close to the vest for strategic reasons. Who would lay out all their trade secrets/ideas to some website interviewer? It would just cut sales of existing product to discuss future changes that would obsolete said product.
DPReview: "One of the most common complaints we've seen about the 5D Mark II is that it still has the same AF system as the original 5D. Why is this?"
"Firstly the market's evaluation of the 5D's AF system has been very positive; there have been no complaints from users, with everyone saying it's very good. Given that, to a certain extent, we think we shouldn't change it. And also there's some limitation with size; the AF sensor in the 50D is very big; the one in the 5D is much smaller. If we wanted to have all cross-sensors in the 5D Mark II, it would mean we might have to sacrifice the compactness of the body. It's all a question of balance of features and benefits."
Well, I was aware Canon corporate was out of touch with the rest of the world; now it's pretty obvious they've been taking lessons in lying from the U.S. political machine.
