Topics

1

PowerShot Cameras / Where is Canon's X100s?

« on: May 08, 2013, 07:07:58 PM »

Why can't canon issue a smaller body, optical rangefinder, fixed fast lens camera to compete with the
Fuji x100s?  It can't be a technical problem - it's canonet rangefinders were industry leaders.  It's not
a competitive problem with other point and shoot canon cameras.  It could compete at the 1000-1200
price point, decimate Sony's RD100, give buyer's an alternative to Fuji, and compete with camera phones
with a bigger, better image.

2

EOS Bodies / EOS-M closeout?

« on: April 13, 2013, 12:11:49 PM »

Appears the EOS-M is now being offered for $399 with the 22mm lens.  Probably should have been the entry
level price given it's mediocre acceptance.  Any bets on how long it takes to get to $250?

3

Lenses / 24-85mm Lens?

« on: January 02, 2013, 02:01:22 PM »

I see that Nikon is pushing the 24-85mm image stablized lens with the D600 package.  Canon made
a fine 24-85mm lens that was bundled with the ill fated APS IX systems, but seems to have disappeared or discontinued.  Any reason?  I think it was too good for the price and took market share from the overpriced 24-70L.  Others have said it was "replaced" by the 28-135is.  Comments?

4

EOS Bodies / Revolutionary digital camera?

« on: September 12, 2012, 02:44:19 PM »

Here's one for you photo geeks.  How about a simplified digital body that would accept native FD lenses.  Sort of
a digital AE1 - no autofocus, no video, no frills, just a base camera that is completely controlled by the user. 
Should be priced at or below the price of the cheapest Rebel (T3 is currently about $500).  Would appeal to
"basics" crowd, owners of legacy lenses, excellent intro to photography tool for education users, and possibly
others.  Oh yea, need not weigh a whole lot more than a mirrorless with eos lens.

5

Third Party Manufacturers / Photo vendors in five years?

« on: September 12, 2012, 02:38:12 PM »

As I look out and try to figure out what's going on in the photo market, I'd predict several things coming down
the road.  Canon has everything to lose, as the current market leader covering nearly all the bases, any shift
in market share has to effect them the most.  They do have a significant advantage however, vertical integration.
In that sense I would predict the leading brands in five years will be Canon, Fuji, Panasonic (probably buying
sickly Olympus) Samsung.  Nikon and Leica are too dependent on chip vendors, Sony couldn't market most of
their stuff no matter how good.  Pentax/Ricoh has a chance, if they can get their combined act togather.
The point and shoot market will be decreasing in market share due to better smart phone camera integration,
and that will hurt Canon and Nikon most at the benefit of Apple and Samsung.   Video capabilities will improve
to the point that dedicated video cameras are redundant - and that will hurt Canon, Panasonic and Sony.
Better ISO performance may decrease the need for fast, and expensive, lenses and optical manufacturing techniques will improve so that high quality lenses can be made in volume - hurting Leica, Nikon and Canon.
Prices will continue to escalate and digital imaging software will continue to improve around the margins to
provide excellent images but without the "feel" of darkroom processing.  All told, an exciting time to be interested in photography.

6

Third Party Manufacturers / Manfrotto tripod

« on: June 12, 2012, 01:10:30 PM »

I recently purchased a Manfrotto tripod - model 785b - a seemingly attractive light duty version with an interesting
pistol grip ball head.  Within weeks one of the cheap plastic leg logs was broken.  While it's still useable - albeit missing one of the segments, I am disappointed by the lousy quality of what I had previously considered a
reliable brand.  Even worse than the product quality is the customer service of Manfrotto.  There is no repair service, no replacement service and you get basically a "should have bought a heavier duty model so live with it"
answer.  Anyone else have trouble with this company?  Any recommendations on a better light duty tripod?
Thanks   
Dick

7

Sports / Sports shots

« on: October 10, 2011, 04:39:58 PM »

soccer contest - kids try hard

8

Lenses / Why not EF-s "L" lenses?

« on: July 26, 2011, 05:59:36 PM »

seeing the build quality of the 7d is up to 5d standards, why no super high quality lenses from
canon to optimize the aps-c chip.  Would love to see a ef-s 35mm f1.4 for example or an ef-s 75/80 f1 or
a ef-s 35-105 zoom.