5D Split? 5D X & 5D Mark III [CR1]

[cliffwang]

Two cameras with different sensors or same sensors but different firmware?

I believe they should be the different sensors.

[t.linn]

Sign me up for the Mark III if this is accurate.  Keep the 45MP.  I'll take the (finally) decent AF, frame rate, and superior low light abilities of the 22MP model.

[lbloom]

How about a 5D XE version without an AA filter? eh? 

[Grigbar]

lol@this. CR is sure doing a good job baiting people along.

ANy way a Canon rep has already said the 1DX will have the best video of all the cameras.

[ghosh9691]

I doubt if these will be above $3k!!! With the D800 now out, I can see the 5DX being aroun $3200-3500, but I think the 5DMk III would be below that...probably around $2700. at least that's what I would do if I were a product manager at Canon.

And why is that.

Looks like the Canon 5D MKIII will have

Better AF
Much Better ISO (25600 native versus 6400)
Double FPS
Video on par or better perhaps.

The only thing the D800 offers is large MP, which a lot of people don't want.

So compared to the current 5D MK II which sells around $2300 retail...

Much higher ISO
EXTREMELY Better AF
Faster FPS
and not sure what other bells and whistles are in there, but AF, FPS and ISO are each big improvement areas.

Because the D800 will be compared to the 5DX, my friend. Its all a matter of perception. The first thing that will capture people's attention is the mega-pixel number - where we like that or not. I think it would make more sense to price the 5DX above the D800 and the 5D3 just below it...

Personally, I would go for the 5D3 instead of the 5DX...but then I am pretty happy with my 5D2 and don't need either one of these

[DBCdp]

With wedding season, senior season, and all out spring right around the corner, they need to do something pretty darn quick or it'll be next years business. I for one am looking at getting glass and passing on this years upgrade while they figure it all out.

[baronng]

Sounds quite reasonable to have a new product line to fight against D800

1D X - super high fps (12-14), high ISO performance, 18M, 61 points AF, 6-7K, vs D4, available in Mar
3D X - low fps (4-5), low ISO performance, 36M+, no AA filter, 1D's 45 points AF, 3-4K, vs D800, perhaps with 4K video), announcement in Sep (photokina)
5D X - mid fps (5-8), high ISO performance, 22M, 7D's 19 points AF, 2-3K, entry level FF/video cam, announcement in end of Feb

[silversurfer96]

Rumor or not, I like it.  Keep it coming!!! That would be awesome to have both options.

[Woody]

Interesting proposal. Canon combine 1D and 1Ds into 1DX. Then proceed to split 5D into 5D and 5DX. Cooooool. Way cooooool....

We'll see how real this one is... Remember previous murmurings about 1D and 1Ds being combined, and how that turns out into reality?

[adamfilip]

why shoot sRaw? just shoot raw and downsize.. I never understood shooting at a quality less then your camera could provide..

Memory cards are cheap. so that shouldn't be an issue.. i purchased a 32gb CF card for $60
More time to download - True.. but get a fast CF reader
usually if your shooting raw your converting to a new file regardless. and erasing the original sounds like a sin


Images would take up more space on memory cards, resulting in more memory card changes during a shoot. Images would take more time to download, then time spent downsampling and converting to a new file and erasing the original. Time is money...

[Justin]

If there are two models, I believe it makes the most sense for one to prioritize resolution and low ISO performance while the other prioritizes speed, AF, and high ISO performance. Generally speaking, photographers want one or the other. If they want both, then they should be willing to pay the massive premium for a flagship 1D-series camera.

Ummm... Canon doesn't make this kind of camera with "both" anymore.

[sheedoe]

Given the specs, I would definitely choose the 5D III over the 5D X. ISO performance is more important to me than megapixels.

[wickidwombat]

I really dont want the 1D bulk so these rumoured specs look pretty much on the money for me and if they get 61pt AF then it really looks like canon have seen the error of their ways. the waitign list for these bad boys is going to be Lonnnnngg!

I wonder if i can place pre-orders based on Cr rumour specs.... hmmm

[dilbert]

Both over $3k makes no sense unless we're going to see a similar price increase in the 7D Mark II.

If Nikon can sell their 36MP D800 for under $3000, the 5D Mark III would have to be pretty amazing.

Or maybe this is how Canon will deal with demand?

By driving up the price of the 5D3, they reduce the sales numbers to what they can produce whilst maintaining their ability to produce other cameras.

Unfortunately I suspect that the "low price" and widespread popularity are what have driven up the 5D3 price more than anything else.

I'll add that I'm not sure I could justify a 5DX with a 40MP sensor. Not because of the price but because it would make hand-held photography a whole lot less enjoyable. At 20MP on FF, it is generally advised to have 1/(2 x focal length) for shutter speed in order to get a sharp photo. At 40MP, what will it be - 4x? So with a 50mm lens without IS, I'm going to need to either be tripod mounted or shooting at 1/200. No thanks, it just limits my options too much. I'm pretty sure that this plays a part in the megapixel count for the 1DX/D4.

[KT]

The part that doesn't make a whole lot of sense is why would they develop a new FF 22 MP sensor for the 5D Mark III when they just released another FF 18 MP for the 1D x. The difference in resolution between 18 and 22 is so small it's barely worth the cost and effort that must have went into R&D unless one is suited for video while the other for stills, doubt it. On the other hand, if Canon is going to release a FF 45 MP sensor, they must have developed a whole new sensor technology to overcome noise because with the current technology, that thing will be next to useless above ISO 1600.