*UPDATE* The Next 5D on March 2, 2012 [CR3]

[LetTheRightLensIn]

I'm so tired of hearing people flip flopping and getting up on their soap box and announcing "Canon loses" or "I'm going to Nikon". How does it REALLY matter?

Hell, the most moving and memorable images burned into the minds of most people on our planet, let's say "Top 100 photos of all time", are most likely ALL film. Taken decades (or longer) ago, on cameras that are laughable compared to ANYTHING we have now. In terms of features, abilities and technology, even usability and reliability. What does that say, truly, about GOOD photography that MATTERS?

Are you a photographer, or are you a tech head who actually doesn't REQUIRE any of this because it the D800, 1DX, D4, or digital Hassleblad won't make your images truly any better.





I for one, based on these rumored specs, are OK with the 5D Mark III. Assuming they're even real specs. I make a living off of photography, I do various types. Mostly portraits, some fashion and beauty, and documentary work (along with weddings in the summer months). I also print my work, large, for galleries and clients, on various mediums such as photo paper, canvas and fine art materials (even metal and wood once).

We don't know the DR, we don't know the ISO, and we don't a ton of other stuff, let alone the ACTUAL specs (again, this is a rumor, a CR3'd rumor, but still a rumor).

It's just so hilarious to sit here for days, have a coffee, read through some rumors, see what other photographers are saying about them... you get a few different types of people really. The most comical is the person, on any forum really, who types up a bunch of garbage about switching systems, or being so fed up with the changes, or lack of changes. OK, fine. How in the world is any other camera going to make your photos better? How is getting the 5D3, or NOT, going to make you a better photographer? The D800E, D800, 1Dx, D4? Answer: it won't help.

The reason why, on twitter and other bigger forums, you don't see the seasoned pros or working photographers complaining about much, is because they understand this simple notion. You get caught up in all the gear talk, and all the #s, and it truly, at the end of the day, doesn't mean much. The reason we get new cameras, and want to "upgrade" is because we can, and because sometimes it gives us new tools, and it's fun to have new things that we truly love, like cameras and lenses. But we never should lie to ourselves and say or believe that owning the 5D3, or a PhaseOne, or D4 is going to make us a better photographer.

No one is going to look back on their career, put up a gallery show and say "right here, this is when you can tell I got the 5D3, or switched to the D800, it shows in my work". Blah blah blah.


I don't even believe most of what I read when you have someone boasting about changing sides or "needing" something MORE, MORE MORE! Always MORE!

No one is ever truly happy, right? I say.... I can't wait for what Canon, Nikon or anyone else brings us. If we can properly use any of these tools, then let's go for it, but let's not pretend it means much more.

My 5D2 has been through hell, I bought it the month it was on the market. It's so banged up and wonderfully used. My back up is an old 40D, which I never use, and has had some problems before. I don't trust it. Getting a 5D3, or the 1Dx makes sense for me in a lot of ways, but I'm not going to pretend it is going to make me a better photographer, or make my work more accessible to clients or galleries.

1. it's just having fun speculating and chatting specs, just like people go on about the new car, graphics card, etc.

2. it can actually make some difference, if you have 5 stops of DR you simply can't tackle certain types of photographic opportunities than if you have 20 stops of DR, of course you can still make stunning photos and maybe better than many someone with a 20 stop camera will make, but you are restricted and then again maybe the other guy gets a cooler shot too

3. many pros actually do participate in spec chatting, especially sports/pjs where fps and af differences can make a considerable real world difference each and every day

4. if you are going to spend $3500 nothing wrong with trying to get as much as you can for your money and the sorts of things you want and care about

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Stuff

I think this is a silly post.  Of course all of that is true but this is a site for people who obsess about RUMORED camera specs.  Obviously we are concerned with the technical aspects of new cameras.  Some of us are great photographers and some of us are terrible ones with more camera then they need.  Being concerned about getting the features you want at a good price doesn't make you one or the other.

Exactly, some of the biggest pixel peepers and spec mongers actually have some pretty amazing galleries and from the looks of them have traveled the world and gotten out to actually go take some photos more than a little while some of the biggest just go out and shoot if you even know how crowd have galleries consisting of a couple of shots of their dog and cat in the backyard taken with weird camera settings. Of course the reverse can be true too.

So enough with making wild assumptions.

[GL]

I find the final quality of a photo has as much to do with your post-processing skills as it does with the camera itself. The camera's job is to get me the best-possible raw material to work with in post. So I look for improved (and responsive, accurate and flexible) AF, less noise at high ISO, and reduced shutter lag (the 5D2 is a tortoise in this regard). Everything else is gravy. As a working pro, dual-card slots are also long overdue (touch wood I've never lost an image due to CF failure, but the day will come...). On paper this cam looks to be the bomb. And to add to the "Canon vs Nikon" debate that always seems to accompany these rumours, changing systems (to Nikon) might get me a few extra points in the current generation of bodies, but I lose those points in Nikon's inferior lenses (what Canon has done with the new 24-70 and 70-200 in terms of sharpness is remarkable). So on balance Canon has always been my choice, and likely always will.

[briansquibb]

I find the final quality of a photo has as much to do with your post-processing skills as it does with the camera itself. The camera's job is to get me the best-possible raw material to work with in post. So I look for improved (and responsive, accurate and flexible) AF, less noise at high ISO, and reduced shutter lag (the 5D2 is a tortoise in this regard). Everything else is gravy. As a working pro, dual-card slots are also long overdue (touch wood I've never lost an image due to CF failure, but the day will come...). On paper this cam looks to be the bomb. And to add to the "Canon vs Nikon" debate that always seems to accompany these rumours, changing systems (to Nikon) might get me a few extra points in the current generation of bodies, but I lose those points in Nikon's inferior lenses (what Canon has done with the new 24-70 and 70-200 in terms of sharpness is remarkable). So on balance Canon has always been my choice, and likely always will.

Too right there - the zooms, 24-70, 70-200, 200-400 cover a wide range with very sharp lens

[wtlloyd]

SandyP, you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I feel your pain. But not in a place where you might think.

I'm sure it feels good to pontificate about how real photographers don't hang out on gear forums, they are out Getting The Shot.

But this is a place dedicated to RUMORS about NEW GEAR. Not about technique or composition. Or discussions about how all the good photos were already taken years ago by the Legends of Photography.

And there is an imminent announcement of a eagerly anticipated camera barreling down the pike.

What did you expect to read about coming to this site at this time?

Really, you flatter yourself that only you can see folly in the discussions going on. All the members here are having fun discussing some possibilities.

That is all.

[maxxevv]

Relax guys .... just go do some real photo taking with your current cameras over the weekend. Just that few more days...

By the time you're done post-processing your RAW files ... we'll all get the official details !   

[dealaddict]

SandyP, you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I feel your pain. But not in a place where you might think.

I'm sure it feels good to pontificate about how real photographers don't hang out on gear forums, they are out Getting The Shot.

But this is a place dedicated to RUMORS about NEW GEAR. Not about technique or composition. Or discussions about how all the good photos were already taken years ago by the Legends of Photography.

And there is an imminent announcement of a eagerly anticipated camera barreling down the pike.

What did you expect to read about coming to this site at this time?

Really, you flatter yourself that only you can see folly in the discussions going on. All the members here are having fun discussing some possibilities.

That is all.

Agreed.  There are different types of people enjoy taking photos.  What's wrong to be a tech head and speculating and chatting.  In fact, I absolutely agree this is the place for those type of people.  And it doesn't mean those people (including myself) is stupid, or not a "photographer".  And it doesn't mean those "non teach head" more superior.

For instance, I don't like gambling, and I think it is a wasting time, I won't walk into a casino and saying all of you should go home and stop wasting time here ...

[yngdiego]

Just to start off, I'm not a Nikon Fan Boy at all. I own a 5DC and 24-105 and 50 1.4 along with a speedlite.

BUT.... I don't see how these specs justify a 1000 dollar price increase from the 5DII to III....
The only significant upgrades are in the AF and the FPS. Technology should go down in price somewhat, not up.
Outside of video, it was widely considered that Nikon had the upper hand with the D700 vs the 5DII.
The AF on the 5DII was a joke(literally,) which makes me a little nervous about any 1st Gen Canon AF system.

One of the main reasons I chose Canon over Nikon was their more reasonable lens and body prices.
Now we have the 24-70 at 2300dollars compared to Nikons at 1850
and the 5DIII at 3500 compared to the D800 at 3000.
 
While Canon fans love Canon.... There is definitely no overall consensus that Canon is better than Nikon, in fact i'd say it's more the opposite.

I am really having a hard time seeing how the 5DIII should be priced 500 dollars more than the D800(which has a proven pro level AF system, more MP(which I actually don't want at all))

I wouldn't buy the D800 because I literally don't want 36MP at all... but the D700 is looking wayyyyy better to me than the 5DII.

I think Canon really screwed up on pricing, as I was totally prepared to see a 2800 opening price with a street price of 2500 dollars.

All I really wanted was a 5DII with a 7D AF system at around 2300 dollars.... which is something I thought very possible after 3+ years of being out...

I'm now too wondering about which brand I should upgrade to. For the record I started out with an Elan IIe, then EOS-3, 5D, and a 5D MK II. I've been very happy with Canon. I sold my 5D MK II and 24-70/2.8L this week, in anticipation of the MK III and the 24-70MKII. However, the 5D MKIII price and minimal features for landscape/travel use really make me question the direction Canon is going. The D800 looks very attractive, but I'm not up to snuff on Nikkor lenses and how they stack up. One of my former co-workers is a big Nikon fan and if I switch I'll never hear the end of it. LOL I only have three Canon lenses left and a 580EX, so it would not be a strech to sell those as well and flip brands. This will not be an easy decision, but I'll certainly wait for a bit after the MK III hits the streets to see some comparisons with the D800 before I make up my mind.

[Mark1]

I've just upgraded from a 5D mark1 to a 5D mark2. I'm loving my new camera and paired with the 50mm F1.4 I'm getting beautifully crisp pictures with sRAW1 files at ISO800, much better than my Mark1. It's a joy and the very little videoing I have done has already got me hooked. The texture of the video is just divine!

My point in relation to this post however is that just because I have bought a new camera that will probably last me 5 years or so I am still addicted to Canon Rumors! The forum here is the friendliest of any of the photography forums which from my limited observations can get quite nasty very quickly.

Gear headed obsessive geekiness is an instinctive male trait and nothing to be ashamed of. You can spend all day taking pictures and all night processing your raw files and still have time in your life for Canon Rumors!

On another subject, I think Nikon have shown all their cards with the D4, D800, D800E but no way have Canon. Whatever they announce next week you can be sure it wont be a direct competitor to the D800. That one is still in the pipeline. Anyone who jumps ship to the D800 based on what Canon announce next week will be kicking themselves in 6 months time when Canon announce their own 36MP full frame beast!

If you're invested in Canon lenses now you'd be a raving nutter to jump to Nikon. Just my 2 cents worth

[wickidwombat]

I think most regulars here are commited gear heads It's kind of like therapy similar to AA
"Hi my name is wombat and i'm a gear addict..."

[D.Sim]

I've just upgraded from a 5D mark1 to a 5D mark2. I'm loving my new camera and paired with the 50mm F1.4 I'm getting beautifully crisp pictures with sRAW1 files at ISO800, much better than my Mark1. It's a joy and the very little videoing I have done has already got me hooked. The texture of the video is just divine!

My point in relation to this post however is that just because I have bought a new camera that will probably last me 5 years or so I am still addicted to Canon Rumors! The forum here is the friendliest of any of the photography forums which from my limited observations can get quite nasty very quickly.

ANY forum, to be honest... not just photography ones..

Gear headed obsessive geekiness is an instinctive male trait and nothing to be ashamed of. You can spend all day taking pictures and all night processing your raw files and still have time in your life for Canon Rumors!

Assuming of course, CR is entirely made up of men. 

On another subject, I think Nikon have shown all their cards with the D4, D800, D800E but no way have Canon. Whatever they announce next week you can be sure it wont be a direct competitor to the D800. That one is still in the pipeline. Anyone who jumps ship to the D800 based on what Canon announce next week will be kicking themselves in 6 months time when Canon announce their own 36MP full frame beast!

If you're invested in Canon lenses now you'd be a raving nutter to jump to Nikon. Just my 2 cents worth

Totally totally agree on this.

[MrBeavis5]

For the first time in my life, I wish the weekend was over and that it was Monday already!

[Arkarch]

Too right there - the zooms, 24-70, 70-200, 200-400 cover a wide range with very sharp lens

Thats where I really got to applaud Canon. 

When the cameras come, the optics will be there!

[Sharper100]

First off, I think JerryFish (Reply #91) did an excellent job studying the MSRP cost difference between the 1Ds/1DX and the 5D series, for the last 3 generations. That Table is very informative and telling. See below.

I would make the following points, regarding the rumored MSRP:

1.   Keep in mind that through the upgrades of each of its models (including FF series), Canon has done its best to improve various shortcomings of the previous generation. Even though upgrades do cost money and expense, note that such improvements (whether the Pixel Count, ISO, IQ, AF, Processor, FPS, etc.) did NOT result in overly noticeable MSRP increases. (by the way, that is almost true amongst other manufacturers as well, including Nikon). By improving the previous model’s features, and maintaining (or dropping) the MSRP for the newer model, Canon has done very well in holding or improving its position in the market share.

2.   The Yen vs. USD argument is not going to dictate the MSRP. Otherwise, based on …….. chart, Canon would be asking for $10,145 for 1DX, which won’t fly!

3.   In its head-to-head competition with Nikon’s D800, Canon cannot reasonably ask for a higher MSRP than D800’s $3,000.  That is the not-to-exceed price ceiling. In fact, with D800’s long list of expanded features (36MP, Advanced AF, 16-bit Image Processing & Excellent IQ and Video, Built-In Pop-Up Flash, Automated HDR Mode, In-Camera Audio Monitoring & Headphone Jack, Active D-Lighting, USB 3.0 Connector, etc.), it would be wise for Canon to price its new 5D iii/X conservatively at a lower MSRP than D800’s $3,000. An MSRP of around $2,700, similar to 5D II (upon its introduction) would be reasonable.

Based on the above points, if Canon wishes to enjoy the same success and popularity that it had for its 5D line through the past generations, it should price its new 5D III/X at around $2,700.  Otherwise, D800 will win this battle. Simple as that!

In fact, the more I think about the [CR3] report for a MSRP of “Around” $3,500, the more it seems to me that perhaps that price is for a KIT Package, which includes the EF 24-105/f4 L IS II lens.  Now, That would make sense 

Let’s hope that Canon does the right thing next week……….for everyone’s sake.  They have about 4 more days to think hard and offer another successful product, at the correct price.

Good Luck everyone.

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Too right there - the zooms, 24-70, 70-200, 200-400 cover a wide range with very sharp lens

Thats where I really got to applaud Canon. 

When the cameras come, the optics will be there!

Canon 200-400 is $5000 (five-THOUSAND)  more than the Nikon version though yikes.... and yeah it has a built-in TC which is a very cool plus, but $5000 for a built-in TC  .


That said Nikon is entirely lacking nice stuff such as the 70-200 f/4 IS, 70-300 IS L, MPE65, etc. etc.