What's going on?
I've been asking a few people on their thoughts about the chances of seeing new pro bodies in 2009. The general consensus has been that we might see a 1D near the end of 2009 and will not see a new 1Ds until 2010.
1D
Since the sub mirror fix, the 1D has been selling relatively well. Obviously not as well as Canon hoped before the release. People have had very good experiences with the camera and the positive press from users has helped with a resurgence of sales.
1Ds
It has sold about as well as planned. It's a high margin camera with a price tag that probably won't be staying stable through 2009. You can expect solid price drops. It's a great camera, with amazing resolving power that impresses anyone that uses it. Like the 1D, it's just missing the “sexiness” of the D3… whatever that means.
Nikon D3/D3x
It appears Nikon will be launching a 24mp version of the D3 on the 1st of December if our friend at Nikon Rumors is correct. This will be sure to cause a lot of Canonites to become quite angry and green. I can almost see the forum threads now!
2009 isn't going to be Canon's year of “wow”(sorry Microsoft) unless you want a new Rebel or a 60D. So sit tight, and enjoy making great images with your currect EOS-1's… I will be.
cr
29 Comments
It’s a real shame that there’s the whole brand fanboyism, as it ruins the mood of photography. As has already been mentioned, as each company brings out an improved camera, the others are forced to play catchup (I really hope that Fuji and Pentax have something good in the works).
It’ll be interesting to see if the RED “super” sensors (Would love to know if they actually have that 617 sensor as a real working prototype, instead concept) push the big three to lay into R&D and risk a possible foray into MF.
But honestly. People have been taking downright stunning photos for many many years with what would now be considered sub-par equipment. Advancement doesn’t equal better photos, it just means some things become easier to do.
Keith, the real reason why Canon didn’t release a 5D2 last year it’s because they played the slow update game and realize that Nikon shift them… because of their laziness. That surely hit revenue and it seems that now, they want us to pay for their mess by creating all this hype around availability issue.
I love Canon, I have more L lenses (8 L + 2 non-L) than I should. I’m a real supporter. But to be honest, I believe Canon failed in the area
1- the 1 year delay of the 5DII
2- the mess with the 1DMKIII
3- the 50D 15MP ( why so many pixels anyway…)
It’s not because I have Canon’s DNA that I can’t be objective about their issues. I’m not playing the fanboy game but I would like to see them a bit more proactive than reactive. The new 5DMKII seems to bit on the proactive side… but if availability is as bad as we are hearing, they might loose that proactive touch for the new Nikon D3x or D4.
Rox
Nikon has very nice cameras, the GUI and ergonomics are great. I am still loving Nikon but the gap was huge for many years.
Nikon trusted in NON-FULL-FRAME cameras, then they designed non full frame lenses, and now they need to work on new lenses to fit the new FF cameras.
Rox
Well I think they played the slow update, I don’t know about the shift with 5D class. Maybe the 1d. There was nothing out to compete with the 5D and people were still buying up the original and now 3 years later Nikon comes out with the D700. I don’t think the D700 was impressive enough to make too many 5D owners jump ship when they new something had to be coming shortly.
From what I had gathered (depending on who/what you believe) they contemplated a 16 MP update to the 5D but didn’t release it. I’m glad because this year we get a 21 MP.
If they had released a 16MP people would have complained a 4MP upgrade wasn’t worth it and a 21 back then would have cut the 1ds3’s throat. And today everyone would be complaining because Sony has a 24 MP and Nikon may have one coming also.
I don’t know how to tell Canon to please everyone, but I am happy to know I’m very high up on a list to get the 5D2 when it arrives.
LordBug, you are so true. People took great pictures way before the Canon 5D, 1D mk I etc. They will continue to take great pictures long after the new Nikon or Canon will be released.
I am personally awaiting anything new high-end released in 2009 as I have a saved up for my first 1D and the money is just burning a huge hole in my pocket right now. Will it make me take better photos when I get it? I doubt it, but I still want it! ;-)
I’m a gear-head so I can’t help my self ;-)