Threads

Maiaibing · Jan 31, 2015

Canon is finally acting on their deep DSLR sales troubles and have initiated a declared turn around by looking more at what buyers want. The high megapix cameras are the first steps in regaining Canon's lost ground. Equally exciting is the promise to "comprehensively" improve image quality.

But there is more. Because for once Canon has actually said a lot about how they see their market position, what's hurting their DSLR sales and what they intend to do about it (once again they have to note a double digit collapse y/y - this year by a staggering 17%).

This has naturally lead Canon Camera division to make some heavy soul searching - also trying to explain to owners and board what they intend to do about this.

So here is the story as Canon sees it:

The problem:

2014 DSLR sales down 17% after they originally announced the ambition to have flat sales through 2013/2014.

___

The analysis:

Factors entry users considered important at the time of purchase (Based on a survey conducted by a third party firm)

Top Priority Factors
•High image quality/High resolution

Factors Increasing in Priority
•Improvement in auto focus, speed, etc.
•Usability
•Size and weight
•Wireless communication

___

The turn around:

Products
•Launch new DSLR and Mirrorless cameras
•Enhance lineup of interchangeable-lenses
•Strengthen network affinity (Ex. Connect Station)

Marketing
•Expand photography workshops
•New users
•Users looking to upgrade to next level
•Rollout tailored marketing strategies that effectively reach targeted customers

*) Note: hope Canon does not think Connect Station is the networking we want to see...

___

The details:

"Demand for interchangeable-lens digital cameras continued to face harsh conditions due to the economic slowdown."

"...although sales volume of interchangeable-lens digital cameras declined owing to the shrinking market—in Japan as a result of the reaction following the rush in demand prior to the consumption tax increase, and in Europe and other markets due to worsening economic conditions—the advanced-amateur-model EOS 7D Mark II achieved healthy growth, enabling Canon to maintain the market’s top share."

"demand for interchangeable-lens digital cameras is expected to recover gradually"

"For cameras, efforts will be made to comprehensively raise aspects such as image-quality, visual expression, and operability. At the same time, Canon will work to further strengthen the network capabilities of these products."

___

My notes from the conference call:

Plan to introduce more DSLR camera models than previous years to stimulate additional demand in this segment.

Contributing factors to the double digit sales drop aside from weak market:

1. Heavy camera inventory stock in beginning of 2014. Difficult to reduce because of severe price competition. Have tried to keep prices up in spite of this.
2. Also last year Canon only introduced one new DSLR model which was not enough to stimulate demand.
3. Technological innovation was driven by pixel count competition. User needs have at the same time diversified.

These factors account for our double digit decline in units sales.

Still some bright spots such as healthy 7DII sales. Giving Canon confidence that innovative products can stimulate demand.
___

Interesting times ahead!

Diko · Jan 31, 2015

After I read this poll in the Sony Rumors site about Canon becoming again a serious threat for Sony? I saw this article.

Mirrorless shares in Japan during the last 12 months.

and

with more comments from here

Having in mind the following I decided to ask the Canon users. What do you think?

Diko said:
... some Canon Financial Results 2014 and two additional summaries. First one & Second one

I left the poll open for modifications (if I managed to do it properly). Feel free to add options and comments are welcomed.

Paddyglass · Jan 31, 2015

I just got some old 8mm video reel converted to digital (taken on a Canon 514XL in 1978).
While its content is priceless I was struck by how incredible the gear we have today is in comparison.

Back to 2015 and the video from my 1Dx is stunning. Every time I put on a different Canon lens on my body I think - actually this is an incredible lens too! So thank you to all the engineers and scientists who have contributed to gifting us insanely powerful photography equipment.

Some people are waiting for the never to arrive tomorrow to be satisfied - incremental updates in dynamic range come to mind!

I seem to be having a very insighful and mindful morning

bmwzimmer · Jan 30, 2015

So it doesn't look like there is any competition for the Sony A7S. I think it would make good sense to release the 5D iv next summer or fall with a 24-30mp sensor and with the 1DX's true autofocus capability and shortly afterwards release the 6D mkii with a 12 mp A7S sensor with a 19pt AF and all plastic but semi weather sealed body (like the 70D) capable of recording 4K (presumably like the 5D iv) but crippled (in Canon fashion) to have only 1 SD card and no headphone jack.

PhotographyFirst · Jan 30, 2015

With the release of the new 5D models, and the competition from the D750, I think Canon is going to make the following moves.

The next Canon Rebel will move slightly up market in terms of price, and way up in terms of features. A top LCD, wheel lock, and rear wheel are pretty big pluses that made the existing Rebels a little cumbersome in quick use.

Canon 80D will be slightly better specs than the next Rebel but with an emphasis on video functions over the next Rebel. Focus systems will be similar. Canon is smart to get entry users of Rebels accustomed to the control layouts of a top LCD and rear wheel, thus making the move up to a 80D or 7D2 much easier.

The 7D2 will remain where it is for now.

The 6D2, will move down market in terms of price and build quality. It is not quite down to "super rebel" standards yet. I think there is a large market for a bare-bones full frame model that can entice people to move up from crop. Current 6D prices are pretty good, but maybe Canon can get the next model even lower? They would be silly not to give it a Rebel form factor with the articulating touch screen. A near $1000 FF model like this would fly off the shelves.

The 5D4 will improve slightly in specs and might add better video. Most importantly, it might move down market in terms of cost to compete with the D750, which is a beast of a machine for the price. Still up in the air if they would be brave enough to add a tilt screen. Personally, as someone who has done wedding and journalism work in the past, a tilt screen can be super handy when you can't just push your way around through people. (unless you're a jerk wedding photographer, LOL) It will get Dual Pixel AF for video and if it comes with a tilt screen it will make shooting much faster and more accurate.

The new 5Ds models will take on the feature and price segment of the D810. Canon would be wise not to price it above the D810, if they plan on getting market share back that was lost to Nikon.

I think this makes sense and could be a very real possibility given the way the market is changing right now. I also think Canon is going to push harder over the next 5 years to crush the competition in lens advancements and offerings. It is cheaper than trying to crush the competition on sensor or AF performance alone. Their new line if STM lenses out out of this world for image quality at the price. I got a 55-250 STM which is honestly right up there with my 70-200l F4 IS on a crop camera. L quality is working its way down into the cheapest lenses Canon offers.

That is all. Any thoughts?

Canon Rumors · Jan 30, 2015

HTML:

<p>We <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2015/01/eos-5d-mark-iii-replacement-talk-cr2/" target="_blank">reported a few weeks ago</a> that the “5D” line would be split into the 3 cameras, the two 5DS cameras as well as the 5D Mark IV.</p>
<p>Today we were told that the 5D Mark IV is indeed coming in 2015 and will focus on being a lowlight event and sports type of camera with good enough image quality for pretty much anything else you throw at it. The camera could also be the next Canon DSLR to get 4K video recording, along with new video features. We haven’t heard anything in regards to an EOS-1D C replacement, which lends some credence to the rumors that the next 5D Mark XX will take over where the 1D C will leave off, though we don’t want to say that’s a for sure thing right now.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/cameras/Canon_5d4.html" target="_blank">Northlight</a> reports that the camera is currently scheduled for an announcement in August and will see a modest increase in megapixels.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

ScottyP · Jan 30, 2015

Pretty cool.

http://www.thephoblographer.com/2015/01/30/dslrs-focal-plane-shutter-slowed-10000fps/#more-70041

Jesse · Jan 30, 2015

If the lens is back focusing (ie. focusing behind the focus point), do you want to move the adjustment + or - ?

Marsu42 · Jan 30, 2015

5Ds and 5Ds-R ... given the choice and let's think both models have the same price tag: Which one would you buy?

Background: For years we enthusiasts have been bashing Nikon for their trollish removal of the aa filter on the d800e, conning innocent users out of their money for moiré-ridden stills and videos. And now Canon follows suit! If you've missed the discussion, here's a link with some information on the effects of the low pass filter by an expert: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d800/vs-d800e.htm

Marsu42 · Jan 30, 2015

Is Canon being driven into releasing a high-mp camera by Sonikon trolls, or is there an actual demand for more resolution even beyond what the competition delivers?

Vote here how much metapixies you require for your *general* shooting style - either for wall-sized prints, selling stock, zoooooooming in macro, cropping for reach, changing aspect ratio or just for showing off!

Note that the poll is not meant as "get it for free", but as in "pay more for money for it" and "trade-off resolution vs. noise" - so please consider for a moment or we we'd just get a "more is better" result.

np2576 · Jan 30, 2015

hello everyone. I purchased a Canon 70-200 f4 last year for only 600 dollars and now that i do indoor sports, i been thinking of getting the 2.8 is ii. I found someone i can trade lenses with with 800 coming from me. its a hell of a deal to get the 2.8 is ii for 1400. Should i do it?

surapon · Jan 30, 2015

Dear Friends
Yes, Just for friends , who have GAS. Illness and get 7D MK II like me, FROM CPN.

http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/education/tipsandtricks.do?utm_source=newsletter_january_4_15&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter

Enjoy
Surapon

Canon Rumors · Jan 30, 2015

HTML:

<p>The first thing people have noticed is the maximum ISO of 6400 for both the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R.</p>
<p>We’re told this is because of a much stronger CFA which will produce much greater color accuracy than anything currently in the Canon lineup.</p>
<p>The EOS 5D Mark IV will be the camera geared to sensitivity and lowlight performance and we will see one sometime in 2015.</p>
<p><em>More to come…</em></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

leichenmuehle · Jan 30, 2015

Hello Guys, exactly one month ago i had bought the new 7D MarkII.
Since this date i shoot ~900 Pictures with it. So in my opinion after 100 shots the battery level is down, and i
have to recharge the battery. This makes me think about it, the outside temperature in our country levels about 0 degree celcius! Has any one the same Problem? Or is it maybe the AF system who leeches out the battery?
Thank you

Canon Rumors · Jan 30, 2015

HTML:

<p>The specifications for the long rumoured Canon EF 11-24 f/4L USM have finally been revealed.</p>
<p><strong>Canon EF 11-24 f/4L USM (UPDATED February 1, 2015 Google Translated)</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="notranslate">Lens arrangement 16 sheets group 11</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">4 aspherical lens (large diameter grinding aspheric single, large-diameter glass molded aspherical one, two glass mold aspherical)</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">One Super UD lens, one UD lens</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">SWC coating (two-sided)</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">ASC coating (one side)</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">The fluorine-coded into the rear lens and the front lens</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">Diaphragm blades nine.</span> <span class="notranslate">The aperture circular</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">Minimum aperture is F22</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">In the shortest shooting distance is 24mm 0.28m, 0.32m in 11mm</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">0.16 times at the maximum photographic magnification is 24mm, 0.06 times in 11mm</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">AF motor ring USM</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">Full-time manual focus</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">Dust and water</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">Rear gelatin filter holder</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">Total length 132mm, maximum diameter 108mm</span></li>
<li><span class="notranslate">Weight 1180g</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Source: [<a href="http://digicame-info.com/2015/01/ef11-24mm-f4l-1.html" target="_blank">DCI</a>]</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

pedro · Jan 30, 2015

Hi, just saw this at NL

"Two new 5D variants are suggested, both with a 50.6MP full frame CMOS sensor
An EOS 5DS R version will be without low-pass filter
Magnesium alloy body, dust and water sealed
Dual DIGIC6
ISO 100-6400
5 fps
High precision 61 AF points
EOS iTR AF
150,000 pixel RGB + IR photometry sensor
New "fine detail" picture style
1.3x and 1.6x crop modes
Customisable "Quick Control Screen"
Time-lapse movie
Interval Timer, Bulb timer
This info (and pic) first appeared on the japanese site [DC - Google xlt]"
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdigicame-info.com%2F2015%2F01%2Feos-5ds-eos-5ds-r.html&edit-text=

http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/cameras/Canon_5ds.html

Jesse · Jan 29, 2015

Alright, so I bought the dock. Now someone tell me what to do!

Stupid question but of course there's no answer anywhere: if the lens is backfocusing (i.e. focusing behind the focus point), do I go + or - ?

Also are all versions from the same year different? If not, is there one way to do it? i.e. I have a 5D3 and a 2014 version, can someone just tell me what to set it to?

luckydude · Jan 29, 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmjeCchGRQo

I was sort of surprised about how much slop there was.

Also watch until almost the end when he shows how vertical stuff gets tilted when you are moving.

xps · Jan 29, 2015

Dpreview.com wrote:

Canon's Q4 earnings report shows camera sales are down

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/5928296460/canon-q4-earnings-report-shows-camera-sales-are-down

Vaughan · Jan 29, 2015

If you're using magic lantern Firmware (or planing on it) you probably shouldn't install this Firmware.
http://www.eoshd.com/.../canon-blocking-magic-lantern.../

YuengLinger · Jan 29, 2015

Hi, all, tired of waiting for Sigma to release a firmware update for its 50mm 1.4 Art, and yearning for a fast fifty with a little more magic than my faithful old ef 50mm 1.4 now permanently affixed to a 60D, I bought a 50mm 1.2. Should arrive early next week.

I'll be using it on a 5DIII for adding slightly impressionistic images to portrait series. I've seen a lot of beautiful work done with misty backlighting and twilight backgrounds, as well as subtle motion blurs in low light. Fifty millimeters is a very comfortable FL for me, and I also plan to use it for taking pictures of my baby daughter as she grows up.

Now I've seen many of the pros and cons of this lens, and I don't want to hear all the reasons it won't work.

Also, I have several razor sharp lenses. If I could have only one lens, it would have to be sharp. But as my photography progresses, I see the beauty in light and form, radiance and color, as also being valid and pleasing.

What I'm hoping for is solid advice on how to use the lens near minimum focal distance so that I can overcome focus shift.

For example, should I AF on a nose, or a cheek, or an eyebrow to try and get an eye sharp?

I'm NOT good at manual focus unless I have a lot of time and the subject isn't moving. Ahem.

Thanks!

Machaon · Jan 29, 2015

I was recently looking at the drop-in filter solution used for the Canon super-telephotos, and it made me wonder why drop-ins aren't also used for the really bulbous ultra-wides that don't readily support front-fitting filters.

Is there a technical reason why drop-in filters aren't used for the bulbous ultra-wides?

Perhaps the optical stack of UWA lenses needs to be so close to the flange that it doesn't allow room for a drop-in filter?

Cheers.

Canon Rumors · Jan 29, 2015

HTML:

<p><strong>Firmware Version 2.0.7 incorporates the following functional improvements and fixes.</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Improves the AF controllability when shooting in Live View mode with a wide-angle lens (fixed focal length or zoom).</li>
<li>Fixes a phenomenon in which, when shooting long exposures (several minutes), vertical lines appear on the right edge of captured images (still photos).</li>
<li>Fixes a phenomenon in which the Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) may not perform as intended when in continuous shooting mode and where the shutter speed is longer than 1 second.</li>
<li>Improves the reliability of the control mechanism for the Picture Style Auto setting.</li>
<li>Fixes a phenomenon in which the electronic level indicator does not work correctly.</li>
<li>Fixes a phenomenon in which, when using the “Save and read camera settings” function, the color space data that is selected in “Custom shooting mode (C1-C3)” is not saved. *1</li>
<li>Corrects some incorrect indications on the “English” and “Russian” menu screens.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/professional_cameras/digital_slr_cameras/eos_1d_x?WT.mc_id=C126149#DriversAndSoftware" target="_blank">Download firmware 2.0.7 at Canon USA</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

Canon Rumors · Jan 29, 2015

HTML:

<p><strong>Firmware Version 1.3.3 incorporates the following improvement and fix.</strong></p>
<p>1. Improves the AF controllability when shooting in Live View mode with a wide-angle lens (fixed focal length or zoom).

2. Corrects some incorrect indications on the “English” and “Russian” menu screens.</p>
<p>Firmware Version 1.3.3 is for cameras with Firmware Version 1.2.3 or earlier. If your camera’s firmware is already Version 1.3.3, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

When updating the firmware of your camera, please first review the instructions thoroughly before downloading.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://usa.canon.com/cusa/support/professional/professional_cameras/eos_digital_slr_cameras/eos_5d_mark_iii?WT.mc_id=C126149#DriversAndSoftware" target="_blank">Download firmware 1.3.3. at Canon USA</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

andrewflo · Jan 29, 2015

Seems like the story that came out a few weeks ago about the inability to downgrade from 1.3.3 once installed is true (according to CW).

Essentially that means no Magic Lantern support for 5DIII bodies fresh out of the factory... what a shame :/

via CanonWatch
http://www.canonwatch.com/canon-release-new-firmware-eos-5d-mark-iii-ver-1-3-3/
http://www.canonwatch.com/canon-release-new-firmware-eos-1d-x-ver-2-0-7/

Threads

Threads

Poll Poll Canon wants to become number 1 in the mirrorless market by end 2017.

Yes, Canon will regain its leading position in all image systems markets

No, Sony will be the main obstacle

No, the overall Smartphone market is a key factor

Else

Poll Poll POLL: aa, or not to aa (5ds vs. 5dsr) ?

YES! sharper is always better

Yes, I'm willing to take the risk of aliasing/moiré

No, the tradeoff doesn't appeal to me

NO, don't see any need & never touch a running system

Poll Poll POLL: How many mp do you want anyway?

12mp like Sony a7r

18mp, proven to be plenty 'nuff

22mp like the old 5d3

36mp like the evil d800

50mp like our new flagship

more, I still want more!

Locked Canon Releases New Firmware: 5DIII v1.3.3 & 1DX v2.0.7

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Poll

Canon wants to become number 1 in the mirrorless market by end 2017.

Poll

POLL: aa, or not to aa (5ds vs. 5dsr) ?

Poll

POLL: How many mp do you want anyway?

Locked

Canon Releases New Firmware: 5DIII v1.3.3 & 1DX v2.0.7