I know folks expect a 5DV to come in 2020-2021, but I would generally expect the prosumer bodies to come out less frequently from now on. The road maps have to extend quite a distance into the future, perhaps to 2029 or beyond today for existing camera lines given the development cycles involved, so just because something appears on a road map does not mean its release is imminent.
The business case for extended time between releases appears strong to me. Technology improvement is not progressing as fast as it was, driven in part by limitations in chip manufacturing. Bodies are more durable and satisfy customers for a long time. Canon probably needs a larger technology gap between EF body versions to induce enthusiasts to upgrade; that particular challenge is increased with the mirrorless line now released. The reasonable business response is to extend the time between bodies in the 5D line to once every 6-7 years instead of every 4 and make the upgrades as substantial as possible (I think a lower frequency than that plays havoc with consumer expectations). So perhaps a 5DSR body will make it out for Christmas of 2021, but I would expect the 5D Mark V closer to the late 2022/ early 2023 time frame. The latter makes sense to me given the enthusiast propensity for spring purchases and the need for a wider gap between the 5D and 5DSR body release dates.
On the plus side, I would expect the new models to demonstrate one or two intriguing new features and some respectable incremental improvements in image quality, and that the interchangeability of grips and similarity of menus/buttons will be retained in the 5D lineup release pairs.
If I were Canon, I would also consider carefully leaking a little information to enthusiasts via interviews provided to sites like Canon Rumors and Canon News as release times approach. I tend to believe that letting enthusiasts know that a new camera is expected in the next year or year and a half can whet their appetites and keep them from jumping ship, especially when revealing details of a highly desired feature. It also shows appreciation for prosumer enthusiasm for Canon products by sharing the information where they hang out. It also wouldn't hurt if company executives explained changes in release cycles in the manner I've done above so enthusiasts better understand the industry.
The business case for extended time between releases appears strong to me. Technology improvement is not progressing as fast as it was, driven in part by limitations in chip manufacturing. Bodies are more durable and satisfy customers for a long time. Canon probably needs a larger technology gap between EF body versions to induce enthusiasts to upgrade; that particular challenge is increased with the mirrorless line now released. The reasonable business response is to extend the time between bodies in the 5D line to once every 6-7 years instead of every 4 and make the upgrades as substantial as possible (I think a lower frequency than that plays havoc with consumer expectations). So perhaps a 5DSR body will make it out for Christmas of 2021, but I would expect the 5D Mark V closer to the late 2022/ early 2023 time frame. The latter makes sense to me given the enthusiast propensity for spring purchases and the need for a wider gap between the 5D and 5DSR body release dates.
On the plus side, I would expect the new models to demonstrate one or two intriguing new features and some respectable incremental improvements in image quality, and that the interchangeability of grips and similarity of menus/buttons will be retained in the 5D lineup release pairs.
If I were Canon, I would also consider carefully leaking a little information to enthusiasts via interviews provided to sites like Canon Rumors and Canon News as release times approach. I tend to believe that letting enthusiasts know that a new camera is expected in the next year or year and a half can whet their appetites and keep them from jumping ship, especially when revealing details of a highly desired feature. It also shows appreciation for prosumer enthusiasm for Canon products by sharing the information where they hang out. It also wouldn't hurt if company executives explained changes in release cycles in the manner I've done above so enthusiasts better understand the industry.
Upvote
0