Given the latest 1DX, 5D4 and 6D2 rumors ....
There are supposedly 4 new camera bodies we will see no later than Spring/Summer of 2016.
1DX2 at 25MP
5D4 at 28MP
5D4C at 18MP
6D2 at 28MP
The Complete Pro / Semi-Pro Canon Lineup could look like (existing and rumored cameras combined):
1DX2 at 25MP
5D4 at 28MP
5D4C at 18MP
5DS at 50MP
5DSR at 50MP
6D2 at 28MP
7D2 at 20MP
First, it seems like just too many cameras. Now, this might not be an issue for Canon since they would be using the same body and all else except for sensor and AF on the 5D line. But either way, the lineup is vastly expanded. Canon has gone from 4 cameras spanning from the 7D to the 1DX, to potentially 7 cameras.
Secondly, it is top heavy. What is at the low end? Just the 6D2 which will likely be too crippled for even an entry level FF camera. (the 7D2 is added due to build quality, and the way in which Canon markets this as useful for Pro use). It will stand alone in the $2K area where all the 5D series are $3.5K -
If the rumors hold up - this means Canon's strategy is to very much increase choices and expand in the high end arena. Does this mean they will continue keeping up with medium range cameras (70D)? Doesn't seem to make much sense to me. But I'm not a product and marketing specialist. Maybe Canon figures that with their professional lenses, which they have been aggressively updating and innovating in - is the future market place and they are making a move to be a more high end DSLR company. In other words, people buy Canon for their L lenses. People who can afford L lenses are going to buy high end bodies also.
Some say the expansion and updating of pro lenses is for the higher resolution cameras. I'm not so sure they would update that many lenses and that much glass in recent years just for the 5DS. Granted, updates are always needed. However, Canon updated lenses that weren't really out of date or lacking. They made several already great lenses even better. Quite a push from Canon for updates in lenses when they have zero pressure from Nikon in that regard.
I guess I'm just wondering what from Canon, in FF, will compete feature-wise with Nikon in the $1,300 - $2,000 price bracket? So far, nothing.
And given what features are starting to be offered in the Rebel T6, one has to wonder if the 70D line has run its course. Is there a market for $1,200+ APS-C anymore? I really believe and feel that most people want FF for over $1,300 - given the prices of the 6D and D610. While high FPS, and AF and other specialty things are great (7D2), the all mighty FF sensor is by far the biggest feature of interest. It impacts people's photography the most.
Does 3 lines of APS-C survive in the future market? Rebel -> 70D -> 7D2
I think with the 7D2 falling to the prices it has, and with the features that it offers which is far and above the 70D line, there isn't likely going to be an 80D. Something has to give. Price and feature wise, things are getting squished in the crop world. Where does Canon price an 80D? Where do they put it feature wise? Can they seriously release an 80D at the usual price bracket when the 7D2 sells for what it does? Who would buy it?
The main attraction of the 7D2 is the FPS, AF and build quality. It certainly isn't the sensor or IQ. IQ that can be had in cameras less than 1/2 the price. The opposite could happen - the 7D2 is the last 7D we'll ever see, and the 80D will remain as the last king of high end APS-C maxing out in the $1,200-1,300 range with more MP. If they increase the features of the 80D to cover a little of what the 7D2 did, that's all they need. To get the rest of the 7D2's features, one would need to go to the 5D line.
And remember, this is all in the context of a shrinking DSLR market and sales. Perhaps Canon thinks that the last bastion for DSLR profit is among the high end where all out quality and features is demanded and where it is paid for?
Canon seems to be avoiding the low-to-midrange FF market by only offering the 6D, while Nikon embraces it. Should be interesting to see how this all plays out.
There are supposedly 4 new camera bodies we will see no later than Spring/Summer of 2016.
1DX2 at 25MP
5D4 at 28MP
5D4C at 18MP
6D2 at 28MP
The Complete Pro / Semi-Pro Canon Lineup could look like (existing and rumored cameras combined):
1DX2 at 25MP
5D4 at 28MP
5D4C at 18MP
5DS at 50MP
5DSR at 50MP
6D2 at 28MP
7D2 at 20MP
First, it seems like just too many cameras. Now, this might not be an issue for Canon since they would be using the same body and all else except for sensor and AF on the 5D line. But either way, the lineup is vastly expanded. Canon has gone from 4 cameras spanning from the 7D to the 1DX, to potentially 7 cameras.
Secondly, it is top heavy. What is at the low end? Just the 6D2 which will likely be too crippled for even an entry level FF camera. (the 7D2 is added due to build quality, and the way in which Canon markets this as useful for Pro use). It will stand alone in the $2K area where all the 5D series are $3.5K -
If the rumors hold up - this means Canon's strategy is to very much increase choices and expand in the high end arena. Does this mean they will continue keeping up with medium range cameras (70D)? Doesn't seem to make much sense to me. But I'm not a product and marketing specialist. Maybe Canon figures that with their professional lenses, which they have been aggressively updating and innovating in - is the future market place and they are making a move to be a more high end DSLR company. In other words, people buy Canon for their L lenses. People who can afford L lenses are going to buy high end bodies also.
Some say the expansion and updating of pro lenses is for the higher resolution cameras. I'm not so sure they would update that many lenses and that much glass in recent years just for the 5DS. Granted, updates are always needed. However, Canon updated lenses that weren't really out of date or lacking. They made several already great lenses even better. Quite a push from Canon for updates in lenses when they have zero pressure from Nikon in that regard.
I guess I'm just wondering what from Canon, in FF, will compete feature-wise with Nikon in the $1,300 - $2,000 price bracket? So far, nothing.
And given what features are starting to be offered in the Rebel T6, one has to wonder if the 70D line has run its course. Is there a market for $1,200+ APS-C anymore? I really believe and feel that most people want FF for over $1,300 - given the prices of the 6D and D610. While high FPS, and AF and other specialty things are great (7D2), the all mighty FF sensor is by far the biggest feature of interest. It impacts people's photography the most.
Does 3 lines of APS-C survive in the future market? Rebel -> 70D -> 7D2
I think with the 7D2 falling to the prices it has, and with the features that it offers which is far and above the 70D line, there isn't likely going to be an 80D. Something has to give. Price and feature wise, things are getting squished in the crop world. Where does Canon price an 80D? Where do they put it feature wise? Can they seriously release an 80D at the usual price bracket when the 7D2 sells for what it does? Who would buy it?
The main attraction of the 7D2 is the FPS, AF and build quality. It certainly isn't the sensor or IQ. IQ that can be had in cameras less than 1/2 the price. The opposite could happen - the 7D2 is the last 7D we'll ever see, and the 80D will remain as the last king of high end APS-C maxing out in the $1,200-1,300 range with more MP. If they increase the features of the 80D to cover a little of what the 7D2 did, that's all they need. To get the rest of the 7D2's features, one would need to go to the 5D line.
And remember, this is all in the context of a shrinking DSLR market and sales. Perhaps Canon thinks that the last bastion for DSLR profit is among the high end where all out quality and features is demanded and where it is paid for?
Canon seems to be avoiding the low-to-midrange FF market by only offering the 6D, while Nikon embraces it. Should be interesting to see how this all plays out.
