Future Canon DSLR Strategy for More Focused Products?

[Canon Rumors]

<p>Are the day of a Canon DSLR that can do a little bit of everything numbered? It’s suggested at Northlight that the “splitting” of camera lines will be the future of Canon’s DSLR strategy. Each camera model will have a specific customer in mind. As we can see, the 5D line is being split 2 ways (3 if you count the “R” model), can we expect the same with 1D line, or a DSLR that is focused on video first?</p>
<p><strong>From Northlight

</strong><em>“The ‘splitting’ of model types in the Canon DSLR range will be interesting to see from a product positioning point of view. I’m told that it’s seen as a major benefit from ‘bringing home’ a lot of Canon’s manufacturing, and will become integral in producing cameras that are marketed more by what you can do with them.”</em><strong>

</strong></p>
<p>Source: [<a href="http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/cameras/Canon_rumours.html" target="_blank">NL</a>]</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

 

[schmidtfilme]

If true it doesn't make me happy. I would like to see an allrounder. Great video, great photo. Just one body to carry around.

Everthing I like is in the A7 line from Sony. Too bad that I am invested in Canon gear. I might sell it.

What I would like:
- EVF
- great video codec w/ 50Mbit 4:2:2
- Mic and headphone
- slow motion

Sony delivers and develops real innovations. Canon on the other hand does the typical faster, higher, wider type of development. No innovations, just slow evolution. Nothing groundbreaking.

Well. Another 2K$ lost....

Cheers

 

[jeffa4444]

Been happening in the car industry for years why not electronic / cameras.

 

[bitm2007]

It’s suggested at Northlight that the “splitting” of camera lines will be the future of Canon’s DSLR strategy. Each camera model will have a specific customer in mind. As we can see, the 5D line is being split 2 ways (3 if you count the “R” model), can we expect the same with 1D line, or a DSLR that is focused on video first?

Yet a video mode is still going to be included on all three 5D model's, a feature that many still's photographers never use or want.

 

[Hesbehindyou]

Are the day of a Canon DSLR that can do a little bit of everything numbered?

No, we'll still see bodies that can do a lot of everything.

It’s suggested at Northlight that the “splitting” of camera lines will be the future of Canon’s DSLR strategy. Each camera model will have a specific customer in mind. As we can see, the 5D line is being split 2 ways (3 if you count the “R” model), can we expect the same with 1D line, or a DSLR that is focused on video first

I thought we already had that in the 1D line?

The reason for a specialism/split is that Canon can't make a 'best of breed' if it contains compromises. Want a high-ISO, high FPS, high dynamic range, high resolution camera? You'll only be able to buy those in cloud cuckoo land.

 

[NancyP]

1 entry APS-C (Rebels)
1 APS-C mini-camera (SL1)
1 video-oriented mid-level APS-C (70D)
1 pro-grade durable sports APS-C (7D2)
1 entry / low light specialist FF (6D)
1 mid-level generalist FF with decent video (5D3/4)
1 pro-grade durable generalist/sports/PJ FF (1DX)
1 studio/landscape FF in AA and AA-less versions (5Ds, s-R)

I am not a video shooter, but my impression is that the price reduction on the 1Dc could indicate that that traditional SLR shape will be eliminated and that all "pro-level" compact video cameras will have the Cx00 shape. Canon has a mature pro-grade video-specific lens line-up, other video camera manufacturers like Red offer Canon mount as well as Arri/PL Mount. The PDAF is meant for consumer grade video in X0D, 7D2, 5D4 series. Pro-grade video will still use manual focus pullers.

Canon must maintain its generalist line to maintain market share of DSLRs with Canon EF mount (in order to sell lenses!). They would like to sell people more than one camera, and the innovation in generalist upgrade path is slowing down for all DSLR manufacturers. There are two means of selling multiple bodies to one user: You can sell someone multiple copies of the same camera - backup camera for paid gigs. You can further differentiate your camera line. Sony has done a great job of the latter.

I badly want the Canon sensors to gain some dynamic range equivalent to the Exmor sensor series. Canon lenses deserve the best.

 

[Famateur]

I agree that Canon is addressing the need for a studio/landscape camera that has been lacking since the 1DSIII, but I'm not sure we can take that to mean that the 1D line will get carved up, too. I see this less as a pattern of dividing up each line and more of an answer to the question, "We need a studio/landscape camera -- where do we put it?"

Canon might have painted itself into a corner by saying the 1DX brought the split 1 Series together. Introducing the next studio/landscape camera in the 1 Series would split it again. This would make it hard to call the successor to the 1DX a 1DX Mark II, and it would be a shame for them to have to walk away from the reputation of the 1DX to introduce a newer body with a different name for its successor (i.e. it's better than the 1DX but no longer bridges the to paths of the 1 Series).

Between that and what I suspect was market research in pricing and forecasts for sales, it made better sense to split the 5 Series. That allows it to hit the pricing sweet spot for the studio/landscape body while not affecting the "jack of all trades" status of the 5D Mark III and its successor(s).

I'd be very surprised to see the 1 Series get a split any time soon, at least before a 1DX Mark II comes out.

 

[sunnyVan]

The Problem with a lot of people is that in reality they don't even know what they really want in the end.From the one hand they expect an overall performer which can take great photos, shoot amazing 4k video with slow mo, has at least 8-10fps, of course wifi built in, gps and a dr of 14.5 stops at least!! If they make a camera like this then all the other models in the market must be gone one and forever! Stop thinking like a S___head and do a research for what you really want! If you want everything spend 15-20k in 2-3 bodies and equipment and be happy.
5D3 last 2 years took very many bad reviews when gh4 and a7s came out.. but don't forget it is still the best overall performer as a still and video camera and of course in its category still in the 1st place in sales worldwide.Now Canon who took the decision to split these parts so you can stop complaining over and over again... NOW I hear complaints again.
Put your ass down and wait until you see how these new 5Ds perform in image quality and ergonomics and how is the new DR which brings new standards..

Haha. Well said.

 

[jeffa4444]

One significant problem to a price model that has three cameras in the $ 3500 - $ 4000 price band, enough customers.
The Sony A7, A7R, A7S are all significantly cheaper and you can bet Sony will have a 50MP competitor sometime soon. Canon are in danger of pricing customers out of their system not those already in it but those deciding to get into a system.
People by and large that visit Canon Rumors are Canon converts we complain and we praise but were loyal because were invested into the system its the iPhone generation getting into photography more seriously where Nikon & Sony have a more balanced and price competitive spread.

 

[RLPhoto]

We merged the 1D line to split up the 5D line. ;D ;D ;D Whatever, as long as we get new glass to go with them.

 

[fish_shooter]

I'd be very surprised to see the 1 Series get a split any time soon, at least before a 1DX Mark II comes out.

The 1D is currently split into X and C lines. It will be interesting to see if there will be a 1D C Mark II or not. Presently, there is probably more need to update the 1D C compared to the 1D X. For example, improved slow mo, add video functions such as peaking. As well 1D C Mk II could include Canon's video PDAF.

 

[AmbientLight]

For me diversification of camera models appears to be sensible.

I am not sure though, why a new landscape or studio camera must have a 5D form factor. I do much prefer the handling and battery power of a 1-series body and would prefer a rugged 1Ds-like body for landscape photography.

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Personally I'd rather have a D810 type beast that does high MP FF for some stuff and then 7fps high-speed in crop mode for sports and wildlife and you just carry and buy once than each thing have some aspect artificially crippled away (like the 5Ds seems to be 5fps in crop mode even though it has the processing to do 10fps there and even just re-using 5D3 mirror box could've given it 6fps there).

 

[mkabi]

The 1D is currently split into X and C lines. It will be interesting to see if there will be a 1D C Mark II or not. Presently, there is probably more need to update the 1D C compared to the 1D X. For example, improved slow mo, add video functions such as peaking. As well 1D C Mk II could include Canon's video PDAF.

+1
Personally, I don't think they will add 4K into the 5D mark 4, unless its a 5DC (and twice the price of the 5D4) and/or they have all the Cinema cameras doing at least 6K. Then again, I could be wrong.

 

[Famateur]

I'd be very surprised to see the 1 Series get a split any time soon, at least before a 1DX Mark II comes out.

The 1D is currently split into X and C lines. It will be interesting to see if there will be a 1D C Mark II or not. Presently, there is probably more need to update the 1D C compared to the 1D X. For example, improved slow mo, add video functions such as peaking. As well 1D C Mk II could include Canon's video PDAF.

Agreed. I made that disclaimer in one of the other threads but failed to add it here. It's a good point. That said, I think the Cinema line is considered by Canon to be a different enough animal than photography that it probably doesn't fall within the same market/product segmentation discussion.

With the recent price drops on both the 1DX and 1DC, they're probably both getting a refresh. Will be interesting to see what comes...

 

[privatebydesign]

I don't see there being a 1DC MkII, I would think a 5DC makes more sense. The 5DS and 5DS R will become the 5DS MkII just like the D800/D800E became the D810, and I see no reason to resplit the 1 series line, the 1DX Mk-- will continue alone.

In three or so years time we will have the 1DX MkII, the 5DS MkII, the 5D MkV, the 5DC, and whatever crop cameras they can sell. We will also have an M series that is actually worth a damn and AF's like a pro.

 

[PureClassA]

I'd be very surprised to see the 1 Series get a split any time soon, at least before a 1DX Mark II comes out.

The 1D is currently split into X and C lines. It will be interesting to see if there will be a 1D C Mark II or not. Presently, there is probably more need to update the 1D C compared to the 1D X. For example, improved slow mo, add video functions such as peaking. As well 1D C Mk II could include Canon's video PDAF.

Agreed. I made that disclaimer in one of the other threads but failed to add it here. It's a good point. That said, I think the Cinema line is considered by Canon to be a different enough animal than photography that it probably doesn't fall within the same market/product segmentation discussion.

With the recent price drops on both the 1DX and 1DC, they're probably both getting a refresh. Will be interesting to see what comes...

I'll keep repeating my prediction. 1DC and 1DX go away. Replaced by 1DX2. The 1DC is literally nothing more than a 1DX with a 4k firmware and Codec added in. Same sensor. Same body. Same CPUs, same FPS, same AF points, same EXACT camera. In 2015 it makes no sense whatsoever anymore. The original 1DX came out before 4k was "thing" and Canon reacted by taking that camera and adding the 4k codec and a hefty premium.

Think of it this way.

Is the 1DC going to get revamped with a new DPAF sensor? YES

Is the 1DX going to get revamped with a new DPAF sensor? YES

Short of Canon employing a totally NEW sensor in a new 4k DSLR built exclusively for video (like the a7s) these two cameras will become one.

We should have 2, 4k Canon DSLRs by year end. a 5D4 with mid-upper twenties MP and a 1DX2 with lo-mid twenties (I'd LOVE a 6D style 20.2MP sensor with DPAF added or a 5D3 22MP sensor with DPAF added), a whole new kick-as$ 101 point AF dual cross whatever etc...

If a new 1DC2 comes out and costs $12000 again ($4k above a separate 1DC2), Canon can put a gun in their mouth and pull the trigger on that one. If they come out with a single 1DXC or 1DX2 at $7-8K being the best action cam and has superb 4k.... They will sell a lot.