Modular DSLR Coming from Canon? [CR2]

[Canon Rumors]

<p>We’re told that Canon will introduce a brand new DSLR model some time in 2015 that will be somewhat modular. All we were told is that the viewfinder will be interchangeable, as well as “other parts of the camera”. We’re trying to find out what else would be removable on a DSLR.</p>
<p>This camera will be video focused, but a competent stills shooter as well. It sounds like it could be a part of the Cinema EOS line and I would suspect it would appear at NAB in April, 2015.</p>
<p>More to come…</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

 

[AcutancePhotography]

I would be a big fan of a fully modular camera system.

One could choose the body, the sensor, the lenses separately to give the combination that is best for the individual.

It would be especially nice if it would be modularized across manufacturers, but I doubt that would ever happen.

 

[neosec]

What else could be modular?...

• Lens mount
• Built in flash
• Sensor
• LCD
• Storage options (SSD?)
• Camera body mount
• Communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, 4G, SatCom?)
• Power options (Li Ion, AA Alkaline, AC, USB)
• Processor(s)
• Auto focus system

Any other ideas?

 

[DominoDude]

Even though I used the word "modular" the other day - in the thread about a hypothetical dSLR ultimate from Canon - I have to deny any involvement in this...

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Cinema cameras are modular, but also extremely expensive. Each part has to be engineered with a reliable way of connecting / removing it, as well as a standardized communication channel among the electronics in each part.

While a 4 or 5 or 6K Cinema camera can take competent stills, the price tag of $60K + for a complete setup does not lend itself to still shooters.

Modular Cameras are heavy and bulky, but that is not a big issue for Cinema, they are used to large cameras.

It could have a body with sensor, external battery module, lens adapter modules (EF, PL, ect), Viewfinder, recording module, sound module, display screen, focus puller module, and a ton of stuff used for cinema.

 

[Diko]

Wow a CR2 sounds quite interesting in the sea of CR1 speculations..

What else could be modular?...

• Lens mount

• Sensor

• Storage options (SSD?)

• Camera body mount

• Communication

• Power options

• Processor(s)

• Auto focus system

These few sounds quite nice as options to me. I don't mind Canon leaving the marketing segmentation up to the customer. Especially when we are talking about Pro Level equipment. One can buy what one needs and is important in his area of shooting.

However again they seem to be trend followers. Modular cameras are existing for quite some time. In their endeavor to conquer Hollywood they are a little late. Hollywood is not what it was 25 years ago during the VHS era.

A modular DSLR on the other hand would be perfect. However in times of migrating to both Mirrorless and Medium Format unfortunately it might not bring a lot of sense as well. :-(

 

[tyger11]

Finally, something truly interesting from Canon!

 

[Antono Refa]

What else could be modular?...

• Lens mount
• Built in flash
• Sensor
• LCD
• Storage options (SSD?)
• Camera body mount
• Communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, 4G, SatCom?)
• Power options (Li Ion, AA Alkaline, AC, USB)
• Processor(s)
• Auto focus system

Any other ideas?

I doubt the lens mount would be modular.

For starters, if the photographer can switch the lens mount, he can buy a modular Canon body + Nikon mount + Nikon lenses, and that's not good for Canon's bottom line.

One could argue the mount isn't just mechanics, and Canon wouldn't develop firmware for Nikon F mount, but think about Sigma selling it's lenses with a lens mount module for Canon + firmware (loads magic lantern style) to reliably focus it's lenses? Or Nikon selling F lens mount module for Canon + firmware?

Another issue is integration and QA. The more modules and combinations you have, the more QA you have to do, and there would be finger pointing in case of problems with 3rd party modules.

Which is why I think options would be very limited to options like viewfinder and battery trays in grips.

 

[andrewflo]

Can't really speak too much about modular components, but I'd love to see a video-focused cinema DSLR camera with something in the ballpark of:

• $3k - $4k price range
• Full frame sensor ~12mp
• DPAF
• Tilt touch screen
• EVF
• 1080p 60fps (4K would be nice, but probably not going to happen)
• MPEG2/AVCHD codec options
• Clean 4:2:2 out (again, 10 bit would be nice but probably not happening at sub $4k)
• No time recording limit
• Focus peaking/zebras
• 19 point all cross type auto focus
• ISO range 100-51,200 (expandable to 50-204,800)
• Smooth ISO ramping auto-exposure like the Nikon D810
• Mic input with dedicated gain knob
• Headphone output
• Built-in WiFi


In my dreams... I know

What would you guys like to see in a DSLR cinema camera that would win you over more than the 1Dc?

 

[Groundhog]

Canon goes Built-To-Order ... would be nice if you could ditch WiFi, GPS or other Parts you don't need and only pay for what you want ... but I don't want to imagine the difficulties in supporting a huge number of different camera-part-combinations ;D

 

[bartoloman]

Still waiting, for several years now, for a FF that addresses the needs of a landscape- and architectural photographer. Other brands listen to their customers/still photographers, and are evolving. Maybe its time to leave the mothership !

Bart

 

[RGF]

Likely

sensor
electronics to transfer from sensor to card
lcd screen
screen (already available)

Other?

 

[Nethawk]

There ya go. Whoever it was I argued with a couple of weeks ago who wanted their camera to place phone calls and include a LTE radio for instant upload of wedding shots to Facebook, this may be your dream camera. ;D

 

[drjlo]

Jeez, is THIS really what we Canon customers have been requesting from Canon? :'(

 

[HSA]

You are not alone... for me last 3 mounths...

Still waiting, for several years now, for a FF that addresses the needs of a landscape- and architectural photographer. Other brands listen to their customers/still photographers, and are evolving. Maybe its time to leave the mothership !

Bart

 

[AcutancePhotography]

Canon goes Built-To-Order ... would be nice if you could ditch WiFi, GPS or other Parts you don't need and only pay for what you want ... but I don't want to imagine the difficulties in supporting a huge number of different camera-part-combinations ;D

I wonder if that could work out with the higher priced cameras. There would have to be limits of course. But the ability to not have functionality you never use and perhaps have enhanced capability for what you do use, may be worth the price to some photographers.

Could you imagine the impact this would have on Canonrumors.com?

No longer could people whine about camera models, but individual component combinations. It would make Canonrumors huge!

 

[Sporgon]

Wouldn't surprise me if the modular bit is the interchangeable viewfinder / prism, one the usual optical pentaprism for use in 'still' photography, and another an EVF primarily intended for video use.

 

[dadgummit]

I am guessing this will be priced to match the $70,000 cinema 50-1000 lens. Or in other words, not for us mere mortals.

 

[pedro]

Can't really speak too much about modular components, but I'd love to see a video-focused cinema DSLR camera with something in the ballpark of:

• $3k - $4k price range
• Full frame sensor ~12mp
• DPAF
• Tilt touch screen
• EVF
• 1080p 60fps (4K would be nice, but probably not going to happen)
• MPEG2/AVCHD codec options
• Clean 4:2:2 out (again, 10 bit would be nice but probably not happening at sub $4k)
• No time recording limit
• Focus peaking/zebras
• 19 point all cross type auto focus
• ISO range 100-51,200 (expandable to 50-204,800)
• Smooth ISO ramping auto-exposure like the Nikon D810
• Mic input with dedicated gain knob
• Headphone output
• Built-in WiFi


In my dreams... I know

What would you guys like to see in a DSLR cinema camera that would win you over more than the 1Dc?

If this was for real, I'd compose my 4 fps, 12 MP high ISO monster...;-) at 4K...wow...

On another note: is there any relation to this recent thread?

If Canon made a " truly ultimate" DSLR body for, say, $10k would you buy it? New
Started by LovePhotography « 1 2 3 ... 5 »

 

[tayassu]

I would not expect too much modularity...
Sure, it would be nice if everyone could choose his sensor/AF system, metering system etc., but that raises the cost by a fair amount of money, because the AF is always a fit for the sensor, so you'd have to have some Kind of basic algorithm that connects every AF system and sensor (I have no idea about this, I'm not an engineer or something). Also, they would have to manufacture each camera body separate, which would be like manufacturing a customized car.
I believe that this "modular" body will at max be something like the VF or maybe, following the MF lead, some kind of grip+sensor design, that way you have your body and different "digibacks".