RustyTheGeek said:
- Neuro - I think we all know that firmware changes that reveal features don't require separate hardware. It's just a few more lines of code. I don't think it would be that hard to keep people from locking themselves out of their own camera. And the features offered here don't appear to use any special hardware that doesn't exist on every camera already.
Look, to be clear - I think the "Studio Version" camera has a use and has a market. It's a good idea. I just don't understand why Canon is creating a dedicated piece of hardware to essentially provide a feature that is all software (firmware). Forget the rest. Forget having it all integrated. I just don't see the need for another camera body.
Yes, I get that
you don't understand why Canon is doing this and
you don't see the need. Apologies for being blunt, but so what? Canon is releasing a 7DII SV because
they see a need. Canon launched a 7D SV six years ago, and obviously know how many they sold, so
they understand the market for a 7DII SV as a dedicated, specific model variant.
Neuro – The “Canon knows best” argument is a given and I agree that Canon is doing what they think is best. My points are essentially hypothetical “what-ifs” that illustrate the possibilities and advantages that could be gained by both Canon and photographers. Isn't that the point?
It doesn't have to exist at all. The firmware options could be incorporated into any or every dSLR that Canon makes. Or, they could release a dedicated version of their top APS-C camera. Evidently, Canon chose that last option – twice. No doubt they have good reasons for that choice.
And since this is a photography rumors forum, not an investment or corporate business forum, I’m trying to contribute an idea that might be a neat thing. Listen, I get that Canon is a business and is mainly interested in profit. Again, that’s a given. And we all want Canon to be profitable. But when Canon releases an expensive special camera body that only offers one extra feature in the firmware, I think it’s a natural reaction for most folks to think it’s weird and self serving.
Certainly the SV product meets a need for some photographers, but it's a niche segment – not many have a need to lock out selected settings or embed barcodes in their EXIF metadata. So, why put the feature into every camera by default? That adds development and testing requirements (i.e., time and cost) across the line.
Why? Because it gives EVERYONE a chance to improve, evolve, try something new, etc and thank Canon for that. Because it honestly doesn’t cost that much and helps elevate the brand and the line. Features like this that seem benign and niche at first can sometimes launch entire niche markets. Photography software developers like Capture One, et al might be tempted/motivated to add new features that utilize/build on this. Studio photography workflow could possibly be improved dramatically and who would the industry thank? Canon!! Canon is not just any other corporation, they are an industry leader and a driving force. They can influence the entire market. Offering things like this (seemingly for free) SELLS CAMERAS. That’s why they should do it. It wasn't too long ago that there was another niche market - DIGITAL CAMERAS.
Most importantly, you need to understand Canon's goal. It's not to make photography easier, to make customers happy, or to provide every feature under the sun. Their goal is to make money and return value to their shareholders. Period. Every product, and every feature, costs something. If Canon believes making that product or adding that feature will yield a positive return on investment, then it's worth doing. People accuse Canon of 'just doing the minimum' in terms of improvements or features – and they're right. Canon isn't your buddy, guy, and they're not your friend, pal. They're a business, and 'doing the minimum' is a sound business policy. The fact that they've held the #1 market share for 13 years now suggests they know what they're doing. Whether you or I understand or agree with what they're doing is, to again be blunt, irrelevant.
Neuro – I’ve written this exact same paragraph before myself. I agree. You’re right. Canon’s primary goal is to be profitable. And stating this fact just throws water on the topic. But since you went there... I really don't think making a firmware change (which happens regularly) with a few lines of firmware code to offer a niche feature, will alter Canon’s profit margins. And six years ago is an eternity. NOW – Canon needs to think hard about the DSLR market vs. the competing formats. They can generate more good will and keep the DSLR relevant, compelling necessary by making it do things the other stuff can’t. The SV feature is a good example of this. I'm not suggesting they throw every feature under the sun in, hell no! But in this case, creating a special expensive camera body is weird.
IMHO – Instead of offering a niche camera body, Canon could add this feature to every new camera they sell and offer a firmware update to the existing bodies. Everyone thinks Canon is a hero and potentially their cameras get USED MORE and consequentially, they SELL MORE. They beat the competition to the punch with yet another innovative feature that no one else has.
Again, this is a rumors forum and I’m just letting my imagination run. I’m not being negative, I’m just postulating -> WHAT IF ??
