New AF Technology Coming in July? [CR1]

[Sella174]

A new AF standard for Rebels with 11-25 AF points (will show up first in 70D, and then dumbed down in 750D/SL2)

Nope ... because that will cut into the user-base of the 7D ... Canon has decidedly placed each camera into a separate category and anything above 11 AF-points on APS-C will make it sufficient for "7D-applications" ... and we don't want birders using 800D's, now do we?

 

[CanNotYet]

A new AF standard for Rebels with 11-25 AF points (will show up first in 70D, and then dumbed down in 750D/SL2)

Nope ... because that will cut into the user-base of the 7D ... Canon has decidedly placed each camera into a separate category and anything above 11 AF-points on APS-C will make it sufficient for "7D-applications" ... and we don't want birders using 800D's, now do we?

Well, if only 5-9 of the 15 (lets say 15) are cross type, that would still keep it out of 7D area.
750D/SL2 then starts out with 5/1 cross type?

And when 7D2 turns up with 41 all cross type AF sensors, the slow migration towards 15 all cross type AF points can commence in the Rebel line...

 

[carlosmeldano]

I remembered I read this new AF somewhere and yes, here: http://www.canonrumors.com/2013/04/the-future-of-eos-m-cr1/.

A new autofocus system will come with the new cameras and promises to be “class leading”.

And this was for the next EOS-M, so I'm sure it'll be a new type of Hybrid AF.

Guys, this rumor above stated the new autofocus system to be "class leading" but this rumors is related to the next EOS-M that is mirrorless.

This must be an enhanced and hopefully working Hybrid AF.

So my bet: many AF points on the sensor (like SL1) with a dedicated focusing hardware or much better implemented software for it. A usable (or even "class leading") solution for live view autofocus.

 

[Sella174]

750D/SL2 then starts out with 5/1 cross type?

The 700D already has 9 cross-type AF-points ...

 

[Leejo]

simple - it 's "Done with using AF"
All new Cameras are going to be manual fixed length rangefinders only, with a minimum of f8.
Saves Canon developing new lenses, firmware upgrades, comparisons with Nikon etc. etc.

 

[ThomasN]

Could it be AF operating in the dark (or almost dark).
That would improve focusing in dark environments using flash ??

Or could it be Eye Control with Subject Tracking by using both Phase and Contrast AF.
A good acronym could then be: ECSTPCAF 8) ;D

 

[hamada]

I hope this is a classic Canon announcement and it isn't really "new", just so it will be eye control. I doubt it though.

D— — — AF

Digital Eye Control AF?

i would like that...

 

[Diko]

I am more interested in ISO and DR, than in "new AF".

 

[Don Haines]

I am more interested in ISO and DR, than in "new AF".

And I am far more interested in "new AF" than ISO and DR.... but I most certainly would not complain about advances there.

I think a lot of us are so interested in what the 70D will offer as it provides clues to what the 7D2 might offer.

 

[n_a_c]

A new AF standard for Rebels with 11-25 AF points (will show up first in 70D, and then dumbed down in 750D/SL2)

Nope ... because that will cut into the user-base of the 7D ... Canon has decidedly placed each camera into a separate category and anything above 11 AF-points on APS-C will make it sufficient for "7D-applications" ... and we don't want birders using 800D's, now do we?

I disagree. The D5200 has 39 focus points, and the 7100 has 51 focus points. Canon must compete in focus ability at the $750 and $1200 price points. So I expect the 70D will have 19 or more focus points - and be similar in ability to the current 7D. But I also expect that the 7D mark II focus ability will be far superior to the current model, possibly with 61 focus points like the 5D mark III.

 

[Sella174]

The D5200 ... the 7100 ... Canon must compete in focus ability at the $750 and $1200 price points. So I expect the 70D will have 19 or more focus points - and be similar in ability to the current 7D. But I also expect that the 7D mark II focus ability will be far superior to the current model, possibly with 61 focus points like the 5D mark III.

Nope, because that will make the 70D a possible "upgrade" for 7D users. Canon does not want this, as they would prefer the current 7D owners to upgrade to the 7DII, priced just a tad above the 6D. In this way they maximize profits. Remember that Canon sells DSLR cameras based on (a) their (mostly) excellent lenses and (b) saturation marketing; not on the ability of the camera itself.

 

[silvestography]

If it is going to be a variation of eye control focus, I see it as a possibility that they might make such technology even better integrated than it was with the EOS-3, such as working really well with contact lens and glasses users (such as myself).

 

[thebowtie]

I hope this is a classic Canon announcement and it isn't really "new", just so it will be eye control. I doubt it though.

D— — — AF

Digital Eye Control AF?

DECAF? That's not going to keep you awake long enough to find out what really will be released!

i would like that...

 

[Don Haines]

The D5200 ... the 7100 ... Canon must compete in focus ability at the $750 and $1200 price points. So I expect the 70D will have 19 or more focus points - and be similar in ability to the current 7D. But I also expect that the 7D mark II focus ability will be far superior to the current model, possibly with 61 focus points like the 5D mark III.

Nope, because that will make the 70D a possible "upgrade" for 7D users. Canon does not want this, as they would prefer the current 7D owners to upgrade to the 7DII, priced just a tad above the 6D. In this way they maximize profits. Remember that Canon sells DSLR cameras based on (a) their (mostly) excellent lenses and (b) saturation marketing; not on the ability of the camera itself.

Being as the 60D far outsells the 7D, one would expect that the 70D will far outsell the 7D2, let alone the 7D2. They are aimed at different users and the big concern at Canon is more likely keeping sales away from Nikon or Sony. If the 70D is superior to a 7D, how many 7D users will "upgrade" to a 70D and how many will wait for the 7D2. I can't see Canon crippling the future for a brief bump as new technologies roll out.

As much as we wish to believe that it's the high end cameras that drive innovation and performance, it's the sales of low end cameras that keeps Canon profitable and how many times have we seen new tech introduced in lower models.... like Digic6 in a p/s..... They certainly didn't wait for it to be in a 1Dx......

 

[n_a_c]

The D5200 ... the 7100 ... Canon must compete in focus ability at the $750 and $1200 price points. So I expect the 70D will have 19 or more focus points - and be similar in ability to the current 7D. But I also expect that the 7D mark II focus ability will be far superior to the current model, possibly with 61 focus points like the 5D mark III.

Nope, because that will make the 70D a possible "upgrade" for 7D users. Canon does not want this, as they would prefer the current 7D owners to upgrade to the 7DII, priced just a tad above the 6D. In this way they maximize profits. Remember that Canon sells DSLR cameras based on (a) their (mostly) excellent lenses and (b) saturation marketing; not on the ability of the camera itself.

Being as the 60D far outsells the 7D, one would expect that the 70D will far outsell the 7D2, let alone the 7D2. They are aimed at different users and the big concern at Canon is more likely keeping sales away from Nikon or Sony. If the 70D is superior to a 7D, how many 7D users will "upgrade" to a 70D and how many will wait for the 7D2. I can't see Canon crippling the future for a brief bump as new technologies roll out.

As much as we wish to believe that it's the high end cameras that drive innovation and performance, it's the sales of low end cameras that keeps Canon profitable and how many times have we seen new tech introduced in lower models.... like Digic6 in a p/s..... They certainly didn't wait for it to be in a 1Dx......

I agree. Canon needs to win sales against Sony & Nikon. With regards to focus ability at least - they clearly have the technology to BOTH make the 70D have similar ability to the current 7D, AND make the 7D mark II much better than the current model. I'm sure they will. If they left the 70D with say only 11 focus points, then there is a huge gap in their offerings – with T5i and 70D crowded on the bottom, and the improved 7D mark II way above them. Sales of the 70D would be lost to either the cheaper and practically equivalent T5i (or T6i, etc) and the Nikon D7100. There would be little to differentiate between the T5i and the 70D. It also makes sense from how the current models are currently priced – the current 7D is priced at $1300 – just about where the 70D will be, and the 60D is priced at less than the T5i. Note that I don't think the 70D buffer will be as good as the 7D, since Nikon is not competing on buffer and ability to shoot RAW. But I do think the number of focus points and general focus ability will be.

Anyway, only time will tell.

 

[Sella174]

... and how many times have we seen new tech introduced in lower models ...

Exactly why, in my opinion, the 100D is an outdated joke.

... they clearly have the technology to BOTH make the 70D have similar ability to the current 7D, AND make the 7D mark II much better than the current model. ... It also makes sense from how the current models are currently priced – the current 7D is priced at $1300 – just about where the 70D will be ...

Let's say the 70D has the same good AF system of the 7D, but improved sensor (MP, DR, etc.) and - as you said - priced the same as the current 7D. How many (recreational/non-pro) 7D users will consider the 70D a viable upgrade, instead of the (much) higher priced 7DII? Canon doesn't want that to happen ... we must always upgrade, not downgrade.

 

[Marsu42]

Let's say the 70D has the same good AF system of the 7D

I wouldn't call the 7d af good for every application - it's even somewhat less precise than the 60d, though of course the 7d af point spread, number and fw customization help immensely for tracking.

Any af system in a 2013 camera should be at *least* up to 6d precision, or better 5d3 level to be able to use the enhanced precision of the latest canon lenses (see lensrentals reviews on that).

 

[Sella174]

Any af system in a 2013 camera should be at *least* up to 6d precision, or better 5d3 level to be able to use the enhanced precision of the latest canon lenses (see lensrentals reviews on that).

Precisely, and anything less is, in my opinion, an insult.

 

[sanj]

If the 7d2 focusing is not at par with 5d3 I will switch brands.

I do not want to switch.

 

[verysimplejason]

If the 7d2 focusing is not at par with 5d3 I will switch brands.

I do not want to switch.

You'll never find AF as good as 5D3 in other brands except those at almost the same price level or higher. D600? Nope. A99? Yup, might be a tad better. D800? Nope. Wishful thinking 7D2, might be but don't expect too much. It's Canon after all.