Canon Rumours /general camera rumours
(incl. EOS 7D)

Archive prior to August 2009

Our camera rumours page archive

Archive page for our rumour pages for the EOS 7D

 

 

 

 

Main Rumours page (Inc. 7D)

2009

August

27th In the 'well, no-one was expecting that' category, Sony have announced the Full frame 24MP A850.

Frame rate is down a bit on the A900, and the viewfinder is only 98%.

Press info and full specs at DPR

In a refinement, 7D specs at CR are put at:

Dual DIGIC 4
Built in Flash Master
Full HD Video
APS-C (1.6 Crop)
Non Articulating LCD

26th A bit more info we just received:

Next week is the launch of a new 'semi-pro' crop camera.

xD Design aims were:

Speed of readout from sensor - FPS, potentially fastest FPS in current DSLR market.
Dual DiGIC Processor and Dual Card
HD Video
Flip screen [sic.]
Low noise, not more MP
5D2 style weather sealing (no 1 series type yet)
Pro level AF - a preview of the new AF technology in next year's 1D Mk4
Significantly improved liveview AF

Market segment

Targeted at sports, bird and wildlife photographers
Intended to be both taken seriously by sports and wildlife photographers and as 'Aspirational model' for semi-pros
Look for a series of sports and wildlife photographers / testers who have tried it. Expect numerous testimonials for the camera.
Providing a 'step up' for current xxD photographers

What's more the suggestion is that the 60D is indeed now on an 18 month replacement cycle...

60D Feb 2010. 50D like, but with an all new sensor emphasising low light performance. Upgraded AF (more points). Improved LV as per xD. DiGIC V. Focus on improving 'in-camera' image processing. Look for new interface aimed at offering much higher quality 'point&click' options in xxD and lower cameras. Canon is looking at better images for jpeg users ;-)

1D4 Feb 2010 (3yr). Dual Processor - still likely 1.3 crop. New 'Pro' AF module. Extra AF points but much easier to use. Also aims to provide vastly better AF from LV.

1Ds4 August 2010 (3yr) As per 1D4, but aim for big jump to 'MF Class' sensor (dynamic range & bit depths)

---

From the same source as yesterday... The Swedish Kamera & Bild site is saying they've got an invite to a Canon press event on the 1st of September.

I've looked carefully and this time it seems to be a current article - Sorry again for yesterday's mishap, but I was glad to see we were not alone in making the initial error ;-)

Apart from mention of the invite, there is general 7D/60D speculation on the K&B page.

We've had several more comments of late that there will not be a 1D4 until next year, although it could just mean not at the next press event.

25th Whoops - must remember to check what we're sent a bit more thoroughly when working on something else. The Swedish item is from last year :-)

Announcement tomorrow? The Swedish Kamera&Bild site is saying they got an invite to a Canon press event tomorrow. They still mention a possible 22nd September announcement too.

23rd Lot's of suggestions for press dates... take your pick :-)

A more credible source points to Tuesday the 1st of September for an 'interesting' press conference day. One for Canon, one for another company and a third just putting out a product announcement. They also confirmed the 25th (next week) for Sony, and 9th Sept. for Leica (FF M9).

Just to show nothing's certain at the moment we also get the 9th marked as Canon's release by some - guess we'll know for sure in a few weeks.

Oh, and a French magazine suggests the 25th (Tuesday) for the 1D MkIV

We've also heard that Epson will be announcing the SP3800 replacement (3880 - picture) for IFA in Berlin (4th-9th Sept) - Any consumer oriented cameras from Canon would probably have been announced by then. No info of the 3880 yet, but it looks like the 3800 and uses the Ultrachrome K3 vivid Magenta ink set that's found in our 7880

22nd We've now had several comments saying that there is an event next week (25th), however we've had no direct confirmation. The other press event predicted for next week (28th) is for Sony, where an FF A850 is a popular bet.

We were sent (thanks) a multi level 'Foveon style' sensor patent from Canon from earlier this year [USP 20090008735]

More Canon patents to trawl through at LP. You can get full PDFs of some patents by entering the patent number at pat2pdf

Of course such technology might not appear for a while (if at all), but expect a few technology related rabbits to be pulled from the hat to liven up forthcoming product announcements.

If you read though the details, then there is even mention of a 7,680 rows and 4,320 columns sensor.

Anyone for a 33MP 1Ds4 next year with 'full colour' sensor?

21st We're told (thanks) of a Spanish store mentioning a new camera on its way

CMOS, self cleaning sensor, 8.5 FPS 'Full frame' (?)

The picture though looks like a xxD with 17-55 lens

I note an offer on 1Ds3 prices in Australia, which only runs until the 15th of September [1Ds4 page]

Whilst checking up on the 'pro' end of things I was told to expect the 1D MkIV and a Macro lens with IS pretty soon and a 'couple of other things not even rumoured yet' - of course they might have not yet seen the 7D/60D rumour outbreak of the last few days ;-)

20th Do we have a picture of the top plate of the 7D or is it a 60D?

For those wondering about a pop-up flash and FF, there is the D700 to consider and the EOS 7e further down this page, which also had Eye Control Focus.

The picture to the right is from a Taiwan forum, yesterday's (below) originally appeared on a Korean forum.

Curious how two pictures of an all new camera leak out at the same time as all the rumour momentum might have been slowed by the appearance of those compact cameras and the talking printer ;-)

Compare the full size pictures on the 60D page

EOS 7e top view

19th It's worth noting that the recent 'Best Buy' info contained additional details about a range of small Canon cameras, which have just been announced.

Does this up the likelihood of the 7D (with 28-135 lens in the kit) being for real? If the photo below is reliable, expect plenty more rumours over the coming weeks (although we've also had it suggested that next week could see an announcement)

A whole slew of small Canon cameras are announced today [DPR]

Oh, and you didn't want a new SLR - you wanted a 'talking printer'...

It's worth noting the 'return of the S series' Not quite an APS-C compact yet...

September the 2nd is the next date we've had suggested...

No announcements yet (13:30 UK), but a '7D' pic appears at DPR

Pop up flash -and- microphone holes... :-)

For good measure...

At PCHome, the new 7D is suggested as a budget 12MPs FF with 3" OLED, 3.9fps and priced at $1800 (from FA)

Canon 7D
CMOS 12MPs Full Frame
Digic 4
Iso 100 - 25600
OLED 3.0"
3.9fps
viewfinder 98%

There's also some Powershot G11 info (DPI) 'Only' 10MP - a good sign?

18th Another comment that there will be a 'pro crop' - 2nd September, and it -will- be 18.2MP.

Whilst on the subject of pixel density, we've just published David Goldstein's full article about the physical limits in digital photography - how physics limits camera design. This is an updated version of his earlier article, based on further research and comments received here. It's a long article (available as a PDF too), but if you're in a hurry, the conclusions are well worth noting.

17th How about a 'pro crop' camera? - this one turns up every so often. The latest (unsourced) '7D' comment we had looked good at 8fps, 19+26 AF etc. Unfortunately the sensor at 18.2 MP, if 1.6 crop, reflects the FF equivalent of 46.6MP, which I wouldn't expect for a while yet.

Yes, it's silly season for rumours, so read what you find in forums and all those freshly created 'rumours sites' with a suitable degree of skepticism :-)

16th In a comment from one of our more frequent sources (thanks), we're told that the prospect of another 'line' of SLRs (i.e. the 7D) is considered unlikely and that the current makeup of Canon's range is considered to be a relatively good match to consumer/pro demand. Suffice to say, the interest we've heard attributed to various Canon sources is talking up what's coming in the 'pro' areas rather than elsewhere. Being able to point to the top pro cameras is very important to senior people at Canon in Japan.

We've been told several times in the past that a 'third' FF camera 1/5/x? was being looked at, but was very dependent on how sales of Canon's range and competitors were going.

At the moment, we'd be pleasantly suprised to see a '7D' this week.

7D speculation continues - and thanks for all the suggestions ;-)

I wouldn't be surprised if some of them were right (Digic V or Digic IV or even - FF/APS-H/APS-C) but I'm getting that many conflicting snippets from previously unknown sources, that it's difficult to convey any consensus.
As ever, comments are never attributed, but I'm much more likely to print a rumour if people provide a return address (that works) and it is not littered with spelling mistakes.
Anonymous comments need some pretty detailed stuff, rather than some of the cobbled together wish-lists that regularly turn up ;-)
Recently we've had a return of that old 7D favourite, Eye controlled focus. As seen in the 7E below. Whilst in the other direction we have suggestions that the EVF (electronic view finder) is about to appear...

15th Lot's of 7D speculation filling forums, but no real info, although it's worth pointing out that the original BB rumour has it appearing in kit form with the 11 year old EF 28-135 (from our list of Canon lenses since 1987)

14th A bit of confirmation of the Best Buy 7D info? Someone at DPR checks the UPC codes [DPR]

• The '7D' is one of those 'rumour cameras' that's been around for some time, though not as long as the fabled '3D'
• The question I ask myself is that given how well the 5D2 is selling, how many 5D2 purchasers would go for a cheaper FF camera, as opposed to people who wouldn't buy a 5D2 but would buy a cheaper FF camera?
• Selling a few more cameras at a lower profit margin might be a risk, unless you thought they would buy lots of new lenses at the same time...

Doubles all round! [Private Eye, passim.] in the Canon press office, as Canon takes its turn to win three "highly respected awards by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA)"

Now personally, I don't know anyone who's ever gone "hey, this bit of kit won an EISA award, so it must be good", however I do know enough about the world of marketing to know that the kudos and prospect of a well expensed trip to an awards ceremony is no trivial matter...

But seriously ;-) ...I've just been looking at Canon print technology for an upcoming review of the iPF6100, and I have to say, the results were very good.

13th 7D on the Best Buy inventory? [CR]

12th 'Full frame' M9 from Leica on show in Japan?

We're told that the Japanese market is important enough to Leica, that a few people have been given cameras.

Click on image for higher res version.

Meanwhile, according to a French site [OB] it will be available in September for 5500 euros ~18MP

Whilst looking at the niche markets, how about a Zeiss rangefinder camera with a Sony sensor? [ZR]

11th A Swedish magazine [KB] confirms the 19th of August for a press conference.

They're expecting another event for the 1D3 replacement, and 24-70 2.8L IS and 70-200 2.8L IS

We've even had a different suggestion (thanks) that there will be no SLRs on the 19th and that all SLRs will be later, in September...

An improved flash system? I notice that a Canon UK pro dealer (Fixation) has the 580EX II flash on offer, but lists it as 'limited stock'.

We were told some time ago that Canon noted some perceived weaknesses in its flash system, particularly in remote triggering.

Time for ETTL III?

We were sent the Fixation info (thanks) that also point to the 70-200 2.8L as 'limited stock' - this lens has been on the replacement radar of late.

August 10th There's a Canon press conference on the 19th (60D?), and a Sony one on the 28th (A850?)

As for upcoming Sony FF cameras, how about: [PR]

Sony A950 with backlit 24.6Mp Exmor sensor @ $3k
Sony A850 with 24.6 Mp @ $2k
Sony A750 with 14MP backlit sensor @ $1200.00

7th A DSLR on the 19th? [zoom - Danish]

A 60D and something else? - well, the 1000D replacement might be due, and there's always the 7D or a load of point 'n' click cameras. The site promises more info to come.

A 1D4 would probably get its own announcement.

6th Last year we noted a Sony press release about using back lit sensors. These have long been used in astronomical applications and rely on reducing the thickness of the sensor chip after it's been produced, and can offer a doubling in sensitivity. The downside is production cost. Sony have now introduced a version into two consumer cameras [DPR]

Whilst this is a Sony technology, similar processes may appear elsewhere...

5th For the 7D we've had an update saying that it will be:

APS-C, ~15MP, dual Digic IV, 8FPS and 100% viewfinder.

The xxD and new xD rumours go back a long way ;-) At the foot of this page note this 2005 comment:

"Brian Worley, product manager of D-SLR cameras at Canon Europa, said that it's a long way before all EOS models will have a full size sensor, but Canon's aim is to equip all models, except the cheapest, with a 35mm sensor in the future."

On a personal note, could I ask that anyone interested in professional photographers' organisations have a look at the thread in the Ecademy forum at: http://www.ecademy.com/module.php?mod=club&op=forum&c=5798&t=1021326
I mentioned this in a blog article yesterday evening and was threatened with legal action by a Mr Phil Jones of the SWPP within half an hour. The organisation involved, claimed it is untrue, however were unwilling to offer any response. My amended blog article, reminding people to always read the fine print, has comments from the person the SWPP unsucessfully tried to sue, along with details of the court judgement against the SWPP (which will become a matter of public record before long).
I always wondered when the first post I made here would get noises involving lawyers, I'd always assumed it would be connected with a rumour, rather than reporting something on another forum...

August 4th After a couple of days without one, I notice another stab at a 7D spec [DPR]

FF
3" OLED
12.7 MP
ISO100-25600
Digic IV
Wide DR mode, sRAW
9 focus points (+6)
3.4 FPS
Pentaprism, same as 5dII
No video
No flash
$1999 target

2nd Lots of info on the Sony A850 has appeared [PCA] after a leaked PDF manual appears.

24MP and 3fps in an A900 body

See also DyX for more info.

1st Just to complete the set, we've now had a comment (thanks) that the 7D will be firmly aimed at the D300s and will be:

APS-C
15MP
Dual Digic IV
8fps

July 31st Some alternate info on a 7D from a Chinese forum. A post claiming to have been present when Jackie Chan was filming an advert for the 7D was pulled. The camera was said to be similar to the 5D2 in design.

In another (quickly pulled) post the specs were mentioned as "FF, 15mega pixels, 200000 - 250000 JPD, 13AF points , dual slot and Digic 5 "

A cheaper FF camera?

30th We've been sent assorted info for the 60D and 7D [thanks]

The 7D specs were:

16.8 M-pixel 1.3 Crop Factor [28MP FF equiv]
DIGIC IV
ISO 100-6400 (extension: 50 ISO & 25400 ISO)
8.5 fps
3.2in High Resolution1K+ Screen (LED)
45-point AF
HDMI Out
Liveview
HD Movie Mode including 1080P (30FPS)
Viewfinder: 100% Coverage
Weather sealing as of 1 series
EF Lenses only

As widely expected a D300s and D3000 are announced. Specs etc at DPR. A new version of Nikon's 70-200 2.8 is also announced.

29th A big Canon event in the UK is set for the end of October, no doubt examples of new kit will be on show...

25th This coming Thursday (30th) expect to hear about the Nikon D300S and D3000 - The D300s probably won't add much (HD movie mode, built-in mic and stereo audio input, dual SD and CF slots) [NR]

We're told that the D300s is a key target for the 60D, although whether Canon is prepared to put enough 'pro' features into an xxD model remains to be seen.

22nd In the interesting ideas category, I'd add Fuji's 3D camera and viewer see also DPR

21st Are Sony going to announce a second FF camera? Sightings of different model numbers at a Sony site, including the A850, have fuelled this [DPR]

July 14th In what sounds a classic wishlist camera [CR], there's a comment about a new 12MP 1.3x crop sensor camera with 1-series derived AF system.

Is it an xD or an xxD?

We've not had any info on anything like this since the picture and info we were sent in early June.

This is what we were told earlier this year, from one of our regular sources

• Second Prosumer FF (7D or 3D)
• The designs for the second prosumer FF are still being worked on but no release date is planned yet. Canon are (even more) waiting for market demand for FF to justify the new model cycle (still seen as when rather than if).
• Canon have watched the market share of Nikon with the D700 and D3 as well as the D3X. They see the D700 as having eaten into D3 sales rather than expanding the FF market much.
• Needless to say, this isn't what they want to do.
• A new FF model below the 5D II is not seen as viable, since once the 60D is out the 5D II is like a FF 60D. This would mean even more cripling of features, which they would rather not do.
• If they go 'more pro' with features (e.g. pro autofocus but not the pro body etc), the concern is about loosing sales of the highly profitable 1Ds III.
• The replacements in the 1D series are targeted to be a sufficient 'step up' (from a marketing POV) that Canon could have room for an 'in between' FF.
• Pro 1.6 crop
• It also seems that a 'pro' level 1.6 crop is not out of the question. There is much work on a new AF technology with the potential for super high frame rates. Canon is quietly assessing the demand for this with prototypes, think tanks etc. The word is that this is something that is driven from the top.
• This would give sports and bird shooters etc a 20 FPS plus (with mirror up) 1.6 crop (plus movie mode etc) weather sealed pro focus camera.

9th In the US, the 'EOS Instant Rebate (Lens/Speedlite) Promotion' will be extended from July 11th to August 8th.

The 'EOS Camera Bundle Instant Savings' will end as planned on July 11th.

July 8th Another week, but still no new kit or meaty rumours :-(

The Canonrumours site (404) is just having site problems, no black helicopters involved (or shoulld that be white helicopters?)

4th Happy July 4th to US visitors - here's our own refurbished Statue of Liberty - just down the road from our office ;-)

No rumours of sustance I'm afraid but I did notice this thread [POTN] which reflects a question I regularly get asked given my use of tilt lenses.

Why not produce a tilt sensor camera? Apart from the horrendous mechanical issues (think of the shutter) I've always wondered how the R&D costs would be recovered from the few thousand people who might actually want it enough to fork out the not inconsiderable cost it would come in at. If you want this sort of camera then you can afford to buy an MF back for a view camera - if you can't afford it, then there is always my $20 view camera adapter that you can make to learn about movements ;-)

June 29th You will have video...

Whether you feel that video on DSLRs is an annoyance, a gimmick, or a real game changer, Sony are saying that it's going to be an essential aspect of DSLR design. [CNET]

It also emerges that Sony too are looking at the compact interchangeable lens camera market.

Meanwhile [PR] there is interesting talk of two Sony FF DSLRs this summer.

"two new full frame Sony DSLRs coming out this August: one will be pro, above the current a900 model and another one that is suppose to be very cheap, under $1000."

Certainly might hasten the arrival of more FF options from Canon...

17th Minor updates are noted (thanks) for DPP for the Mac and the Windows versions of some software are said to have newer dates. There are minor updates quite often, but a new version of software to support any new camera such as the 2000D might be in order.

15th Numerous sites are now showing the 40D as discontinued [POTN]

14th Not just copiers - Canon to release over a hundred products this year [K&B - Google xlation from Swedish]

13th The Canon iPhone app from onOne is updated to support a few more cameras.

10th Canon have updated the collection of 'White papers' on various cameras (goes back to the 20D)

5th As expected, this particular rumour gets them going on DPR.

The lens is part rotated to obscure markings but looks very much like the 85/1.2

2009 June 4th How about a new 'x'D camera?

Not a 1D and not a 60D... or so we're told (thanks)

Some specs too

16.8 M-pixel 1.3 Crop Factor [28MP FF equiv]
DIGIC IV
ISO 100-6400 (extension: 50 ISO & 25400 ISO)
5 fps
3.2in High Resolution Screen (LCD)
19-point AF
HDMI Out
Liveview
HD Movie Mode including 720P (30FPS)
Viewfinder: 100% Coverage
Weather sealing as of 5D MKII
EF Lenses only

A marketing 'name' is supposedly 'The lord of darkness' - no doubt alluding to low light performance rather than any other features :-)

We were sent a pic too - move your mouse over it to see a PS curve adjustment applied.

Bigger version of pic at Flkr

No idea whatsoever about this one - it just turned up in the mail... All items always appreciated :-)

• Site note: I've just set up a Blog on the site - for news/info/views - basically for 'photography stuff' that doesn't fit into our longer article and review formats.

May 26th A cheaper FF sensor from Sony? DPR thread with link to Spanish Sony interview.

24th Interesting article about the SLR market, and in particular, pricing and availability for lenses.

Certainly ties in with a lot of comments we've received from dealers large and small in the UK.

Bottom line is not to expect to see the sort of prices we paid for lenses back in 2007/8 for some time to come...

21st The well leaked Pentax K7 is announced. There is a good overview at DPR

A rather small camera...

What struck me about reading the specs were several features that a follow-up to the 50D could do with, such as 100% VF and weather sealing. Hopefully some of the features appearing in the competition might push Canon on to put a bit more into the 60D ;-)

Then again the K7 is not cheap...

20th At last, a use for an iPhone - control your Canon DSLR

May 18th I'm on holiday in Suffolk, so a slightly slower rumours service since last week... back later this week.

However, as expected, Sony bring out 3 more Alphas - aimed at the lower end of the market - tons of info on DPR.

15th The latest tech-tips from Chuck W is out and has a good collection of info on AF and other useful stuff.

11th Look out too for a 'top end' Pentax K series (PS - German Google translation) Pentax teaser (Japan), assorted snippets [1k1]

10th More Sony DSLR info at PB.

May 8th Looks like Sony have been quite busy on the SLR front and will be announcing some additions to the range before long.

Alpha A230, A330, and A380? Some time in the next week or so?

Several sources of info: PS (Google Xlt from German), PCA - Alpha 330 info.

April 30th US Instant Rebates.

3rd May to 11th July

Camera Bodies

EOS 50D Kit + EF-S 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 IS - $300
EOS 50D EF-S 18–200mm IS Kit - $300
EOS 50D EF 28–135mm IS Kit + EF-S 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 IS - $300
EOS 50D Kit + EF 70–300mm f/4–5.6 IS USM - $150
EOS 50D EF 28–135mm IS Kit + EF 70–300mm f/4–5.6 IS USM - $150
EOS Rebel XSi EF-S 18–55mm IS Kit (B) + EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS - $200
EOS Rebel XSi EF-S 18–55mm IS Kit (S) + EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS - $200
EOS Rebel XS EF-S 18–55mm IS Kit (B) + EF 75–300mm f/4.5–5.6 III - $100
EOS Rebel XS EF-S 18–55mm IS Kit (S) + EF 75–300mm f/4.5–5.6 III - $100

Lenses

EF 200mm f/2L IS USM - $500
EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM - $130
EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS USM - $200
EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS USM - $100
EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM - $100
EF 50mm f/1.2L USM - $100
EF 24–70mm f/2.8L USM - $80
EF 70–200mm f/4L IS USM - $75
EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM - $70
EF-S 10–22mm f/3.5–4.5 USM - $50
EF 17–40mm f/4L USM - $50
EF 70–200mm f/4L USM - $40
EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM - $50
EF 100mm f/2.8 MACRO USM - $35
EF-S 60mm f/2.8 MACRO USM - $30
EF 28–200mm f/3.5–5.6 USM - $30
EF 28–105mm f/3.5–4.5 II USM - $20
EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS - $15

Flash Units

SPEEDLITE 580EX II - $50
SPEEDLITE 430EX II - $30
SPEEDLITE 220EX - $30
MACRO TWIN LITE MT-24EX - $70
MACRO RING LITE MR-14EX - $50

24th When looking at novel sensor developments Fuji has often been ahead of the actual cameras they've put them in. There is mention of them looking at using SuperCCD EXR technology for large DLSR sensors [DPR].

April 20th Hot from the presses, we hear that Canon has won no less than 5 TIPA awards...

Of course it would be scurilous mischief to suggest that such 'awards' tend to be awarded to different manufacturers each year when it's their turn, as much influenced by the advertising departments of the various publications involved.

Still I expect they will have a nice gala event to bestow the various gongs (above) along with all the gushing sincerity of an Oscars night :-)

19th Those of you who've had trouble with Canon rebates may well appreciate today's Dilbert strip...

There is also a suggestion of a dealer rebate scheme coming in the US in May [CR] - a dealer seemingly discounted some kit in advance of the rebate.

18th DPP gets updated to 3.6.1 [Canon]

12th Many have questioned Canon's abstruse software update policies, which only ever makes updates available.

I've put together a page with info on various update techniques and links to various downloads - hope it's of some use to people? Please feel free to send any more links or workarounds you might know. Perhaps Canon will realise that it's only people with Canon kit that want the software and making loyal customers jump through hoops is pretty poor customer relations. I had this issue re-installing software on my laptop, when I had mislaid the disk that came with my 1Ds3

8th A good interview (i.e. real questions) with Chuck Westfall at CNET.

Video, OLEDs, wireless, and lots more to wonder about ;-)

5th In the US, Ritz Cameras are shutting 300 stores - sale started yesterday - store locations [PDF]

April 1st Nicephotomag claims that they have been told not to mention a new APS-C camera by Canon.

A date for diaries - the Australian PMA show is in June [II]. Not sure if anything has ever been announced for this one, but how about the 2000D in May

March 31st Several mentions of an APS-C based video camera coming from Canon at CR includes support for EF mount lenses.

I do note the aspects that indicate Canon will only go so far in allowing DSLRs to compete with its video camera offerings.

30th Numerous price rises in Australia (5D Mk2 b/o $4299 to $4799 - full list from Canon)

25th As expected a 500D and new 270ex flash [500D page]

24th A possible picture of the 500D?

21st Canon SX1 users get RAW support firmware update [Canon]. Link includes processing s/w updates.

19th There is an alternative version of the press invite at PB

Nothing of any solidity about what might appear next week. We've seen a few 'discoveries' of items we suggested last year, so anything new turning up does mean we have to do a bit of a hunt through the archives.

Stock levels seem to be relatively low for several lenses, leading to suggestions that replacements are due - but then someone sends us a pointer to where there is stock.

At CR they had an anonymous comment suggesting a new low end flash (220EX II)

March 15th A quick reminder that like other sites using the Google Adsense advertising system, we have no advance knowledge of what may be displayed - particularly overseas (we are in the UK).

I'm told that 'Pro Photo Nation' was advertising and their ratings at resellerratings.com suggest it might be unwise to do business with them.

If you see an add for what you consider a scam, then please do click via the Google link at the foot of any ad block and complain to Google. Unfortunately we can't proactively block content, particularly when it is in a foreign country and the advertisers regularly change details, so as to thwart this.

Thanks again to those alerting us to this.

12th Since we've had several people question the event on the 25th, here's a reduced image of the invite.

As you can see - not a lot

Here's the text.

The camera being held is an ixus 100 IS.

10th We've just been sent an invite to a Canon event in Copenhagen on the 25th.

The tagline is that they've saved the best of their spring collection until the 25th

The Danish magazine Zoom also has more information [Google translation]

...what? -even better- than the two new T/S lenses? Must be a 500D with video ;-)

PS A word to regular visitors - I've finally had a chance to start tidying up the navigation at the top of articles/reviews/rumours. Hopefully it makes the pages a -bit- less cluttered. There are hundreds of pages on the site, so it's a rolling program of updates.

9th Although we've had comments suggesting a 1D3 update this year, there are others such as CR and our own info at the end of last month, that suggest it may not be till 2010 that the 1D4 is seen.

The latest Canon Tech-tips from the real Chuck Westfall are a available.

7th How about something EOS for the 25th? [POTN]

March 3rd No signs of anything from Canon, but I did note the new Datacolor SpyderCube - which looks like an updated version of a device I carry round in my camera bag much of the time for whitebalance - we'll have one to look at in detail before too long.

1st PMA starts tomorrow, but as yet no signs of anything more from Canon...

Sony has officially said there will be no new DSLRs [1k1]

February 27th We've had a significant collection of info sent that reflects the way the downturn has pushed back announcements.

I'll put general stuff on this page with links to more specific snippets on appropriate pages.

The market

Canon were glad to see the D3x pricing. It could have been pitched $1k or so above the D3 which would have put pressure on the 1Ds3 replacement.

The DSLR market is still growing (just) but there are likely to be more mergers and the like during the year.

Nikon are understood by Canon to have slowed down new model upgrade plans for 2009 / 2010.

Technology

The delays mean that Digic V is more likely to be seen (2010 models) This is seen as increasing the number of 'in camera' options for image processing, along with supporting improved liveview and movie mode AF

In body IS testing shows it works well, test cameras are now going out with '2nd gen' versions for reliability testing. Both Nikon and Canon can now build cameras with this - but as to seeing in a camera, it's still a 'who blinks first' situation with regard to perceived user demand. Both see it as a potential threat to lucrative high end lens sales. The current Canon system works fine with all lenses and automatically turns off if an IS lens is detected.

Second Prosumer FF (7D or 3D)

The designs for the second prosumer FF are still being worked on but no release date is planned yet.  Canon are (even more) waiting for market demand for FF to justify the new model cycle (still seen as when rather than if).

Canon have watched the market share of Nikon with the D700 and D3 as well as the D3X. They see the D700 as having eaten into D3 sales rather than expanding the FF market much.

Needless to say, this isn't what they want to do.

A new FF model below the 5D II is not seen as viable, since once the 60D is out the 5D II is like a FF 60D. This would mean even more cripling of features, which they would rather not do.

If they go 'more pro' with features (e.g. pro autofocus but not the pro body etc), the concern is about loosing sales of the highly profitable 1Ds III.

The replacements in the 1D series are targeted to be a sufficient 'step up' (from a marketing POV) that Canon could have room for an 'in between' FF. [surely not the fabled 3D at last! - kc]

Pro 1.6 crop

It also seems that a 'pro' level 1.6 crop is not out of the question. There is much work on a new AF technology with the potential for super high frame rates. Canon is quietly assessing the demand for this with prototypes, think tanks etc. The word is that this is something that is driven from the top.

This would give sports and bird shooters etc a 20 FPS plus (with mirror up) 1.6 crop (plus movie mode etc) weather sealed pro focus camera.

Specific models (follow links for a few more details)

500D - moved to 18 month cycle.

60D - moved to 18 month cycle.

1D4 - Still waiting for the 'all new' AF - aiming for 15-20FPS maybe not till 2010 though.

1Ds4 - D3x price has eased the pressure for a Aug 2009 release.

February 26th We don't normally cover much of the 'point and click' market but after reviewing the Ricoh GX200 last year I've been keeping an eye on what might make it to the next version. Small sensor cameras are running against the megapixel wall, so I was interested to see two aspects of the recently announced CX1 specifically addressed at dynamic range. One was aimed at handling blown out highlights and the second was a built in HDR like mode, taking two pictures in quick succession. Fortunately this isn't aimed at producing the lurid nasty 'HDR look' which seems (hopefully temporarily) popular with some at the moment. A bit more info at DPR

25th It would appear that there are different Ritz camera operations and the situation mentioned on the 23rd needs some clarification - see PB for more detailed info

23rd According to Reuters

"Ritz Camera Centers Inc, which said it is the largest U.S. specialty camera and imaging chain, on Monday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, hurt by the recession and consumers' shift to digital photography."

Ritz (aka Wolf Camera, Kits Cameras, Inkley's and The Camera Shops) is said to owe Nikon over $26m and Canon over $13m

21st It looks as if camera release cycles will fall back to a slower rate for the time being, and the 'update every year' business model will have to wait for the next economic upturn.

Before Christmas, a lot of sources were telling us that the 500D would be announced for PMA - just how far back it's been pushed isn't sure, but if it's ready and in production, then I'd not expect it to be delayed too long.

We've had no recent info on this year's camera releases, but fitting longer release times into this chart from September suggests not much this year

Note - I've only put the 1D3 replacement* for this year, since it might be available before the winter Olympics in 2010 - if so then we were told to expect some new white lenses to go with it.

Camera	Date introduced	Age	Replacement	Model
450D, Rebel XSi	Feb 2008	18 mths	Q2 2009	500D
50D	Aug 2008	18/24 mths	Q1 2010 or Q3 2010 (PK)	60D
1D mark 3	Feb 2007	30 mths*	Q3 2009	1D 4
1000D, Rebel XS	June 2008	18 mths	Q1 2010	2000D
1Ds mark 3	Aug 2007	36 mths	Q3 2010 (PK)	1Ds 4
5D mark 2	Sept 2008	36 mths	Q3 2011	5D Mk 3

We're waiting to hear for more definite info on this, but our last information was heavily laced with caveats concerning the economy and how the strength of the Yen was affecting Canon's sales worldwide.

We're expecting a slowish time on the rumour front over the next few months, but if you subscribe to our Rumours RSS feed - , we'll make sure any notable items are flagged there.

February 18th Apart from the two T/S lenses, it looks as if Canon has forsaken the DSLR market this time for new announcements.

Some bits of the UK press releases that caught my eye...

"CanoScan LiDE 700F, the first Canon scanner to offer 9600x9600dpi optical resolution for film. With a space-saving 3-way design, the CanoScan LiDE 700F – which replaces the CanoScan 4400F – delivers rapid, high-quality scanning of documents, photos and 35mm film."
"Canon today launches its first waterproof digital compact camera: the 12.1 Megapixel PowerShot D10. Engineered for those with an adventurous, active lifestyle,"
"the slimmest ever Digital IXUS model, the 12.1 Megapixel Digital IXUS 100 IS, and the 10 Megapixel Digital IXUS 95 IS. Both models feature a new Smart Auto mode, which uses Canon’s Scene Detection Technology to help users take great shots with ease. The Digital IXUS 100 IS also includes the option to shoot HD movies (1280 x 720, 30fps) and HDMI connectivity."

Looks like big price rises in Australia for March 9th [FLKR]

17th The camera announcements are starting, with vast great collections of little boxes [1001], but nothing in the DSLR range (yet)

There were two little Canon cameras appearing on the Canon US site and then vanishing. A PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH and a PowerShot SD960 IS Digital ELPH - both 12MP, Digic IV and video (720p) output. Info at [CR]

16th More info on the new Pocketwizard features (Canon and US only at the moment)

15th Not big enought to go in the MF rumours section, there is a square format 22MP Pentax rumour [DPR] "The newly coined DFX sensor will be a _square-format_ (23.5 x 23.5mm)"

14th The Canon liveview AF patent is available online. Use it to work out what all those numbers refer to in this diagram that has been doing the rounds in the last week. From this Norwegian article [thanks]

I see from [CR] that a new line of Pocketwizards are due next week.

We're told that the well known FAKEchuckwestfall site is being threatened by a bunch of LA lawyers, on behalf of Canon... Seems that the word FAKE is not prominent enough. There's a copy of the takedown request fax on the page ;-)

Whilst I personally find -some- of the FCW stuff a little over the top, I find the approach of going for the hosting company is rather typical of the lowlife scu highly respected lawyers hired by Canon. Perhaps a bigger type size for FAKE and small 'this is satire' notes would help (plus links to an explanation for the hard of understanding).

February 13th UK CPS members in London can get a free sensor clean during 'London Fashion Week' ;-)

The CPS support team will be located inside the Photographers Lounge next to the British Fashion Council Tent at the Natural History Museum in London on 20th to 25th February 2009.
For accredited photographers and visiting CPS members, our complimentary services include:
Sensor cleaning
Minor camera repairs
Loan equipment facility including the new Canon EOS 5D Mark II - subject to availability and demand
Canon technical staff to answer any technical queries you may have.

Don't all rush along at once!

12th In the US, Canon has a new rebate programme that knocks $200 off the purchase price of certain camera/lens combinations if it includes a 580EX II flash. [PDF claim form]

This runs until the 1st of March

SLRs are:

EOS 1Ds Mark III
EOS 1D Mark III
EOS 5D Mark II
EOS 50D
EOS 40D

SLR kits are:

EOS 5D Mark II EF 24-105mm IS Kit
EOS 50D EF 28-135mm IS Kit
EOS 50D EF 18-200m IS PS Kit
EOS 40D EF 28-135mm IS Kit

Eligible lenses are:

EF 24-70mm F/2.8L USM
EF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM
EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS USM
EF 85mm F/1.2L II USM

Plus a Speedlite 580EX II flash.

11th A new method of liveview AF from Canon in a patent application described at PB

9th Canon have a UK press 'event' next week (Weds. 18th) in London to show off the 'Canon Spring Collection 2009'

Billed as 'Introducing exciting new products that will take people further on the journey to brilliant images'.

Unfortunately I'm already booked for two events here in Leicester that day...

February 4th Lots more comment on the 5D mirror fix.

The fix looks like some mirror clips.

US customers have some contact info:

Contact Information for Inquiries: Customer Support Center 1-866-422-2965 (toll free) 8:00 a.m. - Midnight, EST - Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., EST - Saturday

E-mail: carecenter@cits.canon.com

3rd Quite a few suggestions of when to expect Canon's announcements for PMA.

CR pencils in the next two Tuesdays, but settles for 18th/19th.

Interestingly enough, this is just before the Focus show in Birmingham (UK) which runs from the 22nd to the 25th. Canon are there this year, so will they have some trinkets to show us?

If you've had a 5D and the mirror fell out, it seems that Canon (in Japan) have acknowledged a fault. That link is in Japanese, however I've since been told [thanks] that Canon US has sent registered owners this message.

It seems however that Canon are sending the message to some 5D2 owners... [DPR]

February 1st UK price rises averaging 10%

Some examples we've seen of official prices [thanks]

EOS 1000D from £400 to £460
EOS 450D from £600 to £670
EOS 50D from £1,250 to £1,370
EOS 5D Mark II from £2,450 to £2,690
EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 from £840 to £930
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS no change at £190
EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS no change at £285
EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM from £1,200 to £1,330
EF 70-200mm f 4L IS USM from £1,240 to £1,370
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM from £550 to £610
EF 50mm f/1.4 USM from £375 to £420

January 29th At CR it's suggested that the '60D' may be branded as the '7D'

Details on the 60D page, but not dissimilar to what we were told in September. Interestingly, this could signal a move of the 1.6x APS-C sensor into a higher end model.

23rd In the UK there have been selective price rises from Canon (lenses), but it's not over.

We're told that Canon have more rises in the pipeline for early February.

I've heard claims that they're withholding stock from retailers and distributors until these rises take effect.

Nikon on the other hand aren't bothering with official price rises, and when resellers come to re-order they just find the prices have gone up.

Neither situations are helping dealers when planning to weather the current downturn. This could also just happen to have a connection with the current UK shortage of 5D2 batteries...

21st Whilst there are noises that the 500D may be delayed until after PMA, over at NR there is a suggestion that Sony will bring out a 15MP A800 (APS-C crop).

15.2Mpx APS-C CMOS Exmor “R” sensor
ISO 100-12,800
6.5 frame per second
New high speed flash sync
9 double cross f/2.8 AF sensor (23 total AF sensor)
New metering and AF sensor with tracking and previous focus
Dual AF Ultra-Speed motor (?)
Wi-Fi built-in
Will be announced on PMA09 and launch on April with 3 new DT lenses

It would be unusual indeed for a PMA to pass without some Canon DSLR. I'd still expect the 500D before the next in the 1D series, but who know what effect the economy has had on Canon's plans.

10th I'm told that the 'diffraction limit' is indeed causing some 50D users to lose sleep :-) Looking round the forums, there are an awful lot of clueless explanations and 'folk' wisdom about the whole issue of image quality and the large number of interacting factors that contribute to it.

There is a useful piece on the 50D by Harold Merklinger at LL and and excellent article by Norman Koren at NK It's the maths in the second article that show why it's not easy explaining what's going on in electro-optical systems and what contributes what to different aspects of image 'quality'. A newer article at LL covers the sensor/lens question with much rigour.

I'd go so far as to say, that unless you are -moderately- comfortable with the content of these articles (you don't have to follow the maths in detail ;-) you should be wary of what you read on the subject on a lot of forums - I see a lot of stuff mentioned that just isn't even wrong :-)

I'd also suggest watching (and understanding ;-) the excellent videos at Panavision about MTF and camera systems - if the site is busy you'll just get a big Q - call back later, it is seriously worth it. Don't be put off by the fact that it oriented towards video either.

January 9th A few comparative specifications whilst we wonder what will be next.

The Diffraction 'limit' is a somewhat vague estimate, based on sensor pixel pitch - look upon it as a general pointer to where stopping down your lens -starts- to lose a bit of sharpness. Given I've been taking some product photos at f/18 on my 1Ds3 today and can't see much softening (I've got the very sharp TS-E 90 2.8L lens on the camera) it's not worth losing sleep over ;-) (info from [TDP] )

Model	Crop	Sensor size	Pixel Size	Pixels/MP		Viewfinder		Diffraction 'limit'
Rebel XS / 1000D	1.6x	22.2x14.8mm	5.7µm	3888x2592	10.1	.81x	95%	f/9.3
Rebel XSi / 450D	1.6x	22.2x14.8mm	5.2µm	4272x2848	12.2	.87x	95%	f/8.4
Rebel XTi / 400D	1.6x	22.2x14.8mm	5.7µm	3888x2592	10.1	.80x	95%	f/9.3
Rebel XT / 350D	1.6x	22.2x14.8mm	6.4µm	3456x2304	8.0	.80x	95%	f/10.4
Digital Rebel / 300D	1.6x	22.7x15.1mm	7.4µm	3088x2056	6.3	.80x	95%	f/11.8
Canon EOS 50D	1.6x	22.3x14.9mm	4.7µm	4752x3168	15.1	.95x	95%	f/7.6
Canon EOS 40D	1.6x	22.2x14.8mm	5.7µm	3888x2592	10.1	.95x	95%	f/9.3
Canon EOS 30D	1.6x	22.5x15.0mm	6.4µm	3504x2336	8.2	.90x	95%	f/10.3
Canon EOS 20D	1.6x	22.5x15.0mm	6.4µm	3504x2336	8.2	.90x	95%	f/10.3
Canon EOS 10D	1.6x	22.7x15.1mm	7.4µm	3088x2056	6.3	.88x	95%	f/11.8
Canon EOS 5D Mark II	1.0x	36.0x24.0mm	6.4µm	5616x3744	21.1	.71x	98%	f/10.3
Canon EOS 5D	1.0x	35.8x23.9mm	8.2µm	4368x2912	12.8	.71x	96%	f/13.2
Canon EOS 1D Mark III	1.3x	28.1x18.7mm	7.2µm	3888x2592	10.1	.76x	100%	f/11.4
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N	1.3x	28.7x19.1mm	8.2µm	3520x2336	8.2	.72x	100%	f/12.7
Canon EOS 1D Mark II	1.3x	28.7x19.1mm	8.2µm	3520x2336	8.2	.72x	100%	f/12.7
Canon EOS 1DS Mark III	1.0x	36.0x24.0mm	6.4µm	5632x3750	21.1	.76x	100%	f/10.3
Canon EOS 1DS Mark II	1.0x	36.0x24.0mm	7.2µm	4992x3328	16.6	.70x	100%	f/11.6

Model	fps	Max JPG	Max RAW	Startup	Shutter Lag	VF Blackout	Shutter life
Canon EOS Rebel XS / 1000D	3 / 1.5	n/a	5	.1s	?	?	?
Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D	3.5	53	6	.1s	90ms	130ms	?
Canon EOS Rebel XTi / 400D	3.0	27	10	.2s	100ms	170ms	50,000
Canon EOS Rebel XT / 350D	3.0	14	4	.2s	100ms	170ms	50,000
Canon EOS 50D	6.3	90	16	.1s	59ms	100ms	100,000
Canon EOS 40D	6.5	75	17	.15s	59ms	100ms	100,000
Canon EOS 30D	5.0	30	11	.15s	65ms	110ms	100,000
Canon EOS 20D	5.0	23	6	.2s	65ms	115ms	50,000
Canon EOS 5D Mark II	3.9	78/310	13/14	.1s	73ms	145ms	150,000
Canon EOS 5D	3.0	60	17	.2s	75ms	145ms	100,000
Canon EOS 1D Mark III	10.0	110	30	.2s	40-55ms	80ms	300,000
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N	8.5	48	22	.2s	40-55ms	87ms	200,000
Canon EOS 1DS Mark III	5.0	56	12	.2s	40-55ms	80ms	300,000
Canon EOS 1DS Mark II	4.0	32	11	.3s	40-55ms	87ms	200,000

Model	Body Dimensions		Weight
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS / 1000D	5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4"	(126.1 x 97.5 x 61.9mm)	15.9 oz (450g)
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi / 450D	5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4"	(128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9mm)	16.8 oz (475g)
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi / 400D	5.0 x 3.7 x 2.6"	(127 x 94 x 65mm)	18.0 oz (510g)
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT / 350D	5.0 x 3.7 x 2.6"	(127 x 94 x 64mm)	17.1 oz (485g)
Canon EOS 50D	5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9"	(145.5 x 107.8 x 73.5mm)	25.7 oz (730g)
Canon EOS 40D	5.7 x 4.4 x 2.9"	(145.5 x 112 x 73.5mm)	26.1 oz (740g)
Canon EOS 30D	5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9"	(144 x 105.5 x 73.5mm)	24.7 oz (700g)
Canon EOS 20D	5.6 x 4.2 x 2.8"	(144 x 106 x 72mm)	24.2 oz (685g)
Canon EOS 5D Mark II	6.0 x 4.5 x 3.0"	(152 x 113.5 x 75mm)	28.6 oz (810g)
Canon EOS 5D	6.0 x 4.4 x 3.0"	(152 x 113 x 75mm)	28.6 oz (810g)
Canon EOS 1D Mark III	6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1"	(156 x 157 x 80mm)	40.7 oz (1155g)
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N	6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1"	(156 x 158 x 80 mm)	43.2 oz (1225g)
Canon EOS 1DS Mark III	6.1 x 6.3 x 3.1"	(156 x 159.6 x 79.9mm)	42.5 oz (1205g)
Canon EOS 1DS Mark II	6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1"	(156 x 158 x 80 mm)	42.9 oz (1215g)

January 5th A new more powerful flash? [CR]

Higher Guide Number
1.6, 1.3, 1.0 Crop Modes
Better Vertical Swivel
Metering from 10mm(EF-S)-250mm
Weather Sealed
New Battery Door

Speedlite 700 EX anyone?

2008 December 26th A whole slew of predictions at SLRClub - fortunately there is a good translation at NR

I note that we get two FF cameras from Canon (it's obviously from a Nikon user since they use Nikon's 'FX' designation for a FF(35mm) - Sorry but from the Canon content alone of this rumour, it just doesn't fly - but at least it mentions the fabled 3D again ;-)

Q1	Olympus will make a very small DSLR camera without mirror (micro four thirds format).
Q2	Nikon D400 - 14-15MP inc. HD movie. Entry level FX body from Canon (poss. using 1Ds mk2 and 5d sensor for economy) Nikon D800 with HD movie and high resolution to compete with 5D mark2.
Q3	1Ds Mark V from Canon 30+MP poss crop mode Middle FX body from Canon, maybe 3D. Will have same performance as 50D. So Canon’s FX line up will be 1D/ 3D/ 5D (flagship/ middle / entry) Nikon’s first entry FX body based on D40 or D60. Sony will have A800 and other bodies to replace current body.
Q4	Nikon’s fourth flagship (D4?) - will have about 30MP and 16bit raw. Sony will have a new FF 30MP body that will replace or just be a higher version of A900

21st If you ever wondered how AF systems work, I noticed this nice clear simple explanation at a Nikon site

20th Despite the state of the UK Pound, I see that quite a few Canon prices continue to fall (£244 for a 1000D body, £540 for a 40D body). The high price of the D3x seems to have put off many would-be purchasers, since several UK dealers have the camera in stock, and that's never been seen before at the launch of a top end Nikon camera.

2008 December 15th A Swedish journalist comments that Canon says we shouldn't expect the previous 3 year cycle for Pro level cameras - news maybe as soon as 22nd Jan [1D4 page]

Canon want to stop buying Sony sensors and maybe start selling their own CMOS sensors

12th A collection of thoughts on PMA2009 at NC

We're expecting at least the updated 35/1.4 lens, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it sitting on a a 1D4, showcasing some of the 1D4 high ISO capabilities.

November 29th Our own copy of Nikon Pro magazine turned up and yes, there is the 24.5MP D3x - a few days ahead of the official announcement :-)

28th After hearing several different rumours about the 1Ds4 and 1D4, I went back to one of our longstanding sources and asked if there was any news.

This is what we were told (usual caveats apply - this is a rumour page remember!)

I've updated the 1D4 page with some details of a potential Spring announcement, but there was also some more general Canon technologies information of interest.

These include:

Full Wireless Remote Control
EVF
Electronic Cropping
Pellicle Mirrors - still seen as a potential solution to high FPS and better AF
Non SLR like form factors, to make better use of the high resolution LCD and electronics.
There have been tests of a 'super sports' 1.6 crop camera that may or may not reach the light of day.

There is still an active design brief for a new mid-range FF should one be needed, updating features and costs to as to be ready for a rapid design process.

Canon are watching the Nikon D700 sales and will see how the 5D II goes. Their expectation is still that it is when, rather than if a second prosumer FF will be needed below the 1 series. However FF is not yet big enough in the market to trigger the design

500D design is well advanced for a Feb 2009 announcement and 60D (+movie mode) maybe a year on from the 50D

Canon are on track with their ramped up lens design and fabrication capability to handle the higher resolution sensors.

There are test cameras out there with in-body IS. Canon know that Nikon are doing just the same and it is a matter of who moves first.

If you've found the information on the site of use/amusement, then please consider buying your Amazon purchases (any kinds of items) through this link to Amazon.com items or (in the UK) Amazon.co.uk items

Thanks already to everyone who has done! ...it's much appreciated.

26th I see that Canon are promoting a new network of 'EOS Professional centres' in the UK and Ireland - pity it comes just after Jessops closed their big store near my house (I remember when it was vast, before they started selectively shutting down parts of the building)

19th If you've just got a US Canon Rebate cheque then you might want to read the notice from Canon before trying to cash it. It seems that CPG (rebatestatus.com) has gone bust... [more info]

November 17th if you are interested in detailed raw sensor performance figures for a wide range of cameras you might want to have a look at the new dxomark site

It also has detailed data on cameras, such as what the real ISO sensitivity of your camera is. I see that my Canon 1Ds3 may say that it's 100 ISO, but accurate measurements show that it's 74 ISO. On my old 1DS 100 ISO was actually 99 ISO and the 1250 setting was actually ~1500. Lots of 'discussion' fodder for the forums I think ;-)

16th Canon prices up in Australia? Suggestions that with the fall of the Australian dollar, there will be price rises for mid December - worth checking if you were planning a purchase later in the month?

Meanwhile it seems that complaints from some would-be 5D Mk2 owners that the camera doesn't have a built in flash, might be addressed by the new modular EOS SkyBlue system.

15th The Red Epic/Scarlet system is generating a lot of chatter, with people even claiming it's a DSLR killer. I tend to agree with this post on the red forum, concerning that particular aspect.

"DSLR killer? For $12,000 I can get a full-frame body with no lens mount, no viewfinder, 3 available zooms and 1 available prime. Then I get to add a lens mount, an EVF, an LCD, and end up with a huge, heavy camera that costs as much as a car, still has no optical viewfinder, and what for autofocus? ..."

13th A huge modular 'system' is announced by Red (they do announcements well ;-)

With a range of sensor sizes and all kinds of attachments it's billed as a DSMC (Digital Stills and Motion Camera)

More info and loads of pictures at the Red user forum.

Not cheap and includes a version with a 186mm x 56mm sensor (yes, 6x17) - of course a lot of features are in the TBA category and there seems to be a lot of computer generated pictures in the brochure... See also Canon MF page

2008 November 12th For technology watchers... I see that Sigma has bought Foveon [DPR]

Meanwhile Thom Hogan has made his pronouncements for 2009 (contrary to rumours, timing is not dependent on him seeing his shadow :-)

Well worth a read, as he reflects on the state of the camera industry and who may be closer to the slippery slope than others. A 24MP+ D3 followup could be announced by the end of this year, whilst any larger than 35mm (FF) format might appear from Nikon or potentially even Canon.

5th At Canon (UK) there are details of the extended cashback offer

EOS 1000D (18-55 IS Kit only) = £30 (EUR 40) New Offer - started 15th Sept, ends 12th Jan 2009.

EOS 450D (any config) = £50 (EUR 65) Extended Offer - started 26th June, ends 12th Jan 2009.

EOS 40D (any config) = £60 Cashback (EUR 75) Extended Offer - started 21st Aug, ends 12th Jan 2009.

October 31st The glut of 'refurb' 1Ds Mk3s that appeared recently on eBay has gone, suggesting that it was indeed clearout time. I'm told that the prices were a tad excessive.

I'd not want to comment on any suggestions that there was ever anything untoward in the bidding process, but I've not seen that many cameras sold at anything much like bargain prices. Caveat Emptor

30th It seems that the Sony A900 24MP sensor is not going to be sold to anyone else anytime soon [DPR] (or it might be if you can read further on in the thread ;-)=

28th An all new DSLR with video? Will something interesting actually be available, as well as announced on Nov 13th? [GM]

20th US lens rebates- see Lens page

16th In a technology note that may be of relevance for those fed up with noise levels for the ever decreasing sensor pixel size, there is 'Black Silicon'. It's a surface treatment that (potentially) drastically improves the efficiency of photosites in capturing photons. Don't get too carried away with the 100x figures in the article, since with microlenses and current sensor design, individual pixels are already quite sensitive. However, even 2-3 times better efficiency would allow noticeable increases in sensitivity. With appropriate design this could lower effective noise levels and hence directly contribute to an increase in useful dynamic range.[TH]

Also on CR, a potential announcement date for new Canon stuff - Feb 10th for replacements for the 1D3 (1D3 replacement will not be the 1D4) , 450D (Rebel XSi) and 1000D (Rebel XS) and two lenses (not the 35L since that's for the 1Ds4 in the Summer)

The real Mr Westfall's Tech Tips for October are worth a quick read

Oh, and I'm back from my trip to Colorado - thanks to all those who wrote with comments on locations to see, and the numerous photographers I met on the way. I've realised that my trusty old PowerBook is a bit lacking in speed and capacity when dealing with many 1Ds3 files, so a new Mac laptop next time :-)

October 13th Nikon's turn for something new next week? [D3x page]

3rd I was sent [thanks] some links [40D page] covering enabling video on your 40D. Not sure I'd want to try it out on a 40D of my own ;-)

There is a somewhat stilted, but nonetheless interesting interview with a Canon spokesman at DPR

I'm sure it wasn't intended to mean that EF-S lenses were for kids and Women ;-)

"We don't think so; EF-S is perhaps more appealing to the younger market and female market, who appreciate the light weight. So EF-S is not going to be pushed out. At this moment we don't believe the 50D sector of the market will be going to full frame either, and we will continue to provide EF-S cameras and lenses to that segment."

and in the not difficult to guess category:

"We're now studying carefully which models will be offered with video functionality. The 50D successor will almost certainly offer this feature."

September 27th - I'm off to Colorado for a few weeks, so updates may be a bit slow :-) I'll be updating this site remotely and keeping a travel blog. As well as my 1Ds3, I've got a Ricoh GX200, which I'm going to be reviewing when I get back (I looked at the GX100 last year)

26th In the US I'm told that both 1D3 and 1Ds3 prices are down($100/$300)

In the dull but important and useful category, the 'Grand Alliance' (Adobe, Apple, Canon, Microsoft, Nokia and Sony) has announced new metadata guidelines [PDF] on the use of image metadata. "The guidelines suggest methods to increase interoperability and storage of shooting settings and other associated data in digital images. It aims at standardizing the availability of metadata across all applications and devices, making it easier for users to create, organize and share their pictures." [DPR]

25th The price of the 1Ds3 remains steady in the UK - it's the only 21MP Canon camera you can just go into a shop and buy at the moment. I'm not expecting much in the way of price drops until the 5D2 actually starts shipping in any quantity, although there may be a small drop (or rebate) in the next few months, just to push a few waverers into a purchase ;-)

The rumours circuit has entered it's usual state of torpor after a major announcement, with current speculation mostly confined to updates of existing models.

The (relatively conservative) replacement schedule most popular at the moment is:

Camera	Date introduced	Age	Replacement	Model
450D, Rebel XSi	Feb 2008	12 mths	Feb 2009	500D
50D	Aug 2008	12mths	Aug 2009	60D
1D mark 3	Feb 2007	24 mths	Feb 2009	1D 4
1000D, Rebel XS	June 2008	12 mths	June 2009	2000D
1Ds mark 3	Aug 2007	24mths	Aug 2009	1Ds 4
5D mark 2	Sept 2008	24mths	Sept 2010	5D Mk 3

Questions to ask, are whether Canon will really let the 1Ds3 coast along behind the 5D2 in sensor performance for a year? and whether there is space in the development cycle and marketing plans for a cheap FF camera (7D/6D) and one between 5D2 and 1Ds3 (the fabled 3D)

Pricing of the 5D2 and 50D suggests there -might- be a gap for a 7D, but if the 1D4 goes FF (with a high speed crop) then it sits in the area that a potential 3D might occupy. What if the 500D was of appreciably better spec than the 2000D, leaving the opportunity to make the 60D full frame?

• As ever, if you have any info, please do let us know. It's only the (much appreciated) contributions from readers that allow us to get things like the first real photo of the 5D2 a few days before anywhere else.

24th Still some people on some forums holding out for another camera announcement, but no-one seriously expects more from Canon for a while, after the 5D2.

How long Kodachrome? an article [CNN] suggesting that it may not be long for this world (I still have some old boxes of slides somewhere :-)

Canon in the US has announced a 'restructuring' of the CPS programme. Restructuring looks more like a way of increasing costs, so perhaps expect it elsewhere in the world before too long ;-)

September 22nd Leica are to offer the 'S2' with 30x45mm sensor - see the Canon MF page for more, along with the continuing Nikon MF noises ;-)

The rush of Photokina info has begun. We'll include any interesting technological snippets here during the week

Fuji has some interesting new developments in CCD sensor design [DPR] including a new pixel filter layout. Shows promise, but as to when it appears in a camera and whether it ever gets made at any size, only Fuji knows...

21st What difference will HD Video make to photographers? An interesting take from Vincent Laforet.

Easy HD video capture has the potential to be quite a disruptive technology, although many people will soon discover that whilst capturing good quality video footage has just got a lot easier and cheaper, making effective use of it is still a different matter.

I've looked at my own key commercial business areas and do not see the pressures I'd expect in, for example, the wedding and some editorial markets. I'll probably not get video until my 1Ds3 gets replaced (maybe I'll have one on order this time next year ;-) and it's unlikely to be a key factor in any purchase choices (improved low light performance and DR are higher on my list) However, the advent of cheap HD video is something that any photographer running a business should not dismiss lightly.

20th There is some more general Canon info on the 1Ds4 page including: "a new high end DSLR being added to the range soon to fill market demand" ...3D anyone ;-)

Check the rumours index page for all the different updates today

2008 September 18th The wailing and gnashing of teeth on some Canon 5DII forums is tough to plough through. The AF is being heartily criticised, just from a few specifications - not based on anyone's real experience. We'll make sure to put links to any real tests and reviews on the 5D2 page when we find them. As to it's replacement - well that will be on the 5Dmk3 page ;-)

As ever, the majority of people can hopefully filter out this noise and look for real info once cameras start getting tested in earnest. One of the problems in reading through this stuff (and maintaining the rumours pages over the last few years) is that many people say things on forums in a way that (you'd hope) they'd never act when dealing with real people - just gets a bit weary sometimes - anyway I'm off to Colorado for a few weeks at the end of the month, so I can 'recharge the batteries' with some landscape photography after a month of running mostly seminars and training sessions :-)

Expect the price of the 5D2 to drop considerably before Christmas. It will probably come down a bit between now and initial delivery too, but Canon are going to make the most from pent up demand for the camera first. At the moment there is a clear price gap for a more basic FF camera, but check again in January.

17th The 5D2 is announced and the price and features are advanced enough that people are asking 'will there be a cheaper FF Canon camera?'

The new 24mm 1.4 L lens is the first to feature new coatings - see more info on the New lenses page

Our Canon future technology info is on the 60D page at the moment.

Meanwhile 'A Canon employee' speaks... [TD]

The employee told Tech Digest that Canon have the technology to "blow the competition away" in terms of image sensors, but are instead being asked to focus on headline figures like the number of megapixels a camera has.

Reads a bit like the collected wish lists from a number of DPR posts, but having seen the dead hand of marketing at work over the years it's all too believable.

In the 'too many MP for a sensor that size' category, Canon make another leap with the 15MP G10 [DPR] This is the one that Pop Photo accidentally announced on the 26th Aug (rumour archive link) along with the SX1S and other small shiny boxes.

Septmber 8th A Chinese site says it's a 7D and has a retail price of 19,000 Yuan (16k 'street')

7th A 7D picture appears on FM

However the camera in the corner has the same dodgy button layout as other obvious fakes...

...better, but still no cigar :-)

6th 2 FF cameras from Canon? No... DigitalRev ups it to 3 with thoughts of a 4D, 7D and 9D. With 12/16/16MP and assorted features. (Am I being cynical or is this one of the more blatant attempts by a reseller to get people to visit their site ;-) )

There is also a supposed 7D picture doing the rounds - it's about 2/3 the way down this Xitec thread

There is a DPR thread that mentions the elementary Photoshop errors that yell 'fake' :-)

4th The 7D? [Update - it seems that their cover story is based on the state of rumours as of 10th August - or ancient history as it's known ;-) ]

A French magazine suggests that it's got a 7D article. This from what it says is in its next issue.

On POTN we get a different name for the new camera... It's the 'EOS Digital'... guess I'd best set up an EOS Digital Mk2 page then ;-)

Possibly two cameras?

September 2nd An 18MP 7D?

We were sent this German page which posits a 7D at 18MP

This actually comes some Chinese rumours, at the same time that the 50D leak appeared.

The Dual Digic 3 should ring alarm bells. The high ISO would suggest a new sensor, like that in the 50D - and with that we get Digic IV

Spezifikationen EOS 7D (gerüchteweise)
Sensor	24x36 Kleinbildvollformat
Auflösung	18 Megapixel
Prozessor	Dual DIGIC III
Monitor	3" VGA LCD; 920.000 dots
Sucher	100%; 0,76x
Autofokus	19-Punkt-AF
ISO	100-6400 (erweitert: 50-12800)
Serienaufnahmen	5 B/s
Sonstiges	Staubschutzsystem

2008 August 18th A 'Digital Elan' next spring? A possible FF 7D next Feb/March is suggested in a post on the Xitek forum. Of course the EOS-7 had eye control of focus, something people who tried it either tend to have loved, or thought of as a gimmick.

14th Back to 21MP for the 7D? [CR]

21.1 MP FF,Dual Digic III Processor, ISO 100-6400 L:50 & H:12800, 5 FPS, 3" High Resolution Screen (LCD), 19 point AF, Liveview, Viewfinder: 100% Coverage, No pop-up flash,Full weather sealing, EF Lenses only

5th A supposed box picture for the 7D appears at EG

However the quick application of a steep curves layer shows up inconsistancies in the number '7' on the box.

The UPC barcode has been updated again...

July 31st More UPC barcodes updated (remember -anyone- can do this)

7D barcode

9th A somewhat tenuous POTN thread once again says there will be 2 cameras announced after the Olympics - the 3D and 6D

June 14th A tentative 6D spec. There is a report [CR] of a '3D' and '6D', although if previous numbering conventions are anything to go by I'd suspect the model number guestimates are the wrong way around.

"Canon EOS 6D (unknown model name)

Resolution: 14mp Full Frame
FPS: 5fps
LCD:3"
AF: 9 point
ISO: 100-3200
Memory Card: CF & SD
Proc: DIGIC III
Sealing: Some (40D)
Feature: Live View w/AF
Price: $1999 USD

Any general details are on the main 5D replacement page.

The EOS 7s ;-) -->

June 9th At POTN there is the suggestion that the 5D replacement camera name may not be the long expected 5D Mk2 "internally in the company is coded as 'Cobra', but it will be released to the public under the name of 6D"

2008 January 21st The popular 'Tsiphoto' makes a usual late entry on DPR and announces that "pma will not bring a new 5d body..... " This poster, who has a 'better than most'* record with pre-launch info is usually regarded a a harbinger of product announcements on DPR.

*'Better than most' is a relative term - you can check his past posting history on DPR ;-)

(There has been swapping between 7D and 6D for some time)

The thread also includes several other people's predictions including the interesting...

on Jan 24 they will announce 2 new cameras for PMA: the 7D and the 450D.
The 7D will be the 16Mp successor of the 5D. Making room for a 3D introduction later this year.
The 7D will be the big brother to the 40D. With FF and spectacular high iso performance.
I suspect the 450D to be surprisingly interesting due to a larger viewfinder and an improved AF system with face-detection.

2008 January 15th Meanwhile in the US a Canon rep allegedly says [DPR]: "Stay home if you are looking for anything like a 5D follow on at PMA. We just introduced 2 cameras last year - it will not be until the Fall until we do anything with the 5D line."

2007 December 30th

"The person said 2 DSLRs ($3500 and $2500) will be released next year. He added the later one is 5D successor. New model released in Jan. might be 3D. "

BTW If you're new to the page, see all the info we had back in September regarding the 5D/3D split, 5D2 functionality etc.

2007 December 29th According to 'Hisashi Owada' in an interview (translated from Japanese to Chinese to English, so it could really say almost anything ;-)

"We will launch a strong product. Intermediate camera 'EOS 5D' there will be increased durability and the subsequent pixel models listed. At the same price, we will launch better products. "

Original article
Google translation

Make of that what you will, but improved weather sealing and 16MP look more likely, ...and coming in at the original 5D price?

2007 October 17th

The Mythical 3D

Canon still believe that a greater proportion of the market will move to be full frame as the cost of the sensors come down.

They have on-again / off-again plans to split the 5D and have a lower and higher end full frame model.

The higher end would be weather sealed, and have pro-level AF and exposure

The lower end would have a flash and be like a 40D but with full frame

This is being complicated by the emerging push to bring high end features into the mid range anyway (as per the Nikon D300.

However so far, Canon is still seriously considering the split.

2007 September 15th There are lot's more discussions about the 3D appearing now, while we are waiting for the '5Dmk2'. Unfortunately there's not one that I've found, that doesn't look like a "what I'd want/like/demand in a smaller CHEAPER 1 series camera" post :-)

For 5D price falls in Europe have a look at this DPR thread which has lots of spurious graphs charting the drift/crash downwards in 5D prices (POV depends on whether you like to put the origin on the graph ;-)

While we're collecting some older posts - there is this collection of info I missed (unfortunately with no sources or attribution) which has a fairly broad range of rumours, including a 4D (popular opinion has always been that Canon would avoid the number 4 for various reasons)

2007 January 29th The 3D rumour just keeps rolling on...

Just when I was wondering where it had got to, a 3D rumour surfaces on DPR - not much at all really, but it's nice to know that this particular rumour,which has been growing in performance and doing the rounds for the last 4-5 years, is not dead

2007 January 17th An interesting post at FM suggesting that there are quite a few cameras to be released this year. So as not to annoy the dealers too much (New everything folks - lots of hard to shift stock). There would be 2 at PMA and two later in the year -- but in what order?. Canon's 'dilemma' (quoted from the FM post) was:

The 1 series should be announced first for pride / reputation with the new features
Even though the 1 series sells in very limited quantities, the professional camera division in Canon has a lot of clout - seen as creating a brand image leadership in the whole camera space.
The 30D replacement is badly required as the 20D/30D's combined market share has dropped radically over the last few months due to a combination of internal competition from the 400D and the market impact of the Nikon D80 and Sony A100 etc.
The 30D series segment is seen as important to Canon because of lens on-sell. This market and upwards tends to buy extra lenses, including high value lenses (I interpret that to be “high profit”).
The two 5D replacements make the most sense if sold together. Though they could announce the high end one first (as a 5D replacment) and then follow with the low end (entry level FF). The low end 5D repalcement is thought too similar to the 5D to be released while the 5D is in the market.
The 5D has not sold as well as hoped in most markets except when rebates are offered. However Canon still sell lots more of them that the 1 series and they are nicely profitable. They also have excellent resell on high value lenses.
The combination of Nikon's aggressive D40 / D80 / D200 range, with the Sony A100 is taking more DSLR market share than Canon predicted. The 400D is selling very well but Canon know they need to regain more of the midrange DLR market quickly to maintain the lens sales and 'own' the system for the advanced amateur and semi-pro etc.
Sony is known to be working on CMOS sensors at 1.6 and FF for their DSLR range and are expected to continue to complete aggressively on features. (Interesting to see what this does for Nikon who currently buy their CCD sensor from Sony) (Also interesting to see no mention of Pentax, which seems stange..).
Hence the big dilemma – 30D replacement and 1 series replacement now or 30D and one of the 5D replacements now and leave the other 5D and 1 series for later. Or do they upset their channels (never a good idea) and issue 3 cammeras to give the market at knockout puch. In terms of revenue and immediate market share protection delaying the 1 series further makes sense. But the new high end 5D replacement to very close to the 1 series performance (16mp etc), and in terms of prestige, the 1 series should be the best (Note, no mention of delaying the 30D replacement so I guess that is a given?)

The 5D replacements

5D would be split into FF two lines to create full frame demand
Low end – similar to current 12 Mp sensor but with a more 30D like body (could be a 7D?) and DIGIC III. This low end and xxD series were meant to provide a more cost effective choice between 1.6 and FF for the advance amateur and allow a gradual migration to more full frame over time driven by the market.
High end with more MP (16mp but not the 1D sensor), improved AF for the full frame, DIGIC III etc. (could be a 3D?)

2006 December 12th I'm told that as from today Canon Australia is offering a $750 rebate on the 1DsMk2 -- until Feb '07. Was seen on printed posters in dealers, not yet on the web - thanks Phil

There is also this Chinese rumour site http://www.fengniao.com/news/47/477501.html which mentions several new cameras. If you run the page through Babelfish you can get a translation (of sorts :-)

Some points?

35D/40D 12MP, Digic III, 5 FPS, 1.6x, new AF, $1300
3D 16MP, better AF with poss Eye control, 5 FPS, 6400 ISO with 12800 mode, more expensive than current 5D
5D Mk2 12MP, 5 FPS, Dustproof, slightly cheaper than current 5D

No news of a 1DsMk2 ... Do bear in mind that this is from a translation that includes such gems as:

No doubt someone will summarise it a bit more accurately :-)

2006 August 30th From a DPR thread mentioning some new lenses there was also this snippet. Usual caveats apply -- as in most of this stuff! ;-)

"I did know that they were working on the 85 f/1.2L and 50 f/1.2L that I told you earlier. Canon R&D is working on new DSLRs. We'll see 3D, successor of 5D and DRebel. I have no information about the 40D. They're also working on a series of non L wide angle lenses such as 24, 28, and 35. There're no plan, or I don't know, to replace 24L and 35L. R&D has many different groups working on different project. I only know one. So my information is only 70% accurate. Don't buy anything now especially the 30D and 5D. Dell is offering 25% off for the 5D. You should now why. The 5D successor is better than you can imagine. All DSLRs will have a big jump in performance. The pushed out the 30D just to buy time and fill the gap." (sic)

There may not be an announcement of the '1Ds MkIII' at photokina. We were told that the current release plan for the 'Mk3' is end of November/ start of December. This will depend on KissX [XTi/400D] sales and may get postponed until next year. '1DsMk3' Development is completed and waits for production - which is not yet started.

2006 August 12th Tis the season for conspiracies -- it seems that a thread was removed from the Fred Miranda forum (a good forum - far fewer trolls and "here is a picture of my cat taken with my new XXX" type posts than some others ;-)

6fps FF camera with 5D sensor (5D+ or the fabled 3D)
1Ds III with 5fps 18MP and 8.5 fps 12 or 10MP (aka 1DsN or 1Ds3)
a 35mm 1.8, a 100-400 f/4L IS and a 400 5.6L IS

Film EOS numbers- http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/EOS/CanonEOSFilmSLRs
Digital EOS numbers - http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/EOS/CanonEOSDigitalSLRs

For some nice pictures and diagrams, have a look at some of Canon's thoughts on the benefit of full frame sensors at http://web.Canon.jp/Imaging/cmos/index-e.html

Given their stated long term aim of moving as many cameras as possible to FF sensors the convergence of 1D and 1Ds will be sooner than later...

"Reading between the lines of the specs and press release, you may discover that the EOS 5D is the first model in a new strategy frm Canon, in the direction of full frame image sensor in many cameras to come. They have now solved many of the obstacles and production cost barriers, first and foremost related to the lowpass filter in front of the CMOS.
Brian Worley, product manager of D-SLR cameras at Canon Europa, said that it's a long way before all EOS models will have a full size sensor, but Canon's aim is to equip all models, except the cheapest, with a 35mm sensor in the future. " From 5D review at http://www.digit.no/wip4/detail.epl?id=59456

Other (real :-) info and stuff on this site

Using your film scanner as a microscope
A Canon 1Ds pinhole camera
Attaching a DSLR to a 5x4 view camera
Reviews of useful hardware and software
Articles and tutorials
Colour management
Keith's Landscape photos
Collection of photography and digital imaging info
Webcams in Leicester and view from space