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If you've got any info, let us know at 1DSreplacement@northlight-images.co.uk
Latest articles (not rumours... :-) Camera Profiling for ACR with the DNG Profile Editor Using a ColorChecker card, Keith creates custom camera profiles (the Ricoh GX200 is used as an example). Used for processing RAW camera files with Adobe Camera Raw. Applicable to any camera producing RAW files that can be opened in ACR. Follows on from our Ricoh GX200 - review... With a new 12MP sensor and a range of other improvements, it's closer to the ideal pocket camera for photographers who don't want the camera to try and do everything for them.
The 7D started appearing in rumour threads in earnest in 2008, while everyone was waiting for a replacement for the 5D.
Also includes General Camera Rumours (all makes)
2008 November
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]
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.
Note - As with marketing materials from Red, we believe these pictures may not reflect an actual camera.


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.
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
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.
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
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 ;-)
and in the not difficult to guess category:
Thanks again to everyone sending stuff in - I'm writing this from a motel in Leadville, Co
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?
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 ;-)
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.
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
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 ;-)
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]
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.
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?
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 |
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.
UPDATE - a fake from last year [flkr]
The UPC barcode has been updated again...
July 31st More UPC barcodes updated (remember -anyone- can do this)
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)
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.
(There has been swapping between 7D and 6D for some time)
The thread also includes several other people's predictions including the interesting...
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. "
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. "
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
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
"weatherproof and larger than the 5D but smaller than the 1D" :-)
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 5D replacements
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?
No news of a 1DsMk2 ... Do bear in mind that this is from a translation that includes such gems as:
"lets us wait for, the hummingbird net also will continue to track the report, will ask respectfully the attention."
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! ;-)
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
2005 December [old rumours were collected by month...]
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