Would you pay for a true pro-sumer camera?

[gjl711]

Recently I got to shoot with a MkIII and it is a wonderful machine. It’s speed in focusing, ability to track moving objects, and accuracy left me drooling and I’m seriously considering the upgrade but it’s so dang big and heavy. Now I love my 40D but it’s not really a pro-sumer camera when compared to the MKIII. It’s much more sumer than pro basically being a dressed up xxx series camera with a few pro-like features, a marginal improvement in performance, and a better interface. (Donning asbestos undies)

What the 40D is missing the real pro features so that got me thinking, should Canon offer a real pro-sumer camera, one that would match the MkIII in performance but in a 40D package?

If Canon offered up a camera about the size and weight of the 40D with a 1.6 crop sensor, ISO 100 through 3200 with 50 and 6400 extended, a 45 point AF, EC +-3, 63 point metering, and still accept both EF and EF-S mount I’d open my wallet in a second.

So what about it? Would you be willing to spend a bit more and get a real pro-featured camera in a consumer body?

[Nick Pro]

For the price that they would offer it at, you could get a real pro body. Why not check out a mark II or I?

[05Xrunner]

i am the opposite. I would love if they made a 1.6x crop cam and a FF cam in the body like a 1D just a little smaller. basically the same size of a 40D and grip but all 1 body. i love the size and weight of the 1series

[silvex]

the 40D is a pro-sumer. The 1D are pro.

[In2Photos]

Recently I got to shoot with a MkIII and it is a wonderful machine. It’s speed in focusing, ability to track moving objects, and accuracy left me drooling and I’m seriously considering the upgrade but it’s so dang big and heavy. Now I love my 40D but it’s not really a pro-sumer camera when compared to the MKIII. It’s much more sumer than pro basically being a dressed up xxx series camera with a few pro-like features, a marginal improvement in performance, and a better interface. (Donning asbestos undies)

What the 40D is missing the real pro features so that got me thinking, should Canon offer a real pro-sumer camera, one that would match the MkIII in performance but in a 40D package?

If Canon offered up a camera about the size and weight of the 40D with a 1.6 crop sensor, ISO 100 through 3200 with 50 and 6400 extended, a 45 point AF, EC +-3, 63 point metering, and still accept both EF and EF-S mount I’d open my wallet in a second.

So what about it? Would you be willing to spend a bit more and get a real pro-featured camera in a consumer body?
So in other words you want Canon to come out with a Nikon D300? ;) At the price point of the D300 I would buy one in a heartbeat.

[timnosenzo]

Definitely yes. For me, this is what is so attractive about the Nikon D700. It's a D3 in a smaller/lighter body. Awesome. If Canon can pull something like that off in the next 5D I will be a very happy camper. If not... my eyes might wander. ;)

[gjl711]

So in other words you want Canon to come out with a Nikon D300? ;) At the price point of the D300 I would buy one in a heartbeat.
Yes, exactly. A camera with pro performance in a consumer body.

[blonde]

Recently I got to shoot with a MkIII and it is a wonderful machine. It’s speed in focusing, ability to track moving objects, and accuracy left me drooling and I’m seriously considering the upgrade but it’s so dang big and heavy. Now I love my 40D but it’s not really a pro-sumer camera when compared to the MKIII. It’s much more sumer than pro basically being a dressed up xxx series camera with a few pro-like features, a marginal improvement in performance, and a better interface. (Donning asbestos undies)

What the 40D is missing the real pro features so that got me thinking, should Canon offer a real pro-sumer camera, one that would match the MkIII in performance but in a 40D package?

If Canon offered up a camera about the size and weight of the 40D with a 1.6 crop sensor, ISO 100 through 3200 with 50 and 6400 extended, a 45 point AF, EC +-3, 63 point metering, and still accept both EF and EF-S mount I’d open my wallet in a second.

So what about it? Would you be willing to spend a bit more and get a real pro-featured camera in a consumer body?

so what you are asking is if we would buy a D300 if Canon made it. the answer is YES for me. i would love to buy a camera with the exact same pecs and features as the D300 with a canon mount.

[airfrogusmc]

Yes, exactly. A camera with pro performance in a consumer body.

I thought that was the 5D. Cause I think the 5d is a much better camera than the D300. FF. Better in low light.

[chalkie]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]If Canon offered up a camera about the size and weight of the 40D with a 1.6 crop sensor, ISO 100 through 3200 with 50 and 6400 extended, a 45 point AF, EC +-3, 63 point metering, and still accept both EF and EF-S mount I’d open my wallet in a second.

Me too, shortly after I'd wet myself in sheer excitement! :)

Graham

[Anders Östberg]

Nope, I like the build, performance, weather protection etc of the pro bodies, and as I always use a grip I prefer it to be integrated in the camera body.

What I would like though is a 1.6x pro body, I could use that for birds and sports.

[alt4852]

i think what you're describing is what most of us are crossing our fingers and hoping the 5dmk2 will bring. the d700 has really stepped up the standard for the class, and there are many of us who want full frame in a more updated and refined body without dropping the money for a 1ds series camera.

[gjl711]

I thought that was the 5D. Cause I think the 5d is a much better camera than the D300. FF. Better in low light. The 5D though a real nice camera, still bases itself on the consumer side of the fence. It only has a 9 point focus system same as the xxD bodies and a 35 point metering, again as the xxD bodies. It's claim to fame is the full frame sensor and the quality of image it delivers.

[mrklaw]

I'd love a D300 in a Canon format.

How is their AF and metering BTW? I read about this colour metering which sounds really interesting. Does it make it better at tracking objects in motion - eg by knowing the colour of the thing you've focused on so it won't get distracted and suddenly focus on the sky or trees?

[snails]

I thought that was the 5D. Cause I think the 5d is a much better camera than the D300. FF. Better in low light.


This is where the 5D dates itself. It still takes great photos (I don't own one.) but it's features give away it's age.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the 5D "replacement" as a slightly-downgraded 1DmkIII stuffed into a 5D-like body with something like "3D" for a model number. I would also expect Canon to continue to sell the 5D along side like they did with the XT and XTi, possibly as a mkII a la XS, XSi.

[airfrogusmc]

The 5D though a real nice camera, still bases itself on the consumer side of the fence. It only has a 9 point focus system same as the xxD bodies and a 35 point metering, again as the xxD bodies. It's claim to fame is the full frame sensor and the quality of image it delivers.

More geared for studio/indoor use. Really good low light performance. I'm a full time pro and own 2 5s. Canon also considers it a pro level camera (CPS). All you need is a spot meter and a brain and the 5D can supply the meter all the metering points you need. I use the center spot most of the time. So I'll take the low light and high IQ FF performance over 35 metering points and a bunch of focusing points any day.

[Naturalworldphotographer]

Im sure that if I had a D300 I would love it for its 51point autofocus, I can see the advantage for tracking a moving subject where the clustered af points would be easier to cover the subject, however, I do very little sports photography, so for me the 9 points on the 40D plus the custom function to select af points with the joystick is ideal as I change the af point every few shots, and frequently use the off centre points for off centre subjects and nice bokeh with my 85 f1.8 or 70-200f4. I just think that the nine point autofocus works so nicely with the joystick, its so easy and quick to change the focus point and change the composition of the photo.

[Jimlevitt]

I'd like Canon to put the focusing points on the "rule of thirds" points. That right there would make composition with the focusing points a lot easier. Is there some technical reason why the points are clustered so closely around the center point?

[The Fox]

I will stick with my Baby 1D, a gripped 20D. But that is a very good idea for sports photographers, if canon had one and I needed a new body, I would get one in a heart beat.
Nick

[cdifoto]

I don't think I'd care. If Canon did slap something like that together, I'd put a grip on it anyway and it wouldn't be much different than just carrying the 1 series around. Kind of like buying a 1V in one box and the HS in another instead of just buying the 1V HS complete. :D

[SolidxSnake]

I'd like Canon to put the focusing points on the "rule of thirds" points. That right there would make composition with the focusing points a lot easier. Is there some technical reason why the points are clustered so closely around the center point?

On my 20D, the four corners are on the thirds, at least it looks like they are.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS20D/page5.asp

The top and bottom look like they're on the horizontal lines, the ones between the mid and far sides look like they're on the vertical lines.

[JeffreyG]

I don't think I'd care. If Canon did slap something like that together, I'd put a grip on it anyway and it wouldn't be much different than just carrying the 1 series around. Kind of like buying a 1V in one box and the HS in another instead of just buying the 1V HS complete. :D

That's the opposite of me.

I'll take a FF camera with the AF system of a 1D and the size of the Oly OM-1 thanks. I'll never mount a grip on the already too frikkin big XXD or 5D bodies. The number one reason I don't have a 1D of any kind is size and weight. Cost is not the obstacle for me.

I'll take the OM-1 VF to go with that package too, BTW.

[Permagrin]

I don't think I'd care. If Canon did slap something like that together, I'd put a grip on it anyway and it wouldn't be much different than just carrying the 1 series around. Kind of like buying a 1V in one box and the HS in another instead of just buying the 1V HS complete. :D

I was playing with the D700 today and it's a pretty hefty piece of equipment, I can't imagine the weight of it w/a grip. (I don't know how it compares to the D300 in size exactly but they looked pretty close sitting next to one another).

[cdifoto]

See I can't stand how small my Spotmatic is. And the 10D without grip feels wrong to my hands. Ironically though, I seldom actually use the grips for their buttons.

[The Fox]

See, I have a 5D and a 20D. I can get the same shot with the 5D or the 20D so FF is not a huge deal. Now I can not get some of the shots with the 5D that I can with my Mamiya or my Hasselblad.
Nick

[turbodude]

they did make this cam long ago, it was teh EOS3.... and i still have one. i wish they made a digital version :(

[airfrogusmc]

I wish that they made a digital version of the F-1. If ya want fps you add it. If not ya don't and those great old manual focus chrome mount lenses....

[PacAce]

I would really be happy if Canon came out with a gripless version of the 1Dmark3. The Mark 3 is great but it's also big and heavy and not something I want to carry with me all the time.

[Permagrin]

I would really be happy if Canon came out with a gripless version of the 1Dmark3. The Mark 3 is great but it's also big and heavy and not something I want to carry with me all the time.

yeah but FF in order to compliment the M3...now that would be sweet!

[DocFrankenstein]

If Canon offered up a camera about the size and weight of the 40D with a 1.6 crop sensor, ISO 100 through 3200 with 50 and 6400 extended, a 45 point AF, EC +-3, 63 point metering, and still accept both EF and EF-S mount I’d open my wallet in a second.

So what about it? Would you be willing to spend a bit more and get a real pro-featured camera in a consumer body?

I think they might offer that to respond to the pressure from nikon. After all, noink came out with some crop body and full blown AF system recently. So if canon is going to be competitive, they need to lower the price...

It might not be soon, but it has to happen eventually.

[ed rader]

Recently I got to shoot with a MkIII and it is a wonderful machine. It’s speed in focusing, ability to track moving objects, and accuracy left me drooling and I’m seriously considering the upgrade but it’s so dang big and heavy. Now I love my 40D but it’s not really a pro-sumer camera when compared to the MKIII. It’s much more sumer than pro basically being a dressed up xxx series camera with a few pro-like features, a marginal improvement in performance, and a better interface. (Donning asbestos undies)

What the 40D is missing the real pro features so that got me thinking, should Canon offer a real pro-sumer camera, one that would match the MkIII in performance but in a 40D package?

If Canon offered up a camera about the size and weight of the 40D with a 1.6 crop sensor, ISO 100 through 3200 with 50 and 6400 extended, a 45 point AF, EC +-3, 63 point metering, and still accept both EF and EF-S mount I’d open my wallet in a second.

So what about it? Would you be willing to spend a bit more and get a real pro-featured camera in a consumer body?


the 1.6 crop sensor would be a deal killer for me. what i really like about the 1d mark III (and 5d) are the almost noiseless prints @ iso 1600 plus the bigger sensor of the 1d mark III with 14-bit color just makes pictures look better...even better than the 5d, imo.

in short i would not pay more for a camera with 1.6 or 1.5 crop sensors :D.

ed rader

[donaldjl]

I'd like to see a XXd-sized body with FF, weather seals, MkIII ISO range and AF points, sort of an über-XXD. I'm just not personally fond of the size of the 1D body. I like the smaller, lighter body style, but wish it was a little "more".

[elader]

I thought that was the 5D. Cause I think the 5d is a much better camera than the D300. FF. Better in low light.

Its the 5DII you are thinking of. Better AF, better screen, a vertical shutter release, less vf blackout, etc. If you ever shoot a 1DSIII and then a 5D, you will quickly realize that the 5D is a 'modified 30D' and not a modified 1 series.

[elader]

the 1.6 crop sensor would be a deal killer for me. what i really like about the 1d mark III (and 5d) are the almost noiseless prints @ iso 1600 plus the bigger sensor of the 1d mark III with 14-bit color just makes pictures look better...even better than the 5d, imo.

in short i would not pay more for a camera with 1.6 or 1.5 crop sensors :D.

ed rader


I agree with Ed. It's got to be full frame. Canon should release a FF-50D type cam (a 5DII) for $2500 at 4fps and a small form factor FF pro cam for $3500 - the 3D, which adds the 45pt focusing, quicker response, weather sealing, 6fps, vertical grip, etc - in between the 1 series and 5D in size - taking BP511 batteries same sensor as 5DII)

[nordstern1]

Its the 5DII you are thinking of. Better AF, better screen, a vertical shutter release, less vf blackout, etc. If you ever shoot a 1DSIII and then a 5D, you will quickly realize that the 5D is a 'modified 30D' and not a modified 1 series.

there is already a specs list of the new 5D?

do you have the link?

[PacAce]

yeah but FF in order to compliment the M3...now that would be sweet!

Yes, I agree. That is why I'm patiently waiting to see what the 5D replacement is going to be like. If its features are more like the Mark III rather the the 40D, I'll be standing in line with all the others waiting to get their hands on it. :D

[blonde]

Yes, I agree. That is why I'm patiently waiting to see what the 5D replacement is going to be like. If its features are more like the Mark III rather the the 40D, I'll be standing in line with all the others waiting to get their hands on it. :D

save me a spot in line Leo. i would love it if canon came out with something like the D700 .

[m-bartelt]

Would you pay for a true pro-sumer camera?

I think the 40D is the perfect example of the term "pro-sumer". It is the entry level professional grade dSLR from Canon. Instead of a mirror, it has a real prism, instead of polycarbonate, it has a magnesium body. The build quality is excellent. It's quick, responsive and easy to use, and the layout make it probably the easiest body to learn manual control with. Are there features that are missing that you would like? Of course there are, it's an entry level professional grade camera, i.e., pro-sumer.

If you want all of the high-end professional features, then you need to spend more money, putting it past the 'consumer' price range.

Personally, I don't consider the D300 to be a pro-sumer camera, it's far too feature rich and way too expensive.



So what about it? Would you be willing to spend a bit more and get a real pro-featured camera in a consumer body?

The only thing that I would like to see in the 40D is more and better bracketing range ( 5 @ +/-3 stops) for HDR and a metering indicator in the viewfinder so I don't need to lift my eye from the viewfinder when changing metering modes. Oh, and I wouldn't mind if it were a bit smaller, but with the same build quality as well.

Other than that, the 40D is absolutely perfect for my entry-level professional / hobbist / pro-sumer desires.

[ben_r_]

the 40D is a pro-sumer. The 1D are pro.
Thats what I was thinking...

[gjl711]

I think the 40D is the perfect example of the term "pro-sumer". .....
Personally, I don't consider the D300 to be a pro-sumer camera, it's far too feature rich and way too expensive. ....

Other than that, the 40D is absolutely perfect for my entry-level professional / hobbist / pro-sumer desires.
I'm not advocating getting rid of the 40D, it fits tit's niche perfectly and is a great camera, but it's heavy on the consumer and light on the pro. I'm talking about a totally different camera fitting between the 40D and the 1D but with the feature set much closer to the 1D. I guess I am talking about a Canon version of the D300. A consumer body with pro features.

[JeffreyG]

I'm not advocating getting rid of the 40D, it fits tit's niche perfectly and is a great camera, but it's heavy on the consumer and light on the pro. I'm talking about a totally different camera fitting between the 40D and the 1D but with the feature set much closer to the 1D. I guess I am talking about a Canon version of the D300. A consumer body with pro features.

I think Nikon has simply really stirred things up with the D300 and D700. These give Nikon shooters pro cameras in a smaller package than a D3 or Canon 1D and at a price point that slots in between the prosumer (D80, 40D, 5D) and pro (D3, 1D, 1Ds) stuff.

Right now Canon has nothing that really goes head to head with either the D300 or D700 on price or features.

The D700 certainly has my attention. It is exactly what I want in a body (well, I would like it just a little smaller). I would really be excited if Canon launched a 5D replacement that had the spec sheet of the D700.

[fxk]

Sorry - the 1.6 sensor would be a deal breaker for me. Never again.

A pro-sumer camera for me would be the form factor of a 5d, 1-series AF, and either 1.3 or FF sensor. Did I mention a 100% viewfinder?

Kind of like a d700 vs a d3.

[SolidxSnake]

So I think everyone can agree that the answer is, yes, we'll pay for a camera that is in between the pro-sumer and pro levels.

[m-bartelt]

I'm not advocating getting rid of the 40D, it fits tit's niche perfectly and is a great camera, but it's heavy on the consumer and light on the pro. I'm talking about a totally different camera fitting between the 40D and the 1D but with the feature set much closer to the 1D. I guess I am talking about a Canon version of the D300. A consumer body with pro features.

Yeah, well I understand what you're saying... and there is a gap between the 40D and 1DmkIII, but I expect that will be a 5DmkII which will compete with the D300.

I wish there were a XT sized camera with the build and features of the 1DmkIII, but that's wishing for a lot... give it a few years.


A pro-sumer camera for me would be the form factor of a 5d, 1-series AF, and either 1.3 or FF sensor. Did I mention a 100% viewfinder?

Sounds like a possible 5DmkII if and when it comes out... eh?

[JeffreyG]

Yeah, well I understand what you're saying... and there is a gap between the 40D and 1DmkIII, but I expect that will be a 5DmkII which will compete with the D300.


Hmmm.....I don't think the 5Dmk2 would compete with the D300 as the D300 is a 1.5X sensor. Presumably the 5Dmk2 would compete with the D700.

What I fear is that the 5Dmk2 will become basically a FF version of the 40D. At that point you have the 40D competing with the D300 and the 5Dmk2 against the D700. Both could lose on features and win on price if that is how it plays out.

This is turning into a pit of speculation though. Nobody knows what will be released August 26th. I'm asking Santa for a 5Dmk2 with the feature set of the D700 and a new EF 500 1:5.6L IS USM that weighs 1.7 kg.

[Permagrin]

What I fear is that the 5Dmk2 will become basically a FF version of the 40D. At that point you have the 40D competing with the D300 and the 5Dmk2 against the D700. Both could lose on features and win on price if that is how it plays out.


yeah, that's what I'm expecting too...it would be nice if we were pleasantly surprised though

[fxk]

Yeah, well I understand what you're saying... and there is a gap between the 40D and 1DmkIII, but I expect that will be a 5DmkII which will compete with the D300.

I wish there were a XT sized camera with the build and features of the 1DmkIII, but that's wishing for a lot... give it a few years.




Sounds like a possible 5DmkII if and when it comes out... eh?

I wish:)... but I doubt it:(... (sigh:confused:...)

[adam8080]

Sounds like the OP wants an EOS 3. I've been hearing rumors about a Canon 3D being announced in September, but I have no hard evidence to back up that claim.

[gjl711]

I wish there were a XT sized camera with the build and features of the 1DmkIII, but that's wishing for a lot... That would be awesome. I wouldn't even care about the build, it's the features and performance. I just finished a weeks hiking in Yosemite and I felt the extra heft of the 40 as opposed to my XTi especially when climbing all day.

[dithiolium]

Except that D300 doesn't entertain ISO 50.
But I get your point :)
We all want more Pro features, just not willing to pay top dollar for it.

[Gabe63]

I would be (and sadly expect to be) shocked if the new 5d does not share the same platform as the 40d and it's replacement. Canon has been stuck on the defensive and is not the inovative as of late, that seems to be Noink.
Give me 6.5fps, great AF, and a choice between FF and crop so I can buy both in a non 1D sized and priced package. I would love to own two bodies that are prosumer sized, with 100% identical controls, only 1 FF and one crop. Either way I can't wait until there is a new 5D to consider...

[gjl711]

...We all want more Pro features, just not willing to pay top dollar for it. I'd be willing to pay for it, just not 4k. A 2k crop camera with 1D performance would really round out the Canon line up.

[blonde]

all i want is a D300/ D700 combo in Canon mount. is that really too much to ask? :)

[danielyamseng]

how 'bout custom made camera for the press?

[mattograph]

It sounds to me like what you really covet is the AF system, which to me is the most significant performance difference between the 1D and the 40D.

[gjl711]

It sounds to me like what you really covet is the AF system, which to me is the most significant performance difference between the 1D and the 40D.
YESYESYES!!!! That be the most important feature.

[mattograph]

YESYESYES!!!! That be the most important feature.

I agree.

Here is my secret hope. There are TWO full frame cameras coming from Canon. The first is a "full frame" 40D -- a full frame based on the Digic III. I think that, based on the recent rumors about the 5D MK II at $2295 is this camera.

Then -- another full frame. A standard body around a 1D MK III AF system. $3495. Perhaps this is the mystical 7D.

[blonde]

Then -- another full frame. A standard body around a 1D MK III AF system. $3495. Perhaps this is the mystical 7D.

that would be silly because nobody will buy the 7D since it has a broken AF system :)

j/k of course. i would be very happy if you are right since i would love a canon with the D700 specs..

[mattograph]

that would be silly because nobody will buy the 7D since it has a broken AF system :)



Well played! That's where all those broken AF assemblies are headed!:)

[gardengirl13]

I wish there were a XT sized camera with the build and features of the 1DmkIII, but that's wishing for a lot... give it a few years.


I'd love an XT sized full frame camera. I want great noise handling at 1600 and 3200 ISO and good metering and AF, and I want it to be light weight.

[mrklaw]

I agree.

Here is my secret hope. There are TWO full frame cameras coming from Canon. The first is a "full frame" 40D -- a full frame based on the Digic III. I think that, based on the recent rumors about the 5D MK II at $2295 is this camera.

Then -- another full frame. A standard body around a 1D MK III AF system. $3495. Perhaps this is the mystical 7D.

I'd rather have a 1D MK III in a 40D body with crop.


I think canon 'simply' need to do a D300/700. I.e do a 5D MK II (with probably the internals of a 1D almost as Nikon have raised the bar), which is full frame - and a crop equivalent

[mattograph]

I'd rather have a 1D MK III in a 40D body with crop.


I think canon 'simply' need to do a D300/700. I.e do a 5D MK II (with probably the internals of a 1D almost as Nikon have raised the bar), which is full frame - and a crop equivalent


I could live with that.

[David Rossberg]

It depends what you put into the word prosumer.

As a middle point between a 1D MKIII and a Rebel 400 I think the 40D lives up to it's moniker of being pro-sumer.

On the other hand if you look at like a pro camera that has been stripped in features and built quality just enough so that it can be sold at lower price point but with the main features and selling points of the pro camera still intact, I agree with the original poster; The 40D is not a pro-sumer camera.

With the D700 Nikon has done this exactly. A true pro would still chose the D3 as his main tool, but the D700 is close enough for a backup (or two). The enthusiastic amateur could be shelling out more money than he or she otherwise would in order to get a camera with pro features but still at a price they could justify.

Regardless of the number of models or price points they come up with there will probably be a market for it, there's enough photographers with enough needs to make ten times the amount of models there is today.

Personally I think Canon is lacking in this specific segment right now, but then again it's only weeks until they'll show us their hand and order might be restored.

[danielyamseng]

A lightweight carbon fiber body

[2112]

the 40D is a pro-sumer. The 1D are pro.

Exactly, and besides, the camera is just the tool. I have taken shots for national magazines and ads with an XTI. If someone needs all the bells and whistles of a MKIII to get a quality shot, they should be taking photography lessons with the money instead :p

[gjl711]

A lightweight carbon fiber body
I’m really surprised no manufacturers have gone this way. Carbon fiber is much stronger, impervious to corrosion, and more impact resistant than magnesium. Must have something to do with the misconception that a metal casing is stronger than plastic.

[Anders Östberg]

I would think it's cheaper to make a metal body than a carbon fibre body.

[Yohan Pamudji]

Definitely yes. For me, this is what is so attractive about the Nikon D700. It's a D3 in a smaller/lighter body. Awesome. If Canon can pull something like that off in the next 5D I will be a very happy camper. If not... my eyes might wander. ;)

Yes...

so what you are asking is if we would buy a D300 if Canon made it. the answer is YES for me. i would love to buy a camera with the exact same pecs and features as the D300 with a canon mount.

... and yes. If Canon made a D700 I'd definitely get it. That's the mythical digital EOS 3 (and better, even) that many have been clamoring for for years now, and incorporates everything I'd love to see in a 5D replacement. A D300 equivalent would get a look from me but only as a backup or for sports (extra "reach", aka pixels-per-duck).

Nikon are making everything I want right now except for the right lenses, which is the biggest thing keeping me with Canon.

[rexspangle]

pro-sumer and professional are subjective terms imo since the company determines this for their products

For example Canon currently reserves weather sealing as a pro feature..Nikon does not. So you can't really use weather sealing as a gauge of what professional is... So how about image quality... hmmm a 40d is pretty much just as good (dare I say better) than a 5d.... so you can't use iq as the the deal breaker.....but then is a 5d a pro camera? pros use it and for the longest time it was the only FF camera available and still is highly regarded...but wait it isn't weather sealed and the AF is too slow so it can't be pro..... how about shutter life? well that is a something that could warrant being considered professional...

Of course it is a mix of more advanced features combined together on one body that makes a it professional but I think price tag is the biggest factor.... So after my rant it would be nice if Canon had a body that was current and bridged the gap between the 40d and the "pro" bodies..cause the 40d is a very affordable camera and the MarkIII"s aren't for many.

[JeffreyG]

pro-sumer and professional are subjective terms imo since the company determines this for their products

For example Canon currently reserves weather sealing as a pro feature..Nikon does not. So you can't really use weather sealing as a gauge of what professional is... So how about image quality... hmmm a 40d is pretty much just as good (dare I say better) than a 5d.... so you can't use iq as the the deal breaker.....but then is a 5d a pro camera? pros use it and for the longest time it was the only FF camera available and still is highly regarded...but wait it isn't weather sealed and the AF is too slow so it can't be pro..... how about shutter life? well that is a something that could warrant being considered professional...

.

You have quite a lot of confusing statements there.

For one thing, the 5D was never the only FF camera available as the 1Ds was on the market long before the 5D. Inarguably, the 1Ds is the 'pro' FF camera from Canon.

Few would also agree that the 40D has better IQ than the 5D, and while professionals can and do use both bodies, neither are 'pro' bodies as defined in the line.

As for Nikon, it isn't that Nikon has long offered a different feature set in their 'prosumer' lines. No, instead what has shaken up the market is that Nikon has just recently started to offer many previously 'pro' features like weather sealing and high end AF in their lesser offerings like the D300.

[rexspangle]

yeah perhaps my wording is a little confusing.... oh well..

I am sure I opened a can of worms...



Few would also agree that the 40D has better IQ than the 5D....

Your above comment is speculation since that could never be proven. I have yet to see solid proof supporting either is better in terms of iq. Show me a link or post some samples and then we can put the whole 40d vs. 5d debate to rest. I believe the 40d is better in terms of having newer features and iq is comparable.

Yes you are correct about the 1ds...

[JeffreyG]

Your above comment is speculation since that could never be proven. I have yet to see solid proof supporting either is better in terms of iq. Show me a link or post some samples and then we can put the whole 40d vs. 5d debate to rest. I believe the 40d is better in terms of having newer features and iq is comparable.


OK, scroll down to the resolution section.

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/eos_5D_vs_eos_40D.html

[coolie21]

OK, scroll down to the resolution section.

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/eos_5D_vs_eos_40D.html

That's pretty convincing - and a good article

[mattograph]

Agreed.

Nice to read an article thats not full of lots of Canon complaints, for once.