Bells and Whistles...

I doubt they ever will, but I'd like to see Canon jettison the video features in their DSLR's and focus on giving customers better features for making still photos. I for one would rather have a better AF system than video in my camera, but then again I'm old and set in my ways.

Just curious to see if anyone else feels the same way.

Agreed, more than happy if they produced a non video version alongside the current models. I can see why they have integrated video but we don't all need this feature.

If you don't want video then just don't use it. I personally have only ever taken about 30 seconds of video on a 550D that I started with, just to see if it worked. I'm sure as the technology has been developed for video, Canon and the other leading manufacturers aren't going to produce a camera with and a camera without in the same case, and then produce a different set of firmware, features and menu system just to sell very few models to people who don't want video on a camera.

The video technology has been produced to go hand in hand with the still photo technology and the difference in price wouldn't make it viable to produce a different body. And where do you stop, if you get people who don't want to change their ISO would you expect them to make a separate camera without an ISO button, or without a rear screen etc. Like I said. if you don't want it don't use it but if you want a camera without it go buy a film camera.

I understand the 7D has great video capabilities.
fooled with it like twice

I think it's much like a skylight that opens or not.
You may never open it but you'll be glad it can if you ever wish to.

serious question...what is sacrificed to include video?

madjack wrote in post #14336916
I doubt they ever will, but I'd like to see Canon jettison the video features in their DSLR's and focus on giving customers better features for making still photos. I for one would rather have a better AF system than video in my camera, but then again I'm old and set in my ways.

For me, video is just as important as stills and it's amazing to have both in one tool, particularly when you need to travel light.

Not that DSLR's are ideal camcorders of course. Plus I don't really think that video is getting "in the way" of photography features anyway - these cameras are still very much stills cameras with some extra video features in software - video hasn't influenced the form of these cameras at all (yet).

You could argue that R&D invested in video features might be R&D taken away from stills features, but then what's camera R&D really going into anyway - sensor design really, which still needs to happen.

Best most people suggest is, if you don't use a particular feature, don't use it. It's not making your camera any more expensive to buy in the marketplace, so you lose nothing. And those that *do* want the feature have access to it.

And there are still classy stills-only cameras being made - but these are *more* expensive because they are more niche compared to the mass consumer marketplace.

It looks like people here make wish lists on what they don't want other people to have...

If it would lower the cost, then I'm all for removing features. Hell, all I ever use are ISO/aperture/shutter speed. If it's available only in the Menu, I could do without it.

I do admit that I am looking at using the video feature more in the future.

Video does not affect the production cost of the body dramatically. But it affect sales as its a wanted feature for many. Video is here to stay , the better AF is also here in the 7D, 5D3 and 1Ds, it will slowly move down the lower models in the following models of xxD and xxxD , but Canon will not trump sales of the semipro models at this time.

don't you like a bonus feature? i hate to bring two gadgets in a family trip... it's cumbersome.

Right on cue, just about one every month for the past 3-4 years now.

Let's say the same thing that goes into every other "I wish Canon would stop adding video to my camera because it takes away capability and adds cost"...

1) Video on a DSLR is here to stay
2) Video costs on a DSLR is neglible to say the least, Canon had video figured out a decade ago, and once they added Live View to DSLRs, video was a no brainer
3) Video on a DSLR does NOTHING to your still capabilities
4) If you don't like it, don't use it. In fact on cameras like the 1D4 and 5D2, it is so hidden that it is easy to even forget it has video, unlike the 7D and 5D3...

I don't care for video either, but it doesn't bug me one iota that it is on my cameras. In fact, I even find a use for it from time to time, like shooting an ISSMA advanced band competition, and being able to switch to video and do a few snippets of the flute section, then go back to stills for the conductor.

Personally,

I would love the video feature if it would autofocus on your subject. Without the autofocus feature of a regular camcorder it is just a PITA.

TB

General_T wrote in post #14337594
Personally,

I would love the video feature if it would autofocus on your subject. Without the autofocus feature of a regular camcorder it is just a PITA.

TB

I just shut down the aperture to increase DOF, and try to remember which way the focusing ring goes for focus front to back. I have been somewhat successful in keeping focus that way. Those that do this for a living probably have it down to a science. Most video I shoot though is "static action", meaning that I am not tracking movement front to back or side to side very much, just stage action which means focus is somewhat static once set.

TeamSpeed wrote in post #14337605
I just shut down the aperture to increase DOF, and try to remember which way the focusing ring goes for focus front to back. I have been somewhat successful in keeping focus that way. Those that do this for a living probably have it down to a science. Most video I shoot though is "static action", meaning that I am not tracking movement front to back or side to side very much, just stage action which means focus is somewhat static once set.

Hi TeamSpeed,

I never thought about stopping down as usually my shooting venue is a somewhat dark building. I may give that a try!!

I would only be using the video for my little girls gymnastics, so you can appreciate how it would be tough to keep focus as she does a tumbling run across the floor - heading towards you.

Man, if Canon could get these to focus like a camcorder then I would never have need of a dedicated camcorder ever again!! This would be Nirvana.

TB

I would postulate that adding video decreases the cost of cameras considerably, simply because it is a feature that sells more cameras. A stripped down stills only no frills camera would be a small production niche market item, and probably cost a lot more.

MakisM1 wrote in post #14337454
It looks like people here make wish lists on what they don't want other people to have...

Really? I merely stated what I'd rather have and not have as options in a camera. Never said I wanted to deprive anyone else of anything.