To Canon: A Wishlist for Future DSLRs.

[Matt Kim]

I don't see that as a big deal, I would rather have Canon
perform the upgrade anyhow.

On a side note, people load film in cameras everyday with
no issues, every film is concaved when in the film transport,
no matter how good the transport is. Even with Contax's
vacuum back, the film isn't perfectly flat... so if the
imager is off by a hair, it isn't going to be noticable.

Matt

You know, I was kind of thinking about this very thing the other
night, in regards to the 1D at least... Kind of like changing the
focusing screens of old.

The only problem is, you'd probably need to change more than just
the imager, for example - more RAM in the buffer, different
electronics, etc. If it were feasible, that would be incredible,
and an industry first, I believe.

 

[Trenton]

Interesting idea. There was talk of this concept when D30s first came out and everyone noticed the sensor chassis was on a hinge.

Wouldn't that be cool? In 10 years, you open the back door, swing out the chassis, replace the standard sensor housing with.... heck, the sky's the limit, I would hope... an ISO 25 sensor, an IR sensor, a b/w sensor, a 3,6,8 or 10 MP sensor.... etc., etc...

On a side note, people load film in cameras everyday with
no issues, every film is concaved when in the film transport,
no matter how good the transport is. Even with Contax's
vacuum back, the film isn't perfectly flat... so if the
imager is off by a hair, it isn't going to be noticable.

Matt

You know, I was kind of thinking about this very thing the other
night, in regards to the 1D at least... Kind of like changing the
focusing screens of old.

The only problem is, you'd probably need to change more than just
the imager, for example - more RAM in the buffer, different
electronics, etc. If it were feasible, that would be incredible,
and an industry first, I believe.

 

[JCDoss]

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am so bored that I will summate the wishes of the posters so far...

• Improved AF (equivalent to 1D)
• Indication of active focus point in view finder.
• Dedicated FEL button.
• Zoom in image review with higher mag and "freeform" zoom (no frames)
• Improved high ISO performance
• ISO levels available in 1/2 and 1/3 stop steps
• Auto-rotate images taken in portrait mode- Backlit LCD on top
• An eyepiece that sticks out the back of the camera a little with a better eyecup
• Discard the focus assist lamp or make it red
• Simultaneous recording of JPG and RAW
• Spot metering
• New larger sensor composed of two D30 sensors stitched sideways (30x22, 1.2x multiplier, 6.2MP) with no stitching artefacts (!!)
• Electronic preview on a flip-swivel, preview-capable LCD usuable during MLU with separate AF and metering from the CMOS
• Eye control focus
• Weatherproof EOS 3 style body
• Backlit illumination of the top LCD
• Serial port to connect GPS
• Voice recording
• Same battery as D30
• Dual CF slots
• More CFn2 settings
• Quick on/off of AEB
• Easier access to USB port and CF card
• Color and B&W modes
• Easy way to either fill-flash or main-illumination (not flash EC)
• Eyepiece shutter
• Bigger buffer with faster flush
• Integrated grip (room for larger LCD and more dedicated controls)
• Realistic prices

• Upgradable imagers as a potential long term design consideration

Any more?
JCDoss

 

[Larry H. Smith]

Hi JC,

Actually, my post was poorly written, ...I plead CRAFT disease (can't remember a F------ thing)

I support YOUR suggestion, for situations like this: The long-telephoto is tripod-mounted, and sharply pre-focused on the very edge of the osprey nest, in which fledglings are clamouring for their dinner. The mirror is locked-up. the cable release is in your hand, the button under your finger, while you wait for the precise moment that Mom alights on the edge-of-the-nest, with a fish in her talons, and (for just a split-second) her wings still spread. '"Not yet, ...not yet, ...NOW!". Delayed MLU doesn't cut it. (nor does shutter-lag.)

The part of my post emphasizing push-on/push-off relates to the DOF-preview. Having to KEEP the button pressed, while you change aperture, focus, or adjust camera position-on-a-macro-slide/rail is a pain!

Push the button...see the depth-of-field...make changes...WATCH the effect-changes take place,... when you're happy, THEN push the button again to re-open the aperture(or let the camera do-it post-release).

Hope this description is a little clearer

Larry

On a "pro' camera, it should be a "right-now", push-on,
see-the-effect, ...change focus, aperture, whatever, ...WATCH the
effect change, ...start the self-timer press the cable-release(so
as not to vibrate the tripod mounted camera), ...then push off,
after photo is taken (or maybe(just MAYBE) auto-off after
shutter-release.

If I understand you... what you're describing would require LCD
preview... ie, the mirror is locked up, therefore some TTL
mechanism must be in action to see the changes you describe. That
can only be via the sensor and LCD. Hence, MLU and LCD preview
would work hand-in-hand... something David Birkin shrugs his
shoulders about every time I bring it up!


JCDoss

 

[Larry H. Smith]

Yes, JC, two more(as described in my recent response to you, above)...I've added them in this list:

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am so bored that I will summate the
wishes of the posters so far...

• Improved AF (equivalent to 1D)
• Indication of active focus point in view finder.
• Dedicated FEL button.
• Zoom in image review with higher mag and "freeform" zoom (no frames)
• Improved high ISO performance
• ISO levels available in 1/2 and 1/3 stop steps
• Auto-rotate images taken in portrait mode- Backlit LCD on top
• An eyepiece that sticks out the back of the camera a little with

a better eyecup

• Discard the focus assist lamp or make it red
• Simultaneous recording of JPG and RAW
• Spot metering
• New larger sensor composed of two D30 sensors stitched sideways

(30x22, 1.2x multiplier, 6.2MP) with no stitching artefacts (!!)

• Electronic preview on a flip-swivel, preview-capable LCD usuable

during MLU with separate AF and metering from the CMOS

Make that real-time MLU, ...NO delay...mirror locks up when you do it, shutter releases when you do THAT!

• Eye control focus
• Weatherproof EOS 3 style body
• Backlit illumination of the top LCD
• Serial port to connect GPS
• Voice recording
• Same battery as D30
• Dual CF slots
• More CFn2 settings
• Quick on/off of AEB
• Easier access to USB port and CF card
• Color and B&W modes
• Easy way to either fill-flash or main-illumination (not flash EC)
• Eyepiece shutter
• Bigger buffer with faster flush
• Integrated grip (room for larger LCD and more dedicated controls)

Push-on/push-off DOF preview.

• Realistic prices
• Upgradable imagers as a potential long term design consideration

Any more?
JCDoss

 

[JCDoss]

Hi Larry,

I see you already put your suggestions into the cumulative wishlist! Add to the list freely!

I left out suggestions for new software along the way, since frankly, third party software blows away anything Canon's ever made. My only request would be for Canon to be helpful to these people (provide them with what they need to make excellent software).

As far as MLU/LCD preview, I envision a new button somewhere on the back of the camera (maybe near the ( ) button) that simultaneously activates MLU and the LCD in preview mode.

Push it once, the mirror goes up, the shutter opens, and the CMOS goes into preview mode. While in preview mode, separate AF and metering mechanisms would come online. The focus points and metering patterns could be the same as the "normal" ones, and could be controlled by the same buttons. The focus points/metering circle would be overlaid onto the live image on the LCD just like it is on the regular viewfinder.

Push the MLU/LCD button again, the mirror goes down, the shutter closes, and the CMOS becomes inactive.

The LCD can be shut off at anytime by pressing the DISPLAY button if you want MLU without LCD preview (and turned on again if the mirror is still up).

Finally, the secondary AF/metering could be turned off (via CF) so as not to screw up scenes that you set up with the optical viewfinder such as you describe (or you could use manual settings and turn off AF at the lens or control it with the * button to accomplish the same effect).

The DOF button would stay in the same place, but push it once and the lens stops down, push it again and it opens up again.

Have I got the gist (and a few other things)?
JCDoss

 

[bluedot]

JCD--

Good job compiling the list.

I agree with everything except the integrated grip. I think the controls and buttons are dsitributd well as they are and I don't really need a larger LCD (well 2" instead of 1.8" would be nice).

I really like the fact that even the top-of-the-line EOS3 and 1V do not have integrated grips which means that you can have a pro-level camera in a compact(-ish) package -- well, compared to the Nikon F5 at least.

bluedot.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am so bored that I will summate the
wishes of the posters so far...

• Improved AF (equivalent to 1D)
• Indication of active focus point in view finder.
• Dedicated FEL button.
• Zoom in image review with higher mag and "freeform" zoom (no frames)
• Improved high ISO performance
• ISO levels available in 1/2 and 1/3 stop steps
• Auto-rotate images taken in portrait mode- Backlit LCD on top
• An eyepiece that sticks out the back of the camera a little with

a better eyecup

• Discard the focus assist lamp or make it red
• Simultaneous recording of JPG and RAW
• Spot metering
• New larger sensor composed of two D30 sensors stitched sideways

(30x22, 1.2x multiplier, 6.2MP) with no stitching artefacts (!!)

• Electronic preview on a flip-swivel, preview-capable LCD usuable

during MLU with separate AF and metering from the CMOS

Make that real-time MLU, ...NO delay...mirror locks up when you do
it, shutter releases
when you do THAT!

• Eye control focus
• Weatherproof EOS 3 style body
• Backlit illumination of the top LCD
• Serial port to connect GPS
• Voice recording
• Same battery as D30
• Dual CF slots
• More CFn2 settings
• Quick on/off of AEB
• Easier access to USB port and CF card
• Color and B&W modes
• Easy way to either fill-flash or main-illumination (not flash EC)
• Eyepiece shutter
• Bigger buffer with faster flush
• Integrated grip (room for larger LCD and more dedicated controls)

Push-on/push-off DOF preview.

• Realistic prices
• Upgradable imagers as a potential long term design consideration

Any more?
JCDoss

 

[stripes]

I really like the fact that even the top-of-the-line EOS3 and 1V do not have integrated grips which means that you can have a pro-level camera in a compact(-ish) package -- well, compared to the Nikon F5 at least.

They don't have integrated grips, but there arn't as many benifits to the grips on the film cameras. The film cameras don't have a ton of extra controls they could put down there (just a dup of a few for portrait use), the film cameras won't make use of more space for an LCD, and the film cameras pretty much just use it for a winder or power for a winder while the DSLR may need more space for "computer crud" (or, well, more power).

Personally I don't mind an add on grip, if it doesn't cost too much. I have a slight preference for a built in one (one less thing to come off, better control layout, or more controls). I also don't mind too much if Canon decided it is best to sell it is a "small" DSLR so they can move more of them.

In other words, whatever

 

[stripes]

On a side note, people load film in cameras everyday with no issues, every film is concaved when in the film transport, no matter how good the transport is. Even with Contax's vacuum back, the film isn't perfectly flat... so if the imager is off by a hair, it isn't going to be noticable.

Or maybe that's why D30 images seem as nice as film images even though we "only" have 3 Mpixels...we have a perfectly flat perfectly aligned sensor...theirs is on a little plastic strip and is never quite where it needs to be

I agree, the sensor will need to be upgraded by a pro. And the rest of the eletronics will probbably have to be upgraded to process the large amount of image data "fast enough", and buffer it. Which means upgrading a $3000 DSLR built on a $500 film body will require $2500 worth of parts, plus labor that could excede the $500, plus the camera will be "at the shop" for a while.

Would you rather pay $2500-$3000 to upgrade the D30 into a D60, or $3000 to have a D30 and a D60? (and this style upgrade means the newer camera can't use better AF then the old one, or other things like that...unless the upgrade gets more costly or the "new" camera isn't really like an upgraded version of the old one).

Personally I would rather keep the old camera as a backup, or sell it for more the $0...

 

[Tony Bonanno]

Boarderphreak hit on something I'd like to see:

• user interchangeable focusing screens ! (like on my A2)

And of course for us D30 owners, it would be nice to have:

• an improved AF system

• more functional E-ttl system (along lines of EOS 3 ?)

• maintain compatibility with existing accessories (grip, batteries, etc.) ..

Tony

You know, I was kind of thinking about this very thing the other
night, in regards to the 1D at least... Kind of like changing the
focusing screens of old.

 

[RichW]

There is no chance that a consumer type camera (prosumer or whatever) will have an integrated grip! It's way to big for any casual photography. Canon would lose half of the market before they started to sell it. No way!

Rich

I really like the fact that even the top-of-the-line EOS3 and 1V do not have integrated grips which means that you can have a pro-level camera in a compact(-ish) package -- well, compared to the Nikon F5 at least.

They don't have integrated grips, but there arn't as many benifits
to the grips on the film cameras. The film cameras don't have a
ton of extra controls they could put down there (just a dup of a
few for portrait use), the film cameras won't make use of more
space for an LCD, and the film cameras pretty much just use it for
a winder or power for a winder while the DSLR may need more space
for "computer crud" (or, well, more power).

Personally I don't mind an add on grip, if it doesn't cost too
much. I have a slight preference for a built in one (one less
thing to come off, better control layout, or more controls). I
also don't mind too much if Canon decided it is best to sell it is
a "small" DSLR so they can move more of them.

In other words, whatever

 

[Andrew Grant27981]

There is no chance that a consumer type camera (prosumer or
whatever) will have an integrated grip! It's way to big for any
casual photography. Canon would lose half of the market before
they started to sell it. No way!

You are absolutely correct. Anything in the current D30 price range is going to have an addon grip, builtin flash and idiot modes.

 

[Lee Rothman]

While we're at it, how about a nitrogen liquid cooled removable imager plate in which we could easily remove it, clean it thoroughly, then replace it with confidence knowing it's alignment is reassured, and it's LONG exposure capabilities would become legendary.

 

[stripes]

There is no chance that a consumer type camera (prosumer or whatever) will have an integrated grip! It's way to big for any casual photography. Canon would lose half of the market before they started to sell it. No way!

Hmmm, good point, at least for the consumer market. Maybe even prosumer. Ok, no grip for the D30 replacment, maybe for the digital EOS-3 though

 

[Tim Koverman]

Amen - Your wishes are my wishes. I hope Canon reads this.

Hello.

OK. Some of these have been "solved" on the 1D, but I would like to
see these features on Canon's next "entry-level" DSLR.

I'll start off with some no-brainers (let's keep this realistic
folks ):

• Improved AF.

• Indication of active focus point in view finder.

• Dedicated FEL button.

• Zoom in image proview.

• Improved/decreased noise patterns in shadow areas at high ISO.

bluedot.

--phototk

 

[JCDoss]

There is no chance that a consumer type camera (prosumer or
whatever) will have an integrated grip!...

...Ok, no grip for the D30 replacment, maybe for the
digital EOS-3 though

That was one of my suggestions... and I was thinking of a digital EOS 3 rather than a D30 replacement at the time. Whoever said that the D30 replacement will probably have "idiot modes" and an optional grip was right.

JCDoss

 

[Erik Fortune]

Here's something I've wanted on occasion. I'm not sure if it's even feasible (I'm a software guy, but hey...

Basically, I'd like to get multiple exposures for a single shot -- the shutter would be open for the longest exposure but the camera would record intermediate sensor values for the desired other exposure values.

Basically, I'd imagine putting a two- or three-value buffer at each pixel and capture the sensor into that buffer at specified intervals. That would let you do exposure bracketing in a single shot. It could also potentially be used (automatically) to recover blown highlights (or at least provide data that could be used to recover blown highlights).

What I don't know is:

• If it's possible to read a value from the sensor without disrupting it.
• If there's enough room at each pixel for a buffer and extra logic
• If all that extra hardware would add noise.

Thoughts welcome,
Erik

 

[Slane Masda]

Hello.

OK. Some of these have been "solved" on the 1D, but I would like to
see these features on Canon's next "entry-level" DSLR.

I'll start off with some no-brainers (let's keep this realistic
folks ):

• Improved AF.

• Indication of active focus point in view finder.

• Dedicated FEL button.

• Zoom in image proview.

• Improved/decreased noise patterns in shadow areas at high ISO.

bluedot.

--James

 

[Siteseer]

Would love if Canon would listen... but... Look at D1. Canon marches to the beat of its own drum. Sigh...--siteseer

 

[stripes]

• If it's possible to read a value from the sensor without disrupting it.

Not on a CCD, don't know about CMOS.

• If there's enough room at each pixel for a buffer and extra logic

That is at least the kind of thing that gets easier over time, the room more or less doubles... or at lest the number of transistors that fit in the same space more or less double evey 18 months (more accuratly it has for the last 30 years, but could stop at any time).

• If all that extra hardware would add noise.

No idea.