A new rebel is coming. How will it be better than the last?

Oilman wrote:

This discussion occurs every time every time a new Rebel is introduced. The problem is that the the Rebel is an entry level DSLR. Most people who buy them have no clue about how to operate a DSLR and most will never take the time to fully appreciate a fraction of what their camera can do. Putting MFA on a beginner camera is a recipe for disaster. Tech service would be overwhelmed.

First of all, I don't think all Rebels are aimed at absolute beginners, if only because of pretty big price differences. I don't follow all the model numbers, but the 1100/1200D sure is a beginners camera. The higher up Rebel models have far more features and are (in general) less suitable for beginners.

Also, one has to question to what extent beginners will keep buying DSLR camera's - I think the main reason now is low price (compared to a good ILC camera) and 'prestige' (look me with my big Canon, I'm a real pro!). I don't think low end DSLRs will remain a mass market for much longer.

I understand that this stereotype does not apply to you or Technic and that is another issue. You and Technic are NOT a beginners. Canon does not want to sell a another beginner camera to either of you!!! They want to sell you something higher-end.

I have no problem buying an expensive camera, I just don't want a heavy/big camera that misses features that I consider very important, like a tilt screen. THAT is the real problem with Canon and although the current lineup is maybe fine for the average buyer, I'm sure there are more users like me who can't really find what they want.

This applies both to the xxD and xD series (e.g. 6D is smaller/lighter than 5D3 or 1D series, but without a tilt screen and limited AF capabilities it has its limitations for me; it is mostly a camera for relatively slow moving subjects and low light shooting).

There will always be an upgrade path and enthusiasts such as yourself can move to an xxD or xD camera. They are heavier, But the lens I use these days on my 5D and 7D are a large portion of the weight of the camera. The most common crop-frame walk-around lens upgrades are the 15-85 mm and the 17-55 mm F2.8. The change from the kit lens to one of these lenses will make the camera heavier than a change to a 70D body. The pro quality mirror-less cameras represent the alternative upgrade path for someone who wants light weight.

You are right in general about lenses, but the more experienced users often have several lenses in the same focal length range, e.g. one bright and high quality model for low light or best possible IQ/AF, and one lower end model for travel, family pictures etc.

And regarding the 15-85 'walkaround': yes, it is a bit heavy compared to my 450D and would be a better combo with an xxD series camera regarding balance. However, there is no real alternative to this lens for me, I have used the 18-55IS before and although the latest STM version is really nice, it is very limited in focal length compared to the 15-85. You can travel light with the 18-55IS, but in many situations you are going to need an additional lens which cancels all the gain ...

The current Canon mirrorless cameras are not an alternative IMHO at their present very-non-pro stage. Alternatives like Sony A7 series (with ones existing Canon lenses) can be an upgrade option, but they are not suitable for action and I would not even use them for family pictures because of the AF limitations. So these are 'niche upgrades' that only work for specific applications like landscape, architecture, studio photography.

So I really think there is room for a higher end (more expensive) Rebel, either an extra-compact SL2 or a bit larger but still light-and-compact 750D. If Canon wants to introduce a much smaller and lighter xxD series camera that's fine with me too, but I don't see that happening.