Confirmed D60 to replace D30 at PMA

[Powder2glass]

I recieved a call back from my local Canon Pro shop yesterday in regard to my D60 questions. My contact spoke to a regional and a national sales manager and they both confirmed that Canon will be discontinuing the D30 offically at PMA and replacing it with the D60 at the same price (likely to mean same list price) with planned availability in May or June. They also confirmed that it will be 6mp CMOS but didn't give any further details.

Not surprising except for the price but very interesting none the less. One could reasonably specualte that this would also mean a similar form factor, lower lens multiplier, 3-4 fps, & better AF almost has to be an assumption. If the new low end slr rumors are true it may also mean a more EOS 3 like body but I'd be a bit surprised if they went that far at a "D30 Price" since that is a big price gap but not so big of a feature gap for non-journalist/actions types.

p2g

 

[syklab01]

Poor me! Another upgrade down the road.

I recieved a call back from my local Canon Pro shop yesterday in
regard to my D60 questions. My contact spoke to a regional and a
national sales manager and they both confirmed that Canon will be
discontinuing the D30 offically at PMA and replacing it with the
D60 at the same price (likely to mean same list price) with planned
availability in May or June. They also confirmed that it will be
6mp CMOS but didn't give any further details.

Not surprising except for the price but very interesting none the
less. One could reasonably specualte that this would also mean a
similar form factor, lower lens multiplier, 3-4 fps, & better AF
almost has to be an assumption. If the new low end slr rumors are
true it may also mean a more EOS 3 like body but I'd be a bit
surprised if they went that far at a "D30 Price" since that is a
big price gap but not so big of a feature gap for
non-journalist/actions types.

p2g

 

[JCDoss]

...Canon will be discontinuing the D30 offically at PMA
and replacing it with the D60...

...One could reasonably speculate that this would also mean a
similar form factor, lower lens multiplier, 3-4 fps, & better AF
almost has to be an assumption...

I would hesitate to make any assumptions as to specific features above and beyond what exists on the D30 except those clearly stated (6MP sensor). To assume that the multiplier would be significantly reduced would be a stretch. Assuming that the word "replace" was appropriately used, I'd be amazingly surprised to find EOS 3-like build quality in a camera that looks and acts more like an Elan-series camera. I expect you're probably right about the similar form factor, 3-4fps, and better AF module, though.

Remember how big of a deal the "modular construction" of the D30 was when it was first reviewed? Remember how it even caused people to suspect that interchangeable sensors could be used? I suspect that most of the "guts" of this new camera will be very D30-like, and the sensor will probably have the same 1.6x multiplier. I also suspect it will retain some of the less-loved features of the D30 as well, such as the big-dumb AF-assist light and "idiot modes."

OTOH, they could "release" a new camera with a smaller multiplier, EOS-3 quality construction, and more options... but that camera would not likely be one to "replace" the D30. I think what we're all salivating over on this forums is that camera... a step higher than the D30, but not "whole hog," particularly when the hog costs so much...

Than again, what do I know?
JCDoss

 

[Matt Lewis]

PG2

Great News for the pro users, but what about the rest of us. I salivate as well about new "toys" but I just got my D30 4 months ago and truely love the camera. When you say "discontinue" am I to assume support and technical and etc.,etc.,etc.?

Matt

I recieved a call back from my local Canon Pro shop yesterday in
regard to my D60 questions. My contact spoke to a regional and a
national sales manager and they both confirmed that Canon will be
discontinuing the D30 offically at PMA and replacing it with the
D60 at the same price (likely to mean same list price) with planned
availability in May or June. They also confirmed that it will be
6mp CMOS but didn't give any further details.

Not surprising except for the price but very interesting none the
less. One could reasonably specualte that this would also mean a
similar form factor, lower lens multiplier, 3-4 fps, & better AF
almost has to be an assumption. If the new low end slr rumors are
true it may also mean a more EOS 3 like body but I'd be a bit
surprised if they went that far at a "D30 Price" since that is a
big price gap but not so big of a feature gap for
non-journalist/actions types.

p2g

 

[Bill White]

None of the stores I deal with know anything. Of course, they didn't know anything about the 1D either until after it was announced.

I recieved a call back from my local Canon Pro shop yesterday in
regard to my D60 questions. My contact spoke to a regional and a
national sales manager and they both confirmed that Canon will be
discontinuing the D30 offically at PMA and replacing it with the
D60 at the same price (likely to mean same list price) with planned
availability in May or June. They also confirmed that it will be
6mp CMOS but didn't give any further details.

Not surprising except for the price but very interesting none the
less. One could reasonably specualte that this would also mean a
similar form factor, lower lens multiplier, 3-4 fps, & better AF
almost has to be an assumption. If the new low end slr rumors are
true it may also mean a more EOS 3 like body but I'd be a bit
surprised if they went that far at a "D30 Price" since that is a
big price gap but not so big of a feature gap for
non-journalist/actions types.

p2g

--Bill

 

[Brian Hansen]

My anxiety level is rising with every post. I will definitely upgrade if all
of this is true. Do I sell my D30 now and try to maximize the price -
that would mean being without an SLR for a few months. Or wait and
take my chances on selling it when there are 100 on EBAY. What if part
of this is not true- higher price, no AF fix, 4 or 5 megapixel CMOS or
worse yet a CCD???

I know this question has been passed around here for a while. I
wish I had the right answer.

Thanks,
Brian

I recieved a call back from my local Canon Pro shop yesterday in
regard to my D60 questions. My contact spoke to a regional and a
national sales manager and they both confirmed that Canon will be
discontinuing the D30 offically at PMA and replacing it with the
D60 at the same price (likely to mean same list price) with planned
availability in May or June. They also confirmed that it will be
6mp CMOS but didn't give any further details.

Not surprising except for the price but very interesting none the
less. One could reasonably specualte that this would also mean a
similar form factor, lower lens multiplier, 3-4 fps, & better AF
almost has to be an assumption. If the new low end slr rumors are
true it may also mean a more EOS 3 like body but I'd be a bit
surprised if they went that far at a "D30 Price" since that is a
big price gap but not so big of a feature gap for
non-journalist/actions types.

p2g

 

[Matt Kim]

I took a gamble and sold my D30 a few weeks ago... in the mean
time I'll save money toward a purchase of a 1D. By the time I'm ready,
the 'replacement' should be announced, at that time I can make
a decision regarding a 1D or 'D60' purchase without having to deal
with selling a discontinued D30.

I'd sell NOW if you're even contemplating an upgrade.

Matt

I know this question has been passed around here for a while. I
wish I had the right answer.

Thanks,
Brian

I recieved a call back from my local Canon Pro shop yesterday in
regard to my D60 questions. My contact spoke to a regional and a
national sales manager and they both confirmed that Canon will be
discontinuing the D30 offically at PMA and replacing it with the
D60 at the same price (likely to mean same list price) with planned
availability in May or June. They also confirmed that it will be
6mp CMOS but didn't give any further details.

Not surprising except for the price but very interesting none the
less. One could reasonably specualte that this would also mean a
similar form factor, lower lens multiplier, 3-4 fps, & better AF
almost has to be an assumption. If the new low end slr rumors are
true it may also mean a more EOS 3 like body but I'd be a bit
surprised if they went that far at a "D30 Price" since that is a
big price gap but not so big of a feature gap for
non-journalist/actions types.

p2g

 

[mark kay]

Rate your anxiety here
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1019&message=2087107

I know this question has been passed around here for a while. I
wish I had the right answer.

Thanks,
Brian

I recieved a call back from my local Canon Pro shop yesterday in
regard to my D60 questions. My contact spoke to a regional and a
national sales manager and they both confirmed that Canon will be
discontinuing the D30 offically at PMA and replacing it with the
D60 at the same price (likely to mean same list price) with planned
availability in May or June. They also confirmed that it will be
6mp CMOS but didn't give any further details.

Not surprising except for the price but very interesting none the
less. One could reasonably specualte that this would also mean a
similar form factor, lower lens multiplier, 3-4 fps, & better AF
almost has to be an assumption. If the new low end slr rumors are
true it may also mean a more EOS 3 like body but I'd be a bit
surprised if they went that far at a "D30 Price" since that is a
big price gap but not so big of a feature gap for
non-journalist/actions types.

p2g

 

[Trenton]

Is there any way a 6MP CMOS sensor wouldn't or couldn't produce images as good at the 3.1MP sensor of the D30. If so, how?

What I'm getting at, is that if Canon announces a 6MP CMOS, will we still have to wait for all the user tests to come back to see if the image quality is better than the D30, or can/should we just assume image quality will be superior?

-Trenton

 

[DavidP #28649]

. . . they announce that it's really a D-30 with the exact same sensor and AF, except they're now interpolating up to 6 Mpixels.

(just wild speculation)

I recieved a call back from my local Canon Pro shop yesterday in
regard to my D60 questions. My contact spoke to a regional and a
national sales manager and they both confirmed that Canon will be
discontinuing the D30 offically at PMA and replacing it with the
D60 at the same price (likely to mean same list price) with planned
availability in May or June. They also confirmed that it will be
6mp CMOS but didn't give any further details.

Not surprising except for the price but very interesting none the
less. One could reasonably specualte that this would also mean a
similar form factor, lower lens multiplier, 3-4 fps, & better AF
almost has to be an assumption. If the new low end slr rumors are
true it may also mean a more EOS 3 like body but I'd be a bit
surprised if they went that far at a "D30 Price" since that is a
big price gap but not so big of a feature gap for
non-journalist/actions types.

p2g

--The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons http://thewilkinsons.crosswinds.net

 

[Trenton]

and what are the "red flags" to look for in the specs. (not that they wouldn't be pointed out here)

 

[User190]

I think it is too positive to think that camera with 6MP CMOS sensor and better build and functionality will be the same price as D30 is. They may release it but I don't think it will bedirect D30 replacement.

Ahto

 

[Lee Rothman]

I'm still betting my money on the killer CMOS camera to be announced at the end of November (mind you that is announced....NOT released). Paul and I agree on this for one thing. The CPS dealer that told me about it has been right on 3 times in a row, so I'll go with those odds. Probably a type of 1DHR CMOS. Now THAT'S a camera! I had better save my sheckles as it isn't going to be cheap (or terribly affordable). The real trial is going to figure out a way to stay married after I announce their announcment. LOL

 

[Peter G]

For the sake of discussion, I will assume the information is correct, but that is not a sure thing given the pre-release history with 1D.

To do 6MP right, the chip would have to be much bigger. A 1.2 Multiplier would be expected. I don't know how they could do this given current technology and hit D30 pricing. If this is really 6MP, nearly full framed, and D30 priced, it should destroy the competition.

Red Flags:

Now if the chip is the same size as the current chip and 6MP, then it will be higher noise and most current lenses would not adequately resolve 6mp in that small space. This would be the case if they chose marketing over good design.

Chip size is what I see as the main stumbling block.

Peter

and what are the "red flags" to look for in the specs. (not that
they wouldn't be pointed out here)

 

[Trenton]

If this is the case - same size chip - is that what they call "interpolated" MP? Or is that a whole other issue?

Now if the chip is the same size as the current chip and 6MP, then
it will be higher noise

 

[DavidP #28649]

. . . but I suspect marketing may win this one.

Just like "raw Mhz" seems to win the public in the current CPU war, "raw Mpixels" is a big draw to many looking for digital cameras. (Certainly in the consumer-end of the business).

I can just imagine the marketers at work in Canon, thinking that if they offer a D-30 with 6-mpixels (same AF and same 1.6x sensor size) at a "street price" of $2500, that they'll win over many people wanting to enter the digital SLR market.

Like I said, I hope I'm wrong. If Canon DOES do this, I at least hope they'll offer something (or at least announce it) later this year that's based on large pixels . . . even a 1-D clone with CMOS and less "robustness" (eg, an EOS-3 vs EOS-1v) would be a good upgrade.

To do 6MP right, the chip would have to be much bigger. A 1.2
Multiplier would be expected. I don't know how they could do this
given current technology and hit D30 pricing. If this is really
6MP, nearly full framed, and D30 priced, it should destroy the
competition.

Red Flags:
Now if the chip is the same size as the current chip and 6MP, then
it will be higher noise and most current lenses would not
adequately resolve 6mp in that small space. This would be the case
if they chose marketing over good design.

Chip size is what I see as the main stumbling block.

--The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons http://thewilkinsons.crosswinds.net

 

[Richard Lewisohn]

As I've just bought a 1D (which won't arrive until 1st March, but at a more reasonable price). I figure the replacement D30 will be like gold dust for months and may not be a lot better in quality from the image quality POV than the 1D. I'm hoping that by autumn (or should I say fall?) there'll be rumours about the new camera you mention and I can decide to trade in my 1D for the D60 (I don't need 8fps, but I'd like 6MP, zoomable LCD and video out) or wait for the new camera and hopefully sell the 1D to a sports photojournalist for a not too tiny amount.

I presume the D30 replacement willl have Firewire out. Could they really stick with USB?

Yours patiently

--Richard Lewisohnwww.lewisohn.co.uk

 

[DavidP #28649]

If the chip size is the same, and they actually have 6 Mpixels in that size, then they're REAL pixels, not interpolated ones. But, they'd be half the size of the D-30 pixels, and therefore much noisier. (Barring some sort of great strides in noise reduction).

Even if there have been great strides in noise reduction abilities, I'd love to see that technology used to take D-30 and 1-D sized pixels and give us super-clean ISO1600 capability, rather than keeping the current noise levels and giving more resolution. Of course, those who only shoot at 100/200 ISO would disagree with me on that.

Now if the chip is the same size as the current chip and 6MP, then
it will be higher noise

--The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons http://thewilkinsons.crosswinds.net

 

[DavidP #28649]

How much can you get a 1D for (assuming March delivery) ?

As I've just bought a 1D (which won't arrive until 1st March, but

at a more reasonable price). --The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons http://thewilkinsons.crosswinds.net

 

[Andrew Grant27981]

I took a gamble and sold my D30 a few weeks ago... in the mean
time I'll save money toward a purchase of a 1D. By the time I'm ready,
the 'replacement' should be announced, at that time I can make
a decision regarding a 1D or 'D60' purchase without having to deal
with selling a discontinued D30.

I'd sell NOW if you're even contemplating an upgrade.

Assuming I was looking to upgrade (which I am not), how am I supposed to take photographs while I am weaiting 4-6 months to get hold of this new camera. All those EOS lenses and strobes won't help very much without a camera body.

My recommendation is to hold on to your D30 if you already have one. If a D60 wonder camera does materialize, buy it in the fall or early next year. Hold on to your D30 and use it as a backup.