
Canon EOS-1D X: A paradigm shift?
Canon has announced a new flagship DSLR, the 1D X. This is an 18-MP, full-frame (24x36mm) sensor DSLR that is capable of a top frame rate of 12fps (although 14fps is possible with the mirror locked up). New tweaks include a fully redesigned AF system, and an in-spec top ISO of 51,200 (expandable to 204, 800 if you dare…).
But the part of the commentary surrounding the 1D X that caught my attention was this tidbit on Rob Galbraith’s site (and similar comments elsewhere by those “in the know”): “Going forward, the EOS-1D X will be the only 1-series camera the company makes, or at least it will be once it becomes a shipping product starting next year.”
What? No 1Ds? That’s an interesting paradigm shift, because it suggests that Canon’s market research has determined there is little or no market for a high megapixel sensor in a flagship body. Sure, the top-end cameras with the crazy pixel counts are expensive (that’s why I still don’t have a D3X), but the message Canon is sending is that the 5D series will be the high megapixel body and the 1D series will be a hybrid photojournalist camera. Moreover, we see the end of the 1.3x crop (APS-H) bodies with this new camera, and the move to 24x36mm format implies that Canon is now favoring photosite size over photosite count.
From a sales perspective, this shift certainly makes sense. I’m sure Nikon and Canon only sell a minuscule fraction of D3x and 1Ds bodies as compared to their faster cousins. But there are nice things about the “pro” body style that often go missing in the lower-end cameras. Or maybe, Canon’s working to develop an entirely new high-end line of bodies that offer high megapixel counts with even larger sensors.
While I’m not a Canon user, my own experience owning Nikon D3s, D700 and D300s bodies has shown me that there are often nice little “extras” in the flagship body that go beyond the integrated battery grip. For example, in the D3s, I get some features that might be overlooked:
- Real-time DOF preview in Live View Mode
- Exposure bracketing indicator in viewfinder
- ±3EV metering display in viewfinder
- Full weather-sealing
- Built-in viewfinder cover
- Dedicated controls for bracketing
While none of these features are “dealbreakers,” they’re awfully nice to have, especially when you get used to them and then switch to a lower-end body.
Despite the major advances in imaging technology over the last several years, there’s still a fundamental trade-off between image resolution and speed/ISO. Camera companies have to make tough decisions about how to position their product line(s), and which photographers to cater to. I, for one, have wished at times for a DX sensor in a D3 body. As much as I love my D300s and D700, I gravitate towards the D3s most of the time I’m out shooting. For most photographers, I think 18MP represents a perfectly reasonable combination of resolution and performance. I would suspect that Nikon will follow suit with their follow-up to the D3s. What’s in doubt now is whether we’ll see a “D4x” or if the rumored high-resolution D800 will take its place in the lineup.
The Canon EOS-1D X will be available in March 2012 at an estimated street price of $6800.