Canon EOS-1D X: Paradigm Shift?
- October 18th, 2011
- Posted in Gear . News
- By Jason Odell
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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.
“… it suggests that Canon’s market research has determined there is little or no market for a high megapixel sensor in a flagship body.”
I think that might be jumping to conclusions just a bit. It is certainly true that this will be a dynamite high end photojournalism (and more) camera, and that it should be able to do just about anything required in that space.
It is also possible that something with a 5D lineage might turn out to be the high MP body – essentially a 1Ds series under a different name. This could make sense in that many – though not all – who want the high MP capabilities (and video) of the 5D did not find the 1Ds series to be a compelling alternative at a much higher cost, larger size/weight, and no real improvement in image quality.
Of course, such a 5D-like camera may well not precisely be the 5D(x). (Hmmm… wonder if it might BE called a “5Dx?”) If we assume that the 1Ds series has ended, then there is some space for Canon to do a bit of reorganization in the full-frame space. A 5D-like body with upgraded AF system and other 1Ds-like features could sell at a higher price than the current 5D2, though likely not nearly as high as the 1Ds. But by creating such a product at a slightly higher price point – which would do essentially everything for those not needing the higher speed 1DX – Canon would open up a space for creating an additional lower-cost full-frame body.
Out on the speculative fringe, there are also thoughts about something along the lines of the “mini-MF” 33mm x 44mm sensor cameras. This is especially interesting to think about given that Pentax introduced a very appealing camera in this format at a price not much higher than that of a 1Ds series body.
I concur that the 5D bodies suit many users well… but some people like the more robust bodies. It will indeed be interesting to see what shakes out!