Is there any info out there on what the next consumer, and pro-sumer DSLR's will include?

We'll probably see a slight megapixel jump, but other than that, what are the big changes in the next couple of years?

The most obvious one to me would see IS functions moving to camera bodies, sort of like Sony is doing.

 

Nothing major in Canon's lineup for the near future. The next upgrades will likely come out at PMA in April. The 5D and 1-series are the next in line for an upgrade.

The rumor right now is there will be some variation of the 1DsMKII sensor in the next 5D and the 1Ds will move up to the 22MP range. It's unlikely that the 1-series bodies will merge this time around.

Technology wise, the DSLRs will get Digic III which should increase buffer speeds and perhaps a little better noise reduction. I'd like to see a little more dynamic range, but that will require a new sensor, not just a better processor.

Canon will not be going to an in-body image stabilizer anytime soon, maybe never. Their lens-based stabilization has many benefits, with only one downside -- price. Sensor-shift stabilizers have a number of drawbacks:
1) they're not as effective with longer lenses (where you need IS the most)
2) they're not compatible with full frame sensors because the lenses don't project a large enough imaging circle. The corners would be chopped off or severely vignetted.
3) the larger the sensor, the larger the motors need to be to shift it, hence the power consumption is increased.
4) you can't see the stabilized image through the viewfinder
5) each lens would need a different program to compensate for the focal length. There's no guarantee that 3rd party lenses would work.

 

22MP, wow. A sales guy over at Henry's was telling me that 12 MP is the magic number where digital = 35MM film.

 

You should read this essay about the top of the line digital backs and how they compare to scanned film: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/es...-testing.shtml

I just made a 12"x18" print from a 6MP and not tell the difference between it and film even with my eye a couple inches from the paper. I'm not likely going to be printing much bigger than that, but I'm sure I could. 12MP would of course be better, but how big do I really need to print?

 

Ready to upgrade already?

Dan, I have a feeling we'll see a 30D successor before we see a 5D successor.

What exactly is the correlaion between 12MP and 35mm?

 

You could very well be correct. The 30D seems strange to those who compare it with the XTi. The differences are there, but they may not be obvious to those who want to buy something better than the XTi as their first SLR. In other words, it's hard to up-sell them on an 8MP camera when the 10mp one is cheaper.

The 5D is 6 months older than the 30D, so in theory, it should be upgraded first. However, the 1DsMKII has been untouched since September 2004 so who knows.

The two things I'm sure we'll see on all Canon DSLRs in the near future are the anti-dust feature and Digic III.

It's just a number the salesman pulled out of the air. There really isn't any magic number where digital equals film quality.

 

Well, I have until Jan 8 to exchange/return it

There are really only two things bugging me about this camera, the design/build (its too small, and there is too much plastic), and the view finder (not as big and bright as the D80 or 30D.)

The question is whether gaining in those 2 areas is worth another $500.

 

I guess I'm the only person that likes the smallness of the XT/XTi. I actually picked up the D70 at a store the other day and couldn't believe how huge and awkward it felt.

 

Don't they all have 2.5" screens? Brightness is another thing.

fdl, only you can answer your own question. How much do you anticipate using this camera? Since its probly your first SLR, keep it and find out what you need and like and go from there. You'll can still get pretty good money for it if/when you upgrade. Remember that its plastic for a reason. The manufactuer doesn't envision XTi buyers taking their camera on Safari or rock climbing. Its tough enough for 98% of XTi buyers.

BTW - My XT kit order was accepted. Should have it next Wednesday.

 

The LCD screens are the same size, but the viewfinders are different.

 

I'm not talking about the LCD (its great) I'm talking about the cheaper pentamirror viewfinder (vs the pentaprism in the 30d and d80). Next time you are at a store look through a rebel, and then through a d80 or 30d and you will see what I mean.

Ya, the plastic doesnt bother me as much as the small size. I think I can get over the plastic (although my "point and shoot" canon s30 from 6 years ago is all metal).

 

Camera newbie here.

 

Looking forward to see a 30D replacement with Digic III

 

whats the difference between a petamirror and a pentaprism?

 

Pentaprisim viewfinders are brighter, but more costly to manufacture.

 

All things considered, if I could go back in time, I would have bought the 30d over the xti.

 

wow.. don't try picking up a 20D, 30D, 5D (esp w/ the battery grips) or a 1D. :P The D70 feels like some kind of pocket camera compared to the 5D.

 

I guess I've just gotten used to my XT.

 

dam you, don't make this decision harder for me.

May I ask why? What are the specific features about the 30D you are missing?

For me, like i said its mostly the viewfinder and overall design/build quality.

 

that must be really small! not a bad thing for those "stealth" missions...

 

For me, the xti feels small now. It didn't when I originally bought it, but I didn't look at any other cameras before getting the xti. The viewfinder would be a good upgrade with the 30d also. So basically the same reasons you have.

 

The thing thats keeping me going with the XTi for now, is that camera bodies depreciate rapidly. So, that few hundred bucks you saved right now, you could use to buy a 30D in a few years, or put it towards a new body which will be better than both.

 

^ I figured the XT would be great for my first DSLR, and I'll upgrade in a year or 2... maybe to the 40 or 50D.

 

I bet you my LCD is bigger than your LCD.

:troutslap

 

Finally had a chance to play with all these cameras and I couldn't believe the size difference. I knew the 30D was bigger but I didn't realize by how much. Not that the 30D was an option for me but I'm glad the XT is the size it is. Its alot more convienient to carry around.

Maybe my tune will change when I actually learn how to use the thing.

 

Mine is only 1.8"

 

If you like it now, I think you'll be happy with it for a while. I definitely agree, it's very convenient to carry around.

 

I like the convenience of it too, i just don't like not having anywhere to put my pinky. I'm sure I'll get used to it. Either that or I will purchase the battery grip.