No G6 or Pro1 replacement in 2005

[Jeff Keller]

I can confirm from my Canon sources that there will be no G6 or Pro1 replacement in 2005. Maybe next year?

[Evgeny]

Thanks for the news, Jeff, as unfortunate as they are.

I'm wondering though, you haven't put a new A-series camera on the "not to be updated this year" list, should we be infering something from this ;)?

[zero]

I can confirm from my Canon sources that there will be no G6 or Pro1 replacement in 2005. Maybe next year?

Do you think there might be a better chance for a replacement in February 2006 PMA?

[Jeff Keller]

I'm wondering though, you haven't put a new A-series camera on the "not to be updated this year" list, should we be infering something from this ;)?

No comment ;)

[Donato777]

Jeff,
Would your Canon sources offer a hint about any S70 upgrade for this year? I have been waiting to purchase the S70, but I'll postpone it if there is a newer version in the offing. Thanks.

[timmciglobal]

The Rebel XT is the "pro1" upgrade.

I don't see canon making a pro2 ever. It's not wanted. They would never be able to produce the quality system the XT has for a good enough profit. The S2 is the "pro2" in many ways. I doubt you'll see something between the two from canon ever again unless its a lower end dSLR.

Tim

[Break]

Bummer!

I was really hoping on seeing the G7...

[ProblemSolver]

Jeff,
Would your Canon sources offer a hint about any S70 upgrade for this year? I have been waiting to purchase the S70, but I'll postpone it if there is a newer version in the offing. Thanks.

So will there be an upgrade? Jeff, please tell :) At least a yes or no ;)

[Jeff Keller]

So will there be an upgrade? Jeff, please tell :) At least a yes or no ;)

Yes... very soon.

[ProblemSolver]

Yes... very soon.

Thanks Jeff. That sounds good :cool:. I hope that "very soon" will be 8/22 ;)

[Alnath]

as unfortunate as they are.

The G6 is a stunning camera and there is nothing unfortunate about its life span being increased.

[ProblemSolver]

The G6 is a stunning camera and there is nothing unfortunate about its life span being increased.

The G6 is a capable but not stunning camera now. When it was released is was stunning but now so many cameras have outperformed the G6 and it's time for a G7 (With DIGIC II)

Or since there's going to be a replacement for S70, buy the S80 when it comes out for a "taste" of the G7 ;) . I'm sure the S80 is a miniature G7 like the S70 is a miniature G6 :p

[JTL]

I'm sure the S80 is a miniature G7 like the S70 is a miniature G6 :pAnd probably one with a wider angle lens!

[Rex914]

According to my sources, we're looking at at least an A series and S series update in the point ant shoot realm. Past that, there's also the possibility of updating some of the SD series although I don't know what Canon would do there.

Some people are claiming to have confirmations of an SD550 with the following description. They also note that several major retailers have "placeholders" for the said camera.

• High performance, feature-rich 7.1MP digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom
• Large 2.0 inch Vari-Angle LCD screen for easy on-camera viewing (not to be confused with swivel screen)
• Steady grip for better handling and mode dial for easy access to 20 shooting modes

• Digic II Image Processor for even faster shooting, excellent image quality and crisp vibrant colors.

• Fully loaded with Movie Mode recording at 60fps (320x240), and USB 2.0 Hi-Speed

• Compatible with a complete range of optional accessories, including supplementary lenses and an auxiliary flash unit


For DSLR related news, I've got tabs on the 5D, 1D Mark II N, the 24-105 L IS, and a few other minor things. Let's see how close our guesses are on Monday...

[ProblemSolver]

Some people are claiming to have confirmations of an SD550 with the following description. They also note that several major retailers have "placeholders" for the said camera.

• High performance, feature-rich 7.1MP digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom
• Large 2.0 inch Vari-Angle LCD screen for easy on-camera viewing (not to be confused with swivel screen)
• Steady grip for better handling and mode dial for easy access to 20 shooting modes
• Digic II Image Processor for even faster shooting, excellent image quality and crisp vibrant colors.
• Fully loaded with Movie Mode recording at 60fps (320x240), and USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
• Compatible with a complete range of optional accessories, including supplementary lenses and an auxiliary flash unit

Errrm.... What is the difference between Vari-angle and swivel LCD? I thought they both mean the same? Sounds like the SD550 won't be a major upgrade of the SD500 and is evolving into an A series camera (The grip and mode dial)?

How about a SD600 ELPH? That makes sense (8MP, 4x optical, 2.5"LCD)

[Rex914]

As I said, it's a very minor update if it happens at all. That's basically the theme for most of Canon's new cameras.

Edit: Steady grip sounds more like a rubberized/textured grip instead of an A-series style grip. But don't quote me on that or the LCD comment. I'm extrapolating those 2 conjectures myself. I don't really see Canon putting a large swiveling lens on an ultracompact, but who knows?

[ProblemSolver]

As I said, it's a very minor update if it happens at all. That's basically the theme for most of Canon's new cameras.

Edit: Steady grip sounds more like a rubberized/textured grip instead of an A-series style grip. But don't quote me on that or the LCD comment. I'm extrapolating those 2 conjectures myself. I don't really see Canon putting a large swiveling lens on an ultracompact, but who knows?

That sounds better ;) . Tsk tsk elegance vs features. I hope the SD550 gets thinner (Or maintains current slimness) but I wonder where Canon will fit the mode dial with 20 shooting modes :confused:

[Donato777]

I'd like to see the new S80 w/ a 2.0-2.5 LCD w/ 230,00 pixels; 27mm - 114mm; much better movie mode; better battery life - how about 300 shots per charge? Digic II Image Processor; and about as compact as the SD500. Any news about what to expect with this model? And oh yes, definitely deep six that sliding door that covers the lens!

[Rex914]

I just expect the usual DIGIC II upgrade for the S70 successor (I wouldn't call it S80 as it should keep the same sensor and lens, rather it should be called the S75). Anything else would require a design/body change, and I feel that Canon is holding back from these kinds of changes for this round. The S series will probably receive a true upgrade next round along with the G/Pro series model.

That said, I have no hard information on this camera. Wait for Monday. :)

[ProblemSolver]

I just expect the usual DIGIC II upgrade for the S70 successor (I wouldn't call it S80 as it should keep the same sensor and lens, rather it should be called the S75). Anything else would require a design/body change, and I feel that Canon is holding back from these kinds of changes for this round. The S series will probably receive a true upgrade next round along with the G/Pro series model.

That said, I have no hard information on this camera. Wait for Monday. :)

I hope that won't be the condition :( . I just hope not. I need a minimum of 8MP, 4x optical zoom with wideangle and away with the sliding door. If the S70's successor keeps the lens and sensor, then I'll just observe from far till my desires are fulfilled :(

[Rex914]

I have caught onto more leads that an SD550 is coming. This time, it's an employee who was told (he didn't request this information) that the SD550 was coming and that this was the reason for dropping their SD500's from their store's inventory.

Edit: This bit nails this in. A German magazine (newstand release embargoed until tomorrow but subscribers got today) has reported on the 5D and a new Ixus (i.e. SD series) camera.

[ProblemSolver]

I have caught onto more leads that an SD550 is coming. This time, it's an employee who was told (he didn't request this information) that the SD550 was coming and that this was the reason for dropping their SD500's from their store's inventory.

Edit: This bit nails this in. A German magazine (newstand release embargoed until tomorrow but subscribers got today) has reported on the 5D and a new Ixus (i.e. SD series) camera.

Interesting. I wonder what Canons will be announced today and which ones will be carried forward to next month.

[ProblemSolver]

Errrmm.... When are those new Canons going to be announced? I've been waiting and waiting and waiting....................... waiting so long I'm quite tired of waiting :(

[Rex914]

I was right on some counts and wrong in others. Looks like Canon did a little more than "minor" updates to some of its cameras, namely the S80. Even the A95 update is pretty good with the expanded features and new lens.

[stema]

Any info on the sensor of the s80? Only 2 manufacturers make 8mpx 1/1.8" ccd afaik: matsushita and sharp. For canon it is very unlikely to use sharp which is a piece of cr*p, and using panasonic sensor? I can't really believe that either. If sony does make this sensor why there's no info about it on it's site? Why doesn't sony announced their 8mpx line yet? From the sample images you can see that purple fringing stayed at the same level (on the girls necklace beside the pearls), but overall image quality and noise levels are nice! I would buy the sd500 or sd550 if they would finally have mpeg4 for movie, any news on that Jeff? Casio with the same sensor (afaik) made a sh*tty image quality, but purple fringing is at a reasonable level, how do they do it? The big Canon company isn't capable of doing that? And they (casio) also have a better edge-to-edge sharpness, in a quite thinner body. The exilim z750 is a great feature-packed cam, it would just need better image processing (you can set the image parameters to be acceptable, but it dies indoors sadly) and much stronger flash (the one in the sd500 is great). Hope they'll upgrade it this way in february (it will probably be z850 and have the same sensor as the s80 (since the mpx race carries on :D), but please casio, make the image processing far more superior to the z750). Or canon gets rid of fringing, make it slimmer and put mpeg4 codec in their cams. (but i would still miss the manual controls of the z750 i think :))

[ProblemSolver]

Great S80 but no 4x zoom :( . The SD450 and SD550 have bigger LCD (2.5") but will it face more cracking problems??!! :eek: The look of the LCD on the SD450/SD550 compare to other 2.5"s like T7, Casios, Panasonic, etc does not give a secure feeling to me. How about the rest of you? I have a bad feeling about the 2.5" on the SD450/SD550 given that many SD500 2" LCDs have been cracking. Let's just hope it does not crack on these new digicams.

Continue this thread, continue the rumours! ;)

There is a second round of Canon digicam announcements next month and I'm speculating:

LIKELY
EOS 3000D-6MP, 2X lens multiple, 2"LCD, few controls, $500
SD600-8MP, 4X optical, 2.5" hi-resLCD, "fake" manual control (Like on some Sonys), $550
More lenses

POSSIBLE
S85-8MP, 4X optical, 2.5" hi-resLCD, RAW, cam dock, $600
S3 IS-6MP, 12X optical, 2" variangle LCD, $500
S600 "heavy" ELPH-5MP, 4x optical, 2.5"hi-res LCD, full controls, $500

FAT CHANCE!
G7-8MP, 5X optical, 2.5" hi-res variangle LCD, new look, $700
Pro2-8MP, 12x optical, IS, 2.5" variangle LCD, zoom-focus rings, $1000
S90-9MP, 5X optical, 3" touch LCD, $700

:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

[rlee]

The specs for A610/A620 look good. Canon should have done something like that on A510/A520. Too bad the upcoming A series don't have image stabilizer.

[stema]

LIKELY
SD600-8MP, 4X optical, 2.5" hi-resLCD, "fake" manual control (Like on some Sonys), $550

I don't think there will be a 4x optical zoom, my guess would be:
8mp, and everything the same as the sd550
they hopefully get rid of purple fringing, fit it in a thinner body, and add mpeg4 video (with mjpeg too for the quality-freaks), but seeing recent updates these are just dreams, we are only dreaming for such specs in the recent years.

[Rex914]

I'll play along. :)


LIKELY
EOS 3000D-6MP, 2X lens multiple, 2"LCD, few controls, $500
SD600-8MP, 4X optical, 2.5" hi-resLCD, "fake" manual control (Like on some Sonys), $550
More lenses


The EOS 3000D has some credibility to it in concept, but I don't expect to see it come to reality until next year at PMA. We'll also see the 20D replacement around then... I think.

I don't think that Canon is introducing any more new ELPH's. They have 6 on the market priced between $250-$500.

I agree that Canon is working on more lenses as we speak. I don't think we'll see them this year, but next year instead. There won't be the much wanted 70-200 f/4 L IS (yet) because Canon has said that they are done with this f/4 line.


POSSIBLE
S85-8MP, 4X optical, 2.5" hi-resLCD, RAW, cam dock, $600
S3 IS-6MP, 12X optical, 2" variangle LCD, $500
S600 "heavy" ELPH-5MP, 4x optical, 2.5"hi-res LCD, full controls, $500


This is wishful thinking with regards to an S85 with RAW re-enabled. I like the camera dock idea, but Canon doesn't seem to have caught on to that idea like Kodak has...

The S3 IS isn't coming until next year at the earliest.


FAT CHANCE!
G7-8MP, 5X optical, 2.5" hi-res variangle LCD, new look, $700
Pro2-8MP, 12x optical, IS, 2.5" variangle LCD, zoom-focus rings, $1000
S90-9MP, 5X optical, 3" touch LCD, $700

This is the most interesting area to speculate about. I expect the G and the Pro series lines to merge. As far as we're concerned, short-range prosumer cameras have little place in this market. I love the idea of a fast lens and short zoom, but it's losing out to the ultrazooms, and the only way for prosumers to compete is to offer the same. Whatever the camera is, it's coming next year in a completely new form. Since it's coming out then, it's gotta offer at least what we have right now.

10 MP, 12X "L" zoom starting at 35mm (constant f/2.8 or close to that), IS, mechanical lens with all the rings, 2.5 swivel LCD with high res, all the controls, DSLR-like body - $700

That's what we're probably looking at. Now what would knock the socks off the competition would be this.

- Lens starting wider, maybe 28mm?
- Super large sensor (half the size of a typical Canon DSLR's sensor?)
- KM A2-style EVF

It's all just speculation and wishing, but this is where the market has to go for prosumer cameras to keep up the pace.

[Joey]

I have been looking to upgrade from my G3 these last few weeks and have had a pretty depressing time of it.
My sources here in the far east have told me that it is now virtually impossible to buy the G6 as Canon have stopped producing it. Inventories out here are virtually dried up and shops without the camera cannot order it.
I have also been told that there will be no G7 replacement for it either.

I can't understand this. I thought the G series had been very popular. With no G6 to even buy all I am left with is the S2. I have tried it and I can't live with it's lower pixels or poorer macro.

[ProblemSolver]

I'll play along. :)



The EOS 3000D has some credibility to it in concept, but I don't expect to see it come to reality until next year at PMA. We'll also see the 20D replacement around then... I think.

I don't think that Canon is introducing any more new ELPH's. They have 6 on the market priced between $250-$500.

I agree that Canon is working on more lenses as we speak. I don't think we'll see them this year, but next year instead. There won't be the much wanted 70-200 f/4 L IS (yet) because Canon has said that they are done with this f/4 line.



This is wishful thinking with regards to an S85 with RAW re-enabled. I like the camera dock idea, but Canon doesn't seem to have caught on to that idea like Kodak has...

The S3 IS isn't coming until next year at the earliest.



This is the most interesting area to speculate about. I expect the G and the Pro series lines to merge. As far as we're concerned, short-range prosumer cameras have little place in this market. I love the idea of a fast lens and short zoom, but it's losing out to the ultrazooms, and the only way for prosumers to compete is to offer the same. Whatever the camera is, it's coming next year in a completely new form. Since it's coming out then, it's gotta offer at least what we have right now.

10 MP, 12X "L" zoom starting at 35mm (constant f/2.8 or close to that), IS, mechanical lens with all the rings, 2.5 swivel LCD with high res, all the controls, DSLR-like body - $700

That's what we're probably looking at. Now what would knock the socks off the competition would be this.

- Lens starting wider, maybe 28mm?
- Super large sensor (half the size of a typical Canon DSLR's sensor?)
- KM A2-style EVF

It's all just speculation and wishing, but this is where the market has to go for prosumer cameras to keep up the pace.

Canon is probably done with digicams for 2005 (I wonder what will be new from Canon next month if they are done). I wonder what others (Sony??) have for all of us photographers. My sources tell me a F939 (8MP, 12X optical, IS), P250 (8MP, 2.5"LCD) and M2 (7MP, 3X optical, use optical zoom when filming, MPEG4 movie with stereo) will be announced this year. For next year, a L2, P300, V5 and S100.

[DarkDTSHD]

I have been looking to upgrade from my G3 these last few weeks and have had a pretty depressing time of it.
My sources here in the far east have told me that it is now virtually impossible to buy the G6 as Canon have stopped producing it. Inventories out here are virtually dried up and shops without the camera cannot order it.
I have also been told that there will be no G7 replacement for it either.

I can't understand this. I thought the G series had been very popular. With no G6 to even buy all I am left with is the S2. I have tried it and I can't live with it's lower pixels or poorer macro.

Have you considered ordering a G6 from either the US or Canada? I mean if you really wanted one badly enough. I'm sure the G6 is still available over here.

I do find it very strange to hear that in the far east that the G6 is "virtually impossibly to buy" and that Canon has already stopped production. And that there will not be a G7. That can't be right. The G series has always sold well. At least in North America.

I'm about to buy my first digital camera and the G6 is on the top of my list. I've waited because Canon had just announced many of their new 2005 line-up and was hoping to hear about a G7. I'm still hoping actually. Hoping your source is wrong. If your source is correct...then I suppose I might still consider the G6, the S2 IS and the upcoming S80 as far as PnS cameras go.

I'm also considering two entry-level DSLRs. The Canon Rebel XT and the Nikon D50. Only reservation I have with the XT is many reviews have complained about how small the camera is. That in average to large sized hands it might be too small. I haven't had a chance to handle the XT yet so I'm just going by reviews.

Enough babbling for me...take care! :)

[Rex914]

Canon will be introducing a prosumer camera in the future. The question is when, and nobody has solid evidence at this point.

Try out the XT in the store before you buy it. The grip's actually fine for me, but the controls and viewfinder didn't cut it which is why I'm going for the 20D instead. It's a lot to pay for those features, but I rather be happy with the camera rather than shortchanging myself for a few bucks.

If you don't like the grip but find the rest of the camera fine, you should consider buying the popular battery grip, which solves that problem rather promptly and takes care of the size issue too.

[DarkDTSHD]

Canon will be introducing a prosumer camera in the future. The question is when, and nobody has solid evidence at this point.

Try out the XT in the store before you buy it. The grip's actually fine for me, but the controls and viewfinder didn't cut it which is why I'm going for the 20D instead. It's a lot to pay for those features, but I rather be happy with the camera rather than shortchanging myself for a few bucks.

If you don't like the grip but find the rest of the camera fine, you should consider buying the popular battery grip, which solves that problem rather promptly and takes care of the size issue too.

Hello Rex,

Well, I'm not exactaly in a hurry to get a digital camera. On the other hand I don't know if I want to wait around for Canon's next prosumer camera. Maybe the replacement for the G6.

Interesting you found the grip on the XT fine. I'm assuming you have "average" sized hands? Maybe the reviewers were exagerating. I don't know.

And how would using a battery grip immediately solve the problem? Most of them are "L-shaped" I believe. With one part fitting inside the grip of the camera right? Or does the battery grip for the XT fit "over" the grip of the camera? :)