Sigh...

[Jeff Keller]

We more or less got screwed again by Canon regarding the EOS-7D launch. I did get to see it a few weeks ago with last minute notice, and I left with some notes about it. I got product photos on Monday, but that was it -- no specs, no releases. So it was scramble-time when the embargo ended.

Also, as you may have noticed, other sites got cameras to preview, but we were again left out. This is despite the two presentations that I sent to Canon about why we are trustworthy, the size of our audience, etc.

This may sound petty, but I am going to sell my Canon gear. I no longer feel comfortable owning products from a company that shows so little respect toward someone who they had a top-notch relationship with just a few years ago (and I did nothing to change that, by the way -- thank the new PR people).

- Jeff

[Rooz]

i feel for you mate. there's nothing we can do apart from say you have our support and thanks for running a great site.

[faisal]

I agree to Rooz. You're running a great site and its Canons loss that they don't see it that way!!!

[jcon]

I agree... Canon is just hurting themself by doing this.

Youre more than welcome over here on the good side(Nikon)! LOL

[DonSchap]

This may sound petty, but I am going to sell my Canon gear. I no longer feel comfortable owning products from a company that shows so little respect toward someone who they had a top-notch relationship with just a few years ago (and I did nothing to change that, by the way -- thank the new PR people).

- Jeff

Jeff, I hear ya, pal. I let it all go back in '07.

Strange industry, this one. DCRP has been a shining beacon to many people ... just seems the industry clueless make too many decisions.

[Phill D]

Yes seems like they're "shooting themselves in the foot" again Jeff. Selling your gear is probably a bit drastic but I can understand how you feel. Maybe we could all get a bit of fun out of it though. How about filling in the which camera should I get form & let everyone give you advice ;)

[Csae]

" Theres still some toes left ! Keep Shooting! "

[raven15]

This is also related to your 'Perpetual "Hey Jeff, review this camera!" thread.' have you considered growing your site in some manner? I'm sure it's risky, especially now, but have you considered getting a second person so you can review more cameras? If your site is growing you become harder to ignore. I realize others have suggested this in the past.

I'd have sold my Canon stuff too.

[Rhys]

Well, Nikon has definitely got Canon beat on several areas...
1. no need for an STE2 - the speedlight commander is built into the camera.
2. An AF lamp is built into the camera - no need for an ST-E2.
3. Flash control is reportedly better.
4. All of Nikon's older lenses back to pre-AI will fit onto a Nikon digital.

[FLiPMaRC]

i feel for you mate. there's nothing we can do apart from say you have our support and thanks for running a great site.

+1 :o This sucks!

[timmciglobal]

That sucks man.

Come to the dark side... Nikon has much better mid tier product anyway.

Tim

[Rhys]

I keep toying with the idea of going back to Nikon.

[cdifoto]

Well, they do have a better flash system.

[Rhys]

Well, they do have a better flash system.

And higher-permissible shoe voltages. My 10v 45ct1 would work on a Nikon.

[cdifoto]

Your 10v 45ct1 will work on Canon too.

[Rhys]

I thought the shoe voltage was 6v max on Canon.

[cdifoto]

Canon never says outright but I have some 10 and 12 volt Vivitars that are no problem.

[Jeff Keller]

That I'm a man of my word, everything in this photo is being sold. It's kind of like throwing your Ex's stuff out the window after a break-up. So long!

[laydros]

Ouch. Sucks, I'll skip typing the same thing over, and say I concur with the others. Hate to see that nice Canon gear go, but understandable. Whatcha plannin' on getting?!

[Rhys]

I'm glad when I started out that I got Nikon. I'm glad I went Canon later. I think Nikon has caught up now and is probably the way to go.

Pentax is quirky and interesting as is Olympus. For macro and high-speed imaging, Olympus wins hands down as 1m at f5.6 with a 50mm equivalent lens (Pentax 35mm, Olympus 25mm) gives respectively 18cm and 27cm depth of field. Compare that to Canon with just 14cm (38mm lens).

If I were choosing my kit again, I would be sorely tempted to go the Olympus route.

[Csae]

hmmm a 40D...

Sucks im saving for the 100 2.8L now.

Im curious what you're gonna get as well.

[Phill D]

I don't blame you either Jeff. Hope you keep us all informed of your rational behind the replacement choices you make as I'm sure your thoughts & deliberations will be useful for anyone buying a new system. I think I can guess where you'll end up though.

[cdifoto]

Will this have any affect on the objectivity of your reviews going forward?

[Jeff Keller]

Will this have any affect on the objectivity of your reviews going forward?
I've been unhappy with Canon for well over a year, and I don't think it's affected my objectivity. My bitterness about how a product announcement is handled will be long gone by the time I write my next review.

[timmciglobal]

If you're having difficulty deciding might I suggest imaging-resource.com or dpreview for a good review of the products out there? :p

SORRY! I had to say it :p

Tim

[Rhys]

I've been unhappy with Canon for well over a year, and I don't think it's affected my objectivity. My bitterness about how a product announcement is handled will be long gone by the time I write my next review.

I'm kinda used to Canon but I prefer Nikon's customer service. When I lived in the UK and used Nikon's customer service for my film gear, it was phenomenal. Canon's for digital is OK but not outstanding. Maybe Nikon's has relapsed too - I don't know.

I was miffed that Nikon wouldn't support my AIS lenses and changed to Canon. My AIS stuff was all primes and would have been excellent on digital.

Canon works for me and the bayonet is more likable - Nikon's is back to front. I can honestly say I miss using my Nikon lenses. I could get a Nikon to Canon converter but as my Canons don't have a focusing aid on the focusing screen then that'd be something else extra to get. I might get myself a Nikon dSLR with a real focusing screen at some point. After that I rather suspect I might sell my Canon kit. For the moment though I'm sticking with Canon.

[twin]

That I'm a man of my word, everything in this photo is being sold. It's kind of like throwing your Ex's stuff out the window after a break-up. So long!

I'm sorry things turn this way for you Jeff regarding CANON's (non-existing) PR.

It's true that you've been sometimes a little late on the reviews in the last year (maybe because it's one man show?) but they are the most simple and objective of them all, without sacrificing any type of info regarding the product's pros or cons. DPR and IR reviews aren't as easy to follow and understand for the digital imaging beginners. You've been doing an excellent work!

Just a couple quick questions: your gear isn't just a hobby, it's also some of the tools you use on your DCRP behind-the-scenes work. What are you thinking to use from now on to your product shots (if I'm not mistaken, you've been using your's 40D+60/2.8 macro for that)? :confused:

And where are you selling your stuff? :p

[Honest Gaza]

And where are you selling your stuff? :p

He's not....he's giving it all away to the Canon users that can provide the most entertaining posts :p:D

There's this young bloke you see........

[GoneTomorrow]

He's not....he's giving it all away to the Canon users that can provide the most entertaining posts :p:D

There's this young bloke you see........

Sweet, dibs on the 17-55 :D:D

[Jeff Keller]

Sorry guys, all the stuff you saw was sent to B&H for store credit. I'll let you know what I get to replace it all.

[Rhys]

Sigma SD15?

[timmciglobal]

170 fuji 200EXR's aligned in 2 degree intervals to not worry about composition and just take 360 degree shots and stitch what ya want later? ;p

Tim

[Rhys]

A piece of charcoal, some paper and a camera obscura?

[twin]

Sorry guys, all the stuff you saw was sent to B&H for store credit. I'll let you know what I get to replace it all.

He he he. Ok, it's your call anyway, but I think that you would have more return selling directly instead of to a shop...

By the way, YOU SHOULD GO PUBLIC ON THE FRONT PAGE regarding this issue. What do you have to loose?

:D

Joao P. Mestre
(aka Twin)

[Jeff Keller]

By the way, YOU SHOULD GO PUBLIC ON THE FRONT PAGE regarding this issue. What do you have to loose?

I did have a note on the front page in the original 7D news item. I got an angry call from Canon the next day and was called unprofessional (among other things).

[Rhys]

I did have a note on the front page in the original 7D news item. I got an angry call from Canon the next day and was called unprofessional (among other things).

Hmm... Perhaps that was an error - after all, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. That might have served to worsen relations between you and Canon. I rather suspect it would have been a better move to take the Canon exec to dinner and discussed the problem at dinner.

[Jeff Keller]

Hmm... Perhaps that was an error - after all, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. That might have served to worsen relations between you and Canon. I rather suspect it would have been a better move to take the Canon exec to dinner and discussed the problem at dinner.
I can barely get them to return e-mails... and since we live across the country from each other, meeting in person is unlikely (though I offered last time this happened). I did find out today that they haven't cut me off for review units, so that's good news.

[Paradox]

Canon criticising you for something ultimately caused by their dubious marketing strategy seems a bit stupid.

[Phill D]

That's a bit rich Canon calling you unprofessional. After all you only asked to be treated the same as everyone else. In today's camera market many models are so close there is little to choose between them something like this could easilly put someone off buying Canon. I'd have thought it's about time Canon offered you an olive branch & put an end to this.

[jcon]

I'd have thought it's about time Canon offered you an olive branch & put an end to this.

I think its a tad late for that now.

[twin]

Yes, I've saw your 7D's note. I was referring to you selling your Canon gear, since it's a clear stand up to your feelings and professional relationship with Canon's USA PR. By the way, why not take it to Canon's Japan HQ? :D

[Jeff Keller]

Yes, I've saw your 7D's note. I was referring to you selling your Canon gear, since it's a clear stand up to your feelings and professional relationship with Canon's USA PR. By the way, why not take it to Canon's Japan HQ? :D

I wish I had contacts at Canon Japan!

[DonSchap]

No time like the present, Jeff. Make in roads.

[Rhys]

The head of Canon US does receive and reply to letters. I've written to him in the past.

[Turn]

How blatantly silly of Canon, although I think the PR department shouldn't reflect the rest of the Canon employees.

To be honest I think dcresource needs stronger word of mouth/advertising.
I only ever hear of people going to dpreview blah.