Lots of rumors floating around about a new range of Canon cameras, it is looking likely to be an update to the 10D, called the 20D, plus at least two new EF-S lenses (EF-s 10-22mm /f 3.5-4.5
EF-s 17-85mm /f 4-5.6 IS) and maybe a third. Two new digital cameras, an A95 and a G6, plus a new E-TTL2 flashgun, maybe two of these as well, 580EX and an un-named replacement for the 420EX. Available from Jessops, late September is rumored release date.
Bod Atkins gives a measured reflection on the rumors. Photographyblog mentioned them earlier in the week. They have posted pictures now on photographyblog. First mention was I think on the Photo.net site this post mentions the 580EX flash gun, though in late July most people initially doubted the new cameras. More information on fredmiranda and older information. More on this including the Paul Pope initial post. Photos are available on canon.com and more images including lens pictures, plus the new digital compacts.
Rough spec for the new SLR is
- model name : EOS 20D
- 8 megapixel with DIGIC II (like 1D mkII)
- CMOS sensor , 1.6X crop factor
- 9 focus point
- 5fps (not sure abt the frame buffer)
- 25 frame buffer
- EF-s support
- E-TTL II support
- 0.2sec startup time
- 1/8000 max shutter speed
The rumored new flashgun is named the 580EX - ettl2, higher guide number. My estimation would be more compatialble with 10D / 20D, metering pattern matching the 7 or 9 sensor of 30/33 and 20D as well as the 45 of the 3/1V and 1DS etc. Better construction, faster cycle time.
UPDATE:
Previews and reviews of the new 20D, lenses and the flash are appearing.
Bob Atkins 20D preview
Luminous Landscape 20D review
Rob Galbraith review of 20D
Imaging Resource review of 20D
Photo.net reactions
Digital Photography Review of 20D
Digital Photography Review lenses and flashgun
DCRP review of the EOS 20D
I think that the new camera is interesting, people seem to be impressed with the 5fps for 25 frames, but it is still a 1.6 crop. However the new lenses are interesting the 10-22 gives 16-35 equivalent and the 17-85 is the digital equivalent of the 28-135 IS lens that I own and like, as it is the equivalent of 27-136. The filter size of the 17-85 is also 67mm, which would allow it to share filters with the 70-200 f4, which is a popular digital lens, offering 110-320 equivalent. If the new flashgun is true then that might what I'll be most likely to get soon, especially if it supports the top and bottom sensor on my EOS 30. UPDATE - it does.
It looks as if Canon are going to run with three sensor sizes for the next few years, offering the 18-55 cheapie with the 300D was a foot in the water. Offering a range of general photography lenses from wide and ultrawide up to 135 is a good plan as there is a body upgrade from existing 300D and 10D users to the 20D, who can then sell camera and lenses should they jump up to the semi pro 1D mkII. It seems that the 3D is never to happen, in fact it is probably the 1D mkII.
I can now get my favoured 24mm viewpoint in a digital kit from Canon, but yet, I'm still not tempted, 1500 quid is a lot of slide film.
It also has several interesting improvements over its predecessor: USB 2.0, true RAW+JPEG, smaller, lighter, EF-S lenses (though the current kit 18-55 lens quality is really not on par with the camera, it's something you cannot get with the 10D). I'm tempted ;-).