2004 Prophecies....

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Happy New Year Geo (and everyone else)! I would be happy if just #1 came true.

There's no point in a 1Ds replacement since nothing else in a DSLR even comes close but I would be very happy with a 1D replacement with the following features:

EOS 1Dx:
8 Mpx
5 FPS
9 stop Dmax
Better meter - truly evaluative where the brightest and darkest spot is evaluated and the camera lets you decide whether to retain the highlights or the shadows or to clip both ends equally (which won't be very often with 9 stop Dmax) - traditional meters in a DSLR are absurd since the scene can be digitally evaluated prior to the shutter being tripped.
Better histogram
Lower noise (ISO 800 like 200 is today)
80211g wireless
1.3 or 1.6x or 2x crop factor
The technology exists today to build this camera - do it Canon!!!

EF 100-400 f/4L IS USM - replacement for the aging 100-400 f4.5-5.6L design.

Finally either fix DO technology or put it out of its misery.

I agree EJ!
But you left out the "under $2000" part!!
Mike

E.J., you read too fast. No-one suggested a 1Ds replacement...

And what's the advantage of wireless for a camera? Surely not to transfer images as it couldn't touch the speed of wired card readers, could it?

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Every thing E.J. said, BUT with Nikon replacing the Canon name, and Mikes idea of under $2000 also. This would be a truely superb and far superior camera. ....... :roll:

Geo wrote: Advantage is that images can be whisked from the camera by the editor whilst its in use .... or downloaded to laptop whilst in use...or similar ...

Exactly!

Ok, but unless I am shooting in a studio I don't get it....no big deal.

At 54Mb/sec the theoretical offload time for a 1 GB card is 2 minutes and 27 seconds assuming the card can get rid of the data that fast.

Also, lets say you are shooting from your car, you can be shooting and have the images pop up on your laptop in the seat next to you almost instantly. Think of being in a blind at Roma and having the photos pop up on your laptop right next to you! Think of not even needing a flash card in this type of situation and having the data transmitted directly to your PC. Don't limit your thinking!

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I have successfully pulled my head out of the sand. I still have some in my ears, but I can hear you just fine. Thanks for the clue.

My prediction for 2004 is that Velvia 50 will go away, replaced by the less-than-satisfactory Velvia 100F. While I hope this isn't the case, I wouldn't be surprised.

I also bet we'll see a 1D replacement, but I don't want it unless it has a 24x36mm sensor, which I guess won't be the case, based on everyone else's predictions and since it would compete too directly with the 1Ds. As a result, 2004 may be another DSLR-free year for me. However, I do predict I'll get an Epson 4000 before the year is over.

1) I'm back @ NSN! Happy new year everyone! Feels good to see some familiar names after weeks on the road!

2) I will not buy a dSLR - Just got a Hassy from '96 with lots of accessories and lenses...

3) Microsoft will release yet another huge service pack due to "security issues"

4) The "thought of going pro" will be a sure sign of mental problems... The Photo industry will become even more cuth throath in 2004. Film will be harder to get and more expensive to develop, and my grandmother will start shooting digital!

5) Minolta will release a dSLR!

6) Global warming will continue...

7) Wilhelm-Research will find out that Epson prints made with ultrachrome inks will last only 10 years before severe fading occurs Hopefully N O T !

[5) Minolta will release a dSLR!]

If this also is a wish list as much as a prediction, the Minolta DSLR (Maxxum/Dynax lens compatible) will feature antishake (image stabilization) in the camera, a crop factor no worse (more) than 1.3, with 8 mp or more, priced to compete with the 10D/D100, and will have some other noteworthy and highly useful "surprise" feature that will "blow away" the competition.

What am I thinking? I must be dreaming.
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Mark, if you're wishing, you might wish for it to be out in the first quarter also so that you can use it most of the year.

Mark,

I am keeping my finger's crossed for you on the DSLR. On another note it's always fun shooting with you and hearing your lens work it's AF. But if it aint broke don't fix it man!

Tony, your suggestion is even more of a pipe dream than my "wishes/predictions." Even if it happened, I doubt I would be one of the first adopters.

Greg, how else would anyone know I was there if they couldn't hear my lens trying to focus? :roll: At least you can tell I'm "working."

Actually, Minolta now has new, ultrasonic-type focusing lenses designated as SSM (70-200/2.8 and 300/2. but they are quite pricy. I don't know why anyone would get one right now with the state of the Maxxum/Dynax system still uncertain (see below).

I agree if it ain't broke don't fix it. But that doesn't address the bigger issue of what to do on a long-term, going forward proposition (an answer to that question would be an even better 2004 "gift"). Even if Minolta comes out with a "dream" dSLR (it is expected to announce something in about 6 weeks at the PMA show, but the camera may not be available until the end of the year, at least according Pop Photo's internet report), that doesn't say anything about Minolta's longer-term commitment to the future. Yea, I did turn this a bit more serious. Oh well. Someone else can get back to the fun.

I'm no prophet, but I'm guessing this is the year that George finally comes to Florida to buy me that dark German beer

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