Rob Galbraith Analyses Canon EOS-1D Mark III Auto-Focus

#1 fxk

First, I want to applaud Rob Galbraith for an outstanding trail of analysis of what I consider a serious problem in a professional grade camera. The idea that a new, completely redesigned camera that also touted significant improvements in the autofocus area could not outperform the camera it was replacing.

Rob's writeup could be cast as self-serving - he wanted a working camera. But it was so much more - the quality and depth of the analysis he did while others kind-of-agreed, but ultimately took a pass. Took a lot of his time away from his regular job, and a lot of tenacity to get Canon to move. Again, a salute to Rob Galbraith!

I have mixed feelings about Canon - as a Canon shooter, my faith is shaken. They still produce awesome equipment. It does point out, in my opinion, that Canon designers and engineers are not photographers - and that that photographer input is needed - whether it be in the form of someone on staff, or from respected sites such as Rob's. If there are photographers on the design group, someone ought to listen to them more - for example a silly mirror-lockup that does not require a PHD to enable.

It is the little stuff that is ignored that drives folks nuts - what was it - a decade - before opening the card door on Prosumer cameras did not corrupt the card? When their digicams had the feature?

Canon has been handed a serious 1-2 recently - the new cameras tainted by the autofocus mess, and the delivery of the Nikon D3 on the heels of the long-awaited 1DsIII - and having the high ISO full frame, yet the speed of a news/sports camera.

Given Canon's cycle time to new product, the only one not replaced is the 5D - that is their only response weapon.

Again, as a Canon shoother, I have to say Nikon won the game and set - the match, however, will go on forever (thankfully!).

4:02 pm - Tuesday, December 11, 2007