Global warming is a hoax...? Manly beach Sydney July midwinter Lumix FZ1000.2 |
In 2015 Canon released the Powershot G3 X, a compact bridge camera with some appealing features and specifications, specifically the sensor size, the lens specifications and dimensions and the overall size. Unfortunately it lacked some features essential to a camera of this type and it was blighted by poor performance and sluggish autofocus leading to unfavourable reviews and presumably poor sales. It is unavailable and appears to have been discontinued. (confirmed by Canon Australia)
I never bought one but it occurs to me that inside this
poorly executed product is the basis of what could be a really good bridge camera
with wide appeal.
Canon got the formula half right and the implementation mostly
wrong.
In this post I re-visit the G3 X and present my ideas for a
new type of camera which incorporates the good features of the G3 X into an EOS
style body.
I think this wish-list model might make more sense for
consumers and be easier to promote if presented as a new type of EOS camera.
Let’s call it the EOS G line. All the features and capabilities of EOS but with
a fixed zoom lens.
The appeal of bridge cameras I that they can pack into one
single compact package a combination of features and capabilities not found in
any other camera type, including smartphones. The main ones are:
For the user, the ideal bridge camera looks, feels and
operates like a mid range mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) with an
anatomical handle and thumb support, a built in EVF over the optical axis, a
full suite of controls with twin control dials and joystick and a fully
articulated touch screen. The integrated, powered zoom lens has a focal length
range of about 24-400 or 24-600mm (equivalent).
The camera is fitted with the latest dual pixel AF system
with subject recognition algorithms. The most powerful processor available is
used. Preferably the sensor has a BSI, stacked construction although the
stacked design appears not to be essential.
This gives the user a single, compact, versatile device
which can manage the great majority of photographic challenges without ever
having to change lenses or buy additional gear other than batteries and a
protect filter for the lens.
Some buyers will cry that this camera is “too expensive” but
it will be a whole lot less expensive than a MILC with several interchangeable
lenses. Plus, lighter, more compact and very much more likely to be in the hand
when a photo-op appears.
I currently own a Canon EOS R5 and an RF 100-500mm L lens.
I also own a Panasonic FZ1000.2 bridge camera.
Which one is best for birds ? The AUD10,000 Canon kit of
course, no contest.
Which one gets to take the greatest number of bird photos ?
The AUD1,200 bridge camera of course, no contest. Why ? Because it is far more
likely to be in my hands when a photo-op appears and it does a decent enough
job much of the time.
A camera in the hand is worth 500 of them back home in the
drawer.
I think that if camera buyers and makers can re-set their
expectations about bridge cams from “cheep and cheerful compact for
happysnappers” to “versatile gear for expert/enthusiast photography” then the
bridge cam genre might be able to re-invent itself and thrive.
In Canon land, this means moving upmarket in concept and
capability from Powershot to EOS.
I certainly hope so.
Here is a mocked-up photo illustrating my proposed new
camera alongside the G3 X. I just
grafted the lens of the G3 X onto an EOS R10 which has about the same width and
body depth as the G3X and would be an ideal platform for a new EOS G camera
line. This could be named EOS G10.
Source photos courtesy of camerasize.com |
Thank. Great idea...and still using and enjoying the g3x.
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