Is there anything on Canon's Horizon?

[DOSMedia]

Here is an unsubstantiated rumor that I hope will restore your faith in Canon:

http://www.canonrumors.com/2010/11/video-camera-rumors-cr1/

I shoot rock climbing with my T2i and have had good results on a tripod when I've slowed the pan down to an extremely slow drag and been meticulous hand-held. It has made me more aware of the erratic shooting style I've gotten away with using video cameras, and I've become a smoother, more patient shooter when using a dedicated video camera.

The first one is a rumor I have heard from more then just the site you posted. Wish I had a link, but I dont really have time to dig around. It also makes the most sense and I think its where Canon is going to possibly have an edge over Panny (im a panasonic owner and canon owner, so no bias here).
Sony is also releasing their PMW F-3 too http://computer-hardware.findtechnews.net/sony-pmw-f3-super-35mm-camcorder-officially-announced/
The specs are all kind of rumors on the canon and sony. The sony right now I guess is shooting for 1080p60 according to some, but would be 4:2:0 8 bit 35 mb/s.

I am pretty bummed that Panny went with the AVC Cam 24 mb/s. Still not quite understanding that decision. I would think that would destroy a possibility of a good 1080p60 (something I care about being in the action sports industry).

If the canon comes out with something similar like the link you posted at 1080p60 4:2:2 50mb/s, I will be all over it (depending on money of course).

In my mind, DSLRs are still cameras, NOT video cameras. So the problems that the OP points out will probably remain there for quite some time as they focus creating prosumer/indy VIDEO cameras to compete with the AF100 and others.

I think things are going to get interesting.

BTW, I love my T2i, but as a film maker (especially one in the ski industry) I knew not to sell my HVX. T2i and DLSRs are great tools in my mind, but I dont think I could replace one with my HVX.

 

[Michael Carter]

Rumors are usually good for dashing hopes, not restoring faith - like most, the one linked to was busted in a matter of days.

NikonRumors ran endless reports about a D90 firmware fix and even a Raw-video D90 successor. Some rumor reports come from ads mistakenly run early or researching available stock on an aging and discounted camera, and those often pan out. The too good to be true ones usually are just that.

I'm sure there are people that constantly check the rumor sites with fingers crossed - personally I think posting them here is a waste of time and bandwidth, and there have been plenty of instances of people skimming a thread and believing these are accurate reports, and spreading the dumbness around as fact. It just adds to the confusion and noise and I'd think twice before spreading 'em around here - this ain't the place.

 

[Michael Carter]

I am pretty bummed that Panny went with the AVC Cam 24 mb/s. Still not quite understanding that decision. I would think that would destroy a possibility of a good 1080p60 (something I care about being in the action sports industry).

When you look a little deeper it seems like it may be a good idea, if the early "beta" reviews are accurate. Less then $5k for a camera that solves so many of the DSLR issues seems like nothing to sneeze at for many shooters making a living with this stuff.

The ability to use an external recorder for higher bandwidth adds one more modular factor to the system; you can get in the door for an attractive price and later upgrade by adding gear (I'm guessing $1-3k for that functionality?) This seems like a very attractive path to me, and if the AF100 pans out to be popular, wildly popular, or DVX-level paradigm shift, we may see more affordable solutions for external SDI recording due to economies of scale & market size. I haven't seen this many posters planning on buying a specific camera (and one with a hard ship date vs. the Scarlet story) since the HVX was announced.

Throw in possibilities like adapters for existing glass, high-end adapters allowing full integration of major lens manufacturer AF & electronics, panny & third party lenses & system gear, or a manufacturer answering the call for a good quality, affordable wide lens for the crop factor and the AF100 body could end up being much like a DSLR - something you trade in every few years as your accessory collection grows.