When will Canon/Nikon VDSLR's get autofocus andbuilt-in neutral density filters?

[Ripple]

Any guess when Canon and Nikon VDSLR's will get autofocus and built-in neutral density filters (and maybe even decent sound)?

Looks like Canon has a new autofocus and mirror patent, so autofocus should be possible...

Something on these at this link.

Of course the GH1 has autofocus, but Canon and Nikon have quite an advantage when it comes to glass.

(I guess we'll probably know what we're in for with VDSLR's within a year of the release of the RED Scarlet 2/3".)

Curious what the people here think. Thanks...

 

[Andrew Brinkhaus]

I'd say never, in their current form factor. For anything narrative I wouldn't need autofocus or built in ND's. I guess they could be useful for those in the ENG/doc field but I don't see those formats being the target market for the HDSLR makers.

Now the audio on the other hand...

 

[Mister Big]

For that to happen, you'll need another class of camera. Remember that DSLRs (video-capable or otherwise) are primarily still cameras. That is their mission. They don't need ND filters in most cases. Where would the ND filter go? Somewhere in that relatively small body between the lens and sensor? Wouldn't fit. On every lens? That would make lenses more expensive.

The only way this really would happen is with another class of camera -- essentially a camcorder body that took DSLR lenses.

 

[Michael Olsen]

As soon as a large majority of its customers (i.e. photographers) clearly send the message that they want those features.

As I see it, that can happen two ways:

1) Users make comments to directly to Canon, on forums, and at important events and press conferences stating they want these features.

2) Users switch from Canon to another camera which is essentially the same, except that it has those features, leaving Canon to understand that those features are highly desirable.

Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be seeing too many photographers wanting XLR inputs on the sides of their already cramped cameras.

 

[tmnt]

Ha ha, pro still photographers would hate to see inbuilt NDs no doubt (but would love them secretly).

 

[morgan_moore]

If you have ever shot with a nikon D3 stuck at 200 ISO, and flash on a sunny day you really want ND onboard as a stills photographer

using external ND ruins the TTL view

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We have not seen a 'serious' effort by these makers to create a proper video capable DSLR

sound and ND would be part of this package

will this happen - who knows?

S

 

[Vascilli]

Ha ha, pro still photographers would hate to see inbuilt NDs no doubt (but would love them secretly).

I would like it but 99% of still photographers have no need for them. If they don't have ND filters on the front of their lenses they don't need them inside their cameras.

 

[Ripple]

Andrew, tmnt, morgan and Vascilli:

Thanks for your thoughts. Looks like you get bokeh with these cameras, in sacrifice for convenience. Maybe always will. But, oh the bokeh...

...2) Users switch from Canon to another camera which is essentially the same, except that it has those features, leaving Canon to understand that those features are highly desirable....

Unfortunately, there is no such camera that I know of to push this move.:violin:

...The only way this really would happen is with another class of camera -- essentially a camcorder body that took DSLR lenses.

Makes sense to me. Would be nice if this were Canon's response to the new RED's. But this move would seem awfully bold, and a big unlikely.