IMPROVING the 7D

[zatoichi]

Does anybody know if Canon can be contacted to provide feedback on its products? They marketed the 7D as being 'designed by you, built by Canon' or something like that so, in the spirit of that I've had some ideas since I bought one last year.

The 7D was produced to sit somewhere between high end enthusiast and pro cameras but, during the last year I think there are a couple of key things where it's been, somewhat caught (550D, 60D). Now, I know this is progress and is to be expected but something(s) should make the 7D sit firmly in its own space and define it, categorically as being a level above the models beneath whilst remaining below the pro (including 5D Mk II/III) cameras.

Maybe it'd be better to get their attention through some ideas posted on a forum such as

this one?

Here's some of the things I think could be done:

Menus/firmware:

1. In Quick Menu: Up/down navigation to select ISO/Picture styles/Shutter etc - (firmware

update?)

2. Allow more selections to 'My Menu'(firmware update?)

3. Display number of frames (top view screen) to 4 digits - (firmware update?) Surely that

ain't so difficult to do Canon?

4. Indicate shutter speed properly - as fractions - (firmware update?) Now I know it

shouldn't matter and that this is a Canon thing but it is a bit annoying.


Camera:

5. Lockable mode dial (I expect this will happen because you can now get it done by them)

6. ISO expand 50/25600 (I'd prefer the 50 as I never seem to need above 3200)

7. In-camera editing/rating (or at least rating)

8. Vari-angle LCD (much as I'd love one to be put in I would hate the button layout to

change as it's very good.

9. Backlit buttOns (WHY HAS NO MANUFACTURER THOUGHT OF THIS?!)

10. Eye sensor (auto LCD off)

11. Dual card CF/SDXC (this might be pushing it as it'd be a big redesign)

12. Dampen/quieten shutter! PLEASE!! Silent mode seems ineffective.

Now for the BIG one.....APS-H!! How about the 16MP one from 1Ds MkIV?

Ok, it'd push the price up but, for me the adoption of APS-H would be a real killer move!

[rbarry]

I think you may have just designed the Canon 8D.

[zatoichi]

I'll start saving for it now then! Best to get a headstart!

[Markulous]

I'd go for 9 and 12 (OK, I like 8 but find a Seagull OK)

[wavemachine]

It is a shame they don't provide enhancements generally in firmware updates, some of the features they added to models after the 7d was released such as star rating and setting max ISO would be so useful and I would be prepared to pay for them as well.

The only enhancement I heard of them doing was extra frame rates on 5D video but then I guess that was because it was hurting sales. I suppose ultimately hardware is there market.

[KeithT]

Originally Posted by zatoichi

... They marketed the 7D as being 'designed by you, built by Canon' or something like that so, in the spirit of that I've had some ideas since I bought one last year.

I guess you will have to wait for the 7dMKII to appear to see what changes have been made. Oh, and whilst all manufacturers listen to what customers want, generally speaking it is the marketing boys who come up with phrases like the one you describe. In truth, phrases like that are far from the truth...