Jonathan_Kwok
New Member
The Canon T90 (1986), jointly designed by German designer Luigi Colani and Team Canon formed the design cornerstone on which all future Eos 1 series cameras would be based on. The hallmarks are unmistakable curvy lines instead of sharp, boxy edges, superior ergonomics and comfort, and two-handed operation based on a combination of push-buttons and dials. Push buttons are used where possible instead of dials as they are arguably easier to weather-seal.
The fully electronic Eos 1, launched in 1989, followed by a whole slew of 1-series cameras both analogue and digital, is living proof that Canons design philosophy works and delivers the goods despite the brutal conditions in which they have often been used.
During the Gulf War, many Nikon pros found their F4s grinding to a halt due to all the desert sand finding its way into the cameras numerous dials, knobs and mechanical links. The Eos 1 had a much higher survival rate. No mechanical couplings with the lens, minimal dials and sealed push buttons. Currently, no other manufacturer builds pro cameras that are as well sealed against the elements or are as durable as Canons 1-series bodies.
The 1-series design obviously works and Canon is not about to change a good thing. In fact, Canon takes great pride in streamlining its design across its entire pro range and tries to do that as much as possible in its amateur range as well. Note the similarities between the D30, D60, 10D and 20D? You can also trace the 1D Mk IIs design back to the analogue Eos 1 as well as the early digital D2000.
This streamlining of design enables pros to switch seamlessly between two different camera bodies and continue shooting uninterrupted. Canon's design philosophy is not to change for the sake of change, but to only implement absolutely necessary improvements. The camera is supposed to be an extension of the photographers psyche and body able to respond to ones every beck and call, instantaneously! For pros, who often work with multiple camera bodies, having to figure out different user interfaces on different cameras would be a nightmare. Hence, even the feel and weight of the 1-series cameras have stayed basically unchanged. The system is modular and even accessories are interchangeable from focusing screens, batteries, cable releases to anti-fog eyepieces.
So, you see, any changes made have been subtle rather than radical. Youll note improvements in the choice of materials, surface coating, menus layouts but nothing requiring a seasoned 1-series user to have to change his/her way of shooting. Personally, I think theyve come a long way since the first polycarbonate armoured Eos 1. I think the 1D Mk II is gorgeous a tad heavy and bulky, but satisfyingly sexy nonetheless.
Areas for improvement? For goodness sake, give us a real mirror lock up instead of CF12!! A lighter Li-Ion or Lithium polymer battery that is backwards compatible with older 1-series DSLRs would be welcome. A less sensitive shutter button on the vertical grip and if they could shrink it down the height a tad more that would be great. And a quieter shutter please. Now, that to me, would be a worthwhile design modification!
Other manufacturers have tried fancy designs for the sake of being different and have failed miserably. Take the Nikon F70 and its multicoloured fan menu" how it contrasted with the F90 and the F4 and F5 .a photographers nightmare if you had to change between them during an assignment. No synergy and poorly thought out, dont you think? BTW, if you were to modify the 1D Mk II's design, what would you change?
PS - sorry for the long post again. :sweat:
The fully electronic Eos 1, launched in 1989, followed by a whole slew of 1-series cameras both analogue and digital, is living proof that Canons design philosophy works and delivers the goods despite the brutal conditions in which they have often been used.
During the Gulf War, many Nikon pros found their F4s grinding to a halt due to all the desert sand finding its way into the cameras numerous dials, knobs and mechanical links. The Eos 1 had a much higher survival rate. No mechanical couplings with the lens, minimal dials and sealed push buttons. Currently, no other manufacturer builds pro cameras that are as well sealed against the elements or are as durable as Canons 1-series bodies.
The 1-series design obviously works and Canon is not about to change a good thing. In fact, Canon takes great pride in streamlining its design across its entire pro range and tries to do that as much as possible in its amateur range as well. Note the similarities between the D30, D60, 10D and 20D? You can also trace the 1D Mk IIs design back to the analogue Eos 1 as well as the early digital D2000.
This streamlining of design enables pros to switch seamlessly between two different camera bodies and continue shooting uninterrupted. Canon's design philosophy is not to change for the sake of change, but to only implement absolutely necessary improvements. The camera is supposed to be an extension of the photographers psyche and body able to respond to ones every beck and call, instantaneously! For pros, who often work with multiple camera bodies, having to figure out different user interfaces on different cameras would be a nightmare. Hence, even the feel and weight of the 1-series cameras have stayed basically unchanged. The system is modular and even accessories are interchangeable from focusing screens, batteries, cable releases to anti-fog eyepieces.
So, you see, any changes made have been subtle rather than radical. Youll note improvements in the choice of materials, surface coating, menus layouts but nothing requiring a seasoned 1-series user to have to change his/her way of shooting. Personally, I think theyve come a long way since the first polycarbonate armoured Eos 1. I think the 1D Mk II is gorgeous a tad heavy and bulky, but satisfyingly sexy nonetheless.
Areas for improvement? For goodness sake, give us a real mirror lock up instead of CF12!! A lighter Li-Ion or Lithium polymer battery that is backwards compatible with older 1-series DSLRs would be welcome. A less sensitive shutter button on the vertical grip and if they could shrink it down the height a tad more that would be great. And a quieter shutter please. Now, that to me, would be a worthwhile design modification!
Other manufacturers have tried fancy designs for the sake of being different and have failed miserably. Take the Nikon F70 and its multicoloured fan menu" how it contrasted with the F90 and the F4 and F5 .a photographers nightmare if you had to change between them during an assignment. No synergy and poorly thought out, dont you think? BTW, if you were to modify the 1D Mk II's design, what would you change?
PS - sorry for the long post again. :sweat:
