Yes I am "bitching" about Canon's approach to commerce. I think I have good reason for it.
I have been a professional photographer for nearly 40 years and a devoted Canon user for nearly 20 years. I dare say that I have owed more equipment than any of you. When I was working for Sports Illustrated as well as running a corporate photography business I had 2 of almost every lens that Canon made. That includes all the short, mid range, and super big stuff (300 2.8s, 400 2.8s, 600 4.5s, 800 5.6,s). Add 12 F1s with motors and 4 T-90s (a truly great camera) and you can see changing to EOS because of the new mount cost me many thousands of dollars. Why so much equipment? Attrition and nearly constant repair and cleaning. No, the CPS program was not very helpful in loaning equipment, but would expedite repairs (at a premium price may I add). In the "old days" purchasing a new camera model was sometimes warranted, but not necessary because the updates were mostly doodads and things implemented for the advanced amateur. Enter the digital age, and the problem continues; only considerably more costly. No doubt, Canon's muscle has given them the premier position in high end cameras. Obviously Nikon has backed off and is looking more toward the smaller footprint chips as their market. I know that other pros have become very leery of spending $ 25,000 for 3 D1S's (always need backup cameras) knowing next year they will be antiquated by a newer, bigger and better camera. No doubt, digital cameras are improving at an incredible rate, and the updates incorporate important advances. However, pros must look at the business side of purchasing equipment and weighing the actual need to remain competitive. I'm sure this will bring on a barage of rebuttal; so be it! I just wanted to let you know that there are some pros out here, and we are aware and concerned about surviving in difficult economic times and a waning professional photographic market. Uncle Manny * **** ******* *********************************************************** * For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see: * http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm ***********************************************************
