In view of the subtlety of the current improvements in tonality and noise attributed to the 40D's 14 bit processing, I doubt that Canon would offer 16 bit processing with the new 5D. However, if they limit pixel count to 16-17mp, which allows for bigger pixels than any of the recent models such as 30D, 40, or 1Ds3, they should be able to give us at least one stop higher ISO, say a 3200 ISO which is as clean as the current 5D's ISO 1600.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=146834\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I'll be happy with the 14 bit converter for increased tonality, sensor cleaner, DIGIC III processor, 4FPS, and 16MPs, a little better cache buffer, in other words, all the things we will probably get with the new 5D (6D).
Also, consider that when the 5D came out I was confused what Canon had in mind offering a camera so close in performance to the MKII for less than half the price. And then it got down to 2300US. And then the 40D came out for 1300US with all the new stuff. Now it makes more sense.
MKIII--8000.00US and 21MP +etc.
6D -- 3500.00US 16MP and all the new stuff, larger LCD, etc.
40D 1300.00 with all the new stuff.
That's a spread I can understand marketing wise. The 40D is still cheap for such a nice camera though. I can see that it will be the camera for the hobby shooter with more money than skill or talent, or for the enthusiast who lacks money but does have skill, talent, and a serious nature about photography, but who may not have the time needed to go pro--family, nice paying job, etc. We're talking mortgage brokers, dentists, etc., People who are serious about photography, but have "professional" lives, and commitments.
The 5D (6D?) will separate the hobby/serious shooter from the semi pro, pro, and pro journalist type crowd. Most people not very serious about photography with time to spend doing it won't fork out the 3500.00US for the new 6D.
MKIII All pro needing the best they can get with the MPs, like Micheal, and other landscape photogs that want portability, cost, and yeah that camera will give the quality--I hope, or it's a gonner. It will probably be a hot topic for commercial photogs too, doing product photography and fashion, but that camera has to be heavy. I'm sure for fashion the 6D at 16MP would do nicely.
I can't wait for the 6D.