Canon has joined the X frenzy, with the X this time representing the "crossover"--don't they mean combination? Oh, right, they're stretching to justify the X--of the 1D and 1Ds models.
One thing struck me in looking at the specs and information on the new Canon 1D X model: a lot of Nikon DNA seems to have leaked in. Multiple exposure, an RGB metering system, a Nikon-like autofocus layout complete with 4 and 8 cell Dynamic patterns (instead of Nikon's 9 and 21), chromatic aberration reduction, in-camera raw, and more. Makes me wonder how much Canon DNA will leak into the upcoming Nikon D4.
The basics are this: Canon is dropping the two model, two sensor-sizes of their pro lineup for a single full frame model, now named the 1D X. The 1D X is an 18mp, 12 fps, 61-point autofocus model that has a standard ISO range of 100 to 51,200. We get two pairs of function buttons on the front, a Gigabit Ethernet connection, and a bunch of other additions and changes, too. One interesting thing is the inclusion of a new system expansion terminal (a new port on the side of the camera into which the new GPS and WiFi options directly plug). If you're interested in the full iteration of feature details, I suggest Rob Galbraith's site for a good summary. But you'll have plenty of time to get over there, as the camera isn't scheduled to ship until the end of March 2012 (wouldn't that be April?). Price is US$6800, which is a significant bump for all those 1DIV upgraders, about the same as what most 1DsIII users paid.
Since this is mostly a Nikon site, the question is this: what's the 1D X feature set imply about the D4? I suspect it will be a lot like the Canon, actually. I'm still hearing 18mp for the sensor, which, if true, would mean that the two pro models go pretty directly head to head for the first time. I don't expect Nikon to announce the D4 before the end of the year, though.
Which is strange. It appears that Canon decided to announce 1D X first, the 5DIII later. Nikon, on the other hand, appears to be preparing to announce the D800 first (next week), the D4 later. Exact announce dates don't mean a lot, though (especially given the likely actual ship dates). Still, it appears that for the first time the high-end schedules of the two companies are coming within the same six month window. Previously, there was a lot of leapfrogging. This time, they're both jumping (almost) together. Frankly, I think that's good. It'll likely stop a lot of the near random switching that has been going on (or at least threats of switching ;~). Moreover, the debate switches to comparing the same generations of product.
One thing that strikes me is that the 1D X represents a smallish move. The 1D is getting polished and some new underlying hardware applied, but in terms of the overall camera and what it can do, it's likely to be evolutionary to the target users, not revolutionary. I suspect the same thing will be true of the D4. Short of there being something magical about one of these next generation sensors, I suspect the rush to upgrade will be more subdued this time around. Of course, a great sensor tends to trigger a mad rush, as we found out with the D3.
One final thought: getting a camera in April is cutting it awful close for the Olympics. Basically four months to get accustomed to it and your workflow tuned. Let's hope Nikon can do a little better.