Yesterday I wrote about my Nikon wish list. Today I want to write about what I think is missing from the current Canon product portfolio. Some is the same as in my Nikon wish list, like a 4/200-500 zoom lens, but others are unique to Canon.

Recently Nikon has launched some great cameras and Canon is under a lot of pressure now. In about two months, by the end of September, Photokina - the world’s largest exhibition about photography - will open it’s doors. Many expect Canon to introduce one or more new cameras and maybe a few new lenses. Here is what I would like to see.

Successor to the EOS 5D

A successor to Canon’s very successful EOS 5D has been expected for over a year now. In the meantime, Nikon launched the very interesting D700.
I am sure we will see a 5D successor at Photokina 2008. The question is what Canon will put into this model. Just adding a larger sensor (like 16 MP) and some small improvements like sensor cleaning won’t do it to have a real winner over the D700, although the latter does only have 12 MP and the new Canon will probably have several more.
But the D700 is a fully professional camera in a professional body. So the 5D successor should have some or all of the following features to be a real winner:

• about 16 MP
• full weather sealing
• much better AF with the capability to work up to f8
• at least 5 frames per second, up to 7 with battery grip

Those features would make the new camera a true innovation and not just a small upgrade. It will be interesting to see what Canon will have to offer in about two months.

Professional body with 1.6 crop factor

Canon’s EOS 40D is a great camera, but I think there is room for a more professional model with a crop factor of 1.6. I would love to see the following features in such a camera:

• 12 - 14 MP
• 8 frames per second
• full weather sealing
• AF of the 1D Mark III (or an even better system without the problems of the 1D Mark III)
• AF up to at least f8, better f11

Having AF up to at least f8 would be great for using a 4/500 + 2x extender with the camera. The AF will be a bit slower than with just a 1.4x, of course. But this will still be better than focusing manually with a 2x extender under most circumstances.
A camera with the above mentioned features would it put into the same league as the Nikon D300, or even a little above it. It would be a great tool, especially for wildlife and bird photographers. Canon has always been reluctant to introduce a powerful model below it’s EOS 1D cameras. But now that Nikon seems not be afraid to do this (the D700 will cut sales of the D3), maybe Canon will follow.

5.6/400L IS

Canon has a great 5.6/400L, but still not with IS. The IS version is overdue.

4/200-400L IS

Nikon’s 4/200-400 VR is one their most popular lenses. It’s very sharp and has fast AF. On a 1.5 crop body like the D300 it’s like a 4/300-600 VR which is perfect for birds and other wildlife.
But, although the Nikon lens has been out for many years and many Canon photographers have repeatedly said that they really want such a lens, Canon still does not offer one. I hope this will change for Photokina 2008.

4/200-500L IS

Same as with Nikon. Such a lens is really needed for all sports and nature photographers.

5.6/600L IS

Same as with Nikon. Would be great for those who can’t (or don’t) want to afford a 4/600L IS. Would also be much lighter. A 5.6/600 would make a great lens for wildlife and bird photography, even for birds in flight.

5.6/200-600L IS

Many years ago, Canon had a 5.6/150-600 (without AF) and it was very popular. A 5.6/200-600L IS would be a great lens for wildlife and sports photography.

This is just what I think Canon should add to their product portfolio to make nature and sports photographers happy. The next several years will be an interesting race between Canon and Nikon and in the end, the photographers will win, as they get better and better tools.