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For the last six and a half years I have been happily taking photos with my Canon 400D (supplemented, when I don't want to haul a DSLR and assorted lenses around, by a G11). The 400D was a pretty good consumer-level DSLR in its day, and in many ways still is. But I occasionally hanker for something a bit newer, especially as sensor quality and resolution continues to improve. Recently Canon launched the 70D, the latest model in the next band up of camera - the so-called 'prosumer' category - that would be a significant enough improvement over my current camera that I might consider getting it.
Now, I'm not inclined to buy something like this without seeing it first, so when the local branch of high-end photo retailed Calumet announced an open day with attendance from various brands including Canon I thought I'd pop along. After all, Canon was bound to be showing off its well-reviewed latest model, wasn't it? I was indeed free yesterday morning so I headed over to the Hagley Road and went in. Canon had a table festooned with camera bodies and lots of very nice optics, so I introduced myself. The resulting conversation did not go exactly like this word-for-word, but it's very much the gist of what took place:
I mentioned this on Facebook and Ben Jeapes linked to a very apt Dilbert cartoon. The point is well-made; if you want to survive competition with online retailers, you have to offer advantages over them. Like, for example, being able to physically examine possible purchases.
(The Canon reps were, I must say, apologetic about all this and very kindly indulged me trying out a range of possible lens upgrades via a 7D body they had on display. Must... resist... lure... of... L-series...)
Now, I'm not inclined to buy something like this without seeing it first, so when the local branch of high-end photo retailed Calumet announced an open day with attendance from various brands including Canon I thought I'd pop along. After all, Canon was bound to be showing off its well-reviewed latest model, wasn't it? I was indeed free yesterday morning so I headed over to the Hagley Road and went in. Canon had a table festooned with camera bodies and lots of very nice optics, so I introduced myself. The resulting conversation did not go exactly like this word-for-word, but it's very much the gist of what took place:
Me: Hi, I'm very tempted by the new 70D as a trade-up for my ageing 400D - higher ISO range, better auto-focus, more features.
Canon Rep: Yes, it's a very good new camera.
Me: But I like to try before I buy, so can I look at one please?
[EMBARRASSED SILENCE]
Canon Rep (to other Canon Rep) I *said* we should have bought one with us.
Me: (Looking at table full of Canon cameras and lenses) So at this open day you don't have an example of your latest, hotly-reviewed new camera, that I could go online and buy right now?
Canon Rep: Er... no.
Me: (silence)
Canon Rep: Hang on, I'll see if the store can unbox one for you to look at.
Me: (brightens)
[SOME DISCUSSION]
Canon Rep: Sorry, they don't have one in-store either. Can I interest you in some lenses for the camera we can't show you...?
I mentioned this on Facebook and Ben Jeapes linked to a very apt Dilbert cartoon. The point is well-made; if you want to survive competition with online retailers, you have to offer advantages over them. Like, for example, being able to physically examine possible purchases.
(The Canon reps were, I must say, apologetic about all this and very kindly indulged me trying out a range of possible lens upgrades via a 7D body they had on display. Must... resist... lure... of... L-series...)
