Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

[Ian]

That's the topic for my blog post on DPNow.com today - see:

http://dpnow.com/forum2/blog.php?b=371

I argue that system cameras are often too small or too large, so why not make then modular and size-adjustable?

Ian

[StephenL]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

Good point, but, as you say, is this not at least partially addressed by the availability of add-on grips and eyepiece cups?

However, although I myself am right-handed, I often wonder how left-handed people adapt. And more so, disabled folk.

The modular theme could be extended to interchangeable sensor boxes (didn't Ricoh try that?) and viewing screens.

[OM USer]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

As you point out in the blog, Ian, there are some customisable cameras. A lot of people say the extra grip on the EM-5 makes it usable where the basic body is not. But some still derride it as being too small in the first place. You can't win. For myself the small size is important.

But modular? At the moment the only place to mount most accessories is the hotshoe or the tripod grip with botom plate electrical contacts. This doesn't inspire a system where you can plug in multiple items to make a truly modular system. Where is the PC flash socket, the flash cable socket from the OM4, the external power in, the microphone in jack, speaker out connection?

How about a different battery grips with space for more than one battery or space for standard AAA or AA batteries, a flash that is stored on an attachable bottom plate that can swing up and away from the camera lens to avoid redeye, an attachable unit that takes a second memory card or USB memory stick or allow connection to a USB hard drive (I'm thinking studio use or remote monitoring site here). There's no ergonomic need for a non-optical wireless flash controller to go on the hotshoe. How about detachable rear screens that can be attached by a long cable or just not used if you have a EVF?

[snaarman]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

My E-M5 is already customisable.

I usually use the half grip because it makes it just about the right size.

If I go on holiday I leave the grip at home to save weight and adopt a slightly lower profile. I can live without it for a week.

If I want to impress I fit the full grip and second battery. It's the perfect camera!

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

Good idea I shall ask Merlin for some Magic to work on the E-5 then

[Ian]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

I think the E-M5 is a good case in point. Although the grip has two sections, the basic problem for a number of people I have spoken to is that the buttons and other controls are simply too small for them and the grip doesn't really solve that problem. I am proposing something beyond even the E-M5's two-piece grip

Ian

[Zuiko]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

I know that you have been advocating this for a while, Ian, and to me it makes perfect sense. The question is, when are manufacturers (and Olympus in particular) going to adopt this concept?

[Jetset95]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

I'm not sure how you go past the excellent concept of the OM-D - perhaps we need a little Lewis Carroll and instead of a battery grip you can buy an "Eat Me / Drink Me" kit to tailor it to your needs.

I', 6'4" and have hands to match, and the OM-D without any grip is too small, but with the first part / JB base and hand grip it's fine even with my bigger lenses, with the battery grip it feels as solid as my old Canon DSLR. Pretty much the only time I take the battery grip off is when I'm packing it up in my bag and it doesn't fit.

James

[Ian]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

The other point, if I re-use the E-M5 example, is that even with the grip (both parts attached) the camera remains too small and light for balanced handling with larger and heavier lenses - admittedly none of the existing Micro Four Thirds lenses, but there are plenty if big and heavy lenses you might want or need to use.

Ian

[Roy Clarke]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

Do you mean like the RED system (http://www.red.com/store/cameras)
You just need deep pockets!

[Ian]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

Yes, in some ways the RED digital video camera system hints at what I have in mind. RED stuff is expensive because it's a small market.

Ian

[Zuiko]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

I did once own a fully modular camera, a Bronica ETRSi.

[Roy Clarke]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

Yes, in some ways the RED digital video camera system hints at what I have in mind.

As far as I understand it RED offer a stills option as well as having the ability to take full frame stills from the video (http://www.red.com/shot-on-red/photography) It has been on my Christmas list for a while!

As John has just reminded me I have a modular system. Still got and use all my SQ kit. Just looking for a higher capacity storage device, 12 images is not a lot and it takes about a week to process the images before you can see them

Roy

[OM USer]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

The biggest problem is that rear screens are getting larger, and in itself this is a good thing. However it does leave less space for buttons and dials. The 3.5" screen on the E-M5 dominates the back plate from the bottom of the viewfinder to the bottom of the camera. To some they say just make the camera bigger (E-5). A lot of people are still convinced the E-1 has the best ergonomics of any camera but then the screen only occupies a 1.8" (diagonal) area of the back.

One solution would be to put more buttons and dials on the grip. Again the E-M5 is leading the way. But if you had detachable rear screens you could click a smaller screen in place and click in a pad with a row of buttons in the space left, choose the pad with the number and size of butons that suits your hands (or perhaps just choose from a number of rear screens each with a different number of buttons on it from a selction offered by the vendor). Once you have the concept that any button/dial can be assigned any function then the rest is just down to the software to map everything together... something Olympus have not yet managed to grasp in its entirety.

[StephenL]

Re: Shouldn't it be possible to have a camera that we can customise for size?

The trouble with having click-in modules is the interface. Just somewhere else to potentially suffer from bad connections.