As this is being written the biannualPhotokinatrade show in Cologne, Germany is just 9 months away (September, 2006). By the time of Photokina it will also have been two years since the Canon 1Ds MKII was introduced, at the 2004 Photokina. That means that in dog years, as well as in digital camera years, it's time for a new 1 Series camera from Canon.

Now, I have no inside information as to what that camera might be like, or even if such a critter is actually due next September. But if it is, that means that it's not too late for Canon to receive some advice about what new or improved features and capabilities photographers may be looking for.

Over the past few months as I have been speaking and working with professional photographers, authors, and amateurs alike who use Canon 1 series equipment, I have been querying them about what they would like to see changed or added to any next-generation camera. Here then is a synthesis of these comments, along with my own input.

Anta...