Canon mode dial upgrade 5d2 & 7d

[Dirt_Bike_Ryda]

I just noticed that canon have released an "upgrade" for users who own a 5D MKII or a 7D. It is an upgrade from the current mode dial to the one that has been released on the 60D, which features a locking mechanism. Got me wondering, is there anything wrong with the one on the 5D2 and the 7D or, is it purely an optional extra for those who want the hassle of having to fumble with the dial to be able to switch it... (as i haven't had any problem with accidently switch modes...)

[Murtasma]

I've never had that problem as well and it costs $100 bucks which I think is too expensive.

[OsmosisStudios]

There is a lock on the shutter speed dial on my FE (yeah 1970s technology!). If I accidentally set the SS higher than 1/1000 (it's max) it falls into Auto (early A priority) and I have to press a button and turn the knob. It's a massive pain in the ass.

Nikons don't have this problem at that end of the market: you have to press the MODE button and turn the scroll wheel to change modes, so once you set it, you forget it.

[inkista]

Generally the "upgrade" is only going to appeal to pros who use gaffer tape to hold down their mode dial. For some folks, it's too easy to accidentally have the mode dial change on them inadvertently. It's happened to me a bunch of times with all my bodies, but since I'm a hobbyist shooter, I can screw up a shot, and I have time to check the dial; I'm not in run'n'gun mode with a client breathing down my neck. To me, it's only a minor annoyance. To a wedding shooter, it can mean missing a shot.

When the 60D came out with a locking mode button, there was outcry that a cheaper camera would have something so useful, and (I'd guess) swapping out the part is relatively easy, so Canon's offering the upgrade. The opinions on messageboards have ranged from "at last! I'm doing this NOW!!" to "OMG, my least favorite thing on the 60D is now an upgrade!", so this really is a personal "it depends" thing.

For most casual shooters, like myself, it's "eh, it'd be nice, but it's not worth the cash."

Personally, I'm waiting to see if a DIY procedure shows up on the web at some point. The part pricing is likely to be much lower than $100.

[Murtasma]

If a peice of eletrcial tape can accomplish the same thing what's the point of dropping 100 bucks LOL.

Duct Tape For the Win!

[oldwolf]

I won't be doing this. For $100 before shipping and insurance? I'll use gaffer's tape or just not worry about it. I haven't accidently switched modes too often if at all so I'm not too worried. Now that I've said that, I've probably jinxed myself so I'll be doing it the whole time during my next shoot hehe.

[Dirt_Bike_Ryda]

yeah, ok. so no one seems to have had an issue with the mode dial (other then switching modes sometimes accidently). good to know, but yea, i think the US$100 is too much (i haven't seen an Australian price yet).