Hey there photo nerds. We’re all in this together and today Canon just added more fuel to the HdDSLR fire – the much-anticipated Canon 5D MK III is here. They made some interesting choices on pixel count, recording modes, etc. So let’s review the skinny of it all.
Here’s some highlighted specs:
_22.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
_3.2″ Clear View High Resolution LCD
_DIGIC 5+ Image Processor
_61-Point High Density AF
_Full HD 1080/30p and 720/60p Formats
_Built-In HDR and Multiple Exposure Modes
_Extended ISO Range (50-102400)
_Up to 6.0 FPS Continuous Still Mode Shooting
_Dual CF and SD Memory Card Slots
_Magnesium-Alloy Construction
The curve balls for the people I’m talking to? The no 1080 at 60p. Please note I HAVE NOT touched one of these cameras – unlike Nikon, Canon doesn’t trust me with a 10-foot pole and I get no advance copies of these cameras.
The look? She’s small and sleek. Click thru a range of images of the camera via the above tabs.
Now, not unlike what I’ve done with the recent launch of the Nikon D800 and Nikon D4…rather than me spouting off about having played with the system or telling you what your feelings about this system should be, I’m turning the tables back to you. What’s your take? Love, hate, indifferent? Insights? I know that Canon folks, including, ahem, Chuck Westfall read this blog, so your comments on this post – glowing or otherwise – might help inform Canon and the rest of the camera manufacturers about what your thinking…
Link to all the Canon 5D MK III details and/or purchase here via B&H.
This seems to be a refinement just like the Nikon D300 to D300s but the price doesn’t really justify that comparing it to the D800. Canon fans seem to be saying what Nikon shooters were saying years ago about the pixel race. I thought the 5D mark II was crap in handling but produced quality images. Depending on which brand you’ve invested in glass on, I think you get a sweet deal with either the D800 or 5D mark III if you can spend the money on it. Honestly all the numbers just make people argue over the dumbest things. I felt 12-16 megapixels was a sweet spot for DSLRs. (back story: Used to shoot Nikon, switched to Canon recently as a financial decision. I still think Nikon’s are better handling.)
It has all the upgrades I would like; especially the improved autofocus (I wish the points were spread out farther from the center).
Even though CF is a superior memory format, things are moving toward SD cards, and the dual card slots will help with the transition.
The only downside is that the price has increased. I would like decent autofocus (and other improved functions), but won’t be upgrading immediately, because of the increased price.
So glad I made the investment on the 5DMKII. Nothing special here and my camera should last me a VERY long time.
It does not matter, even if Nikon would make better cameras then Canon. Because Nikon has a limited range of lenses. There goes the argument that all Nikon lenses can be used and Canon changed the lens mount but everyone being honest to themselves knows that many Nikon lenses work only 100% on certain nikon bodes, just like Canon. I do not like DSLR’s since they only serve the purpose to run and gun and have a very limited place in photography. But if I spend my money on anything big black and obscene, it would be a Canon Mark III with a 50mm f/1.2 and a 70-200mm f/2.8 IS.
As a professional with a diverse group of clients spanning editorial, commercial and wedding this camera hits almost all the right marks. If Canon is right (and the samples on dpreview seem to confirm) 2 extra stops of low noise performance in jpeg mode. This is huge for me and my event and wedding work. I shoot the Mark 2 at 3200iso regularly. It allows me to expose for the beautiful ambient light and add flash by bouncing. With two extra stops I can shoot 12,800 iso with great results. The focusing system on the 5D was probably its’ biggest weakness and that seems to be solved. I am very glad that Canon decided to add professional level focusing to the 5D series. I also shoot video and the improvements are all very welcome. The big miss is the HDMI out not being full spec like Nikon, I am not sure if there is an engineering reason for this? The increased speed makes this camera perfect for everything except the fastest sports action. Canon also has finally caught up with Nikon on their CA in camera fixes, it still isn’t as good but it is a welcome addition. I am also very hopeful that the new intra frame codec will be better for fast moving subjects and compression issues. Canon claims to have reduced moire and other video problems common with DSLR video- we will see how much this is true. I also welcome the HDR modes, if they work as well as promised they give the photographer a great tool in camera. I am not informed enough to completely understand the resolution versus noise issue. According to some (like DXO) resolution on a given sensor size does not reduce the low light ability of a given camera. They argue that once downsized for a given size the affect of increased starting resolution will not affect the amount of given noise present. Clearly Nikon has decided they can put 36MP on a 35mm size sensor for the D800, I find it interesting though that the D4 was limited to 16. Is this more about speed performance or noise? I suspect it is a little of both. For myself 22MP is more than enough for anything. I do like the idea of 36MP only because it would allow for very aggressive image cropping. I will be very interested to see DXO and others really test these cameras (D800, 5D 3). I have no doubts they are both going to deliver incredible results. The most interesting thing for me will be an examination of the noise properties. As Chase has simply said it isn’t about the camera. The 5d Mark 3 will just give talented photographers a bit more the work with. I continue to be amazed at the progression of digital technology it is exciting to see how far we have come and even more exciting to think what the future may hold.
Exactly. This Camera will have D4 ISO performanse with more pixels, the same AF, better video with almost half the price. It is not comparing to D800 at all, and that is the problem….for Nikon 🙂 NIkon thinks that if 5DMKII spanked D700 in only one spec – more pixels, they could make FF with APS-C sized pixels and it will work 🙂 They are like Google to Apple, just trailing behind and copying their moves 🙂