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.
Just chiming in here…. I think it looks like a wonderful camera. I love my 5D Mark II and was, of course, interested in seeing what was going to happen with the Mark III.
To me it seems like a very practical update. Some good new features. The AF isn’t a big deal to me. I’ve always only used the center focus point – focus/recompose method. I don’t see that ever changing. Better high ISO function is ALWAYS a great thing, so that’s cool.
Am I going to buy this camera? No. At least not now. I’m so happy with my 5d2 that the $1000 price bump keeps me from getting excited about the Mark III.
Maybe I’m too used to Apples method. They continue to update and move forward with their products, but their prices don’t really go up or down. You’ll pay roughly the same for your next iMac, but you’ll just get a lot more computer for the same money as you spent for your last one. Kind of wish Canon embraced this model.
I planned on buying that thing as soon as it would be available for about 2 years now. Unfortunately, the price is way beyond what I expected. Gotta wait some more time. Even Nikon is more affordable with their d800 – and that one has the very same af of the d4, not just “the main parts” from it.
A vast, vast upgrade from the 5D mark II. The biggest issue it always had was that it didn’t have a functional AF system. So, I’ve already preordered mine. But it’s a little frustrating that you charge $500 more for your D800, like you’ve invented some revolutionary combination of resolution, low-light, speed, and video, when Nikon already invented that. Not to mention that Sony will undoubtedly release an A99 with the exact same specs, double the speed, AF in video, and charge $2500. Just saying, charging more doesn’t actually make your stuff better.
But, finally having a functional Auto-ISO will make this camera worthwhile.
No peeking, no clean full-res HDMI out, no crop mode for video. It’s deliberately crippled for marketing reasons. To me that communicates the message that Canon as a company is run by accountants, not people who want to bring us the best camera they can, and that makes me reluctant to invest in their products. If the video quality of the new Nikons holds up, the only advantage Canon will have is that many filmmakers have invested in Canon lenses. Video on the new Nikons doesn’t seem to be 100% perfect either, but they are on the right track.
As a stills camera, sure, this is wonderful. But really, improved high ISO performance and better focusing in lowlight is all that I would ever have asked for over the 5d MK II, and the MK III seems to deliver in these areas. Digital is now at a point where only ISO performance warrants a camera upgrade, and only for people who shoot a lot in low light. It’s not like we need more resolution (except maybe for things like fashion editorials, but that’s mostly a medium format market anyway).
As great as Canon is, I primarily use Nikon equipment, though, since I like it better in terms of ergonomics and since the superior AF was important to me since I shoot a lot of dance, but I do use a 5D for certain jobs from time to time.
I don’t like the CF/SD slot though, I’d rather have dual CF. I’m not going to keep around two different types of cards. I have a CF-SD slot on my D300s, and I don’t ever use the SD slot for that reason. Besides, the smaller size and fragility of SD cards makes them a less convenient format for professional use. Especially with gloves on, it is much easier to handle CF cards than SD cards.
hello
sd card a directly readable in some macbook pro (sd slot)
sd card have a lock to prevent erasing
sd card exist in eyefi (access to wifi)
sd card are available everywhere, everywhere (if you forget your card wallet at home!)
…
D
I’m really looking forward to getting mine. My one gripe is that while it’s nice that it does have two memory card slots, having them be two different form factors is inconvenient. I don’t even own any SD cards.
Hello,
SD card is an access to macbook pro immediately,
you can have eyefi card (=>wifi!),
if you forget your cards, sd card are available everywhere, everywhere!
there is an protecting lock on a sd card.
…
D