Canon 1ds mark iii

I owned this camera since spring of 2008,

So at the point of writing this review, I used it for nearly a year.

Now, if you are earlier owner, you might have experienced a problem or two. I was unfortunately one of the owner experienced problem, and had to ship it back to Canon for the warranty repair. So, I was not exactly happy about paying expensive FEDEX freight.

But, rest assured, no other nasty problem occurred after warranty repair, and this camera has been workhorse of my photography.

Now, let get on the review.

This is really wonderful 21.1MP camera, and it is well worth the money. But, you have to determine if you need to use one.

At the time of release, there were no other full size sensor camera with this resolutions. Of course, it has been since passed by other manufacture... but I will not going to that comparison.

For Professional User.

Important thing about this camera is economics.

I own EOS 5D as well, and when non-commissioned or low paid project, I tend to bring 5D instead of 1DS MK3. It is due to the fact, overall operational cost tend to be higher on the 1DS MK3 so if does not paid well, there will be no point to bring it out.

But, if it does paid well. there are enough justification to own this system, and you should used it as much as you can.

And this system is really reliable, once you get past some getting used to.

One more note,

Now I do own several different system including Hasselblad Medium format. Medium Format Digital System is superior system when you are working in the control lighting environment. However, it is rather difficult to work with in the outside activity.

If you are studio photographer with magazine or commercial client, and do occasional out side shoot, you should own both medium format and this camera.

If you are professional just wondering about medium format and full size sensor camera,but without pressing need, then do not bother with medium format.

People who uses medium format digital normally has pressing reason such as satisfying client's specifications to own such system. And it is not really versatile system no matter how medium format camera maker and digital back manufacture portray.

Canon 1DS MK3 is really versatile system, and it will satisfy most of design agency, publisher or stock photo agency's requirement, and L lens system are reasonably priced for the performance when looking at the economics.

For Semi Pro or High Amateurs User

For semi professional. 1DS MK3 is not going to make best economic argument, if you do not shoot studio. If you are part time photographer who shoots mainly events or doing photo journalism. I will recommend 1DMK3 over 1DSMK3.

Also, for photo journalist purpose, nowadays 5D MK2 actually makes a lot more sense than getting 1DS MK3 due to the their HD capability. And for the photo journalist, it is not that good idea to carry bulky system.

But, for an amateur user with a lot of spending money,

It is one of the best system to get taste of what real pro are using. And it does not cost like price of new BMW, and for the financially resourceful amateur, 7 to 8 grand may not be much of money.

When I got 1DS MK3 there were several amateur photographer I taught how to use this camera... Surprising thing is, there are quiet many of amateur owner, and with very limited instruction to them, They were able to create very good quality images.

So, kudos to the Canon for new 1DS MK3 interface. It is actually easier for 1DS first timer than older 1DS MK2 for instance.

Of course, people who were used to with 1DS MK2 or older tend to disagree on this.

Now here are list of main advantage.

1. It is 21.1MP, more than most of commercial assignment requires.

2. Color depth of 14bit per channel is really useful for RAW work flow process.

3. Economical compared to the expensive medium format system, and still get comparable or sometimes superior result if conditions are right.

4. Build like tank, and it can take a quiet bit of abuse.

5. For user who are used to with 20D~50D, 5D MK1~MK2, it is really easy to learn interface.

6. Dust cleaning is really useful.

7. AF + Canon L Lens combinations is superior to the other known system in the market as of 2008-9

8. Liveview is useful to shoot architecture, land scape, and products.

9. RAW file format is supported well by the major commercial software.

10.CF slot and SDHC slot actually helps. It did not occurred to me until I run out of memory card on the locations, and had to run to the nearby local drug store. At least they carry cheap SD/SDHC at any large drug store chains, and it is a lot easier to find those store than locating nearby large electronic store...

11. Battery Life is excellent, it will easily cover half day events with nearly a thousand of picture even with taxing RAW + JPEG shoot.

12. Due to its weight and form factor, it is a lot easier to balance with long heavy lens.

13. When used with L lens, it is somewhat comparable with expensive medium format digital back.

14. Silent shutter mode is somewhat useful.

Now here are list of disadvantage.

1. It is slightly new form factor for Canon, and there are chance you had to send it to the warranty repair if you got the earlier production model.

2.There are something wrong with design of wireless port cap. It is relatively easy to lose one since it sometimes fell off with limited torque applied. I lost several of them already... though I stocked half dozen cap after I lost my first cap.

3. It is heavy and bulky. Thus some times not a ideal for certain situations.

4. Compared to Nikon D3X, it has slightly poor SNR on the third party software RAW processing software, so certain journalistic style shoot might suffer. If you shoot in the studio controlled lighting environment, that should not be a much of issue.

5. Many of RAW development software is actually more well tuned for Nikon, This might to be due to the amount of info Canon release to the third party software developer.

6. It is hard to justify its price for the many of users.

7. However everyone else claimed, it still can not replace medium format digital camera. Lens resolution and clarity of images is not there yet. Of course, that is when looking at 1:1 images side by side.

8. Silent shutter mode is not that quiet compared to some of the most quiet camera in the market. So, application such as close quarter Jazz or Classical music shot are still off the table.

Overall, I will recommend this camera to who,

If you are photographer that shoot tons of weddings at high fee structure, you should get one. Otherwise, EOS 5D nowadays makes very attractive choice.

If you are commercial photographer with clients and sufficient invest in Canon system, why are you waiting?

If you are amateur with deep pockets, this is a camera to get, and impress your photography teacher!

I will not recommend to someone,

Trek photographer who need lighter weight gear or those wild life photographer needs of faster fps should consider other offering from Canon.

Any journalistic style should consider 1D MK3 first unless you shoot tons of interview photo.

Shooting for hobby or fine arts purpose should really consider 5D mk2 before taking financial plunge of 1DS MK3 v If you think it is heavy for you, do not get it. It will be too heavy for you after few hours of holding camera.

Description
The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III is an engineering tour de force which, true to the EOS-1 legacy, redefines the state of the art in no uncertain terms. An entirely new 21.1-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor delivers astounding image quality and creates new photographic possibilities. Dual "DIGIC III" Image Processors work in tandem to speed up data handling and camera operation, while further refining imaging performance. Tough, high-durability body and shutter designs, combined with the unique EOS Integrated Cleaning System, set new standards for professional dependability. Cutting-edge features-such as a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor with Live View Function, and a fast, precise 45-point AF system-make the EOS-1Ds Mark III powerful and versatile. And, of course, the EOS-1Ds Mark III is part of the unparalleled EOS System, which, with more than 50 EF lenses, 15 interchangeable focusing screens, and extensive wireless remote control and lighting accessories, is the most advanced and powerful digital photography system in the world.

Features

Superb image quality: entirely new 21.1 Megapixel Full-Frame Canon CMOS Sensor, Highlight Tone Priority, and 14-bit A/D conversions for outstanding color tones

Dual "DIGIC III" Image Processor for excellent image quality and processing speed

Live View Function capabilities, displayed on the large 3.0-inch LCD monitor

Outstanding durability thanks to a shutter durability-tested to 300,000 cycles, dust- and water-resistant design, and EOS Integrated Cleaning System

Up to 5 fps, burst rate up to 15 consecutive RAW images or 45 full-resolution JPEGs, and compatible with newest UDMA high-speed CF cards

Fast and precise AF system, with 19 high-precision, cross-type AF points with f/2.8 or faster lenses and 26 additional "Assist Points"

Compatible with wireless file transmitter WFT-E2A, extensive remote control accessories, and 15 different interchangeable Ec-series focus screens

Specifications

Product Type	Digital AF/AE SLR
Recording Medium	CF Card Type I and II, SD/SDHC Memory Card(1 slot each), and/or External media (USB v.2.0 hard drive, via optional Canon WFT-E2A transmitter), compatible with UDMA-compliant CF cards, and SDHC SD cards
Image Format	1.42 x 0.94 in./36.0 x 24.0mm (full-frame sensor)
Compatible Lenses	Canon EF, TS-E, and MP-E lenses (except EF-S lenses)
Lens Mount	Canon EF mount
Lens Focal Length Conversion Factor	1.0x
Image Sensor Type	Full-frame, high-sensitivity, high-resolution, single-plate, CMOS sensor
Pixels	Approx. 21.10 megapixels
Total Pixels	Approx. 21.90 megapixels
Aspect Ratio	3:2 (Horizontal : Vertical)
Color Filter System	RGB primary color filters
Low-pass Filter	Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor
Recording Format	DCF 2.0 (Exif 2.21): JPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG simultaneous recording possible. Multiple options for recording images on two memory cards, and onto compatible external USB hard drives (via optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2A)
Image Format	JPEG, JPEG+RAW, RAW (Canon CR2)
File Size	JPEG/Large: Approx. (TBA) MB (5,616 x 3,744) JPEG/Medium 1: Approx. (TBA) MB (4,992 x 3,328) JPEG/Medium 2: Approx. (TBA) MB (4,080 x 2,720) JPEG/Small: Approx. (TBA) MB (2,784 x 1,856) RAW: Approx. (TBA) MB (5,616 x 3,744) sRAW: Approx. (TBA) MB (2,784 x 1,856)
Recording System Folders	Can be manually created by user, and freely selected for subsequent images.
File Numbering	Continuous numbering Auto reset Manual reset (the image numbering is reset to 0001, a new folder is created automatically)
Color Space	Selectable between sRGB and Adobe RGB
Interfaces	USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, mini-B port. NTSC/PAL for video output
Settings	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, five Custom WB settings (1-5), user-set Color Temperature (2,500~10,000K), five Personal White Balance PC-1 to PC-5
Auto White Balance	Auto white balance, taken from imaging sensor
Personal White Balance	White balance bracketing: Three consecutive images, Up to +/- 3 levels in 1-step increments White balance shift: blue/amber bias and/or magenta/green bias +/- 9 levels; manually set by user
Viewfinder Type	Eye-level SLR with fixed pentaprism
Coverage	Approx. 100% horizontally and vertically
Magnification	0.76x (-1 dpt with 50mm lens at infinity)
Eyepoint	Approx. 20mm
Dioptric Adjustment Correction	-3.0 to +1.0 diopter
Mirror	Quick-return half mirror (Transmission: reflection ratio of 37:63)
Viewfinder Information	AF (AF points, focus confirmation light, point selection mode, registration), Exposure (metering mode, spot metering area, shutter speed, aperture, manual exposure, AE lock, ISO speed, exposure level, exposure warning), Flash (flash ready, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure level), Image (JPEG recording, RAW recording, shots remaining, maximum burst, white balance correction, memory card information), Battery check
Depth-of-Field Preview	Enabled with depth-of-field preview button; possible in Live View Function
Eyepiece Shutter	Built-in
Auto Focus Type	TTL-AREA-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
AF Point Selection	45-point (19 high-precision cross-type AF points plus 26 Assist AF points)
AF Working Range	EV -1 ~18 (ISO 100 at 73�F/23�C)
Focusing Modes	Autofocus (One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF), Manual Focus (MF)
AF Point Selection	Automatic selection; Manual selection: 19 AF points, or only inner 9 AF points (C.Fn III-9-1), or outer 9 AF points (C.Fn III-9-2)
Selected AF Point Display	Superimposed in viewfinder and on LCD panel
AF-assist Beam	None. Emitted by EX-series Speedlite or optional ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter
Metering Modes	63-zone TTL full aperture metering Evaluative metering (linked to all AF points) Partial metering (approx. 8.5% of viewfinder) Spot metering (approx. 2.4% of viewfinder) Center spot metering AF point-linked spot metering (C.Fn. I-7-1) Multi-spot metering (max. 8 spot metering entries) Center-weighted average metering
Metering Range	EV 0-20 (ISO 100 at 73�F/23�C with EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Exposure Control Method	Program AE (shiftable), Shutter speed-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, E-TTL II program AE (Evaluative flash metering, Averaged flash metering), Manual, Bulb
ISO Speed Range	Equivalent to ISO 100-1600 (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments), ISO speed can be expanded to ISO 50 and 3200 (via C.Fn I-3)
Exposure Compensation	Exposure Compensation (user-set): up to +/-3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-half increments Auto Bracketing (AEB): 3 shots, up to +/- 3 stops, in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments, in all exposure modes. Sequence can be changed via C.Fn I-5
AE Lock	Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved Manual (user-set): By AE lock button in all metering modes
Shutter Type	Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically controlled
Shutter Speeds	1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3-, 1/2- or 1-stop increments), X-sync at 1/250 sec. (with EOS dedicated external Speedlites; 1/250 maximum with other shoe-mount flashes, and 1/60th-1/250th with studio strobes)
Shutter Release	Soft-touch electromagnetic release
Self-timer	10 sec. delay, 2 sec. delay
Remote Control	Canon N3 type terminal
EOS External Flash/Dedicated Speedlites	E-TTL II autoflash with all EX Series Speedlites
PC Terminal	Provided; accepts third-party flash units with sync line voltages up to 250V maximum
Drive Modes	Single, silent, high-speed continuous (approx. 5 fps), low-speed continuous (approx. 3 fps), 10- or 2-sec. self-timer
Continuous Shooting Speed	Approx. 5 fps (at a shutter speed of 1/(TBA) sec. or faster in all recording modes)
Max. Burst During Continuous Shooting	JPEG: approx. 45 frames RAW: approx. 15 frames RAW+JPEG: approx. (TBA) frames (Large/Fine)
Monitor Type	TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor
Screen Monitor size	3.0 in.
Pixels	Approx. 230,000 pixels
Coverage	Approx. 100%
Brightness Control	7 levels provided
Image Display Format	Single image, 4-image index, 9-image index, Jump, AF point, Magnified zoom (approx. 1.5x to 10x), Brightness or RGB Histogram, Auto rotate, Rotate Live View Function: view image before shooting on LCD monitor; live histogram and live simulation of exposure level possible with C.Fn IV-16-1
Highlight Alert	In the single image display and (INFO) display, over-exposed highlight areas will blink
Protection	Single image, all images in a folder, or all images in the memory card can be protected or cancel the image protection
Erase Modes	Single image, all images in a folder, all images in the memory card or check-marked images can be erased or unprotected.
Direct Printing from the Camera	Possible with compatible PictBridge-enabled printers
Compatible Printers	CP and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers, PIXMA Photo Printers and PictBridge compatible printers (via USB Interface Cable IFC-200U, included with camera kit)
Settings	Print quantity, style (image, paper size, paper type, printing effects, layout), trimming, tilt correction
Dust Delete Feature	Via built-in microphone at rear of camera body; activated by pressing recording button on camera. Sound file attached to image file on memory card
Picture Style	WAV
Recording Time	Max. 30 sec. per recording
Menu Categories	Shooting Playback Setup Custom function/My Menu
LCD Monitor Language	18 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)
Battery	One dedicated lithium-ion battery pack LP-E4 AC power can be supplied via the AC Adapter Kit ACK-E4 (included)
Number of Shots	At 73�F/23�C: Approx. (TBA) At 32�F/0�C: Approx. (TBA) The above figures apply when a fully-charged Battery Pack LP-E4 is used
Battery Check	Automatic, displayed in six levels. Precise readout of percentage remaining, shots taken since last charge, calibration recommended, and approx. remaining battery life are displayed with Battery Info menu setting.
Power Saving	Provided. Power turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30 min.
Back-up Battery	One CR2025 lithium battery
Operating Temperature Range	32-113�F/0-45�C
Operating Humidity Range	85% or less
Dimensions	6.1 x 6.3 x 3.1 in./156 x 159.6 x 79.9mm (W x H x D)
Weight	42.5 oz./1,205g
Warranty	Canon 1 year limited warranty

Includes: � LP-E4 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
� LC-E4 Battery Charger
� ACK-E4 AC Adapter
� CR2025 Lithium Battery (backup battery)
� IFC-200U USB Cable
� IFC-500U Interface Cable
� VC-100 Video Cable
� L6 Wide Neck Strap
� Eg Eyecup
� EOS Digital Solutions Software CD-ROM
� Instruction Manual on CD-ROM Software
� Instruction Manual
� 1-Year Canon U.S.A. Limited Warranty �

Accessories

Reviews

Solid and Reliable Thing of Beauty, April 23, 2009

By Jared P. Haller "Jared Haller" (Indianapolis, IN USA)

I've owned my Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III for about a year now, and while I felt some remorse at first after having spent almost $8000 to purchase it, I can now say that it was worth every penny. You can read the camera's specifications at Canon's Web site, so all I'll say here is that this camera is a joy to use and utterly reliable. I've never owned a finer piece of photographic equipment. That having been said, there is one thing about which you should be aware before purchasing this model: This camera's 21.1 megapixel sensor demands the finest lenses. Some of my old L-series zoom lenses (that worked well with my EOS-5D) are just not sharp enough to use on this camera. In other words, be prepared to spend even more money if you don't own the newest EF prime lenses.

Wonderful professional camera, February 24, 2009

By Hidenori Inagaki "Hidenori Inagaki"

I owned this camera since spring of 2008, So at the point of writing this review, I used it for nearly a year.