Canon EOS-1D Mark III

PMA 2007: The Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera is the latest addition to the EOS-1D series, offering 10.1 megapixels and 10fps shooting for up to 110 JPEG or 30 RAW images. The Canon 1D Mark III has not one but two DIGIC III processors, 14-bit image processing, 3.0 inch LCD with Live View mode (eat your heart out Olympus!), ISO 6400, 19 point auto-focusing and the EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The new Canon EOS-1D Mark III will cost £3049.99 in the UK, and I hear that it will cost $3999 in the US and be available in April.

Canon Japan has some Canon EOS-1D Mark III sample photos available to download.

Canon UK Press Release

The world’s fastest D-SLR – remastered Canon’s EOS-1D Mark III: The new benchmark

United Kingdom, 22 February, 2007: Canon today sets new standards for professional photography with the launch of the EOS-1D Mark III. Delivering 10 frames per second at 10.1 Megapixels for a maximum burst of 110 Large JPEG images (30 in RAW), the EOS-1D Mark III replaces the EOS-1D Mark II N as the world’s fastest digital SLR. Dual “DIGIC III” processors drive the camera’s high speed, high resolution performance, and bring 14-bit image processing to the EOS series for the first time.

A redesign from the ground up introduces a host of new features and advancements to Canon’s flagship EOS-1 series, including a 3.0” LCD with Live View mode, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, new auto focus system with 19 cross-type sensors, and 63-zone exposure metering. The camera’s APS-H size (28.1 x 18.7 mm) CMOS sensor enables a wider 100-3200 ISO range as standard, expandable to L:50 and H:6400.

“The EOS-1D Mark III represents a complete reappraisal of everything Canon has learned over the past 20 years of EOS development,” said Tsunemasa Ohara, Senior General Manager, Camera Development Center, Canon Inc. “In building this camera, we started with a blank canvas. Every facet of the photographic process has been refined, every design decision re-evaluated to bring us to this point: a camera that combines familiar EOS ergonomics with a vastly enhanced specification. Our engineers are overjoyed with the result.”

Pricing and availability
Pricing and availability TBA.

Key features
 10.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor
 10 fps continuous shooting for up to 110 frames
 Dual “DIGIC III” processors
 New auto focus system with 19 cross type sensors
 EOS Integrated Cleaning System
 ISO 3200 (expandable to H:6400)
 3.0” LCD with Live View mode
 Wider, brighter viewfinder
 Picture Style1

The choice of professionals
The EOS-1D line has enjoyed massive popularity among the world’s leading sports, reportage and wildlife photographers, with international wire agencies AFP, Getty and Reuters choosing Canon for their photographers. “The people at Canon are great to work with because they listen to photographers. It’s their attention to detail and the pace of innovation that makes EOS the system of choice,” explained Stephen Munday, Director of Operations – Editorial, Getty Images.

Exceptional image quality
Canon’s dual “DIGIC III” processors deliver unprecedented levels of speed, responsiveness and image quality. Ready to shoot within 0.2 seconds of power on, the EOS-1D Mark III can capture and process over 100 Megapixels of image data per second, rapidly clearing the image buffer to allow up to 110 frames in one burst. Images are processed at 14 bits for a total colour depth of up to 16,384 tones per pixel, compared to 4,096 tones from 12 bit images.

The third generation CMOS sensor incorporates a new pixel design that works together with on-chip noise reduction circuitry to ensure high image quality at ISO 3200. The option to expand to H:6400 will benefit professionals working in news and sports locations where the use of flash is not permitted or desired.

Greater precision, more control
Canon has redesigned its auto focus system to include 19 cross-type sensors with sensitivity up to f/2.8, spread out across the AF area to better accommodate off-centre subjects. An additional 26 AF assist points are used to aid AF tracking for improved accuracy.
Responding to professional photographer requests, a dedicated AF button on the back of the camera allows users to instantly switch auto focus on or off while keeping their eye on the viewfinder. The viewfinder is now brighter and offers a wider angle of view. The camera’s new 63-zone metering system gives photographers a greater level of control over exposure.

New LCD with Live View
The bright 3.0” LCD monitor provides 230K pixels resolution for precise framing and reviewing of shots. New to EOS, Live View mode enables photographers to frame without having to look through the viewfinder – particularly useful for shooting from awkward positions. 

The menu system on the EOS-1D Mark III has been completely redesigned to take advantage of the LCD size – menus are easier to read and use. A choice of 57 custom functions gives photographers more options for customising camera settings to their daily working requirements. A new My Menu option allows photographers to store frequently used settings on a separate menu for faster access.

Settings for new accessories such as the Speedlite 580EX II and Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 – also released today – can be controlled directly from the LCD.

Total reliability
The EOS-1D Mark III incorporates a range of practical enhancements for the working photographer. Shutter durability has been increased by 50% to 300,000 cycles. The body is protected by a magnesium alloy casing with dust and moisture resistant seals. The EOS Integrated Cleaning System provides further reliability by reducing sensor dust, minimising the need for manual cleaning on assignment. To avoid corruption of captured images, a warning appears on the LCD and an alarm sounds if the memory card door is opened while images are still being written. Interfaces include video out (for display in both NTSC and PAL formats) and USB 2.0.

Compatibility and accessories
Canon is marking today’s launch with the release of several additions to the professional EOS system:
 EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM – A fast, ultra wide-angle zoom lens delivering exceptional image quality throughout the aperture range.
 Speedlite 580EX II – An update of the Speedlite 580EX that offers weather resistance when attached to the EOS-1D Mark III.
 Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 – Smaller, lighter and more versatile than its predecessor, the WFT-E2 speeds up workflows by allowing photographers to transmit images wirelessly during the shoot.
 Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 – Verifies the authenticity of images taken with the camera and supports image encryption for additional security.

Software
The EOS-1D Mark III is supplied with a comprehensive software suite to help the photographer’s workflow. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control.
DPP integrates with cameras features such as the Dust Delete Data and Picture Style. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, ImageBrowser/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.

Canon Professional Services
Professional EOS photographers can benefit from Canon Professional Services (CPS). Free of charge to qualifying members, CPS provides support at major sporting and news events across Europe. The CPS website and newsletter keep photographers up to date with pro-oriented articles, resources and technical guides.

Membership requirements and further information is available at http://www.cps.canon-europe.com

A technology paper providing further information on the EOS-1D Mark III is available at http://www.canon-erc.com/gen/techpaper

Published: Thursday, February 22, 2007

Reader Comments

1. One for the Christmas list!

   Stewart Bywater at 11:44am on Thursday, February 22, 2007

2. Sounds like the ultimate still camera. Enough resolution to match 35mm film, enough frames per second to capture fast action, a dustbuster to get rid of dust settling on the sensor when changing lenses (although how effective that is remains to be seen - Chasseur d'Images have just recently found out that out of current antidust mechanisms only Olympus' solution was working as advertised), weatherproofing, a big viewfinder with 100% frame coverage, a Highlight Tone Priority mode to preserve detail in strong highlights, presumably low noise across most sensitivity settings... what else do you need?
   
   ...I guess less bulk and weight - this thing is as huge and heavy as my medium-format film SLR - plus a friendlier price tag.

   Zoltan at 01:23pm on Thursday, February 22, 2007

3. How does the Silent Drive Mode work?
   Is it really quiet ( low enough for theatre photography )?

   nicholas at 10:59pm on Thursday, February 22, 2007

4. Here's a link to the official EOS-1D Mark III white paper.
   
   http://www.photographyblog.com/pdfs/Canon_EOS-1D_Mark_III_White_Paper.pdf/

   Mark Goldstein at 12:49pm on Saturday, February 24, 2007

5. I would like to know where I can see an EOS 1 Mark III Thank you

   Guetta at 08:31pm on Tuesday, May 08, 2007