Canon EOS 1D Mk III Preview
Canon have announced the new Canon EOS 1D Mk III
Before you ask, the introductory price of the Canon EOS 1D MkIII was originally estimated by Canon be $3999, the same as the 1D Mk IIN when it was introduced. Since this is a much improved camera, it's really a price drop based on value for money! It should be available in April/May 2007. The current street price on the 1D MkII N is around $3400, but I expect that will drop when the new EOS 1D MkIII starts to ship. Early "pre-order" prices on the EOS 1D MkIII seem to be running somewhat higher than Canon's estimate, at around $4500 in the US and around £3000 in the UK.
The EOS 1D MkIII has a 10MP sensor, with a 1.3x multiplier and can shoot at 10fps. Click HERE to hear what 10fps sounds like!
The Canon EOS 1D MKIII now has a "live preview" mode, which seem to have gotten some people quite excited, though I can't really see anyone using this camera held out at arms length like a $200 digicam! In "live preview" there is no autofocus and the metering mode is fixed. The mirror must drop when flash is used and the normal shutter operation is required for exposure. It's not a "point and shoot" mode, it's designed for still life and macro shots.Compared to an EOS 5D (full frame, 12MP) at $3000, the new 1D MkIII (1.3x, 10MP) seems like a better buy at $4000. It's certainly more technically advanced with dual Digic III processors, ISO 6400 and better dynamic range with lower shadow noise, a 14-bit A/D, a self cleaning sensor and weather sealing.
I think the new technology in the 1D MkIII shows the way that the other EOS digital bodies are likely to go, especially the 1Ds MkII and EOS 5D. Some of the features may even spill into whatever replaces the EOS 30D. The question now is whether Canon will release another DSLR before PMA, and if so, what will it be? Canon titled the press release for the EOS 1D Mk III "TWENTY YEARS OF THE CANON EOS SYSTEM LEADS TO THIS MOMENT: CANON RELEASES THE EOS-1D MARK III DIGITAL SLR". That would suggest to me that we won't be seeing a new EOS 1Ds MkIII at PMA this year and that the 1D MkIII is the big camera announcement.
The new Canon EOS 1D MkIII
Major Features of the Canon EOS 1D Mk III
- World's fastest AF DSLR with approximately 10 fps continuous shooting in One-Shot AF or AI Servo AF
- Maximum burst (JPEG Large, compression level 8) approximately 110 shots; RAW, approximately 30 shots (based on Canon's testing standards)
- Dual DIGIC III Image Processors for fine detail, natural color reproduction and high-speed performance
- ISO 100-3200 with ISO speed extension, L = 50, H = 6400
- 14-bit A/D conversion for fine gradation
- Live View in camera and remote, wired and wireless
- New 45-point Area AF sensor with 19 high-precision, cross-type points (f/2.8 compatible), 26 standard-precision Assist AF points
- New AF point selection methods
- AF micro-adjustment (fine adjustment of AF point of focus)
- Adjustable operation characteristics for AF point selection, shutter release priority and focus-tracking sensitivity with AI Servo AF
- New methods of AF point expansion during manual AF point selection
- New 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, APS-H size
- Improved microlens array and pixel fill factor plus optimized photodiode structure to increase light-reception efficiency
- Professional EOS Integrated Cleaning System with Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit, Dust Delete Data acquisition
- RAW, sRAW (new Small RAW), RAW+JPEG, sRAW+JPEG, JPEG+JPEG simultaneous recording
- Increased shutter durability of approximately 300,000 cycles
- Large and bright 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels and wide viewing angle
- Five custom WB settings
- Selectable noise reduction for high ISO images, 50% less shadow noise for all images
- Selectable Highlight Tone Priority
- High-speed shutter with 1/8000 sec. maximum speed and high-speed X-sync at 1/300 sec. with EX Speedlites
- Startup time approx. 0.2 sec.
- Shutter release time lag approx. 55 ms. (approximately 40 ms. at maximum aperture with C. Fn IV -13-1) and viewfinder blackout time 80 ms. at 1/250 or higher
- Compatible with SDHC (SD High-Capacity) memory cards as well as high capacity CF cards
- Compatible with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed image transfer
- Faster writing to memory card
- High-magnification, wide-coverage viewfinder and improved focusing screen with 100% finder coverage
- 63-zone metering sensor for more stable exposure control with ambient light and flash
- High-capacity, lightweight and compact lithium-ion battery with estimated battery life display
- Enhanced recording options include automatic switching of recording media, separate recordings to media and identical recordings to multiple media
- Silent mode for single images
- Image copying and backup to external media enabled
- ISO speed safety shift
- ISO speed and metering pattern always displayed in viewfinder and on top LCD data panel
- New control layout with SET button, AF On button and Multi-Controller
- Displayable camera settings and better image information during playback
- Histogram display, jump display, error code display, and shooting settings display
- Chassis, mirror box, and exterior covers made of magnesium alloy
- Maintains water resistance with new 580EX II Speedlite
- Personal Functions consolidated with Custom Functions, resulting in 57 Custom Functions in 4 groups
- Custom Function settings can be registered and called up
- Camera settings can be saved and read
- Camera's basic settings can be registered and applied
- New "My Menu" function can be registered and displayed at startup
- Camera direct printing (PictBridge) improved and DPOF print ordering provided
- Direct printing of RAW and sRAW images
- Direct image transfer
- Wireless/wired LAN for image transfers via new WFT-E2A dedicated Wireless File Transmitter
- External USB recording media and GPS unit usable via the WFT-E2A
- Verification data can be generated, encrypted and appended to the image with new Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3
- Compatible with original image verification system
- Speedlite Custom Functions settable with the camera when the 580EX II Speedlite is attached
- New software package includes Digital Photo Professional 3.0 and EOS Utility 2.0
- New EF 1635mm f/2.8L II USM lens features improved peripheral image quality
The EOS-1D Mark III features an all-new Canon 10.1 megapixel APS-H size CMOS sensor with an expanded sensitivity range of ISO 50–6400.* 14-bit A/D conversion means fine gradation and a significant drop in digital and shadow noise.
To combat against stray dust that enters the camera and adheres to the image sensor during a lens change, the 1D Mark III features Canon-designed Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit. The IR-cut filter cleans itself automatically with ultrasonic vibrations, removing dust from the sensor assembly
Dust that has been missed by the Integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit can also be erased with software included in Digital Photo Professional (DPP) Version 3.0. The 1D Mark III's imaging sensor is able to single out the dust particles on its surface, then plots out their location coordinates within the image. This data is transmitted along with the image, whether JPEG or RAW, and can be either manually or automatically erased in Canon's DPP version 3.0. This added software option ensures the cleanest possible image, perfect for printing or archiving.
With a maximum continuous shooting speed of approximately 10 frames-per-second, for up to 110 shots, the EOS-1D Mark III is the world's fastest digital SLR. Bursts are first recorded to the camera's internal memory to ensure maximum speed and then transferred to memory cards for storage. The number of shots remaining during a burst is displayed on the right side of the viewfinder.
The EOS-1D Mark III raises the bar for AF performance. It uses an extraordinary 45-point high-density area AF system that provides not only the industry's largest continuous AF coverage area, but also the greatest range of control over focusing point selection. The focusing point can be selected automatically by the camera (based on high-speed microcomputer analysis of image content), or users can manually select any of 19 high precision, cross-type AF points which can be complemented by 26 additional Assist Points for pin sharp accuracy, instantaneously.
A processing unit devoted solely to focusing the 1D Mark III uses advanced algorithms that ensure the fastest, most accurate AF performance under the widest variety of conditions, with processing up to 3 times faster and a full stop darker than on the EOS-1D Mark II N. The One-Shot AF mode is ideal for more static subjects. The camera rapidly selects the optimum focusing point and the subject is instantly brought into focus even if it is off-center. The AI Servo AF mode is excellent for moving subjects. Aided by a highly "intelligent" predictive focusing algorithm, it precisely tracks subject movement, even at speeds of up to 10 fps. Even with erratic or rapid subject movement, the photographer can shoot continuously, concentrating solely on image composition.
The largest LCD monitor ever in an SLR with interchangeable lenses (as of February, 2007), the 3.0-inch LCD monitor on the EOS-1D Mark III contains another: a Live View option, where the photographer can compose and shoot directly from the LCD monitor. Achieved via a menu setting (by raising the SLR camera's mirror) and perfect for a number of applications, Live View enables the photographer to zoom in and navigate the composition at 5x or 10x normal size, while enabling critical manual focus and allowing more attention to detail. Users can even choose a grid overlay, perfect for architectural photography.
In response to requests from professional users, the new EOS-1D Mark III is more rugged, yet lighter than its predecessor. Able to withstand shooting in the roughest conditions, the 1D Mark III is clad in a magnesium alloy shell, chassis and top panel, providing impressive strength without excessive weight. All of the 1D Mark III controls and external cover seams are sealed from water and dust. Even the perimeter of the 1D Mark III's hot-shoe is ribbed for water resistance, enabling flash photography with Canon's new Speedlite 580EX II. Other new features include an improved shutter, durability tested to 300,000 exposures, powerful new metering, a new control interface that mirrors the design of other popular EOS Digital SLR cameras and a 100% coverage viewfinder with a larger pentaprism for higher magnification, plus a number of optional focusing screens. Canon is also introducing a new, lightweight lithium-ion battery system that provides feedback on the LCD monitor, including number of shots taken on a charge, percentage of battery power remaining and whether the battery should be reconditioned with the charger. With the new battery installed, the EOS-1D Mark III body is about 1/2 pound (approx. 225g) lighter than the EOS-1D Mark II N body.
Full Specifications
| 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) |
| Image Format | 1.11 x 0.74 in./28.1 x 18.7mm (APS-H size sensor) |
| Compatible Lenses | Canon EF, TS-E, and MP-E lenses (except EF-S lenses) |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF mount |
| Lens Multiplier | 1.3x |
| Image Sensor | |
| Type | High-sensitivity, high-resolution, single-plate, CMOS sensor |
| Pixels | Approx. 10.10 megapixels |
| Total Pixels | Approx. 10.70 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 System | |
| 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, RAW (Canon .CR2) |
| File Size | (1) JPEG/Large: Approx. 10.1MB (3,888 x 2,592) (2) JPEG/Medium 1: Approx. 8.0MB (3,456 x 2,304) (3) JPEG/Medium 2: Approx. 5.3MB (2,816 x 1,880) (4) JPEG/Small: Approx. 2.5MB (1,936 x 1,288) (5) RAW: Approx. 10.1MB (3,888 x 2,592) (6) sRAW: Approx. 2.5MB (1,936 x 1,288) |
| Folders | Can be manually created by user, and freely selected for subsequent images. |
| File Numbering | (1) Continuous numbering (2) Auto reset (3) Manual reset (the image numbering is reset to 0001, a new folder is created automatically) |
| Color Space | Selectable between sRGB and Adobe RGB |
| Interface | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, mini-B port. NTSC/PAL for video output |
| White Balance | |
| 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 (Total 10 WB types) |
| Auto White Balance | Auto white balance, taken from imaging sensor |
| Color Temperature Compensation | White balance bracketing: Three consecutive images, Up to +/- 3 levels in
1-stop increments White balance correction: blue/amber bias and/or magenta/green bias +/-
9 levels; manually set by user When blue/amber bias and magenta/green bias set with White balance correction, white balance bracketing cannot be set together during white balance correction |
| 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), Exposure (metering mode, spot metering area, shutter speed, aperture, manual exposure, AE lock, ISO speed, exposure level, exposure compensation, exposure warning), Flash (flash ready, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure level), Image (JPEG recording, RAW recording, shots remaining, white balance correction, memory card information), Battery check |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | Enabled with depth-of-field preview button; possible in Live View mode |
| Eyepiece Shutter | Built-in |
| Autofocus | |
| Type | TTL-AREA-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor |
| AF Points | 19 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 AF point selection: 19 AF points, Inner 9 AF points (C.Fn III-9-1), 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 |
| Exposure Control | |
| Metering Modes | 63-zone TTL full aperture metering (1) Evaluative metering (linked to all
AF points) (2) Partial metering (approx. 13.5% of screen, at center) (3) Spot metering
(approx. 3.8% of screen)
(4) Centerweighted 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 Systems | Program AE (shiftable), Shutter speed-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, E-TTL II program AE (Evaluative flash metering, Averaged flash metering), Manual |
| ISO Speed Range | Equivalent to ISO 100-3200 (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments), ISO
speed can be expanded to ISO 50 and 6400 (via C.Fn I-3)* *Standard Output Sensitivity. Recommended Exposure Index. |
| Exposure Compensation | Exposure Compensation (user-set): +/-3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments. Auto Bracketing (AEB): 3 shots, up to +/- 3 stops, in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments, in all exposure modes. Can be changed via C.Fn I-6 to 2, 5, or 7 shots. Bracketing order 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-stop increments), X-sync at 1/300 sec. (with EOS Speedlites; 1/250 maximum with other shoe-mount flashes, and up to 1/60 with studio strobes) |
| Shutter Release | Soft-touch electromagnetic release |
| Self-timer | 10 sec. delay, 2 sec. delay |
| Remote Control | Canon N3 type terminal |
| External Speedlite | |
| EOS External Flash or 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 System | |
| Drive Modes | Single, silent, high-speed continuous (approx. 10 fps), low-speed continuous (approx. 3 fps), 10- or 2-sec. self-timer |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | Approx. 10 fps (at a shutter speed of 1/500 sec. or faster in all recording modes); fastest speed can be lowered if desired via C.Fn III-15 |
| Max. Burst During Continuous Shooting | JPEG: approx. 110 frames (Large/Fine, at standard level 8 compression setting) RAW: approx. 30 frames RAW+JPEG: approx. 22 frames (Large/Fine) |
| LCD 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 |
| Playback | |
| Image Display Format | Single image, 4-image index, 9-image index, Jump, Magnified zoom (approx. 1.5x to 10x), Histogram, Auto rotate, Rotate Live view: 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 |
| Image Protection and Erase | |
| Protection | Single image, all images in a folder, or all images in the memory card can be protected or cancel the image protection |
| Erase | 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, date, file number), trimming |
| New Features | |
| 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 |
| Menus | |
| Menu Categories | (1) Shooting (2) Playback (3) Setup, (4) 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) |
| Power Source | |
| Battery | One dedicated lithium-ion battery LP-E4 AC power can be supplied via the AC Adapter Kit ACK-E4 |
| Number of Shots | At 68°F/20°C: Approx. 2000 At 32°F/0°C: Approx. 1700 The above figures apply when a fully-charged Battery Pack LP-E4 is used |
| Battery Check | Automatic |
| Power Saving | Provided. Power turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30 min. |
| Back-up Battery | One CR2025 lithium battery |
| Dimensions and Weight | |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in./156 x 156.6 x 79.9mm |
| Weight | 40.7 oz./1,155g |
| Operating Environment | |
| Operating Temperature Range | 32-113°F/0-45°C |
| Operating Humidity Range | 85% or less |
As of right now there is a 63 page Canon whitepaper on the 1Ds MkII which is downloadable as a .pdf file from http://www.jirvana.com/pdfs/EOS_1D_Mark_III_WP_070221.pdf
