Canon EOS 5D Mark III Summary

22 Megapixels22 MegapixelsSingle Lens ReflexSingle Lens ReflexHigh ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.High ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Continuous DriveContinuous DriveFull 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Full 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Spot MeteringSpot MeteringDepth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Depth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Accepts Compact Flash Type I memory.Accepts Compact Flash Type I memory.Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed reviewDiscontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Assessment

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the continuation of the 5D line which introduced the first full-frame DSLR without an integrated grip, bringing quality images to a smaller form-factor than previously possible. The new 5D Mark III follows the tradition by reworking the inside of its predecessors to provide much improved image quality and a new ultra-fast autofocus system ideal for action photography.

There are certainly a number of people who were disappointed by a paltry one megapixels increase in resolution compared to the Mark II and they will miss a great camera. If full-frame DSLRs are synonymous with extreme image quality, the 5D Mark III is not letting anyone down. Its performance is excellent with usable results up until ISO 3200 even for large print sizes and up to 12800 for medium prints. The 5D Mark III can expand its range further all the way to ISO 102400 which in case of emergency.

The 61-point autofocus adds new capabilities to this series and is capable of following high-speed action. The remainder of the camera is usually quite fast and it always remains responsive. The only truly notable issue with this DSLR is that it under-exposes much more often than ideal.

Competition with the 5D Mark III is slim and limited to the Nikon D800, the D700 and Sony A900 which is seriously lagging behind in technology. The D700 has lower 12 megapixels resolution and reputed to perform extremely well in low-light but the 5D almost closed the gap and since added HD video and more. This leaves the D800 and the D800E which offer a whopping 36 MP but reduced ISO sensitivity range and slower continuous shooting.

Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed review Read the full Canon EOS 5D Mark III review here.

PROS CONS
Very low image noise Underexposes often
Excellent image sharpness Expanded ISO of limited use
Very accurate colors Low rear control dial
Good automatic white-balance Rear dial prone to accidental changes
Spectacular subject tracking autofocus Complex interaction between AF and lenses
Lightning fast autofocus Slow instant review
Full choice of exposure modes for movies Slow to power-off due to sensor cleaning
Class-leading continuous buffer
Large viewfinder with 100% coverage
Highly customizable user-interface
Virtually no shutter-lag
Quick and responsive
Solid construction
ExcellentExcellent Excellent

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Related Information

Sister Models
Canon EOS 5D Mark II - 21 Megapixels, Full-frame, 98% coverage viewfinder, Max ISO 25600, 3.9 FPS, No digital level
Canon EOS 7D
Canon EOS 7D
- 18 Megapixels APS-C, ISO 12800 Max, 8 FPS
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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By Neocamera on 2012-05-08

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Canon 5D Mark III Highlights

Canon EOS 5D Mark III
SLR digital camera

Sensor-Size: 36 x 24mm

Full-Frame Sensor

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI

22 Megapixels DSLRISO 50-102400
Canon EF Mount
1X FLM
Shutter 1/8000-30s
100% Coverage
Extra Large Viewfinder
Full manual controls, including Manual Focus
2 Axis Digital LevelCustom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning
WeatherproofSpot-Metering
Built-in Dust ReductionHot-Shoe & Sync-Port
6 FPS Drive, 16270 ImagesStereo audio input
1920x1080 @ 30 FPS Video RecordingLithium-Ion Battery
3.2" LCD 1 MegapixelsCompact Flash Type 1, Secure Digital Extended Capacity
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