The Canon 5d Mark III is yet another installment of the breathtaking 5d Mark series from the Canon Company. This version boasts of the sophisticated 35mm autofocus SLR ever since the release of its predecessor EOS-1D X line. It is the latest with breathtaking specifications such as a revolutionary electronic lens mount, focus motors as well as an in-lens aperture. The camera has a 22-megapixel full frame sensor in sleek body design perfect for photography applications. In this article, you will get an in-depth canon 5d Mark III Review.
General Specifications
Could Canon 5d Mark III be the best in the 5d series yet? We can look at each specification of this revolutionized piece of technology.
Type: Canon 5d Mark III
Resolution: 36 x 24mm
ISO:
• Native ISO: 100-25,600
• Extended ISO: 50-102400
Shutter Speed: 1/800-30 seconds
Continuous Shouting Rate: 6fps
Size: 152mm x 116mm x 76mm translating to 6.0in x 4.6in x 3.0in.
Weight: 33.5oz or 950g. These include the batteries.
Media Storage: 1x CF and 1x SD (SD/SDHC/SDXC compatible)
Pricing Options:
| New on Amazon |  |
| Used on Amazon | $1767.50 |
| Refurbished | $2,799.00 |
| Canon Store | $3499 |
Key Features
The Canon Mark III comes with a sensational 22mp full frame CMOS sensor providing it with an incredible resolution. Another selling point for the mark III is the 14-bit DIGIC 5 image processor. That combined with eight-channel readout gives Canon Mark III a shooting power of up to 6fps. Users can now enjoy more storage space with the dual card slot feature for both the CF and the SD.
It has its sensitivity ranging from ISO 100 to 25600 for the standard version and an extended ISO of fifty to 102800. The Mark III brags of the 150000 frames rated shutter. It is also capable of video recording in a 1080p30 resolution as well as stereo sound recording trough an external microphone.
Image Quality and Performance
The ability of the Mark III to fill a subject with 61 autofocus points, cross type in nature, plays a great role in enhancing its shooting accuracy. You can swap between sing AF point to multiple points and at the same time orientate left or right. The Mark III automatic lens correction gives it top performance. The qualities that can be corrected in-camera include darkened corners, corner color fringes, and distortion. Hence, you can save on cost and weight on extra correction lenses.
The DIGIC 5 processor has ensured better start up and incredible processing speeds. It is possible to take over 100 JPEG shots and 15 to 20 images in the Raw Mode. The high ISO performance on the Mark III provides a significant variation in the image texture and resolution. The standard setting produces appealing, vibrant and punchy color. For impressive sharp results, you can integrate it with the Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8 or Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 zoom lenses.
The HDR function enables consecutive images that can then be blended into a single fantastic image.
Design and Controls
Just like the EOS 7D, the Canon 5D Mark III combines live view or movie control just beside the viewfinder. The power button lies below the mode dial. The build material, magnesium alloy shell, gives it that strong, durable feel. The on and off button is strategically positioned to allow easy accessibility especially when supporting a heavier lens, and also to avoid accidental pressing.
The main control dial behind the shutter changes the primary exposure parameter. The customizable M-Fn dial lies amidst the two and performs functions such as Flash Exposure Lock. Immediately behind this button is a row of 3 knobs which are metering mode, Auto Focus mode and ISO exposure compensation. There exists another button beside them that illuminates the top-plate display.
On the left side of the camera, beside the pentaprism lies the power switch and mode dial buttons. It has the standard modes, which are the program, aperture priority, shutter priority and the manual. The Auto+ mode available offers an array of creative controls based on the image results. The new effects button, multiple exposures, and HDR mode are usually at the bottom of the picture.
PROs
The Mark III has the whole package that a professional photographer would require while in practice. They include:
• A very high resolution with an incredible hue and color accuracy.
• Outstanding ISO performance.
• 61 autofocus points most of which are cross-type (41)
• Unlike the previous 5d versions, its AF points cover a greater portion of the full-frame imaging area.
• It offers a variety of customization features in the user interface.
• It has a great burst performance for its photography niche, 6fps.
• The real-time chromatic aberration feature, vignette and distortion correction features are unmatched.
• It has a wider range of bracketing options from which users can choose.
• It offers high image quality.
CONs
Despite being a fantastic gadget, it also has a few weaknesses which include:
• The price is much higher as compared to its HDSLR competitors in the market.
• It lacks an articulating LCD like the 600D or the 60D
• The ALL-I codec has mosquito noise even while using low ISOs
• It does not have a clearly defined and uncompressed HDMI output like in the other Canon versions.
• The default sharpening of the camera is heavy-handed hence produces noticeable halos.
• This camera lacks an inbuilt flash as well as an AF assist lamp
• Its dynamic range doesn’t beat that of the competitors resulting in deep shadow noise in raw images.
Recommendations
The Canon 5D Mark III caters for still photographers as well as a benchmark option for videographers. It has become very familiar with the enthusiast photographers as a gateway for full-frame photography. The remarkable viewfinder experience, in addition to the improved autofocus coverage area, makes it a great camera for professional use. The default settings for auto correction and noise reduction play a significant role of taking raw fantastic JPEG images, also making it a great family or personal camera.
Verdict
The Mark III was the most awaited camera in its 5D line. It hasn’t disappointed and improved significantly on the weaknesses of its predecessor Mark ii. With the six frames per second and the powerful autofocus system on this camera makes it applicable in a plethora of photography environments.
This camera is fantastic with the possible application in a variety of fields ranging from wildlife and landscape to indoor and studio photography works. Based on the above canon 5D mark III review, it is clear that it is the world’s best DSLR. This camera will provide you with an experience like no other whichever way you apply it. You can provide us with any of your wonderful experiences or thoughts on the fantastic mark III camera.
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