Digital Camera World » Canon 5D Mark III

Canon suspends 5D Mark III shipments

jmeyer — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:34:37 +0000

Canon UK has said that shipping of the 5D Mark III has temporarily stopped while it investigates problems with the top LCD causing exposure issues.

The fault has been widely reported online, and appears to show the exposure value changing as a result of the top LCD plate light being activated when shooting in very dark conditions (read our Canon 5D Mark III review).

Canon UK has admitted the fault, and issued the following statement, “Canon has identified that when the LCD top light is switched on in very dark situations, the displayed exposure value may change on the EOS 5D Mark III. Canon is now investigating the issue and will announce further details on the Canon support page in due course.

“Customer satisfaction remains Canon’s top priority and we would like to apologise to our EOS 5D Mark III customers for any inconvenience cause,” said the camera company in a statement.

The Canon 5D Mark III was announced in March, as an upgrade to the 5D Mark II. It features a 22.3 million pixel sensor, and retails for around £3,000 (see our video Canon 5D Mark III silent shooting mode vs Sleeping baby).

Canon has also experienced problems with its flagship model, the 1DX, causing its release date to be pushed back until June.

A Canon spokesperson told our sister site TechRadar that the manufacturer is unable to give an estimated date as to when investigations into the 5D Mark III issue would be completed and shipping would resume.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III review

jmeyer — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:58:24 +0000

Canon’s EOS 5D Mark III has a lot to live up to. For a start, the original Canon EOS 5D was the first DSLR to really bring full-frame digital photography within the reach of enthusiast photographers. Then came its replacement, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, which kick-started the current trend for shooting video on a DSLR.

So naturally, as the 5D Mark II clocked up its third birthday in September 2011, the rumour mill slipped into overdrive with lots of speculation about the likely specification of the 5D Mark III. By the time Canon actually announced the EOS 5D Mark III on March 2 2012, its specification seemed almost a bit of a letdown, especially priced at £2,999 in the UK and $3,499 in the US for the body only.

But while it might not have the headline-grabbing 36MP pixel count of the Nikon D800, Canon’s latest full-frame camera has lots to offer enthusiast photographers.

Specification
With 22.3 million effective pixels, the Canon 5D Mark III’s sensor only has 1.2MP more than the 21.1MP Canon 5D Mark II that it replaces, but it has 4.2MP more than the 18.1MP Canon EOS-1DX at the top of Canon’s DSLR lineup.

Whereas the Canon 1DX has two Digic 5+ processors, the 5D Mk II has one, which in combination with its eight-channel readout means that it has a top continuous shooting speed of 6fps. This is half the rate of Canon’s top-end camera, and it may disappoint those hoping for something in the region of 8fps or more. It’s a big jump from the 3.9fps of the Canon 5D Mk II, though, and the burst depth is an impressive 18 raw images or 16,270 JPEGs (when a UDMA 7 card is used).

Sensitivity may be set in the range of ISO 100-25600 in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments, and it can be expanded to include L: ISO 50, H1: ISO 51200, H2 ISO 102400.

Autofocus
The Canon 5D Mark III has the same 61-point wide-area autofocus system as the flagship Canon EOS-1DX. This is a big improvement on the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, which has nine user selectable AF points and six assist points, giving a total of 15.

Of these 61 points, 41 are cross-type and five are dual cross-type points, which is good news for accuracy. The customisable AF presets introduced in the Canon EOS-1D X are also available, which Canon claims helps when shooting more challenging subjects. It doesn’t offer the f/8 sensitivity of Nikon’s latest system though – it only extends to f/5.6, which restricts the use of teleconverters.

Metering
Predictably, Canon has upgraded the metering system to its iFCL metering. Existing Canon 5D Mark II users may find it takes a little getting used to as it reacts in a similar way to centre-weighted metering and puts greater emphasis on the subject under the active AF point.

In some situations this is a blessing, but with exceptionally dark or light main subjects the results may not be the same as the Canon EOS 5D Mk II would produce in its evaluative metering mode.

Video
Its video capability was one of the big successes of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, and Canon hasn’t changed much of its specification for the Mark III version, but there are some significant improvements.

Firstly there’s the introduction of a live view/movie switch on the rear, like on the Canon EOS 7D, to speed up movie activation. There’s also a headphone socket for monitoring the stereo audio, which can be adjusted in the same way as that on the Canon EOS-1DX.

HDR
Until now Canon hasn’t had a DSLR with in-camera HDR recording, but the Canon EOS 5D Mk III is capable of recording and merging three shots to produce a high dynamic range image.

This is extremely useful, since it records all three shots as well as the processed HDR image, and if you shoot raw and JPEG images simultaneously, you’ll find you have a total of seven images, including three raw files that you can process yourself if you wish.

Another difference between the Mark 2 and 3 versions of the Canon EOS 5D is that the newer camera has two card ports, one for compact flash and the other for SD format cards. There’s no XQD card port.

The Canon 5D Mark III Verdict

Our testing team put the Canon 5D Mark III through rigorous challenges, both in the lab and out in the field. You can read all about these full scientific results over on our sister site, TechRadar. If you want some of the key points from the full test and the final verdict on the Canon 5D Mark III, here is what our head of testing had to say:

On Build & Handling…
The camera is large, but not in the same league as the Canon EOS-1DX, since it lacks the additional portrait orientation grip and controls. The finger grip is covered in a textured rubber-like coating that helps it feel secure in your grasp, and the contours of the front and rear make it comfortable to hold.

Overall there is a feeling of quality, and the magnesium alloy body doesn’t squeak or creak when squeezed tightly.

The body of the Canon 5D Mark III is largely unchanged from the Mark II’s, but there are a few key differences. The pentaprism lump on the top, for example, is a little larger and more rounded to accommodate the AF module, which is 2.5x larger than the one in the Canon EOS 5D Mk II.

The gap between the LCD display and its glass cover has been filled with an optical gel, and this helps to keep reflections at bay. We found that the screen provides a sharp, clear view even when shooting outside in bright sunlight.

Given the Canon EOS 5D’s reputation as video camera, it’s a shame that Canon wasn’t bold enough to give the Mark III version an articulating screen. Perhaps the hinge is considered too much of a weak point, or maybe Canon is saving that for the 4K-capable camera it announced was in development back in November last year.

On Performance…
Tthe Canon 5D Mark III is extremely capable, and it resolves an impressively high level of detail in both raw and JPEG files, which only really starts to dip when the sensitivity is pushed to ISO 25,600.

Our tests also show that from around ISO 100 and above, the Canon 5D Mark III has a slightly higher signal to noise ratio than the Nikon D800, so images have less noise.

However, as is usually the case, noise becomes quite noticeable when the upper sensitivity expansion settings (ISO 51,200 and ISO 102,400) are used, so these are best reserved for emergencies.

We also found that at the top settings, the camera can struggle to render tonal gradations in some red subjects, and small patches of uniform tone appear, giving parts of the image a posterised appearance. Despite these issues, the Canon EOS 5D Mk III is capable of producing some very impressive results in low light.

The Final Verdict
While the key specification changes since the 5D Mark II largely just bring the Canon EOS 5D Mark III into line with Canon’s existing DSLRs, we’re impressed with the results from the new camera.

Raw and JPEG images have plenty of detail, noise is well controlled at the higher native sensitivity settings and colour and exposure are generally very good.

Canon has also clearly put in a lot of thought about how enthusiasts use a camera, and the new HDR system is the best on the market. Images are generally well exposed, thanks to the iFCL metering, and the white balance and Picture Styles deliver the colour and tones we expect from a top-end Canon camera.

While it may not have excited the photographic world in the same way that the Nikon D800 seems to have, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a very capable camera.
It suffers a little from the fact that the majority of the systems have been seen elsewhere in the Canon DSLR lineup, and therefore there is nothing really groundbreaking..

Image quality throughout the native sensitivity range is excellent, noise is well controlled and there’s plenty of detail. The AF system has been given a serious upgrade on what the Canon EOS 5D Mark II version has, and it puts in an excellent performance. Costing £2,999/$3,499 for the body only, however, the price seems a little on the high side.

We liked
Provided you keep the camera reasonably still, the Canon EOS 5D Mk III’s HDR mode does a great job of aligning and merging images, plus you have the fallback of all the raw and JPEG files if you want.

We disliked
Existing Canon EOS 5D Mark II users will find the AF system more complex than they’re used to. While this is an improvement, the various AF-point selection mode options and characteristic adjustments can be a little confusing.

Canon 5D Mark III modification

samanthacliffe — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:00:57 +0000

So you’ve got a brand new, top spec Canon 5D Mark III. What do you do? Rip it apart, if you’re freelance filmmaker James Miller. Seen as sacrilege to some, but it was James’ ambition to make his images as sharp as possible by removing the camera’s low-pass filters.

His before and after pictures certainly seem to yield positive results as you can see the roof tiles in more detail. However, we’d recommend that you don’t try removing your camera’s low-pass filter at home…

Image via The Verge

Here’s a video featuring the results of the modification.

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Canon 5D Mark III silent shooting mode vs Sleeping baby

jmeyer — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 06:00:16 +0000

Rarely before has a camera provoked such speculation, soul-searching and anticipation as the Canon 5D Mark III. Its predecessor set the bar for all new cameras and created a generation of filmmakers.

One of the signature features of the new Canon 5D Mark III has been its silent shooting mode, which quiets the sound of the shutter down to a whisper to allow you to work without drawing attention to yourself. When the review sample came in, we thought we’d put this feature to the ultimate test. But how?

Finally, we asked ourselves: is the Canon 5D Mark III in its silent continuous shooting mode quiet enough not to wake a sleeping baby? Watch the video below to see how it performed.

Canon 5D Mark III: first UK stock available

jmeyer — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:08:20 +0000

First stocks of the new Canon 5D Mark III are available for purchase in the UK.

High street camera chain Jessops is currently advertising its first stocks of the new Canon DSLR, which Canon announced just weeks ago.

Jessops is selling the Canon 5D Mark III body + 24-105mm lens kit for £3689.95. However, the camera is only available via Jessops’ website at the moment.

Read More about the Canon 5D Mark III

Canon 5D Mark III: what the pros think

Canon 5D Mark III: hands-on review

Canon 5D Mark III: what the pros think

jmeyer — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 06:00:56 +0000

One could argue that the Canon 5D Mark III is one of the most highly anticipated cameras of all time. For years, camera rumour sites have bleated on about what they think the camera will have… and now we finally know.

Below, we spoke to four professional Canon photographers about what they like (or dislike) about the Canon 5D Mark III. Adam Duckworth, James Cheadle, Patrick Sowels and Jeff Morgan – Canon pros across a range of genres – all gave us their first impressions.

We also spoke to Pete Travers, editor our sister title, the Canon magazine PhotoPlus, about his own thoughts about the new Canon DSLR.

First up, Adam Duckworth:

“The first thing that caught my attention about the Canon 5D Mark III is that it has an improved AF, a faster frame rate, better weatherproofing and can shoot video at 60fps, as well as two card slots. That’s all I need to know right there, so count me in!

“These additions make the 5D Mark III a far more useful camera for shooting sport and action, and fast video too. That’s before the claimed improvement at low-light performance.

“And the improved ergonomics like the Canon 7D that I often use for action stuff. The EOS 5D Mark III’s quiet shooting mode will be nice, too. As will being able to use the stock of LPE6 batteries I already have.

“While many people are saying the Canon 5D Mark III is evolution, not revolution, I disagree. It’s a whole new, better camera – judging by the spec sheet. If the image quality and dynamic range are improved from the Canon 5D Mark II as promised, it’ll be a real winner.”

Adam Duckworth
Professional motorsports photographer
Canon Cameras: Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Canon 7D

Video: Canon EOS 5D Mark III hands-on review

jmeyer — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 08:00:29 +0000

We got an exclusive look at the new 22-megapixel Canon EOS 5D Mark III.

Watch the video below to take a closer look at some of the features, functions and design of one of the most long-awaited Canon DSLRs.

Canon: 22 megapixels is enough for EOS 5D Mark III

jmeyer — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:30:24 +0000

Twenty two million pixels is the ideal number for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon has said in response to questions why it doesn’t closer match the 36-million-pixel sensor of the Nikon D800.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III has only one megapixel more than its predecessor, the 5D Mark II, which has led some to question whether the new Canon camera is enough of an upgrade.

Speaking to our sister website TechRadar, Canon UK’s David Parry said he believes that 22 megapixels is enough, adding education needs to be done to convince consumers of that.

“I think there’s difficulty with having higher megapixel counts. What we tried to do is create a camera that’s good for all types of photography,” he told TechRadar.

“We feel that this is an ideal number for this type of camera, if you’re a journalist or sports photographer, you need to get the images off the camera quickly, and they need to be as sharp as they can be.

“It’s OK [higher megapixel counts] for studio photographers, but that’s not who we envisage using this camera,” he added.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is currently the highest resolution DSLR available in the EOS range, which is outgunned by the Nikon D800, which is the world’s highest resolution full-frame DSLR.

To see more of Parry’s comments, read the full interview on TechRadar.

Hands on: Canon 5D Mark III review

jmeyer — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:24:01 +0000

Digital Camera’s head of testing Angela Nicholson is one of the first photographers to get a hands-on trial of the new Canon EOS 5D Mark III.

Handling the new Canon camera at the Focus On Imaging show in Birmingham, Angela says:

“The body of the 5D Mark III is largely unchanged from the Mark II’s, but there are a few key differences. The pentaprism lump on the top for example is a little larger and more rounded to accommodate the AF module which is 2.5x larger than the one in the Canon 5D MK II.

“There’s also the live view/video switch on the back of the camera which is in easy reach of the left thumb. In addition, Canon has added a couple of new buttons. The first of these is to access three creative options: Picture Styles, Multiple Exposure and the HDR modes.

“In multiple exposure mode up to 9 images can be combined into one, but it is still possible to save all of the images separately. There’s also a fair amount of control over the HDR options and the exposure variation can be set to up to 3EV with a collection of blending styles from natural to the more extreme HDR look.

“Like the camera it replaces, the 5D Mark III has a magnesium alloy bodyshell and consequently the new camera feels almost identical to the camera it replaces, however, the waterproofing has been improved and the finish on the body is slightly more deeply textured.

“The 5D Mark II proved a big hit for shooting video and Canon has added an audio out port to allow users to listen to the sound recording as well as the ability to adjust the sound level – just like with the 1DX using the touch sensitive control dial.”

To learn more about this new EOS camera and see more pictures of the Canon 5D Mark III’s menus and buttons, read Angela’s full hands-on Canon 5D Mark III review on our sister website TechRadar.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III finally revealed

jmeyer — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:24:46 +0000

The Canon 5D Mark III has been released at last.

The new DSLR follows on from Canon’s popular EOS 5D Mark II, which is now over two years old.

The upgrade features a 22.3 million pixel sensor, 61 point autofocusing and 6fps continuous shooting.

Set to rival the Nikon D800, the 5D Mark III also features Canon’s recently announced Digic 5+ image processor which promises fast shooting speeds and helps to reduce noise.

Sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 – ISO 25600, which is expandable up to 51,200 in H1 mode and up to 102,400 in H2 mode. It is also expandable down to ISO 50.

Video

Naturally, the camera shoots full HD video and a headphone socket allows sound to be monitored accurately.

Autofocus operation has been dramatically improved on the camera, which now features 61 high density reticular AF points with up to 41 crosstype points.

Fast shooting is available at up to 6 frames per second, while an intelligent viewfinder allows for approximately 100% coverage.

According to Canon, the camera has been tested to a shutter durability of 150,000 cycles.

Memory

Dual card slots have been included on the camera, with one for Compact Flash and the other for SD. It seems that Canon has so far rejected the new XQD memory card format that is utilised by the Nikon D4.

The camera is also capable of creating multiple exposures and high dynamic range images (HDR) in camera, while a comparative playback function allows images to be checked against each other.

Improved durability comes in the shape of water and dust resistance which has been upgraded for the new model.

Screen

Like the EOS-1DX, the EOS 5D Mark III has a 3.2in 1,040k-dot Clear View II LCD with a gapless design to reduce reflections.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III UK price is £2999.99, while it is expected to be available from the end of March.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Key Specifications

22.3 million pixel sensor
ISO 100-25600 (51-102400 expandable)
Digic 5+ processor
6.0fps shooting
Full HD video recording
HDR mode
Dual CF and SD slots
3.2 inch LCD screen

Read first impressions of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III at our sister site TechRadar.