Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

Last update (16 May’09)
- Comparison Review by Yuri Acrus

The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III is the successor to Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II features 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 5 fps at shutter speeds 1/500 second or faster (for bursts of up to 45 Large/Fine JPEGs or 15 RAW images), sRAW mode; 35-zone metering system; 45-point AF; integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit, and a Large 3.0-inch LCD display with Live View and seven brightness settings. (Full Specs)

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Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Reviews

Yuri Acrus compares the Nikon D3x to Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III and writes;
“I plan for my basic setup going forward to be: Hasselblad for studio and high-resolution stuff and Nikon for the rest. Because I know what lenses to use, never shoot much more then ISO 400 anyway and need to count on the focus system, the Nikon D3X is a dream come true.”
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KenRockwell reviews the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and writes;
“The Canon 1Ds Mk III is a pain compared to my Nikons, but for landscape and still work, the images are superior. Its a camera for pros and rich amateurs for use in the studio and in the field.”
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LetsGoDigital reviews the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and writes;
“We can’t deny the fact that the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III is currently one of the best high resolution D-SLR cameras that you can get. I’d say; go for it, capture some nice shots and enjoy everything the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III produces. You won’t regret it. Absolutely top of the top!
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Photo.net reviews the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and writes;
“The EOS 1Ds Mark III is a remarkable display of engineering prowess. Do you need a weatherproofed camera that is strong enough to drive nails while producing the world’s best image quality? If so, the 1Ds is a bargain. If not, the Canon EOS 5D is a better value.”
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Shutterbug reviews the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and writes;
“Why does a used 16-megapixel Hasselblad digital back cost more than a brand-new 21-megapixel 1Ds Mark III? Where’s the bargain now, medium format shooters? If maximum image quality is your main overriding question, then Canon’s EOS-1Ds Mark III is the answer.”
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CNET reviews the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and writes;
“Ultimately, you have to ask if you’ve been disappointed in, or felt limited by, the 1Ds Mark II’s performance and image quality. Of course, the 1Ds Mark III’s larger screen, live view shooting, and beefed up AF and exposure systems also give a reason to step up, though these aren’t as big a motivation. Overall, I’d go for the upgrade, especially if it can be considered a business expense.”
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PopPhoto reviews the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and writes;
“Color accuracy on the 1Ds Mark III also lands in the top tier, with an Excellent rating based on an average Delta E of 6.98 (compared with 7.3 on the 1D Mark III and 7.28 on the Nikon D3, also Excellent ratings.) The color accuracy remained similarly high all the way up through ISO 1600″
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PhotoReview.au reviews the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and writes;
“…for photographers who require a combination of very high resolution, extensive adjustability and excellent imaging performance, it is a very impressive imaging tool. In versatility, usability and performance, it represents a genuine rival for most medium-format digital cameras, which are significantly more expensive.”
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CEN reviews the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and writes;
“It’s worth repeating, this is, BY FAR, the finest camera I’ve ever used. If you want exquisite images pair it up with the pro lenses Canon makes and you’ll never be disappointed. I used the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM with the 1Ds Mark III and all gave superior results.”
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TheDigitalPicture reviews the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and writes;
“In these tests as well as in real life, I’d give the Canon EOS 1D Mark III an approximately 1 stop advantage/improvement in high ISO noise over the 30D and 1Ds II, though the reduced 1Ds II images are closer in noise level – and uprezzed 30D images would be a little worse. The most notable difference in the sample comparison comes at the upper end of the ISO range. But it does not stop there, this noise advantage is also present in lower ISO shots – especially in shadows when boosting RAW exposure values during post processing.”
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ArtsbyPhil reviews the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and writes;
“After shooting with the camera with a few days under numerous conditions I can confidently say the Canon 1Ds Mark III is easily the most versatile full frame digital SLR currently available. Currently the only thing similar on the market is the camera it’s replacing. The 1Ds Mark II. In terms of pure image resolution the only cameras that come close are digital medium format bodies and backs”
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Luminous-Landscape has compared the Canon 1Ds MKIII VS Nikon D300 VS Nikon D3 and writes;
“Sad to say, D300 is not in the same low noise league as either the D3 or the 1Ds MKIII. Noise is more apparent, and though the exposure was 1/50th second vs the D3′s 1/60th second (essentially identical), the image was overall quite a bit darker, indicating that the ISO was likely not what the camera indicated it was; maybe ISO 1000 in reality, and the apparent dynamic range somewhat less as well.”

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Samples

- Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Sample Photos @ LetsGoDigital
- Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Sample Photos @ PopPhoto
- Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Sample Photos @ CEN
- Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Sample Photos @ Canon Japan
- Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Sample Photos by Radziulas (no fullsize)

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Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Press Release

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 20, 2007 – The new 21.1-megapixel, full-frame Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR* camera brings the power of Canon U.S.A., Inc.’s professional imaging excellence and innovation into sharper focus than ever before. While Canon’s EOS-1D series has dominated the 35mm-based professional Digital SLR market for the past six years, the new EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR takes Canon’s pro-digital prowess into and the realm of high-fashion and commercial photo studios where bulkier, medium-format cameras previously reigned.

The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III’s compact, lighter-weight magnesium alloy body is rugged and versatile enough to take out of the studio and into the field. The camera’s fast, five-frame-per-second (fps) shooting rate for bursts of up to 56 Large/Fine (21-megapixel) JPEGS or 12 RAW images is unmatched in its class, making it the ideal instrument for capturing the fluid motion and free-flowing lines of location-based fashion photography as well as a wide range of other professional photographic applications.

The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III professional digital single lens reflex camera is scheduled to begin shipping in November and will have an estimated selling price of $7,999† (the same price as its predecessor, the 16.7 megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark II).

“The EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera is a prime example of the EOS philosophy and Canon’s ongoing commitment to providing photo professionals with the tools they need to create the finest quality images” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager Consumer Imaging Group Canon U.S.A. “To continue our legacy, we must provide not only the right professional tools, but also the finest photo tools for the job and do so consistently, whether we are presenting this exemplary EOS-1Ds Mark III SLR camera, or any one of the many fine specialty lenses, flashes and accessories that populate the EOS professional photo system.”

Revolutionary Resolution
Developed and manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR, the camera’s new full-size 36 x 24 mm CMOS image sensor offers the highest resolution in its class, and is comprised of approximately 21.1 million effective pixels (5632 x 3750) set at a pitch of 6.4 microns. The user can select any one of six recording formats ranging from 21.0 megapixels in Large JPEG or RAW format, 16.6 or 11.0 megapixels in the two medium JPEG sizes, or 5.2 megapixels in the small JPEG or “sRAW” formats. In any JPEG format, the user can set one of ten compression rates for each image size. In sRAW mode, the number of pixels is reduced to one-fourth that of a standard RAW image and the file size is cut in half, while retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, traditional RAW images.

Dual “DIGIC III” Image Processors
Fulfilling the ultra-low noise, ultra-high image quality promise of the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera requires handling the enormous signal processing requirements of the camera’s 21-megapixel resolution and top continuous shooting speed of five fps. To accomplish this, Canon has incorporated two identical DIGIC III imaging engines into the camera for parallel (and hence, faster) signal processing. The CMOS sensor reads out to the dual “DIGIC III” processors simultaneously in eight channels. DIGIC III is the next generation of Canon’s proprietary image processing engine. This technology ensures the fine details and natural colors of images are optimally recorded and, as an added bonus, is responsible for the EOS-1Ds Mark III SLR’s high-speed performance, faster signal processing and more efficient energy consumption.

Adding to the improved virtuosity of the images captured by the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera is the camera’s 14-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process. Able to recognize 16,384 colors per channel (four times the number of colors recognized by the EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR camera’s 12-bit conversion capability), this line-leading model is able to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. Additionally, given the significantly larger image file sizes created by the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera, Canon has provided compatibility with the new Ultra Direct Memory Access (UDMA) compact flash memory card specification, which enables ultra-high-speed data transfer to the card. Utilizing a UDMA compliant card doubles the data transfer speed compared to a conventional memory card, putting the new EOS-1Ds Mark III on par with the 10.1-megapixel EOS-1D Mark III camera, even though the pixel count of this new model is more than twice as large.

Advanced Autofocus Technology

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