Canon EOS 1D Mark III 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 inches ; 2.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000NP1C5O
• Item model number: 1D Mark III
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,387 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 23, 2007

Product Description

Manufacturer Description

Professional photographers know what they want in a camera. Above all, the camera must be dependable -- able to come through in shooting situations that are far less than ideal... even in harsh environmental and handling conditions. The camera must be responsive -- reacting instantly to the photographer’s input... able to capture, within a heartbeat, the image in the mind’s eye. It must provide a sophisticated feature set that makes it versatile and adaptable and, yet, does not compromise operability. And, of course, it must deliver image quality beyond reproach -- which, in the digital era, means not only virtually noise-free detail, richness of color, and depth of tone, but also sufficient data density to satisfy the widest range of output applications. Today, there is one digital single-lens-reflex (DSLR) camera that meets these criteria as no other: the Canon EOS-1D Mark III. Redesigned and re-engineered from the ground up, Canon’s newest flagship EOS is destined to become the next "must have" DSLR for professionals.

EOS 1D Mark III Highlights

New 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor Excellence in digital photography starts at the imaging sensor. Canon’s uniquely advanced in-house sensor design and manufacturing capabilities are a major reason why EOS Digital SLR cameras consistently deliver state-of-the-art imaging performance.

The EOS-1D Mark III features a newly developed 10.1 megapixel Canon CMOS sensor. It fulfills the primary functions of an imaging sensor -- sensitive, accurate, extremely low noise capture of image data -- with unprecedented competence. Its APS-H size sensor results in a 1.3 lens conversion factor, a format that EOS-1D series photographers are familiar with. Moreover, it incorporates Canon’s latest CMOS engineering advances that significantly reduce digital noise -- especially in shadow areas -- and expand the useful ISO range.

Exceptionally wide ISO range Combining the superb image capture capabilities of the new sensor with advanced Dual DIGIC III Image Processors, the EOS-1D Mark III offers the widest ISO range of any digital SLR in the world (as of February 2007). The standard range of 100 - 3200 can be extended to a remarkable 50 - 6400.* More importantly, the low-noise performance at high ISO settings makes the entire range usable in real-world shooting situations. _{* Standard output sensitivity. Recommended exposure index.}

14-bit A/D converters Whereas earlier EOS digital cameras used 12-bit A/D (Analog-to-Digital) converters, the EOS-1D Mark III employs new 14-bit converters to process the output of the imaging sensor. This ensures smoother tonal transitions and more natural gradations. RAW images are recorded at 14 bits so that the full range of tones captured by the sensor are available in 16-bit TIFF images.

The Mark III's Dual DIGIC Image Processor

Dual DIGIC III Image Processors The EOS-1D Mark III employs Canon’s latest DIGIC III Image Processor, which maintains the extremely high image quality standard of its predecessor but, amazingly, attains even higher processing speed. Moreover, the 1D Mark III uses not one, but Dual DIGIC III Image Processors operating in parallel to provide even greater data handling capability. The resulting imaging engine handles the huge amount of data from the 10.1-megapixel sensor with tremendous speed. Card write speeds are faster, noise control is significantly better, and camera responsiveness has been even further improved.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System Canon’s advanced EOS Integrated Cleaning System uses both mechanical and software methods to effectively deal with dust accumulation on the imaging sensor.

The Integrated Cleaning System deletes dust with ease

First, dust that settles on the sensor surface is removed using ultrasonic vibration. This self-cleaning takes about 3.5 seconds, and it is automatically activated whenever the camera is powered on or off. (You can also activate the routine at any time via the menu system.) The shutter release button always takes precedence, so the cleaning routine never hinders camera readiness. The loosened dust adheres to a special collecting collar positioned around the sensor to prevent re-contamination.

Second, by photographing a plain white subject at infinity focus, the photographer can acquire data identifying the position of any remaining dust particles. The data are appended to the image file and can be used by Digital Photo Professional (DPP) 3.0 software to automatically erase dust spots. Photographers who must change lenses in dusty environments will find this unique system a tremendous time saver as it reduces the need for camera servicing as well as time spent at the computer manually touching up images.

With and without Highlight Tone Priority

Highlight Tone Priority Activated via a Custom Function on the EOS-1D Mark III, the new Highlight Tone Priority feature employs sophisticated processing algorithms to preserve greater detail in image highlight areas -- a perennial problem for digital photographers, especially in bright sunlight or contrasty studio lighting. It actually expands the available range of capture in the highlights, yet it exacts no penalties in either shadow detail or camera performance. It benefits photographers who shoot RAW images as well as those who rely on in-camera processing.

Highlight Tone Priority is a win-win proposition for professional photographers of nearly all disciplines. A sports photographer shooting white baseball uniforms in bright sunlight stands to benefit as much as a nature photographer shooting winter snow scenes or a wedding photographer seeking to preserve detail in the bride’s dress.

Unprecedented Shutter Durability The EOS-1D Mark III features an improved heavy-duty shutter that has been durability tested to 300,000 cycles -- the highest ever in an SLR (as of February 2007). The camera thus provides long service life and inspires the all-important confidence that comes from the knowledge that the shutter will perform on demand.

New, all-metal camera body The pros demanded lighter and stronger. Canon delivered. The entire body of the EOS-1D Mark III, including the internal chassis and mirror box, is made of an advanced magnesium alloy. Exceptionally strong and rigid, this alloy results in a camera that can truly withstand the punishment routinely meted out by many professional photographers. At the same time, it makes the camera lighter for improved handling and maneuverability. The EOS-1D Mark III features a "professional-duty" chassis -- including the mirror box -- formed of high-strength, lightweight magnesium alloy. In lesser cameras, these parts are typically made of composite materials, and subsequently offer far less durability.

Weather-resistant design Extensive weatherproofing ensures superior reliability, even when shooting in harsh environments. Rubber gaskets are used at nearly every joint and seam -- including around the battery compartment cover, memory card door, and flash shoe -- to keep out moisture and dust.

Totally redesigned viewfinder with 100-percent coverage The viewfinder is all-important in an SLR camera. It is the photographer’s window to the world, and, as such, must provide all the information necessary to successfully capture the "decisive moment." The EOS-1D Mark III viewfinder incorporates an entirely new optical system developed by Canon. It employs a larger pentaprism for higher viewfinder magnification, providing a bigger, brighter, sharper view of the world. The viewfinder provides full 100-percent coverage, which means what you see is what you get -- no more, no less. In other words, the view in the finder precisely matches the captured image area. That’s not the case with most DSLR cameras, where the captured image area is larger than what is represented in the finder. The finder also features a high eyepoint design for easier viewing of the entire image and information area. (Dioptric adjustment from -3 to +1 is included, as is an eyepiece shutter with gray high-visibility blades).

Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor with Live View At 3.0 inches diagonal, the LCD monitor is the largest of any digital SLR in the world (as of February 2007). The bigger image area makes it easier than ever to confirm capture, check memory card contents, confirm shooting parameters, and access all menu options.

Moreover, the EOS-1D Mark III features a sophisticated Live View shooting mode, which makes the 3.0-inch LCD monitor a real-time finder. When the Live View mode is enabled, the reflex mirror is locked up and the shutter opened. The image output from the CMOS sensor will be displayed in real time on the LCD monitor at 100-percent coverage. A selectable portion of the image can be magnified by 5x or 10x to aid in precise manual focusing. Focus, exposure check, composing, and shooting can all be accomplished in this mode. Live View is convenient for tripod-mounted shooting, macro work, and other situations in which it is a physical strain to keep the eye at the viewfinder. The Live View image can also be displayed on a TV monitor, which is ideal for showing images as they are composed to clients and portrait subjects.

Live View allows real-time adjustments

Live View Studio photographers will appreciate the PC Live View capability, which enables the image at the sensor to be displayed on a computer monitor. With Canon EOS Utility software installed on the computer, the user can check and adjust focus and composition in real time. You can even fire the camera remotely from the computer. Connection between the camera and computer can be via USB cable or, with the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2A, via wireless LAN. The wireless option enables all Live View capabilities at a distance of 150 feet or more.

New Lithium-ion battery system An entirely new lightweight, powerful lithium-ion rechargeable battery system was developed exclusively for the EOS-1D Mark III. The LCD panel now provides an accurate reading of power percentage shots remaining taken since last charge, and whether the battery should be reconditioned. This takes much of the guesswork out of battery management.

Incomparable EOS AF technology, now even better The EOS-1D Mark III incorporates new Canon autofocus (AF) technologies that bring about improvement in key performance areas. A new area-type AF sensor features increased pixel sensitivity, which delivers markedly improved focusing performance in low-light situations. Compared to its predecessor, the 1D Mark III delivers AF sensitivity one full stop better in dark scene areas. The area AF system has 19 selectable high-precision cross-type points plus 26 Assist points for a total of 45 AF points. The cross-type points are now not only positioned in the central area, but also at the outer edges of the AF sensing area. The superior speed, precision, and low-light sensitivity of this new system are especially noticeable when shooting with longer Canon EF lenses.

Flexible, customizable AF coverage The 26 additional Assist points can be used to expand the coverage area of any manually selected primary AF point. An Assist point can be added to either side of a selected AF point, or a ring of six AF points can be activated around a manually selected point. Assist points can be added to any of the 19 selectable primary AF points. Moreover, Assist points can be used in not only the AI Servo AF mode but also the One-Shot AF mode.

More flexibility: AF micro-adjustment Unprecedented control for the critical pro shooter. If the user ever wants to make a fine adjustment for front- or back-focusing, it can now be done in-camera. The EOS-1D Mark III even allows up to 20 separate adjustments to be entered for individual lenses, with or without a tele extender.

Separate AF processing unit The EOS-1D Mark III uses an entirely separate AF processing unit, dedicated solely to AF operations, including driving the lens. This dedicated CPU design performs AF computations three times faster than with the previous EOS-1D Mark II N. The faster AF detection and computation make it possible for the 1D Mark III to achieve its remarkably fast continuous shooting speed with full AI Servo tracking.

Superior control over AF performance Overall, the new AF system is better able to detect and react to a grossly out-of-focus image: the lens is more quickly driven to proper focus. In addition, important new Custom Function control over AF gives the professional photographer numerous ways to tailor camera AF operation to specific shooting needs. You can, for example, quickly switch between the inner and outer nine primary AF points. The new AF system can better adapt to sudden changes when tracking moving subjects, and you can precisely control how the camera responds to unexpected events.

Blazing shooting speed and near-instant response What are camera speed and responsiveness worth? Fast response is desirable not just for sports or action photography. It can make the difference between capturing or missing that once-in-a-lifetime shot in just about any photographic genre. With its astounding 10 fps maximum continuous shooting speed, the EOS-1D Mark III is the fastest digital SLR in the world (as of February 2007). This achievement is even more remarkable when you consider the sheer amount of data processing associated with a 10.1-megapixel sensor. The 1D Mark III is also incredibly responsive. It has the least lag time of any EOS Digital SLR (55ms, reducible to as low as 40ms via a Custom Function setting). At shutter speeds of 1/60 second and higher, the viewfinder blackout time is an ultra-short 80ms.

Outstanding burst rate The EOS-1D Mark III can capture up to 110 consecutive full-resolution JPEG images or up to 30 RAW images in a single continuous burst (at shooting speeds up to the full 10 fps).

Capture up to 10 frames per second with the Mark III

Dual memory card slots The EOS-1D Mark III has separate CF and SD card slots that can be used in combination to boost performance, capacity, convenience, and data security. Images can be recorded to both cards simultaneously so that an instant backup is created. You can also record to the cards at different quality settings to create two sets of images for different purposes. An automatic switchover mode lets you keep shooting without interruption onto the second card should the first become filled to capacity. There is also an Image Copying mode that enables you to copy files -- in fact, entire folders -- from one card to the other.

Extensive file-naming options You can choose a standard 4-character prefix or define a unique 4-character prefix of your own choosing for file naming. You can also choose a 3-character prefix, saving the fourth character position for a letter code (assigned by the camera) that identifies image size setting. This can be extremely useful when you shoot a number of different image sizes as you will be able to later identify your shots quickly by file name instead of having to open the files in a viewing application.

63-zone metering system A new 63-zone metering sensor combined with sophisticated new metering algorithms deliver more precise and stable exposure calculation over a wider range of shooting situations. Both available-light and flash metering performance have been improved.

57 Custom Functions The new Custom Function set now includes the "Personal Function" of previous EOS-1D series cameras. All functions, therefore, are now in-camera and available at all times. 13 entirely new Custom Functions have been added. Furthermore, all Custom Functions have been reorganized into four groups for easier, more intuitive menu access.

New locking eye cups Lost eyecups are far less likely to be a problem with the EOS-1D Mark III. A newly developed improved mounting system virtually eliminates inadvertent detaching of the eyecup.

Optional Features

New Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E2A) Canon’s all new Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E2A) is a vast improvement over our previous Wireless Transmitter (WFT-E1A). It sports many new features that the professional photographer will find indispensable. While it retains the best features of the WFT-E1A such as an Ethernet (hard wired) connection and 802.11 b and g, it now is much easier to set up and use. Utilizing the onboard connection wizard the WFT-E2A can connect in three ways. In HTML Server mode, up to three users can securely log in images with a standard web browser. PTP connectivity allows the user to easily connect a single camera to a computer. Of course we still offer FTP transfer, with a simplified connection interface, for secure transmission to a computer on your network or over the internet. USB 2.0 Hi-Speed host capability allows GPS data from many popular receivers to be embedded in EXIF data as well as allowing the photographer to shoot directly or back up image data to many commercially available buspowered external storage devices. The WFT-E2A is much smaller and lighter than its predecessor, allowing full access to the camera’s external sockets while maintaining the weather resistance and durability of the camera body and offering faster communication between the camera and the transmitter. It has a small built-in antenna capable of wireless communication at distances up to 150 feet. It is powered by the camera’s battery reducing the extra equipment the photographer needs to carry.

Backup to external media External storage media can be connected via USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface using the optional Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E2A). An external USB hard drive, for example, can be accessed wirelessly and recognized by the camera as a storage drive. Such a drive can be used in the same way as an installed memory card. Images can be shot and copied onto the connected hard drive as they are being taken.

Improved EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II zoom lens The EF 16-35mm zoom is one of Canon’s most important and popular professional lenses. This latest version has been optically re-engineered to deliver even better performance. The image quality is superb, matching or surpassing the optical performance of the finest zoom lenses in this category while providing greater speed.

New Speedlite 580EX II The Speedlite 580EX II builds on the solid feature set and performance of the popular 580EX. The new high-durability, highly weather-resistant design matches the EOS-1D Mark III, ensuring dependable performance even under the most adverse shooting conditions. As the new flagship of the Speedlite lineup, the 580EX II incorporates numerous features requested by professional users, such as a metal shoe assembly, external sensor with thyristor control, and a PC socket on the flash for PC cord connection to a camera. Operability has been improved, as well: When the 580EX II is attached to the 1D Mark III, you can use the camera’s menus to set or clear the Speedlite’s various options and Custom Functions.

New Original Data security kit (OSK-E3) Canon’s advanced data verification hardware/ software kit consists of a USB card reader/writer, a dedicated Original Data Security Card, and software to be installed on a Windows computer. The system can verify the originality and integrity of image data. It can also identify specific data elements (image pixels, EXIF text, GPS info, etc.) that have been altered. A new feature in this version is encryption capability. Photographers can now encrypt their image files to prevent unauthorized viewing or wireless theft. Encrypted images can be viewed only on personal computers on which the necessary OSK-E3 decoding engine has been installed.

An unmatched selection of focusing screens The EOS-1D Mark III is equipped with the new Laser Matte Ec-C IV focusing screen, which provides superior optical performance. Background blur appears more natural, and graininess and flare are reduced. At the same time, the finder is brighter, especially at the edges and corners. As with all EOS-1 series SLR cameras, the 1D Mark III gives you a wide choice of interchangeable focusing screens. Currently, there are eleven optional screens -- more than that offered by any other AF digital SLR in the world (as of February 2007).

Product Description

Canon's flagship EOS-1D Mark III is the most advanced EOS Digital SLR ever produced. It has a new 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-H size) with Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System and a 3.0-inch LCD monitor with Canon's Live View technology. The 1D Mark III has a redesigned 100% viewfinder, a new 45-point AF system, and can shoot up to 10 fps continuously with a maximum burst of 110 shots. Dual "DIGIC III" Image Processors work in tandem to speed up every process while refining image quality; a new, lighter body has improved weather sealing and shutter durability. Every facet of the EOS experience has been enhanced with the 1D Mark III. It's the new standard.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Canon Mark III & Canon Support, January 21, 2008

By	Todd in Upstate NY - See all my reviews

In the last 3 years I have gone from 2 different point and shot cameras to the Canon 30D to the Canon Mark III. With each camera, I was telling myself - this should do it for some time. I read and learned as much as I could with each camera. When I got the 30D I was on cloud 9 - this was great - it would be nice to shoot faster though. When I heard about the Mark III coming out, I knew that was hopefully the last stepping stone I would require for sometime.

This thing rocked - couldn't believe how fast it could shot. I was surprised at how many shots were out of focus though (birding). I didn't experience anything like this on the 30D. I read about the AI focus problems and thought - well this is what is happening to me. For the next 5 months Canon stone walled me on a weekly basis. Promised firmware fixes, this fix that fix, reps telling me off.

I wrote a letter to Yoroku Adachi (President of Canon U.S.A.) and got a call back from one of his people. Very apologetic but same old please be patient and apologies galore - but still we won't replace it with a functioning camera - it is a minor issue (again I was told that by numerous reps) - I say it is only minor if you don't use those features.

5 ½ months later it got fixed. I missed the birding season but there is next year (I was told that by a rep too!). It looks like the problem is fixed and looking forward to spring migration. If someone is reading this and hasn't purchased any camera gear yet, buy Nikon. I have too much invested in Canon gear to switch.

I would probably give the camera 4.5-5 stars now. Canon Support would get a 0.

Updated: May 29th, 2008

With the latest firmware updates and hardware fix, I would give this Camera an easy 5 stars. I have shot plays indoors at ISO 1600 (no flash) and can't believe how sharp shots come out.

My issue is still with Canon Tech (lack of) Support. I called yesterday about the WFT-E2A and got the usual run-a-round about the product. If you don't think you will ever need Canon Tech (lack of) Support, go Canon.

Updated October 11th, 2009
Well, I finally sent my camera in because I have been getting Error 99's since February - It is nice that it is working agaiin but I have no idea what to say about this camera - when it works it is great but I have had it for about 26 months and out of that time it had either the auto focus problem out of the box and error 99 problems. I would say I have had to deal with the camera being defective for about half of the time I have had it. Canon Support had me do all this useless stuff which of course involved me spending money on memory cards, calibrating the battery, using the AC adapter, various lenses, and cleaning contacts.

I was able to limp along with the camera for about 8 months because I came up with my own 'solution' of pulling the memory cards out, removing the lens, using the ac adapter (instead of the battery), and plugging in the TC803 and just setting that to shoot away until the error 99's stopped. I would than leave the camera on it on and changed the tc803 to take a picture every 3 minutes so it wouldn't go off into error 99 land again.

If I were a pro I would have dumped all my canon gear because this thing has been so unreliable. I have resisted purchasing any other canon bodies because of all the headaches I have had with this thing. Canon Support was friendly but wasted a ton of my time and some more of my $$$. It would be nice to get some sort of gift card from Canon or a lens at cost for all my mental anguish.

39 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast, accurate, reliable, July 18, 2007

By	J. Tu "Dog Photo Man" (Silicone Valley,CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have this camera for 3 weeks now. About 600 pictures have been taken at this time. Without any reservation, I can highly recommend this camera on the following reasons:

1) Auto focus - I tried all modes, one-shot or al-servo. I used a combination of lens - 180 mm micro, 28-300mm telezoom, 24-70mm and never experienced the problems mentioned on the web as claimed so by some experts. It was as hot as 85 degrees in a very dry heat area. The camera performed flawlesslty.

2) Color - comparing the color of the shots taken from 1d mark iii and 1d mark ii n, I have found that the color is more natural and rich. There is no distortion to my eyes. I shot using 100 - 1600 ISO and saw the consistent color quality in netural mode.

3) Sensor cleaning - it works very effectively. I had to clean up the sensor on my 1d mark ii n almost every 50-100 shots. Now, the automatic cleaning starts whenever I power off of change lens. Sometimes I have to do it twice. Overall, it works very well.

4) View finder - not only the 3 inch LCD is larger but it is also more clear and real to see the pictures. I am really satisified with the display.

5) Control - the new layout is much better than 1d mark iin. I use 20d type of control with one finger, I can change and navigate quickly. 1d mark iin is less intuitive.

6) Battery power - I used a varierty of zoom lens and played back a lot using the LCD. After 500 shots, the battery showed that I still have 50% or so jucie to go. I think that achieving 1000 shots on a full charged battery is quite good. My previous 1d mark ii n can only go for half or 1/3 of it.

Overall, I am very satified with the performance. However, the software provided to clean up the dust is not that great. The dust data somehow is not recognized by the software. I have to use other software to clean up the dust. Out of 500 pictures, I got 5 pictures showing dust and I removed them in two sensor cleaning cycles. It is an expensive toy but well worth the money if you can afford it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great camera, but not in the beginning, March 4, 2009

By	W. A. Freeman Jr. (Auburn, AL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have owned the Mark III for a little over a year. Not long after receiving it, it quit. I sent it in for a "mirror magnet" problem. After I got it back I would get an Err99 almost daily. I documented it with Canon. It would happen most often when I turned it on for the first time. After several conversations with Canon, I sent it in and they replaced the mirror box. It has not had an Err 99 since then.

The camera was purchased as a "Blue Dot", meaning it had been fixed for the original focus issues some people were reporting. Since the second repair it has functioned flawlessly and now focuses to meet anyone's reasonable expectations. I get 80% to 90% in-focus. In most of the out of focus photos there was a legitimate reason. I can see this when I check my photos in Canon's Zoom Browser. I can see where the camera was focused at the time of shutter release. It is easy to miss a shot on a fast moving object by missing the subject or hitting a different part of the subject. Often times it would be the focus changing from head to hip (on a running dog), not the camera's fault but mine.

There are many settings on this camera to fine tune it to your way of shooting and the shooting situation. I have gotten some awesome action shots from this camera and am very pleased with it.

Canon clearly brought this camera to market too soon. It was not tested properly or either production standards were not watched. I would bet that the parts they were producing were not meeting the standards of their research and development, plus the conditions that caused a problem may not have been reproduced in test. This clearly threw Canon for a loop and they did a poor job managing public relations. I am surprised there has not been a class action lawsuit since so many pros use this camera. Some have toughed it out; those who had a lot of money went to Nikon, which is currently hitting it with some good cameras, something Canon normally is known for.

If you are buying a Mark III now, you are more than likely going to be blown-away by such a great camera that focuses and gives you shots you never imagined. I love shooting it and learning to fine-tune it for particular shooting circumstance.

Working as it works now, I would purchase it again.