Canon 5D III is released.

[Lost Canadian]

Looks pretty awesome, so what say ye Canon shooters?

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/03...on-5D-Mark-III

[Scott Brady]

Great camera, but I think we are just going to buy another used 5D MKII instead. Not enough improvement to warrant the shift, especially at the $1,500 premium. The improvement in audio control is nice though.

[ywen]

yawn.... what images captured with 5d2, 5d, would have been better on a 5d3? $3.5K for a 5D3? LOL

yawn to the video feature as well.. I've already been experiencing better video recording features with my old Panasonic GH1..

[4lowdean]

More than happy with my 5Dmk1 right now. I am just saddened by the over-emphasis of video features in DSLRs. Sorry, but if I want a video camera I will buy a gosh-darned video camera. How about a full-frame camera that does more than 6fps?!? The only thing that excites me about the 5Dmk3 is the low-light abilities and the image processor. That is the one draw-back to my mk1... it sucks in low light have has a wicked bad problem with noise. Luckily 80%+ of my photo work is outside and if/when needed I rock a 580ex2 with a diffuser.

[taco2go]

Advantage: NIKON


Keeping the 5D2 for now.



Edit: to expand on my preliminary reaction

Likes: They kept the megapixels at bay. Improved 14 bit conversion, "which improves gradation between tones and overall image quality"
Removable LCD overlay in the now almost 100% viewfinder. More autofocus points. Dual card slots. Same battery.
Dislikes: $1400 uptick !!!!!!!!

[nwoods]

I like the various sizes of RAW image capture. I like the ISO 1bazillion or whatever. I like the significantly faster processor. I really dig the new wireless speedlight and wireless transfer dongle thingie. Big I do not dig the price, nor do I need one.

[Lost Canadian]

I actually think this is a very sensible approach for Canon. They have built an exceptional all around camera that should work well in a variety of environments. The new AF system alone has to be seen as a major upgrade over the ancient and poor AF system in the 5D I and II. Pushing 22 megapixel 14bit raws at 6 fps is also impressive and should be plenty fast enough for just about anything, including sports. The low light performance should also be great. All in all, the 5D III looks like a great travel companion for overlanders who generally shoot a variety of subjects.

I am a little surprised that Canon let Nikon trump them in the video and overall features department and then went ahead and strapped a higher price tag on the 5DIII, but maybe that will change. There's been no 'official' pricing from Canon yet.

Compared to the D800, the 5DIII looks to be more of a generalist, and a really good one at that, where the D800/E is more a targeted specialist for studio and landscape work. Both look like awesome cameras though. I think Canon shooters should be really happy with this upgrade, price aside.

[Redline]

I purchased a MKII a couple months ago at a nice discount before Christmas and prefer it to my old 5D. I might be with Scott, choosing a second MKII before they are discontinued, and have two of the same.

Of course, I should put my hands on the MKIII when they are available.

[photoman]

Where is the weather sealing?
Where is the articulating LCD screen?

Canon needs to add those two features into the 5d series.

[Lost Canadian]

Where is the weather sealing?
Where is the articulating LCD screen?

Canon needs to add those two features into the 5d series.

The weather sealing has apparently been improved over the 5D II according to Canon, and in an interview with a Nikon engineer the feedback they received from pros was that they didn't want an articulating LCD as it creates a weak point that could fail when pushed through the rigors of professional use. My guess is Canon received the same type of feedback from their pros.

Edit: from the press release.

The EOS 5D Mark III has been built to offer photographers easy-handling and robust build quality. Its lightweight, high-grade magnesium body offers advanced weather proofing for protection against the elements, while the construction of the shutter has also been reinforced, with 150,000-cycle durability making it ideal for repeated, everyday use.