(Left to right) The Canon EOS 5D Mark II with its replacement, the EOS 5D Mark III. (Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
After more than a two-year wait (since the 5D Mark II was released), Canon finally revealed the highly-anticipated EOS 5D Mark III at a press launch today, along with a few other new accessories.
Sporting a 22.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, the new dSLR comes with a whopping 61-AF point autofocus system, an ISO range of 100 to 25,600 (expandable to 102,400) and does 1080p full-HD video recording in 30, 25 and 24fps.
22.3-megapixel CMOS sensor–This full-frame sensor gives the 5D Mark III a two-stop advantage over its predecessor. Basically, the quality of an image shot at ISO 25,600 by the Mark III should be similar to one shot at ISO 6,400 by the Mark II.
61 autofocus points–Canon claims that this is the same autofocus system used by their professional EOS-1D X dSLR. It allows you to track and acquire a focus lock on your subjects more quickly.
6fps burst-mode shooting–Great for capturing fast-paced action such as sports or event photography.
In-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR)–Shutterbugs now have the ability to capture the same scene in three different exposures and combine the images in-camera resulting in an evenly-exposed image. For those who prefer more creative options, a multiple-exposure function is also provided.
Improved video capabilities–Videographers can now have their full-HD videos time-coded and the company claims that the camera’s video capabilities have reduced moiré and artifacts.
The overall camera feels more contoured to the hand, allowing for a firmer grip. (Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
The 5D Mark III has undergone some cosmetic changes. Compared with the Mark II, the Mark III’s chassis is more rounded and contoured to the hand. We managed to get our hands-on and the 5D Mark III definitely felt much grippier, providing us with a more secure hold. If you’re looking to get the 5D Mark III, do go down to the shops for a look and feel before committing because this feels quite different from its predecessor.
Don’t panic if you can’t find the On/Off switch. Instead of having a single power on, lock and off button, Canon has relocated the power button to the left of the top panel, while the lock button remains where the power button was. This could mean fewer mixups when powering on the camera and having to unlock you settings.
Canon has separated the power on and lock mechanism into two individual switches.(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
Is 61 autofocus points helpful? We tested the 5d Mark III in contrasty lighting conditions and the camera had no problems getting a focus lock quickly. The 5D Mark III’s autofocus was snappy and the dSLR was able to track moving objects swiftly. Compared with its predecessor’s 9 AF points, we felt there was marked improvement in autofocus performance.
Aside from the 5D Mark III, Canon also launched three new lenses: The EF 24-70mm F2.8 II USM, EF 28mm F2.8 IS USM and EF 24mm F2.8 IS USM.
Other optional accessories include two new flash units (the Speedlite 600EX and 600EX-RT), a BG-E11 battery grip for the new
By Shawn Low, CNet
