Canon 5D Mark III Announced

[MarkBarbieri]

Canon just announced the 5D Mark III. It is available for pre-order at Amazon, Adorama, B&H and others. It is selling for $3499.

Some key specs:
* 22.3 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor
* ISO 100-25600 (expandable to L:50 H1:51200, H2: 102400
* Full HD Movie (ISO 100-12800 (H:25600)
* 61-point high-density reticular AF (up to 41 crosstype points)
* 6.0 fps for high continuous shooting
* Intelligent viewfinder with approx. 100% coverage
* iFCL metering with 63-zone dual-layer sensor
* Silent & low vibration modes
* Dual card slots (CF & SD)
* Improved durability & water and dust resistance
* Locking mode dial

It looks a lot like the 7D, particularly in the control layout. It shares the same battery as the 5DM2 and 7D.

While it doesn't meet my dream specs, it definitely fits the bill for what I was looking for. I already have a 5DM2 and a 7D. The biggest problems I have with the 5D are the crummy AF and the low shot speed (3fps). This fixes both of those. I'll also appreciate the better high ISO performance and the dual slots. Given the choice between buying it and the 1Dx, I'll take this and the extra $3,000.

Of course, $3,499 is just the start of the spending. I'll want a battery grip ($400?), an L-Bracket ($200), an extra BR strap ($60).

Canon also announced a new radio controlled flash 600EX-RT. It improves on the zoom range of the old flash 580EXII (20-200 vs 24-105). The main change is that it works as a radio controlled master. That will help a lot if you do multiple flash shoots. The question is, should you replace all your existing flashes (which can't react to the radio control) or just use a PocketWizard radio control setup instead? It also looks like they didn't include an optical slave, which is disappointing.

 

[bob100]

Canon just announced the 5D Mark III. It is available for pre-order at Amazon, Adorama, B&H and others. It is selling for $3499.

Some key specs:
* 22.3 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor
* ISO 100-25600 (expandable to L:50 H1:51200, H2: 102400
* Full HD Movie (ISO 100-12800 (H:25600)
* 61-point high-density reticular AF (up to 41 crosstype points)
* 6.0 fps for high continuous shooting
* Intelligent viewfinder with approx. 100% coverage
* iFCL metering with 63-zone dual-layer sensor
* Silent & low vibration modes
* Dual card slots (CF & SD)
* Improved durability & water and dust resistance
* Locking mode dial

It looks a lot like the 7D, particularly in the control layout. It shares the same battery as the 5DM2 and 7D.

While it doesn't meet my dream specs, it definitely fits the bill for what I was looking for. I already have a 5DM2 and a 7D. The biggest problems I have with the 5D are the crummy AF and the low shot speed (3fps). This fixes both of those. I'll also appreciate the better high ISO performance and the dual slots. Given the choice between buying it and the 1Dx, I'll take this and the extra $3,000.

Of course, $3,499 is just the start of the spending. I'll want a battery grip ($400?), an L-Bracket ($200), an extra BR strap ($60).

Canon also announced a new radio controlled flash 600EX-RT. It improves on the zoom range of the old flash 580EXII (20-200 vs 24-105). The main change is that it works as a radio controlled master. That will help a lot if you do multiple flash shoots. The question is, should you replace all your existing flashes (which can't react to the radio control) or just use a PocketWizard radio control setup instead? It also looks like they didn't include an optical slave, which is disappointing.

at $3,400 I'll wait until the price drops

 

[pointandshoot]

I love my 5DMKII. My crop for sport and wildlife is a 40D. I would use the 5DMKII for sport sometimes since I could push the ISO for indoor shooting but was limited to center spot for focus and good timing by the photographer.

The new model makes a great camera even better. Not sure I need any more MP like in the new Nikon model. Files are plenty big right now for what I shoot.

I was waiting to see what came out to make a decision on next camera. I think I will upgrade to a 7D and improve my crop body kit. Wait on the price drop in a year for so on this model. Let the real world reviews come in. Take the extra money I would spend on the new model and invest in glass. Never go wrong with more glass.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

at $3,400 I'll wait until the price drops

Wait on the price drop in a year for so on this model.

Don't hold your breath for much of a drop any time soon. The Mark II held its price for a year and then only dropped about 10%. On the other hand, Nikon's D800 is significantly cheaper and better spec'd, so Canon will be under more pricing pressure this time. On the other, other hand, the exchange rate is really hurting Japanese companies. My guess is that if the camera is good and successful, the price will stick for a year or more. If the camera is flawed or doesn't compare well with the D800, it might drop down to $3,000 before the year is out.

I'm pretty happy with my lens collection (I agree it should be a higher priority than keeping up with the latest bodies) and this camera happens to meet my needs extremely well. If I were starting from scratch, I have to admit that the D800 (particularly in combination with a D4) would be very compelling. As it is, they aren't sufficiently interesting for me to go through the cost and hassle of swapping out a ton of Canon glass and flashes.

Actually, I might swap out the flashes. I've got 2 580 IIs, a 430, and a 420. It would be nice to have everything radio controlled. Given the stiff price of the 600s, I don't think I'll make the shift right now, but it is tempting.

 

[traylorc]

Don't hold your breath for much of a drop any time soon. The Mark II held its price for a year and then only dropped about 10%. On the other hand, Nikon's D800 is significantly cheaper and better spec'd, so Canon will be under more pricing pressure this time. On the other, other hand, the exchange rate is really hurting Japanese companies. My guess is that if the camera is good and successful, the price will stick for a year or more. If the camera is flawed or doesn't compare well with the D800, it might drop down to $3,000 before the year is out.

I absolutely agree with you.

 

[Marty Joe]

I could get the 5D Mark III... then I would have to sell it along with a kidney to pay for a divorce attn... I pushed my luck with the 60D...

 

[photo_chick]

I spend the weekend at dance convention with my daughter and I missed the good stuff. LOL

The 5DmkIII does look good on paper. I'm not 100% sure it's worth the price increase, given that the 7D is still a pretty great camera in comparison. I'll wait to get my hands on it to see if it's worth next year's tax refund or not.

 

[Hibino]

A lot of people have commented that they wish it had 60fps @ 1080p instead of just 720.

I'd rather it had 120fps @ 720p. I just bought a 7D though so I'm not even in the market for this. Looks great though.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

It is getting pretty expensive pretty fast.

Pre-order for the camera: $3,500. Pre-order for an L bracket: $200. Pre-order for the battery grip - $350. Thinking about the GPS - $270. I think I'm going to put off the flash upgrade for a while.

A lot of people have commented that they wish it had 60fps @ 1080p instead of just 720.

I'd rather it had 120fps @ 720p. I just bought a 7D though so I'm not even in the market for this. Looks great though.

I agree that I'd like 120fps @ 720p more. That would be wickedly cool. I looked into high speed cameras last year when my kids started watching time warp. The day rental rates on those were more expensive than 5DM3!

 

[DVC Jen]

Mark when you get it... let me know how you like it.

I was considering a 7D for a back-up, but with the new 5DM3 announced I am saving for it and my 5DM2 will become my back-up.

BTW - long time no see/talk. How are you?

 

[pointandshoot]

I absolutely agree with you.

Camera bodies in this class depreciate sooner or later. Just a matter of time and how long you want to wait.

I think you have to look at your kit and your budget and figure out what works for you and when you want to upgrade. I like crop and and full in my bag. I am sure the next 7D is just around the corner just like the next MK4.

I think a proven model like the 7D will give me enough speed, image quality, and AF to fill my sport, wildlife shooting that I had to use my MK2 for. I am considering the new 500 f4. Putting my money into that with a 7D will do more to bring me the images I want to create than the MK3.

I am looking for reach and enough distance between gators and bears and me that I can get.

 

[toy]

I have been anxiously awaiting this camera. Unfortunately the price means I will continue to wait. Upgrading to a full frame would be awesome. I have wanted the Mark II but the many complaints about the AF have concerned me. How many of you love your Mark II?

 

[DVC Jen]

I love love love my 5DM2 - but I also upgraded to it from a 30D! So that alone made it an amazing camera body for me.

I have a friend (used to post here as a matter of fact) who has a 7D and she recently got the 5DM2. She really likes her M2 - but likes the focusing on the 7D more.

She said if she could take her favorite parts of each body and put them together it would be amazing. I am wondering if that is what the M3 does?

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Mark when you get it... let me know how you like it.

I was considering a 7D for a back-up, but with the new 5DM3 announced I am saving for it and my 5DM2 will become my back-up.

BTW - long time no see/talk. How are you?

Still waiting for it. I'm going to keep the 7D and 5DM2 and use all three.

Things are going quite well for me. We just got back from a trip to Monterey. I'll share pics here after I go through them.

How are things with you and your brood?

 

[MarkBarbieri]

It's on the truck. I should have it later today. I've got a battery charged up and ready to go.

Now I'm just waiting for my battery grip, GPS, L-bracket, and the new flashes I ordered. It's like Christmas in slow motion.

I don't have any shoots planned for a couple of weeks, but I might sneak off to the zoo on Friday if I get my work done this week.