HANDLING & EASE OF USE

Like previous 1D-series models, the Mk III is a tough and robust beast designed for serious professional use, so it’s much larger and heavier than your typical SLR. That said, Canon has managed to shave 225g off its weight compared to the Mk II. Pick the camera up and you know you’ve a real working tool in your hands – it feels extremely solid and the contours of its body and large handgrip makes for a very comfortable and secure grip. The large viewfinder is impressive too, with a bright, clear screen providing 100% coverage and information along the base and right side. Beneath the rubber eyecup lies a dioptric correction dial, as well as a viewfinder blind. Those upgrading from an older 1D model will feel almost completely at home with the Mk III as it offers a very similar control layout. The main differences are a streamlining of the number of buttons, with preference given to the most popular functions and modes. Another improvement is the LCD monitor, which features a 3in screen and a more user-friendly menu system. A small toggle switch to the right of the LCD is new and allows you to move around a highly magnified image on the LCD monitor. I can’t see pros having any issues with ease of use, but how about amateurs and enthusiasts? Well, while the push buttons are a step away from the simple to use control dials you’d find on consumer models, the arrangement of controls on the Mk III has been designed for speed of operation and are generally easy to get around. Overall, the Mk III is a beautifully sculptured camera that’s a real delight to use. SCORE 23/25

FEATURES

The Mk III’s range of features caters for the majority of photographic needs, although it has been designed predominantly with pros in mind, hence a hotshoe but no integral flash. Its ten frames-per-second drive makes it the world’s fastest digital SLR, which is impressive considering its 10.1-megapixel resolution. The autofocus system sees a major upgrade from previous models with 19 of the 45 AF points using the cross-type sensor, which is far more sensitive than the standard line-type making it better at locking-on and tracking moving subjects. An AF-On button on the rear close to where the thumb rests allows for fast activation of the autofocus system. There is a full complement of metering patterns on offer, from the sophistication of the 63-zone Evaluative to centre-weighted average, as well as two selective patterns – Partial (13.5% area at centre of frame) and Spot (3.8% of frame) mode, which can be linked to any AF sensor and take eight readings per exposure. As well as several exposure options, including Auto exposure bracketing and AE-Lock, there is also a Highlight Tone Priority mode (selected via a Custom Function) that retains extra detail in highlights.

The Mk III is the first pro model to sport a sensor cleaning system, which activates a series of ultrasonic vibrations on the high-pass filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is switched on and off. Other features worth noting are the dual card slots (CompactFlash and SD), PC and remote terminals and dual controls on the handgrip for when shooting with the camera held vertically. It boasts more or less everything you could want in a camera. SCORE 23/25

PERFORMANCE

This is a beautiful camera to use. It’s fast in every respect, from the start-up time to autofocus to data transfer and the control layout ensures you can quickly access and select functions. The on-screen menu is very user-friendly and the large 3in LCD monitor provides a sharp, clear display for reviewing images. Along with the toggle dial and magnification buttons, it’s possible to zoom and navigate around the enlarged image very quickly. The autofocus is extremely responsive, locking onto static subjects quickly, even in low light levels. It proves equally adept with fast moving subjects, with the multi-point AF system delivering a high success rate with wave after wave of racing cars. The metering system is equally impressive with the Evaluative pattern handling most scenes with ease. In fact, with the exception of backlit subjects, I found I could use this setting and not have to worry about any problems with exposures unless shooting in very tricky lighting conditions. The frame rate is startling when used in Continuous High mode; I found I’d often use it in Continuous Low simply because I didn’t need ten frames in a second and that the viewfinder blacking out so repeatedly made it harder to follow a subject. Image quality is superb in every respect. Images show very fine detail and colour reproduction is excellent. Noise is also very well controlled, with the higher settings of ISO 1600-6400 producing much less grain than was to be expected. Battery performance is excellent too, after firing close to 400 shots, the battery info screen showed I still had 80% charge remaining!

As ten-megapixel SLRs go, the EOS-1D Mk III stands out in terms of performance. That said, it’s exceptional in price too, so whether it’s worthy of purchase over consumer models sporting similar resolutions will be determined by whether or not you need its extra speed and build quality. If you’re a wildlife, press or sports photographer looking for the ultimate tool (for now at least!), then this really is it. SCORE 23/25

MAXIMUM RESOLUTION

The 10.1-million pixel resolution delivers a maximum image size of 3888x2592 pixels. In terms of file size, a Raw file is approximately 13Mb while a Large JPEG is approximately 3.5Mb

PROCESSING POWER

At its core is a pair of DIGIC III processors that work in parallel to optimise the processing of images. With the EOS-1D Mk III offering a 10.1-megapixel resolution and a ten frames-per-second shooting rate (in bursts of up to 110 JPEGs or 30 Raw), these processors at their peak have to handle over 100-megabytes of data per second!

BUILT TO SURVIVE

The body of the Mk III has been designed to be the most durable yet, boasting a magnesium alloy shell,
chassis and top panel, as well as having all controls and cover seams sealed from water and dust. The Mk III weighs 1155g and measures 156x156.6x79.9mm (WHD).

EF LENSES

The Mk III is compatible with all EF lenses but isn’t suitable for use with the EF-S lenses designed for DSLRs with the smaller APS-C sensor

SUPPLIED SOFTWARE

The Mk III is supplied with a full set of software including Digital Photo Professional (v3.0) for processing Raw files, EOS Utility (v2.0) for controlling the camera via a lead and Image Browser (v5.8) for organising images.

Verdict

In many ways the EOS-1D MkIII is a niche product as not everyone requires a ten-megapixel SLR that can rattle off ten frames-per-second. For those that do, there is little doubt that this is a big improvement on the MkIIN and an excellent working tool in its own right. Its price range takes it out of the reach of the majority of photographers, but those who are fortunate enough to be able to afford one will have a camera that delivers in literally every department.

HANDLING 23/25  FEATURES 23/25  PERFORMANCE 23/25  VALUE FOR MONEY 22/25

FINAL SCORE 91/100