The new Canon 5D Mark III is the updated version of a camera that became not only a go-to full frame DSLR for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts, but also a surprisingly capable, affordable and relatively tiny HD video camera for cutting-edge video productions. Cinematographers, even those operating at the level of episodic television, were suddenly able to capture gorgeous 1920 x 1080 video by employing the shallow depth of field and the broad choice of lenses that a large-sensor DSLR camera can offer. This Mark III version addresses some of the few shortcomings of the Mark II and offers a long list of other welcome enhancements, from the larger viewfinder to the updated internal cleaning system.
A revamped AF system has 61 points of autofocus, helping the 5D Mark III perform better in many situations, including low light. On that note, the DSLR now features wider ISO sensitivity of 100-25600 in normal mode. The new DIGIC 5+ image processor bolsters shooting speed, write time, noise reduction and more. Video recording is also improved: There’s a new I-frame-only mode for lighter compression. Longer clip recording times are possible, too. Learn more in this hands-on review of the 5D Mark III with its Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS USM AF kit lens.
| Canon EOS 5D III Digital SLR Camera | |||
| Camera Type | Interchangeable Lens DSLR | ||
| Lens Mount | Canon EF | ||
| Sensor Size | Full Frame (36 x 24mm) | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | ||
| Image Processor | DIGIC 5+ Image Processor | ||
| Resolution | 22.3MP | ||
| File Formats | JPEG and RAW | ||
| Bit Depth | 14-bit | ||
| Continuous Shooting Speed | Up to 6.0 fps (with UDMA CF Card) | ||
| Autofocus Points | 61 | ||
| Focus Type | Auto and Manual | ||
| Exposure Metering | iFCL with 63-zone Dual Layer metering sensor | ||
| Flash Connection | Hot shoe and PC terminal | ||
| Viewfinder Type | Optical pentaprism with superimposed LCD | ||
| Viewfinder Coverage | ~100% | ||
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.71x | ||
| Viewfinder Angle of View | 34.1° | ||
| LCD Monitor | 3.2" 1,040,000 dots | ||
| ISO Sensitivity | 100-25600 (50-102400 in expanded mode) | ||
| Video Recording Formats | 1080/30p (29.97), 24p (23.976), 25p; 720/60p (59.94), 50p; 480/60p (59.94), 50p | ||
| Video Clip Length | 29 minutes 59 seconds (4GB automatic file partition) | ||
| Video Compressions | All i-Frame and IPB compressions | ||
| Time Code | Yes | ||
| Creative Modes | Multiple Exposure and High Dynamic Range (HDR) | ||
| Connectivity | HDMI, A/V output, USB 2.0 | ||
| Power Source | LP-E6 lithium-ion battery pack | ||
| Wireless Capability | Compatible with optional transmitters and receivers | ||
| Dimensions | 6 x 4.6 x 3" / 15.2 x 11.7 x 7.6 cm | ||
| Weight | 1.90 lb / 860 g | ||
| Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS USM AF Lens | |||
| Focal Length | 24-105 mm | ||
| Aperture | f/4 – f/22 | ||
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF | ||
| Format Compatibility | Full-frame digital sensor | ||
| Angle of View | 84°-23° | ||
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.48' (45 cm) | ||
| Magnification | 0.23x | ||
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1 to 4.34 | ||
| Groups/Elements | 13/18 | ||
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 | ||
| Image Stabilization | Yes | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | ||
| Tripod Collar | No | ||
| Filter Thread | 77 mm | ||
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.3 x 4.2" (8.38 x 10.67 cm) | ||
| Weight | 1.47 lb (670 g) | ||
7 Comments
I bought my Canon 5D Mark III last August (body only) and a Tamron 24-70 2.8 lens. My photos information register a different lens - sigma 24-70.... instead of the Tamron. Could you please advise me on this. Is there something wrong with the Camera or the lens?
Thanks
It's a great camera, I'm seriously considering buying one myself... but there is one little issue with the video. He states that with the EF mount, it will use any lens that fits any other Canon DSLR camera. Not true. It only uses EF-series lenses. If you're upgrading to full-frame from a crop sensor camera, NONE of your EF-S series lenses will work with this camera. It's EF only. EF lenses will work on any EOS system camera, but EF-S lenses will only work on 1.6x crop cameras (Rebels, xxD series, and the 7D). They will not work on full frame or 1.3x crop cameras like the 5D series, or 1D/1Ds/1Dx series cameras.
As far as the light leak "issue". It's been addressed, for anyone reading this now... and was never really an issue for 99% of users. It only caused a slight metering error when the LCD is on during very long exposures such as astrophotography. It only affected a small number of units from the first batch of cameras, as well. None of the current models have this problem.
Very helpful video - thanks.
Did Canon repair the troubble between display and fotometer (light leak)?
Hello,
Canon has issued an advisory for customers to registor their cameras and check for updates. They will also inspect a camera for any customer who feels their camera is not working correctly.
Canon has announced the batches that have the problem. However, the fixing process is not clear yet. I have decided to return my camera and wait for a replacement.
Hello,
I found this short video to be both informitive and easy to understand. I for one will be upgrading from my present Canon 5D MK II, to the MK III. The new features are what I have been waiting for.
Thank you for a very informative video on The new Canon EOS 5D MK III.