Canon Creates the Ultimate EOS: 1D X Mark III DSLR

Every four years we get to see what type of flagship camera the big camera makers can create, and, right on schedule, we have Canon and its EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR. Previewed a few months back, "The Ultimate EOS," as it is dubbed by Canon, offers an impressive array of specifications and features that obviously put it at the top of the pile for professional photographers.

A Focus on Image Quality

Normally the image sensor is a key part of the groundbreaking tech in new flagship releases, so it may be surprising to see the 20.1MP spec of the 1D X Mark III's full-frame CMOS sensor. This matches its predecessor in resolution. However, Canon has redesigned the chip with higher sensitivity and speed in mind, giving it native settings of ISO 100–102400 and an extended range of ISO 50–819200. An optimized low-pass filter is used as well to minimize artifacts while retaining sharpness. In addition to raw and JPEG, a new HEIF format is available that will help deliver higher-quality images at smaller file sizes and with support for HDR metadata.

Backing this new sensor is the DIGIC X Image Processor (pronounced "X", not "10"… we asked). It provides a new image-processing engine and improved power efficiency. The added efficiency is a huge benefit, as it allows the Mark III to use the same LP-E19 battery as its predecessor and still benefit from improved battery life. This processor can also work at speeds of up to 16 fps when using the optical viewfinder or 20 fps in live view. The buffer received a huge expansion to 1000 raw images, thanks in part to two ultra-fast CFexpress card slots. It's an impressive bit of speed that should satisfy sports and wildlife photographers.

All this speed is worthless if you can't get your subject in focus, so a revamped AF system that uses a dedicated DIGIC 8 processor will help keep everything tack sharp. The conventional system features 191 points, 155 of which are cross-type for improved accuracy. The system even includes head and face detection for locking onto any people in your images and a new AI Servo AF system with four customizable use cases. Switching to live view is now a seamless experience and will use a new Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. Dual Pixel has an advanced 525-area setup that very quickly finds and locks onto your subject. Live view will also be able to use Eye AF.

All these come together to make this a highly capable camera that will easily track and capture action in exceedingly difficult conditions.

Cinema EOS for DSLRs

Raw 5.5K (5472 x 2886) video at 60 fps on a DSLR? And all internal? Canon actually did it with the 1D X Mark III. That alone would be more than enough to make this camera a standout in the DSLR field. Luckily, it has all the other features one may want from a video-capable DSLR. 5.5K raw is very flashy, but many people working quickly will want more conventional modes, and the 1D X Mark III provides an excellent standard feature set. This includes up to DCI 4K at 60 fps, both cropped and uncropped, and Full HD at up to 120 fps. The internal recording can be set to reach 10-bit 4:2:2 for maximizing flexibility in post, and Canon Log is available for capturing a wide dynamic range.

This is an outstanding camera for video, and there are plenty of options to dial in the camera for your needs. Users will have both All-I and IPB compression options and the ability to autofocus when shooting at up to 5.5K raw at 30 fps or cropped DCI 4K at 60 fps. When using the full-frame area, 4K autofocus is limited to 30 fps. Other movie-specific functions include Movie Digital IS, peaking, and a focus guide. This is a very exciting hybrid camera for individuals looking for a stills camera that can also serve as their video camera. We can't wait to see what it can do.

Tough Construction and Advanced Controls

One standard feature of the 1D series that is loved by photographers is its durability. These cameras are built to be used in the most trying conditions and still perform at the highest level. The 1D X Mark III is weather sealed, has a built-in vertical grip for increased control, has a shutter rated to 500,000 actuations, and has all the dials and buttons one could want. There is some new stuff to look at, too. The most intriguing is a new Smart Controller. This is a touch-sensitive button on the back that will make it even easier to shift focus points while shooting. It is a nice innovation to go alongside the standard joystick.

Other changes are an optical viewfinder with minimized blackout and a new mirror drive mechanism to keep any impact on your images to an absolute minimum. The other method of composing images or reviewing settings is the rear display, now upgraded to a 3.2" 2.1m-dot touchscreen with a lot more menu control. The camera is just as customizable and tough as you would expect. There are plenty of ports as well, including a mini HDMI for video output, headphone and microphone jacks, USB Type-C, remote control port, Ethernet, and a little more.

For wireless, the 1D X Mark III can offer maximum capabilities with the addition of the optional new WFT-E9A Wireless File Transmitter. It has wireless LAN support and compatibility with 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies for fast, secure transfer. It will even allow for transferring raw files, HDR content, and 4K video. It is a great addition to make an already-stellar camera even better.

If you want to see the camera for yourself, Canon's first stop is CES 2020 in Las Vegas from January 7 to 10, 2020. Also, if you order the camera early, Canon is offering it in a bundle with a CFexpress card and reader, so you can start shooting with the new media format.