On 2nd March Canon announced the launch of the 5D Mark III, almost 4 years after the launch of the 5D Mark II. While the speculations regarding the camera have been doing the rounds since few years, professionals will finally get their hands on one when it is out by the end of March 2012. So we got an exclusive preview look at the camera even before it was announced and here are some interesting facts about the same.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III will be priced in India at Rs. 2,05,095 (body only) and Rs. 2,50,095 (24-105 lens kit).
The 22.3 megapixel camera is built around a full frame sensor, is capable of shooting 6 frames per second, an improvement from the 3.9 frames over the Mark II. Boasting of an improved viewfinder with approximately 100 percent coverage, a newly developed CMOS sensor capable of shooting pictures with little or no digital noise even at ISO 6400, and significant other new features, the 5D Mark III packs quite a punch!
Enhancements
Some of the big changes when compared to the 5D Mark II are the sensor, the image processor, and the viewfinder that covers almost 100 per cent coverage. In terms of pixel count, the 5D Mark III’s 22.3 megapixel sensor is only a slight bump compared to the 5D Mark II’s 21.1 megapixel sensor. With the new sensor, Canon has aimed at increasing the sensitivity and reducing the noise. Canon says their aim was to achieve at ISO 25600 the same noise levels exhibited by the 5D Mark II at ISO 6400, realizing superior image quality in night scenes when compared to the 5D Mark II. Along with a drastic decrease in noise levels across the normal ISO range, noise reduction performance beyond ISO 25600 has also been improved. The standard ISO range is expandable to 50-102,400. The new sensor, coupled with Canon’s latest DIGIC 5+ processor enables continuous shooting at 6 fps.
The camera gains the 7D’s Live View switch which makes switching from shooting stills to video recording a breeze. A built-in headphone socket for audio monitoring has also been introduced. Changing exposure settings while recording video without having to rotate any dials and other disruptions is another issue that has been addressed and it is now possible to do so with the newly introduced touch sensitive rear control dial. Among the most important features found in the 5D Mark III for videographers is the ability to shoot video longer — as much as 29 minutes and 59 seconds long, a significant improvement from the 5D Mark II which would automatically stop filming after about 12 minutes.
Its 61-point focus system borrowed from the flagship EOS-1D X comes with a completely new tab in the menu for managing its complex AF system based on a range of usage-scenario presets. AF configuration is simplified with a choice of 6 presets defined by subject behaviour.
Some of the entirely new features include in-camera Higher Dynamic Range shooting and multiple exposure capability. The ability to define a specific minimum shutter speed when using Auto ISO makes it less likely for photographers to get shaky pictures while shooting in low light conditions. The viewfinder features a dual axis electric level allowing you to level your frame exactly as you’d like before shooting. A dual card slot makes the use of both CF and SD cards possible. In playback, it is now possible to compare images side by side. You can now compare composition and focus of two versions of the same shot, histograms, or check sharpness of different areas of the same image.
Our first impressions about the camera are extremely positive, but we’ve not really had our hands on the camera long enough to fully explore its capabilities, and I must say, we can barely wait to do a detailed review of the camera. Other products announced along with the 5D Mark III are an EF 24mm 1:2.8 IS USM lens, a 28mm 1:2.8 IS USM lens, and the 600EX-RT Speedlite.
Specifications
- 22.3 Megapixel full frame sensor
- 61 point autofocus
- Up to 6 fps continuous shooting
- Native ISO 100-25600; expandable to 50-102400
- Full HD video with manual control
- 14 bit DIGIC 5+ processor
- Enhanced weather sealing
- 8.11 cm (3.2 inch) 1,040,000 dot screen
- HDR mode with presets