Canon has updated its flagship
EOS-1D X line with the release of the new Mark III camera. The new model
continues on the tradition of offering incredible speed, performance and
reliability that the 1D X is known for in photography while also improving the
video recording.
The new EOS-1D X Mark III
features a brand new 20.1 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with a newly
designed high detail low-pass filter, which should provide increased detail
without artifacts. There's also a new DIGIC X processor, which enables an ISO
range of 100-102,400, which is further expandable to 50-819,200.
The Mark III also features an
updated version of Canon's excellent Dual Pixel autofocus system. The system
features 191-points with 155 of those being of the cross type. The Dual Pixel
system supports 3869 manually selectable AF positions and 525 automatic areas.
In Live View mode, the camera supports face, head and eye detection AF
tracking. In Live Mode, the camera can capture up to 20fps in burst mode in
both RAW and RAW+JPEG formats.
The 1D X series is known for
its speed and with the optical viewfinder the Mark III can capture up to 16fps
with reduced time lag and image blackout. The buffer on the camera can store up
to 1000 images in one go while writing to the new two dual CFexpress cards.
To get these images over, the
camera supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet connections. You can get
an optional US$ 650 Wireless File Transmitter accessory (WFT-E9) from Canon that
is being launched with this camera for even faster wireless transmissions. The
camera also has GPS built-in.
The Mark III also greatly
improves upon the video features of the 1D X series. The new model can record
12-bit 5.5K RAW video internally. You can also choose to shoot in 4K 60p and
the camera will record oversampled video that uses the full width of the sensor
and the video can be saved in Canon Log with 10-bit 4:2:2. Additionally, the
camera can also output 4K 60p through HDMI for external monitors or recorders.
The EOS-1D X Mark III also
supports saving still images in HEIF file format, which include 10-bit color
and wider dynamic range for viewing on compatible HDR displays. As usual, the
camera is ruggedly built, with high durability shutter tested for 500,000
cycles and magnesium alloy body with dust and moisture resistance. It does
weigh 1440g, so you are going to need some upper body strength to wield this
around all day. The camera is powered by the LP-E19 battery and has a CIPA
rating of 2850 shots, which is enough for shooting all day.
The EOS-1D X Mark III body is
priced at US$ 6,499, which is about what you'd expect for a flagship camera aimed
at professionals. This is the type of camera that sports, journalism, and
wildlife photographers rely on for its speed and reliability, which are
sometimes more important than outright image quality. Throw in the incredible
new video capabilities and this is going to be the new popular choice among
professionals who want one camera that can do everything.
