Canon’s one of the high-end, ultra-tough, and lightning-fast DSLR is the Canon 1DX Mark III.
As a “finished picture” camera, this one goes beyond just capturing 8-bit JPEGs. Mark III also offers AF topic detection using machine learning in OVF, lives view, and outstanding video capabilities.
Canon 1DX Mark III Review
For a person looking for an all-rounder camera, this device has a lot to offer. Let’s dive into a comprehensive rundown of the EOS-1D X Mark III’s primary features:
Built
Besides a few significant changes on the outside, It appears to be the same as prior EOS-1D bodies that have been around for more than two decades. Even though this is a large, double-grip DSLR, you can use it in Live View mode if you have the strength to hold it out in front of you for long periods.
Display and Viewfinder
When photographing, you’ll spend most of your time looking via the optical viewfinder. All the advantages of optical finders may be found in this 0.76x SLR finder. You receive a clear perspective of the world without latency and any digital filtering in a positive light.
But there are also downsides. When the camera fires at burst speeds, the large mirror creates a lot of noise. Cameras like the Canon 1D X and Nikon D6 make rattling noises at press conferences when they take shots quickly.
The amount of time you cannot see an image in the viewfinder when taking a picture has decreased, but it’s still there.
A more accurate preview of your finished shot is also lost, along with any color tweaks you made in the camera and the ability to punch in and magnify to check your precise focus. Finally, a viewfinder that relies on an optical system looks to have had its day.
Fujifilm, Panasonic, and Sony are just a few companies that only make EVF cameras.
The 1D X, of course, features a back LCD. A 3.2-inch touch screen with 2.1 million dots makes for a crisp display. It’s mainly used for video recording but may also take images by pressing the Start/Stop button on the camera.
Advanced Controls
The customizable intelligent controller on the new EOS-1D X Mark III lets you quickly and easily pick your chosen AF point using your finger over the AF-ON button. In addition, you may alter the AF point movement speed by adjusting the button’s touch sensitivity.
Thanks to a mix of well-positioned dials, configurable multi-controllers, and an all-touchscreen interface, control is at your fingertips.
DIGIC X with a brand-new CMOS sensor
With the EOS-1D X Mark III, picture resolution and edge sharpness have never been more exact.
From resolution to color reproduction to noise reduction, all performance elements have been greatly improved by the newest DIGIC X image engine in the EOS-1D X Mark III. For example, advanced noise reduction is possible even at ISO speeds as low as 102 400.
In addition, the camera may expand to include ISOs of 50, 204 800, 409 600, and 819 200.
With a 20.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and a DIGIC X image engine, the camera exceeds expectations in high-quality photo capture and flawless 5.5K RAW videos.
Autofocus
The EOS-1D X Mark III has a new AF sensor that can track up to 191 points in viewfinder mode. So even in low contrast and dimly illuminated shooting settings, the EOS-1D X Mark III can keep focus up to EV-6, where traditional AF systems fail to grasp
Face and head identification for high-precision subject tracking in athletic events involving dynamic motions is greatly aided by the enormous increase in the AI Servo AF algorithm. Different lenses might affect the AF points and cross-type AF points that are accessible.
Live View Shooting
Up to 20 frames per second may be captured by the EOS-1D X Mark III’s AF/AE tracking system.
The whole picture can be precisely focused on utilizing the Dual-pixel CMOS AF thanks to the large AF area divided into 525 parts. A manual selection of 3869 AF points is available for fine-tuning the AF. Silent photography is also possible with electronic shutters.
High-Speed Continuous Shooting
Professional photographers can better capture the correct composition because of burst shooting’s lightning-fast pace.
Cameras like the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, which can shoot up to 16 frames per second using the viewfinder, are known for capturing the perfect photo in a split second.
The EOS-1D X Mark III has two slots for the next-generation CFexpress cards to use the camera’s high frame rate fully. These cards can high-speed data transfer for 5.5k RAW movies at up to 2600Mbps, dramatically increasing the number of shots in a single burst.
It involves using the viewfinder to capture images from a 325GB CFexpress card (Canon Test Standards).
4K Shooting Capabilities
To capture immersive wide-angle shots with superb clarity, the EOS-1D X Mark III uses the camera’s 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor, which uses the entire width of the sensor.
Additionally, the camera can record 5.5K RAW movies while concurrently recording Canon Log (MP4) for film processing. With a dynamic range of up to 12 stops, the 4:2:2 10bit Canon Log profile has been proven in the Cinema EOS System.
It offers rich details and excellent grading flexibility.
EOS-1D X Mark III has an HDMI port for smooth 4K data transfer to an external monitor or recorder. With high-speed filming at 120p/100p FHD, videographers may generate slow-motion effects for fast-moving topics, such as athletic events.
You may use the EOS-1D X Mark III for various purposes, including filmmaking, commercial video production, and news reporting, while benefiting from its superior image quality and versatility.
HIF, RAW, and JPEG Imaging
The pictures you get out of your camera are the only thing that matter.
With this camera, autofocus is spot on with the 1D X III, so you won’t have to worry about smeared images. Although its 20MP resolution is nearly identical to the previous model’s, the image sensor and the CPU are new.
Raw, Compressed Raw, JPG, and HEIF are just some image file formats that can be captured with the Mark III camera. Although iPhone users will be familiar with Canon, it has never used this feature. It’s a 10-bit format with better compression than the 8-bit JPG, which is still used today.
When editing, the 1D’s HIF images have double the amount of data as a JPG, allowing more freedom.
“Clarity” Feature
“Clarity” is a new picture quality adjustment option for altering edge contrast on the EOS-1D X Mark III.
With this function, users may change contrast (sharpness) around edges while suppressing the loss of detail in the overall image’s highlights and shadows, improving a feeling of sensitivity in low-contrast photographs or preserving a soft look on a person’s skin.
Optimizer for Digital Lenses
EOS-1D X Mark III’s Digital Lens Optimizer effectively corrects diffraction blur and optical aberrations based on the design values of compatible lenses so that you may get top-notch quality photographs even without post-processing.
A more significant Digital Lens Optimizer effect is available in the EOS-1D X Mark III’s in-camera RAW processing.
The durability of 500,000 Cycles
With a shutter mechanism that can withstand roughly 500 000 cycles of operation, the EOS-1D X Mark III was built to assure mechanical robustness for continuous shooting at high speeds and smooth operation.
With a significant increase in photos, this camera is a step forward from the EOS-1D X Mark II. Moreover, it extends its usefulness for many years to come.
Weather Resistant
The EOS-1D X Mark III is a robust and trustworthy camera that can resist various weather and topographical conditions in the field.
The EOS-1D X Mark III’s powerful camera system is built to withstand the rigors of travel, thanks to its magnesium alloy body and dust- and moisture-resistant vital sections.
Connectivity
Professional photographers rely on sharing to move, show, and publish their photographs online. Establishing one is part of this process. A reliable and secure network connection that doesn’t drop links.
There aren’t any connections or connectors for charging the camera itself, but plenty is for other purposes.
Connectivity options include a USB-C to Ethernet port for data transmission, tiny HDMI for video playback, and 3.5mm headphone/microphone connectors for audio.
The camera has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which may be used with the Canon smartphone app, the desktop software, or an FTP server to transfer files. Travel and social media photographers are more likely to utilize the app.
Still, working professionals who need to submit a large number of images to an editorial desk are more likely to use the Ethernet and FTP features available.
The built-in Wi-Fi (with FTP), wired LAN module, built-in GPS receiver for geotagging photographs, and long-lasting security standards are all easily configured through the camera’s sophisticated user interface with the EOS-1D X Mark III’s network tab.
The optional WFT-E9 wireless file transmitter provides a quicker, more robust, and dependable connection than the built-in Wi-Fi for transferring big, high-resolution CRAW or video files.
Battery
The 1D X III features a large battery that lets you capture an event from start to finish.
A clasp secures it after pushing it into the bottom grip. In addition, the 1D X comes with a charger that can recharge two batteries simultaneously, even though you only get one battery in the package.
Canon 1DX Mark III Key Specifications:
- Updated 20.1MP CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel AF
- Digic X processor
- HEIF 10-bit recording (supports HDR display at smaller-than-JPEG sizes)
- 16fps bursts (viewfinder), 20fps bursts (Live View) with autofocus
- All-new mirror mechanism to reduce vibration and blackout
- 191-pt viewfinder AF system with new ‘square pixel’ design, 155 cross-type points, Face + head detection, sensitivity to -4 EV, all topics support F8 shooting
- Live View AF system is now 90% horizontal/ 100% vertical coverage with enhanced eye detection, sensitivity down to -6 EV, and supports F11 shooting.
- New AF ‘Smart Controller’ built into the AF-ON buttons
- 5K/60p 12-bit Raw video recording, 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit H.265/HEVC recording
- Dual CFExpress card slots for virtually unlimited buffer in most situations
- CIPA rated to 2850 shots with the viewfinder, 610 with Live View using LP-E19 battery
- Shutter rated to 500k shots
- Weighs 1440g
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality
- 20MP full-frame sensor with 5.5K Raw video
- 16fps capture with mechanical shutter
- 20fps with electronic shutter
- Superlative autofocus (for an SLR)
- Huge battery
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connectivity
Cons:
- EF lenses are no longer in development
- Requires expensive CFexpress memory cards
- HIF image format not widely supported
- The future is mirrorless
Conclusion
With the 1D X Mark III, photographers who have used the 1D X Mark II and older models will feel right at home. There are no surprises here. As far as handling and reaction are concerned… exactly it’s the same.
In terms of speed, it’s better. It’s quicker than any SLR camera, and the focusing has been improved in every way.
This is a return to form for Canon, and it’s paired with the most excellent video toolset we’ve seen in an SLR, rivaling mirrorless choices like the Panasonic S1H.
Cameras like this can travel everywhere, whether on the front lines of combat, avoiding footballs and players from the sidelines, or operating in other severe conditions. For the most part, it’s everything a 1D should be.
The RF mount is Canon’s future. Expect an EOS R1 to be released at some point in the future. At first glance, the R5 appears to be a 5D replacement with an EVF and improved focusing.
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is an excellent camera <– Affiliate Link 🙂 Still, its debut coincides with the end of Canon’s EF system after decades of service. However, this one is a knockout as far as swan songs go.
