Called the EOS-1D Mark III, Canon has just made its super-fast Canon EOS-1D Mark II N professional DSLR even faster, increasing continuous shooting rate capability from 8.5 frames per second to 10fps. It also gets a new 10 megapixel APS-H sensor and a bigger 3 inch LCD, live view mode and a sensor cleaning system. Read all about it!
We will be reporting from the Canon Launch today - watch this space!
United Kingdom, 22 February, 2007: Canon today sets new standards for professional photography with the launch of the EOS-1D Mark III. Delivering 10 frames per second at 10.1 Megapixels for a maximum burst of 110 Large JPEG images (30 in RAW), the EOS-1D Mark III replaces the EOS-1D Mark II N as the world’s fastest digital SLR. Dual “DIGIC III” processors drive the camera’s high speed, high resolution performance, and bring 14-bit image processing to the EOS series for the first time.
A redesign from the ground up introduces a host of new features and advancements to Canon’s flagship EOS-1 series, including a 3.0” LCD with Live View mode, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, new auto focus system with 19 cross-type sensors, and 63-zone exposure metering. The camera’s APS-H size (28.1 x 18.7 mm) CMOS sensor enables a wider 100-3200 ISO range as standard, expandable to L:50 and H:6400.
“The EOS-1D Mark III represents a complete reappraisal of everything Canon has learned over the past 20 years of EOS development,” said Tsunemasa Ohara, Senior General Manager, Camera Development Center, Canon Inc. “In building this camera, we started with a blank canvas. Every facet of the photographic process has been refined, every design decision re-evaluated to bring us to this point: a camera that combines familiar EOS ergonomics with a vastly enhanced specification. Our engineers are overjoyed with the result.”
Pricing and availability
Pricing and availability TBA.
Key features
10.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor
10 fps continuous shooting for up to 110 frames
Dual “DIGIC III” processors
New auto focus system with 19 cross type sensors
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
ISO 3200 (expandable to H:6400)
3.0” LCD with Live View mode
Wider, brighter viewfinder
Picture Style1
The choice of professionals
The EOS-1D line has enjoyed massive popularity among the world’s leading sports, reportage and wildlife photographers, with international wire agencies AFP, Getty and Reuters choosing Canon for their photographers. “The people at Canon are great to work with because they listen to photographers. It’s their attention to detail and the pace of innovation that makes EOS the system of choice,” explained Stephen Munday, Director of Operations – Editorial, Getty Images
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Exceptional image quality
Canon’s dual “DIGIC III” processors deliver unprecedented levels of speed, responsiveness and image quality. Ready to shoot within 0.2 seconds of power on, the EOS-1D Mark III can capture and process over 100 Megapixels of image data per second, rapidly clearing the image buffer to allow up to 110 frames in one burst. Images are processed at 14 bits for a total colour depth of up to 16,384 tones per pixel, compared to 4,096 tones from 12 bit images.
The third generation CMOS sensor incorporates a new pixel design that works together with on-chip noise reduction circuitry to ensure high image quality at ISO 3200. The option to expand to H:6400 will benefit professionals working in news and sports locations where the use of flash is not permitted or desired.
Greater precision, more control
Canon has redesigned its auto focus system to include 19 cross-type sensors with sensitivity up to f/2.8, spread out across the AF area to better accommodate off-centre subjects. An additional 26 AF assist points are used to aid AF tracking for improved accuracy.
Responding to professional photographer requests, a dedicated AF button on the back of the camera allows users to instantly switch auto focus on or off while keeping their eye on the viewfinder. The viewfinder is now brighter and offers a wider angle of view. The camera’s new 63-zone metering system gives photographers a greater level of control over exposure.
New LCD with Live View
The bright 3.0” LCD monitor provides 230K pixels resolution for precise framing and reviewing of shots. New to EOS, Live View mode enables photographers to frame without having to look through the viewfinder – particularly useful for shooting from awkward positions.
The menu system on the EOS-1D Mark III has been completely redesigned to take advantage of the LCD size – menus are easier to read and use. A choice of 57 custom functions gives photographers more options for customising camera settings to their daily working requirements. A new My Menu option allows photographers to store frequently used settings on a separate menu for faster access.
Settings for new accessories such as the Speedlite 580EX II and
Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 – also released today – can be controlled directly from the LCD.
Total reliability
The EOS-1D Mark III incorporates a range of practical enhancements for the working photographer. Shutter durability has been increased by 50% to 300,000 cycles. The body is protected by a magnesium alloy casing with dust and moisture resistant seals. The EOS Integrated Cleaning System provides further reliability by reducing sensor dust, minimising the need for manual cleaning on assignment. To avoid corruption of captured images, a warning appears on the LCD and an alarm sounds if the memory card door is opened while images are still being written. Interfaces include video out (for display in both NTSC and PAL formats) and USB 2.0.
Compatibility and accessories
Canon is marking today’s launch with the release of several additions to the professional EOS system:
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM – A fast, ultra wide-angle zoom lens delivering exceptional image quality throughout the aperture range.
Speedlite 580EX II – An update of the Speedlite 580EX that offers weather resistance when attached to the EOS-1D Mark III.
Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 – Smaller, lighter and more versatile than its predecessor, the WFT-E2 speeds up workflows by allowing photographers to transmit images wirelessly during the shoot.
Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 – Verifies the authenticity of images taken with the camera and supports image encryption for additional security.
Software
The EOS-1D Mark III is supplied with a comprehensive software suite to help the photographer’s workflow. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control.
DPP integrates with cameras features such as the Dust Delete Data and Picture Style. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, ImageBrowser/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.
Canon Professional Services
Professional EOS photographers can benefit from Canon Professional Services (CPS). Free of charge to qualifying members, CPS provides support at major sporting and news events across Europe. The CPS website and newsletter keep photographers up to date with pro-oriented articles, resources and technical guides.
19 cross-type AF points (plus 26 Assist AF points)
AF working range
EV -1 - 18 (at 23°C & ISO 100)
AF Modes
One Shot
AI Servo
AF Point Selection
Automatic selection, Manual selection, Home position (switch to registered AF point)
Selected AF point display
Superimposed in viewfinder
Predictive AF
Yes
AF Lock
Locked when shutter button is pressed half way in One Shot AF mode.
AF Assist Beam
Emitted by an optional dedicated Speedlite
Manual Focus
Selected on lens, default in Live View Mode
EXPOSURE CONTROL
Metering modes
TTL full aperture metering with 63 zone SPC
(1) Evaluative metering (linked to any AF point)
(2) Partial metering (approx. 13.5% of viewfinder at centre)
(3) Spot metering:
Center spot metering (approx. 3.8% viewfinder at center)
AF point-linked spot metering (approx. 3.8% of viewfinder)
Multi/Spot metering (Max 8 spot metering entries)
(4) Center weighted average metering
Metering Range
EV 0 - 20 (at 23°C with 50mm f1.4 lens ISO 100)
AE Lock
Auto: Operates in 1-shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved
Manual: By AE lock button in all metering modes
Exposure Compensation
+/-3 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments (can be combined with AEB).
AEB
+/-3 EV in 1/3-stop increments. 1/2-stop increments selectable with C.Fn I - 01
ISO Speed Equivalent
100-3200 (in 1/3-stop increments) ISO can be expanded to L: 50 or H: 6400 (selected with C.Fn I -03)
ISO 200-3200 in Highlight Tone Priority (C.Fn II -03)
SHUTTER
Type
Electronically-controlled focal-plane shutter
Speed
30 - 1/8000 sec. (1/3 stop increments), Bulb
Shutter release
Soft touch electromagnetic release
WHITE BALANCE
Type
Auto white balance with the imaging sensor
Settings
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, White Fluorescent light, Flash, Custom (5 settings), Colour Temperature Setting, Personal WB
White balance compensation: 1. Blue/Amber +/-9
2. Magenta/ Green +/-9.
Personal White Balance
5 personal WB settings can be registered
WB Bracketing
+/-3 stops in full stop increments.
3 bracketed images per shutter release.
Method: 1. Blue/Amber 2.Magenta/Green.
COLOUR MATRIX
Type
Two types of colour space, sRGB and Adobe RGB.
VIEWFINDER
Viewfinder
Pentaprism
Coverage (Vertical/Horizontal)
Approx. 100%
Magnification
0.76x (4)
Eyepoint
20mm
Dioptre Correction
-3 to +1 dpt
Focusing Screen
Interchangeable (10 types). Standard Focusing Screen Ec-C IV
Mirror
Quick-return half mirror (Transmission: reflection ratio of 37:63, no mirror cut-off with EF1200mm f5.6 or shorter)
Viewfinder Information
AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), Exposure information (metering mode, shutter speed, aperture, manual exposure, spot metering circle, AE lock, ISO speed, exposure level, exposure warning), Flash information (flash ready, FP flash, FE lock, flash exposure level), white balance correction, JPEG recording, RAW recording, number of remaining shots, maximum burst, memory card information, battery check icon.
Depth of field preview
Yes
Eyepiece shutter
Built-in
LCD MONITOR
Monitor
3.0" TFT, approx. 230K pixels
Live View Mode with selectable grid and aspect ratio markings.
Coverage
Approx. 100%
Brightness
Adjustable to one of seven levels
FLASH
Modes
E-TTL II Auto Flash, Metered Manual
HotShoe/ PC terminal
Yes/ Yes
X-sync
1/300sec (EX series Speedlites only)
Flash Exposure Compensation
+/-3 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments with EX series Speedlites
Flash Exposure Bracketing
Yes
Flash Exposure Lock
Yes
Second Curtain Synchronisation
Yes
External Flash
E-TTL II with EX series Speedlites, wireless multi-flash support.
SHOOTING
Modes
Program AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual
Photo Effects
Monochrome (selected from the "Picture Style" menu) with options for Filters and Toning Effects.
Drive modes
Single / Silent / Continuous L/ Continuous H
Continuous Shooting
Max. Approx.10fps. (speed maintained for up to 110 images (JPEG), 30 images (RAW)) (2)
CompactFlash Type I/ II (Microdrive compatible)(3), SDHC (3), SD memory (up to 2GB), External Media (with Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 only).
SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEM
PC & Macintosh
Windows 2000 (SP4) / XP (SP2) / Vista
OS X v10.3-10.4
SOFTWARE
Browsing & Printing
ZoomBrowser EX / ImageBrowser
Other
PhotoStitch, EOS Utility* (inc. Remote Shooting)
* Requires OS X 10.4.7 on an Intel Mac
Drivers
PTP TWAIN Driver (Windows 2000 / XP)
Image Manipulation
Digital Photo Professional (RAW Image Processing)
POWER SOURCE
Batteries
1x Li-ion pack LP-E4, 1x CR2025 for date & settings
Battery life
Approx. 2200 (at 23C) (5)
Approx. 1700 (at 0C)
Battery check
Automatic
Power saving
Power turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15 or 30mins.
A/C Power Supply
Power adapter ACK-E4
ACCESSORIES
Case
Lenses
All EF lenses (excludes EF-S lenses)
Flash
Canon Speedlites (220EX, 380EX, 420EX, 430EX, 550EX, 580EX, 580EX II, Macro-Ring-Lite, MR-14EX, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX, Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2)
Remote Controller/ Switch
Remote control with N3 type contact, Wireless Controller LC-5
Power Supply & Battery Chargers
Battery Pack LP-E4, Battery charger LC-E4, Car Battery Cable CG-570 (use with LC-E4), Power Adapter ACK-E4
Other
Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2, Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3, Eyecup Eg, Eg-series Dioptric Adjustment Lens with Rubber Frame Eg, Anti Fog Eyepiece Eg, Focusing Screens Ec, Angle Finder C, Hand Strap E1
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Body Materials
Magnesium Alloy
Operating Environment
0-45 °C, 85% or lower humidity
Dimensions (WxHxD)
156.0 x 156.6 x 79.9mm
Weight (body only)
Approx. 1155g (battery weight 180g)
1 Large/Fine resolution
2 Depending on memory card speed / capacity
3 Compatible with large memory card capacities, including cards of 2GB and more (camera may require firmware update).
4 with 50mm lens at infinity, -1 dpt
5 Based on the CIPA Standard and using the batteries and memory card format supplied with the camera, except where indicated
