The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is the professional DSLR flagship to replace the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II was launched in 2016. The EOS-1D X Mark III is the most powerful DSLR to date, integrates a lot of technologies inside it, such as a new sensor, DIGIC X processor, high-resolution shooting at up to 20fps, a new Dual Pixel AF autofocus system, or a Canon’s first full-frame camera with 4K video recording without cropping, Raw 5.5K video recording.

Price and Availability

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is currently available to pre-order via Bhphotovideo.com and Amazon.com online stores for $6,499, including 64GB Sandisk CFexpress memory card and Sandisk CFexpress card reader and will start being officially sold in mid-February 2020.

Introduction

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The introduction of this 1D X Mark III shows that the DSLR Pro is still very large, not gradually giving way to the mirrorless cameras that have been storming the market in recent years.

The EOS-1D series is Canon’s high-end professional camera lineup and it is aimed at professional use subjects such as a wedding, studio and wildlife shooting with high durability, which can withstand harsh weather conditions. Currently, the 1D X Mark III series is more aimed at professional users, reporters specializing in sports photography with significant upgrades in speed such as the ability to shoot up to 16 frames per second continuously when shooting through the viewfinder (up to 14 shots per second compared to 1D X Mark II) or capable of shooting up to 20 fps when shooting with Live view while autofocus tracking follows subject.

Internal Hardware

The first is a new AF sensor with a square-shaped pixel design, increasing pixel density for both vertical and horizontal shooting directions. The pixel minimization increases the pixel density by 28 times, increasing the number of AF points from 61 points (on the EOS-1D X Mark II) to 191 points (when using the optical viewfinder) on the EOS-1D X Mark III. The processing speed of the new AF sensor is 40 times faster than that of the EOS-1D X Mark II and is a significant improvement in subject recognition and tracking.

In terms of the image sensor, 1D X Mark III is equipped with a new 20.1MP Full-frame CMOS sensor that integrates the Low-Pass filter with a new design with high detail for sharper images. Thanks to the noise reduction mechanism in the CMOS sensor and improved noise reduction operation with the new DIGIC X, the 1D X Mark III has a high ISO range of 100-102400, expandable from 50-819200. A dedicated DIGIC 8 processor is used to manage AF and control the 400,000-pixel RGB + IR metering sensor. The new focus system with 191 focus points (AF) via the viewfinder is capable of tracking according to the face and head of the subject using Deep Learning technology. All 191 focus points (AF) support exposure up to f/8 over the entire AF area, with 65 cross-type AF points at f/8.

Canon’s new Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology enables users to achieve fast and accurate autofocusing using 3869 custom AF points and 525 AF areas.

In terms of speed, 1D X Mark III is capable of capturing images at the highest resolution at up to 20fps and 4K 60P high-resolution videos with the exclusive Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus by Canon:

The EOS-1D X Mark III is capable of fast continuous shooting of up to 16fps via the viewfinder and with upgrades to the new mirror system with a high-speed flip mechanism to capture and reset mirrors, in conjunction with an optical system. Learn how to display images in real-time, which helps to minimize the “blackout” phenomenon due to the mirror (recording after the shooting) that does not get all the new images to display on the viewfinder. This feature improves the ability to track moving subjects through the viewfinder.

When shooting in live view mode, the 1D X Mark III can shoot continuously at up to 20fps for both RAW and RAW + JPEG. Focus and exposure can be maintained with AF/AE tracking. The AE area available during Live View continuous shooting is wider than what can be achieved with viewfinder shooting, with the ability to track up to 525 areas. Even when selecting an electronic shutter to take photos, the EOS-1D X Mark III can shoot continuously at up to 20fps. In addition, the EOS-1D X Mark III is also capable of focusing well in low light situations (as low as EV-6).

A completely new feature of the EOS-1D X Mark III is the HDR PQ HEIF standard, a 10-bit data recording standard (for still images) that differs from traditional HD standards, and uses a method for resolution. The new standard aims to reproduce images closer to reality than traditional methods of image creation, making images with sharper details. This type of HEIF file has previously been seen by Apple on its new iPhones, compressing smaller files while preserving the best possible image quality. HEIF files can easily be converted into JPEG (HDR PQ quality) right inside the camera or on another device using Digital Photo Professional.

The EOS-1D X Mark III also has a new “Clarity” setting that is included in the image adjustment options. This setting is especially useful when users want to maintain the “soft” on the skin of the subject, or when they want more clarity to create accents such as the hardness of the metal, or details in a beautiful scene.

Video Recording

This is a huge upgrade in this specialized camera. First of all, the EOS-1D X Mark III is Canon’s first Full-frame camera to feature non-crop 4K movie recording and supports recording in both 4K UHD (3840 x 2160, 16:9) standards, ITU, suitable for TV production activities. It also supports the 4K DCI standard (4096 x 2160, 17:9) set by the Digital Cinema Initiative (a group of film production companies). The EOS-1D X Mark III is equipped with Canon Log and its performance has been verified in the EOS CINEMA system. Canon Log supports H.265 HEVC encoding, which helps ensure wide color gradation, vivid color ranges, and small file sizes.

The 4K 60p / Canon Log 10-bit HDMI movie output mode can be used to transfer 4K movie data to another device for presentation or external recording activities. The EOS-1D X Mark III also supports the export of Canon Log YCbCr 4: 2: 2 10-bit movies and exports with the ITU-R BT.2020 color gamut. These features make it possible to capture images in movies with superior dynamic range and vibrant colors. The EOS-1D X Mark III is also available in 5.5K 60p RAW mode. High resolution, high color gradation, and RAW movie editing capabilities help users shoot HDR clips, high-contrast scenes, and scenes that require advanced editing. The EOS-1D X Mark III can also record high-speed movies at 120p / 100p in FHD.

Appearance

The first point to mention is that the 1D X Mark III has been moved to CFexpress with 2 slots with NVMe protocol for faster data writing speed instead of using 2 CF and CFast slots. The ultra-fast data transfer speeds of the CFexpress device, combined with the device’s expanded caching, make it possible for the 1D X Mark III to achieve a continuous shooting speed of up to 1000 new (RAW) sheets, This rate is five times higher than the 1D X Mark II. With the EOS-1D X Mark II, it can only shoot at 14fps for 12 seconds until the buffer is full, but with the EOS-1D X Mark III, the shooting time can be extended to a minute at a speed of 16fps. If you only take pictures in JPG format, the camera will continue shooting without stopping until the device runs out of battery or when the memory card is full.

Next is the change in the AF-ON button, now it is no longer a traditional AF-ON button, but has become a smart control button, integrated touch to help users easily select the AF point quickly, without the need to release the AF-ON button, this change is very useful as the number of AF points is increasing and you will save a lot of time when you press the focus points manually, then you select the point. Swipe focus to move between focus points, which makes moving focus much faster than pressing traditional navigation buttons or joystick buttons. This new AF-ON button is still integrated on the bottom grip, which makes rotating the control stand and shooting easier.

A high-resolution LCD monitor with 2.1 million pixels, higher than on the EOS-1D X Mark II only 1.62 million pixels, for clear images, easy-to-see menu operations, and playback can be processed by touch screen.

















The EOS-1D X Mark III also has light buttons for easy navigation and playback in dark places. The viewfinder is improved and is able to display key elements (other than the AF frame) in red. This feature makes it easy to view information even in very dark or extremely bright places. The information display/viewfinder elements do not affect AF operation. Basically, the connection ports on the 1D X Mark III are kept as on his elder brother with the Mic and 3.5mm headphone ports, HDMI mini ports, and ethernet ports.

The most interesting thing here is the upgrade of USB-C port for faster data transfer, the ability to charge directly to the high-capacity LP-E19 battery attached without having to use a separate charger. As big as the old 1D series chargers have been, however, according to Canon, you can only charge 1D X Mark III with USB-C when you buy additional Canon PD-E1 USB adapters. Maximum shooting capacity of up to 610 shots when shooting with Live View or up to 2850 shots when taken with Viewfinder when using the LP-E19 battery according to CIPA standards.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Features: