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Canon launches its 5D Mark III to expectant fans
Not to be left out of the DSLR race, Canon has matched its rival Nikon in rolling out the latest iteration of its 5D, the Mark III.
The Mark II is a hard act to follow, as it has been a staple camera for pros since its release three years ago. So is the Mark III up to the job of replacing a still-loved model? And can it vie with the high-megapixel might of Nikon's D800? Let's see if the extra price tag and wait justify the hype.
FORM
Canon continues with the familiar body shape of the 7D in the new model. It's simple, familiar and works just fine, so no need for a huge makeover here. On closer inspection, some minor changes have occurred from the Mark II. The mode dial now has a central lock botton and there is a new on/off switch, which are both welcome changes. It's a negligible 50g heavier than the Mark II, but will look familiar to Canon users.
FEATURES
Inside is where the real improvements are to be found. The top ISO setting of the camera has been pushed to 102,400, basically enabling shooting in the dark, which will appeal to a host of professionals. Another big improvement has been made to autofocus. The 61-point system is borrowed from the flagship EOS-1D X. It's a big jump from the nine points of the Mark II, and is a little complicated to use, but gets its own tab in the menu structure to make things more manageable.
Another addition is the Silent shooting mode, which will also appeal to many. It even works for continuous shooting, and isn't quite silent, but close enough.
Battery life isn't an issue, clocking in at over 2,000 shots, but can be doubled with a grip if required.
VERDICT
It seems that almost all bloggers have found something different to like about the Mark III. In their glowing review of the camera, tech guru site engadget.com excitedly says "this thing is simply amazing, in every way", which is an opinion that will make the Nikon execs nervous.
But Nikon has a big competitor on paper with its D800 that clocks a 36-megapixel count and other impressive specs, at least on paper. Canon seems aware of this, and has thrown plenty into the Mark III, lending technologies from even their top range of cameras. Users will like the high ISO settings, snappy AF (even in the dark), enhanced video capabilities and a host of small improvements, but Nikon has done enough to keep loyal fans from straying with its new D800.
In terms of the duel, neither stands out far enough to kill the competition. The only loser will be your holiday savings plan, if there's any left after Songkran.
Not to be left out of the DSLR race, Canon has matched its rival Nikon in rolling out the latest iteration of its 5D, the Mark III.
The Mark II is a hard act to follow, as it has been a staple camera for pros since its release three years ago. So is the Mark III up to the job of replacing a still-loved model? And can it vie with the high-megapixel might of Nikon's D800? Let's see if the extra price tag and wait justify the hype.
FORM
Canon continues with the familiar body shape of the 7D in the new model. It's simple, familiar and works just fine, so no need for a huge makeover here. On closer inspection, some minor changes have occurred from the Mark II. The mode dial now has a central lock botton and there is a new on/off switch, which are both welcome changes. It's a negligible 50g heavier than the Mark II, but will look familiar to Canon users.
FEATURES
Inside is where the real improvements are to be found. The top ISO setting of the camera has been pushed to 102,400, basically enabling shooting in the dark, which will appeal to a host of professionals. Another big improvement has been made to autofocus. The 61-point system is borrowed from the flagship EOS-1D X. It's a big jump from the nine points of the Mark II, and is a little complicated to use, but gets its own tab in the menu structure to make things more manageable.
Another addition is the Silent shooting mode, which will also appeal to many. It even works for continuous shooting, and isn't quite silent, but close enough.
Battery life isn't an issue, clocking in at over 2,000 shots, but can be doubled with a grip if required.
VERDICT
It seems that almost all bloggers have found something different to like about the Mark III. In their glowing review of the camera, tech guru site engadget.com excitedly says "this thing is simply amazing, in every way", which is an opinion that will make the Nikon execs nervous.
But Nikon has a big competitor on paper with its D800 that clocks a 36-megapixel count and other impressive specs, at least on paper. Canon seems aware of this, and has thrown plenty into the Mark III, lending technologies from even their top range of cameras. Users will like the high ISO settings, snappy AF (even in the dark), enhanced video capabilities and a host of small improvements, but Nikon has done enough to keep loyal fans from straying with its new D800.
In terms of the duel, neither stands out far enough to kill the competition. The only loser will be your holiday savings plan, if there's any left after Songkran.
