Canon just launched their newest flagship full-frame DSLR, the EOS-1D X Mark III. Touted as the culmination of Canon’s technology to date and the bearer of the new technologies, the Mark III is made for professional users who need to capture the action at the moment it happens. It features several upgrades from the Mark II, including better image processing, color reproduction, AF, and a longer battery life (using the same battery cell as the Mark II).
Special guest, photographer Ezra Acayan also talked about his experience shooting with the Mark III in the still ash-laden Batangas. The camera held up remarkably even with the harsh conditions and was able to capture image after image that told the bleak story of the aftermath of the Taal eruption.
With a 20.1 MP, 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor, a newly developed DIGIC X image processor, it can capture 20 frames per second and shoot up to 4K videos at 60p using Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus technology. This new sensor delivers sharp detail for both vertical and horizontal directions by 28 times. Plus, it increased its AF points from 61 to 191, all of which support exposure of up to f/8 over the entire AF area, with 65 cross-type AF points at f/8—great to use with extenders—especially for action shots like wildlife or sports photography. Compared to the Mark II, the Mark III’s sensor speed is a great 40 times faster as well.
The Digic X processor provides improved resolution, color reproduction, and noise reduction. It also increases ISO speed of up to 102,400 that retains the quality of images even in super low-light scenes. Additionally, a dedicated Digic 8 processor supports the camera’s AF management and control of the 400,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor and a newly developed 16-point low pass filter helps reduce moiré, color distortion, and still better suit high-resolution lenses.
The EOS 1-D X Mark III is among the first cameras to offer the HDR PQ HEIF, a 10-bit recording standard (for stills) that uses high-resolution and low-noise approaches versus the conventional high-definition standards. HEIF shots are easily convertible to JPEG and eliminates the need for RAW development retouching and gamma adjustment process, particularly for photos with strong contrast or lighter tones in neutral-colored areas.
Of course, these features have to paired with equally speedy transfers and memory processing. The Mark III features high-speed data transfer (via USB 3.1 Gen 2) and its extended buffer memory delivers 5 times or 1,000 more RAW shots than its predecessor. On connectivity, it also comes with built-in WiFi with FTP functions, including the new WFT-E9 that comes with dual antennas that makes it 5G ready.
It’s also the brand’s first full-frame camera to feature 4K UHD video recording without cropping. It also supports the 4K DCI standard established by the Digital Cinema Initiative. Equipped with Cinema EOS System-approved Canon Log, it supports H.265 HEVC encoding, ensuring wide gradation, vivid colors, and most importantly, a (relatively) small file size.
The EOS-1D X Mark III comes in a sturdy magnesium alloy body with dust- and moisture-resistant features for shooting in any environment and condition. It is also designed for high speed and continuous shooting with a shutter mechanism that can last for up to 500,000 cycles. The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III will retail at P399,998 and will be available on March 2020. There is also a special promo bundle that comes with the option to buy a CFExpress 512GB Card and Reader for an additional P26,698.
