Canon EOS-1D Mark III Body Only Digital Camera

I upgraded to this camera from a 5D with some trepidation, the image quality from the 5D is amazing; I doubted that the 1D could match the quality. I was astounded the files (shot in raw) seem to contain as much data as the larger censor of the 5D with less pixels. I can only put this down to the new Digic III processor and the 14 bit conversion.

Reason for my upgrade is the one weakness of the 5D the lack of weather sealing.

All on-line forums are commenting on the burst rate of the camera, yes it's amazing unbelievable is fact, this does not tell the full story of the speed.

The autofocus is just as amazing it locks on so fast very often I'm looking for focus lock and it's already on (now I'm getting more used to the camera I assume it's locked) and usually is.

More on autofocus: I can't believe how it can lock focus at -1ev nearly as fast as in normal light, in fact it can autofocus were the 5D could not.

It's begining to sound like I'm putting the 5D down believe me I am not.

I expect much more from a camera costing nearly twice the price.

Does it deliver the expectations?

I have to say yes with 157 possible function settings if you get a bad result it's not the camera it's you, youv'e set it up wrong

The AWB on the 5D is far better than on the 1D, particularly under mixed light sources, Iv'e never had to alter the white balance on the 5D but using the 1D it's always being adjusted; perhaps it is designed this way for professional photographers.

Conclusion:

This is a camera for serious photographers (I go back to the days of the Canon F1 film) and so understand the techniques of photography, if you are looking for a point and shoot camera avoid this, if you want to get creative and have half an ides of what you are doing this camera will definetily stretch youre abilities.

I just bought my second one, I worked my way up from a 20d to a 30d then to the mkiii.

Its a professional alrounder, sports, weddings and for me the high quality low light capabilites for my music photography.

Once you use one in low light or inside at a wedding you see the benifits of this camera.
I find it incredibly easy to use, the menu system is to me flawless in its simplicity.

I use my 50mm 1.2 L series lense on it and it just amazes me how good the shots are in near darkness.

BUY ONE if you want the low light capability, build quality and just pure indugence.

10/10 for me,

I have this camera since Feb. It's more and more proving it's worth.

The frame rate is just magical. 10fps feels more like 20fps. It is just so fast.

I've had no problems with AF on this machine. I use it mostly for sports - rugby and soccer, but have also used it for horse racing. The tracking and focus is brilliant.

Recently I went on holidays, and photography was all landscapes. The detail and quality of the images is great. I just can't fault the camera. Battery life is magnificent.

This is a camera that is worth every cent, especially for those who shoot sport.

This really is a fantastic camera and paired with a good quality lens its unbelievable. The quality of the images are awsome, which you can see on the massive 3.5in LCD screen. For those that have a use for the Live-View fuction it is superb but not as useful for those that want to do sport. It's really surprising how quick the camera is to focus on fast moving objects and with a IS lens the photo's are so sharp. This is an extremely good camera, just dont be stingey on the equipment to go with it.

Fast speed,compact and very professional camera.It arrived a day late from Japan but the seller reimbursed me for loss of earnings etc.The price,however,was very competative compared to local retailers.

Just about to acquire this beautiful camera body. It has a most impressive write up, and I will edit this with a full report once I become familiar with the camera. I have given it a provisional 4 stars, but once I have compared and contrasted this with my previous Eos bodies, including the film based Eos 1n and Eos 5, I will offer a full and honest appraisal.
8-09-2009
I've owned this fabulous, top of the range camera now for 3 days and have become pretty familiar with it. I can honestly say its the finest camera I've ever had the privilege to use. Now that it has had its sub mirror assembly and firmware upgraded, it is as close to perfect as any mechanical device can be. This is the ultimate camera for the seasoned professional, and once you get used to the weight, albeit perfectly balanced, you will not want to settle for less. It is frankly exciting to use it flat out, and at 10 frames per second, it sounds like a machine gun! The problem is, it is so quick, you will seldom use its full potential. Its a bit like driving a Ferrari on the open road, with normal speed limitations. All lenses zip crisply into focus with minimal fuss, and the evaluative focus is close to perfection. I've just increased it from 4 to 5 stars, especially as I can continue to use Eos lenses I bought 20 years ago. As stated earlier, this is undoubtedly for the professional, but that doesn't mean to say that it is too complex for the average amateur. Once you understand the basic controls, you can, if desired, use the camera in full auto mode and literally point and shoot. This will generally give excellent results, but it it is a shame not to "stretch" this beautiful instrument. The camera in the Canon range that I would recommend for someone who wants superb quality from an SLR, but for around half the price and a with a less weighty body, is the Eos 5D mark 2. I considered this when finally deciding on the Eos 1, but the sheer beauty and class of the Eos 1 mark 3 won me over.

SUMMARY
If you are the sort of person who needs to have the very best, and will not compromise, this camera will not disappoint. The problem is, you can pay less than half the Eos 1 average price of £3000 on a camera which under most circumstances, will do the job almost as well.
Bottom line is, how deep is your pocket and how important is it to you that you have the pleasure of owning the ultimate state-of-the-art piece of kit, which I have to say is also, itself, a work of art.

Used to have the 40D and decided to upgrade to the 1dmkiii.
What a camera.
The 10 FPS is amazing ........ sounds like a machine gun and although I have not had it long, it is producing some amazing shots.
Have still to master all the custom functions, but am vey pleased with it so far.
Would recommend to anyone.