Canon is here to blow the DSLR and Mirrorless market with the introduction of Canon EOS-1D X Mark III full-frame DSLR camera. Rumors about this new camera started a couple of weeks ago and now we have the most powerful DSLR ever made. Canon EOS-1D X Mark III can shoot 5.5K RAW videos at 60fps all internally and capture burst shots at 20fps. Let’s take a look at all of the exciting new features this camera has to offer.
New Digic X Processor
In order to shoot at such high resolutions and frame rates, EOS-1D X Mark III boasts Canon’s latest Digic X processor. Along with that, it also incorporates two CFexpress card slots for storing heavy media at blazing speeds. Even more impressive is its buffer ability to store up to a massive 1000 RAW images.
New Storage Format
Along with the support for storage formats like CR3(RAW) and JPEG, Canon EOS-1D X Mark III features a new efficient HEIF format. While retaining the image quality, HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) significantly reduces the file size allowing room for more storage. As of now, not many of the platforms utilize this storage format. Eventually, we will start seeing more and more devices making use of HEIF image format.
Improved Sensor, Resolution, Frame Rate, & Colors
Supporting a 20.1 MP full-frame CMOS sensor, EOS 1DX Mark III now offers remarkable low light performance with 100-102,400 (native) and 819,200 (extended) ISO. Giving a tight competition to Sony, 1DX Mark III now offers up to 20fps burst rate in live view whereas 16fps in OVF.
In terms of video shooting, where most of the DSLR and mirrorless cameras are struggling to shoot at 4k 60p, Canon 1DX Mark III can shoot 5.5K at 60 fps and that too RAW. What’s more exciting is that this new Canon DSLR doesn’t even require an external recorder to shoot 5K, so yes, it’s all internal. For video shooters, shooting in 5.5K RAW is a great deal since it provides them a huge dynamic range to play with colors and contrast in post-production.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you plan to shoot in full-frame 5.5K or 4K DCI, the autofocus ability will be limited to 30 fps only. However, you can still access autofocus at 60 fps in 4K DCI using 1.3x crop mode.
While it’s only possible to shoot RAW in 5.5K, Canon EOS-1D X Mark III still allows you to shoot 4k DCI in 10 bits up to 60 fps with 4:2:2 color subsampling. Again, no external recorder is necessary. Interestingly, none of the Sony mirrorless cameras can support such specifications up till now. Canon is making a strong point here that DSLRs are here to stay.
Improved Autofocus
In terms of Autofocus, EOS-1D X Mark III shows substantial performance gain in comparison to its predecessor. Thanks to the new AI Servo AF system that makes it possible. Now the new 1DX model can detect heads and faces for better tracking. So even if the bodies overlap, the camera is still able to track the subject persistently. If you recall our post on Canon crowd counting technology, you will get a glimpse of how this works.
Unlike Mark II, EOS-1D X Mark III will offer 191 AF points (OVF) instead of 61. In continuous shooting modes, Mark III will support AF tracking in live view as well. The new Dual Pixel CMOS AF supports up to 525 selectable areas so you can quickly lock on to the subject.
New Smart Controller
One of the features worth discussing about the new Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is the addition of a new smart controller along with the joystick. Since it is a touch-sensitive button, it allows you to shift AF points in a fraction of seconds.
Built-in Wifi and Bluetooth
While the predecessor needed an external WiFi adapter to connect to wireless devices, 1DX Mark III comes with a built-in 2.4GHz WiFi and Bluetooth module. To extend the range, you can also use the new WFT-E9.
Other Improvements
Some other new improvements include longer shutter life, new 2.1M dots monitor, USB-C connectivity, longer battery life, and more. Not only it is stronger than Mark II but also 90g lighter.
Pricing and Availability
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III will be available in February 2020, at a price of $6499 USD.
