List Price: $7999.00 Our Price: $6950.00 You Save: $1049.00 (13%)

Product Description

The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III is an engineering tour de force which, true to the EOS-1 legacy, redefines the state of the art in no uncertain terms. An entirely new 21.1-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor delivers astounding image quality and creates new photographic possibilities. Dual "DIGIC III" Image Processors work in tandem to speed up data handling and camera operation, while further refining imaging performance. Tough, high-durability body and shutter designs, combined with the unique EOS Integrated Cleaning System, set new standards for professional dependability. Cutting-edge features-such as a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor with Live View Function, and a fast, precise 45-point AF system-make the EOS-1Ds Mark III powerful and versatile. And, of course, the EOS-1Ds Mark III is part of the unparalleled EOS System, which, with more than 50 EF lenses, 15 interchangeable focusing screens, and extensive wireless, remote control and lighting accessories, is the most advanced and powerful digital photography system in the world. The EOS-1Ds Mark III incorporates Canon's newest CMOS sensor, which delivers approximately 21.1 effective megapixels (5,632 x 3,750 pixels). The recording area of the sensor is 36 x 24mm, which is equivalent to the full-frame size of the 35mm film format. The tremendous pixel count delivers high-resolution images of exacting precision, with Photoshop file sizes over 60MB for outstanding quality at large print sizes and post-processing cropping flexibility. Despite the higher pixel density, Canon CMOS sensor technology ensures exceptionally low noise and the widest usable ISO range (from 50 to 3200, using ISO range extension). Auto and Manual Focus Dimensions (W x H x D) - 6.1 x 6.3 x 3.1 in./156 x 159.6 x 79.9mm

Customer Reviews:

• More detail than a 20x24" Polaroid
  A friend has been doing portraits with a special 20x24" Polaroid camera for many years. Polaroid has announced that they are stopping production of the film, so we decided to see if an image from the 1Ds Mark III could be used as a substitute. We created some images with the 1Ds Mark III in the same studio as the Polaroid, using some basic Canon lenses, such as the 50/1.4. We sent the RAW files off to Pictopia to have 20x30" prints made. The resulting images didn't have the interesting artistic variation of the Polaroids, but they were more detailed.
  
  The image quality of the camera is undeniably great. The user interface is more complex than the Nikon D3, for example, with deeper menus. Canon gives you dozens of options for what to do with the two memory cards, for example. The camera sorely needs a "help" button.
  
  What else could this machine use? A built-in GPS and built-in WiFi.
  
  Do you need it? Not unless you are going to make some truly huge prints and you are intending to be disciplined about tripod and lens. Pictopia made us some 20x30" prints from the EOS 5D (13 MP; one quarter the price) that looked great....more info
• Canon EOS 1Ds MarkIII
  Excellent tool for the professional photographer. As a pro with years of experience using 1D series cameras, moving up to the 1Ds was effortless but extremely rewarding. Was making money off of prints from the camera within 72 hours. Build quality and image quality is exceptional. Responsiveness for action sports is accurate, fast and very reliable. Even in low light situations where I am using it at ISO 3200 and f2.8 and wider so that I can use shutter speeds at 1/500 and 1/1000 in high school gymnasiums and pools. So far, studio shots have been blowing me away with the image clarity, contrast and color - especially with L series lenses. Just wish I didn't have to pay the price of a used small car for it and it's impact on increasing my equipment insurance....more info
• ooooooohhhhhh wow
  So got this little baby a few days ago... it arrived right on time and was well packaged. Took it out for a little test spin the next day... all I can say is oh my god wow this thing is the best camer I have every had the privlige of using! I had the Canon Rebel XTi, the 1D mark II, and now this camera... it is by far the best camera I have ever used.... it takes fantastic photos (exposures were so good that they required minimal post production work), great color, responsive, and long battery life. This will be my primary camera for years to come... it is great! if you can stomach the price, you will not be disapointed one bit!!!...more info
• Amazing camera.
  This is the best 35mm digital SLR I have ever used. The portability of a DSLR with the image quality of P22 maybe even P32 back and with out the hassle. Highly recommended for the Canon user that can afford to make the jump. Kudos on shipping as well, got it a day early, was one of the first - thanks....more info
• Short test
  I got try the camera for a few minutes in Germany today and I am absolutely amazed of how good it felt in my hands! I thought it might be heavy and bulky, but not at all, it is very ergonomical and I didn't find it that heavy either. The funktions are almoast endless, you could spend 2 days just getting to know all the things the thing can do. the 5 pics a second at full resolution is also pretty impressive. I am already sure that I want to be one of the first to call this Camera my own! I can't wait for the release!...more info
• Canon's Flagship Camera
  I've used several Cameras from Canon, including the F-1N, 10D, 20D, 1Ds, 1Ds Mark II, and now the 1Ds Mark III. This camera will provide you with the tool to capture great work, but you'll need the best lenses. Cheap zooms or cheap prime lenses will produce chromatic aberrations that will make the money spent on this camera a waste. In other words, the resolution of the sensor is so high it exceeds many lenses currently on the market.
  
  Why would someone buy this body instead of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II? Because of the build of the body, the durability of the shutter and battery life. These three factors provide the user with a camera that can withstand the extremes of nature while working.
  
  This camera is heavier than the 5D, even if the 5D has the optional grip, so if you don't like a camera with mass, this camera is not for you.
  
  I have used this camera in the rain, sleet, snow, and the heat of summer. It has performed flawlessly. The resolution provides enough data for beautiful 24"x36" prints.
  
  Yes, I'm a professional photographer and am immersed in the software and hardware to make photographs. I'm aware that there's much more to photography than the camera body, but it's the camera body & sensor that's the cornerstone for great images....more info
• The Revolution Continues
  In every way Canon has done it again. This camera is lighter, faster, and produces bigger, better files than the mk2. If you make a living shooting pictures, buy it, you may never have to upgrade again. If Photography is your hobby or passion and you can afford it this should be your last camera.
  
  My five favorite improvements in no particular order.
  
  Faster and more accurate autofocus
  
  Less noise at high ISO making 3200 a viable choice.
  
  File quality that beats many 22MP medium format digital backs.
  
  Live preview, it's cool, fun, and useful.
  
  Improved handling due to lighter more balanced feel
  
  Yes I know number three will get me in trouble but the price, faster handling, and much broader lens selection make it great choice in the 22 to 30MP range. The 39MP backs are clearly more detailed and smoother but this Canon will push many a P25 and H3D-22 onto ebay in the next year.
  
  Canon has set the standard again the mk3 is truly brilliant. The only better deal may be the well cared for used mk2's easily found on ebay.
  
  I just wanted to add a comment regarding cost. Now that my second mk2 has found a new home I can evaluate the true cost of an $8000.00 dslr. I paid $7300.00 each for my mk2s. Sold them for an average of $3620.00 making the cost if you add in an extra battery and firewire cables for three years around $4000.00 each. I anticipate this kind of return for the mk3s and considering they will work in a high demand professional environment for three years or so I'd say the mk3 is a ridiculous bargain.
  
  By the way both of my mk3s have performed flawlessly and were spot on with regards to viewfinder alignment.
  
  
  ...more info
• The best Canon has to offer
  Ok, the price of this thing is absolutely ridiculous.
  
  Yes, Canon was now nice enough, only a little over a year later, to release a lower level product with equal Megapixels (the forthcoming 5D mark II), and do serious damage to my asset value (this camera). Thanks.
  
  My previous high end camera is the Canon 5D.
  
  It is clear to me that, other than the improved sensor, which gives the latest chip (DIGIC IV), higher Megapixels (21.1) and higher ISO (6400 natively), a very slight speed improvement (3.9 fps) and a bigger, nicer screen on the back (3", 1 million dots), it's pretty much the same camera as the 5D. Thanks to the Megapixel war, Nikon & Sony have turned up the heat on Canon a bit, so they went higher in those specs than they probably would've otherwise. This is great for the consumer, if those are the only specs you're looking at. And hopefully it will eventually obliterate Canon's ability to put pricetags like the one on this camera on anything (see my first sentence).
  
  Of course, I did BUY this camera, nevertheless. Because I could afford to do that. If you can't, then look at what you can, because a lot of insane specs sit at much lower price points.
  
  With that out of the way, let's just view it from the perspective of a mid-range user that might want to move up - someone with a 5D or a 10-50D, who might be trying to decide what else he will get from this camera versus just going for a 5D mark II instead, because either is a very valid option:
  
  - 45 point AutoFocus. What's so great about this? Let's say you've seen it, and you realize it's a bunch of little points congested in the center instead of the 9 on the 5D mark II and their 6 "assist" points. That's just a lot of marketing - 45 is a much bigger number and makes it look much better, right? No, not really. It really IS that much better. I do a lot of bikini/fashion/glamour photography, and therefore I shoot a lot of shots that are of one very, curvy female (ok, yea, I know, I know - it's tough. But SOMEONE has got to do it, and I'm taking the bullet for you guys on this one, OK? LOL). Anyway, as you might realize, a very or at least somewhat shallow depth of field is frequently, in fact is most often, desirable for these types of shots. Curves create a complicated task, and the truth is, the Automatic choice of focal points on the 5D gave spotty results without VERY strict attention to focusing. Consequently, I gave up on it, and set my focus to the Center point and used focus/recompose. This works great most of the time. If the Depth of Field gets TOO shallow, you have to be VERY precise when using this method, which gets very tiring, on both your concentration and your hands/body. However, with the 1Ds Mark III, the advanced AF can be set to automatically detect, and it gives excellent results, with a very low mistake ratio. In observing the points it chooses while I'm shooting, it appears to me that it is very good at recognizing contours, and subtle depth differences, and this is where it achieves it's greatest advantage.
  
  - Focal performance with high end lenses. L lenses perform better with any Canon camera. Even moreso with this. FAST lenses, in this case f/2.8 or faster, perform especially well with this camera. This still ties into the focusing system, yes, but it is worth noting that the better lenses take yet another performance leap on this body. This is no accident, rather by design. I say you lose part of the reason (not all of it, make no mistake) for having the L glass if you don't have a high end body.
  
  - Dual Memory Cards. Yea, it could just as well be two CF cards instead of a CF and an SD, but whatever. I buy a lot of memory cards anyway. And this is more a convenience than anything. It's nice to be able to write large JPEGS to one and RAW to the other. And if you are shooting with someone who needs the photos immediately and HAS an SD card, this could be a huge plus. It, of course, accepts SDHC also.
  
  - Greater flexibility in writing JPEG files. If you shoot mostly or only RAW, this might not matter. But, the fact is, while the 5D and the 10D-50D models allow to write two different quality levels at each JPEG size, this camera has a separate "quality" level that ranges from 1-10, much like Photoshop's 1-12 range. When you look at Canon's site and see the estimate for JPEG's of 6-8MB (it was something like that), it was only an average estimate. They've since removed it (probably because the amount of possibilities are too great to post). I have set mine at the maximum quality of "10." My JPEG's are generally between 10MB-13MB in size. One note, however, as I attempted to photographer a fast moving stage event, and was taken back that I had problems with lag in shooting quickly, as it is advertised at 5fps. I believe you would need to step down to a 7 or 8 quality, whatever their test for "average" is, to achieve these speeds along with it's buffering ability. I used a Sandisk Extreme III card. Since that speed of card has performed exceedingly well on a 50D that I own, at a pro football game, I think it's safe to say the card wasn't the factor. I was blazing off shots on the 50D at 6.3fps for several seconds and it hardly went into using the buffer it was so fast. The "writing" light was barely ever lit whenever I checked right after a long flurry. And that is a 15MP camera - it was set on Large/Fine, which are about 6MB shots, in this case.
  
  - Best weather sealing is on these bodies. If you need it, it's worth it. I think the others are fairly resistant anyway, but the comfort of not worrying much about conditions is nice.
  
  - The display system on the larger body. Less information is pushed up to the top. The display on the bottom portion is easier to look at, and it's nice to have the memory card info visible down there.
  
  - The LCD changing of shooting modes. This might not be something better to some, because if you're used to the other Canon bodies, it can be a bit off-putting at first. But once you get used to it, it's definitely better. Moreover, the simplicity of having the modes you need and no "dumb user" modes, which the 5D had largely eliminated while keeping the dial anyway, is still nicer on here. (e.g. - why do I need a "Sports Mode" when I can set my focus to AI Servo, and then set a high shutter priority speed, and make ISO adjustments as needed to accomodate light changes - or just shoot Aperture Priority with the lens wide open and make ISO adjustments? Whichever).
  
  - Specifically if comparing to one of the new 5D's, my bet is that there will be a very noticeable lag in the 5D mark II compared to this camera, since it is only running one processor versus two on this camera.
  
  This is definitely the best of the best....more info
• Camera design has serious flaws for the price
  One would reasonably have expected an $8,000+ camera to be well designed and well engineered. Sure, it is "Ok" but "ok" for a much lower price.
  Specifically:
  
  1. It has an unacceptably high incidence on "Err99" error codes which disable the camera altogether until it is sent back to Canon for repair.
  
  2. It has an unacceptably high rate of viewfinder misalignment incidences where the viewfinder shows the horizon to be horizontal but the horizon in the image taken isn't.
  
  3. It fails to operate the programming of Canon's own 580 EX flash (the non-version-II).
  
  4. Resolution may well be 21 megapixels, but that is only 25% more in each the two linear dimensions compared to the 5D that costs a fraction of the cost. (square root of 21/13).
  
  5. The image "noise" at high ISO settings is much higher than that of the much lower priced 5D. This is inevitable since the imaging array of the 1Ds has more pixes within the same area, so each pixel is smaller. For high ISO settings I have to revert to the 5D. This limits the camera's usefuleness to bright light situations only.
  
  6. The artificially inflated price (by limiting supply, in the classical supply and demand argument) is outrageous. Canon needs to be taught some humility and customer-relations as soon as other brands offer similar full frame resolutions.
  ...more info
• Wonderful professional camera
  I owned this camera since spring of 2008,
  So at the point of writing this review, I used it for nearly a year.
  
  Now, if you are earlier owner, you might have experienced a problem or two.
  I was unfortunately one of the owner experienced problem, and had to ship it back to Canon for the warranty repair. So, I was not exactly happy about paying expensive FEDEX freight.
  
  But, rest assured, no other nasty problem occurred after warranty repair, and this camera has been workhorse of my photography.
  
  Now, let get on the review.
  
  This is really wonderful 21.1MP camera, and it is well worth the money.
  But, you have to determine if you need to use one.
  
  At the time of release, there were no other full size sensor camera with this resolutions.
  Of course, it has been since passed by other manufacture... but I will not going to that comparison.
  
  For Professional User.
  
  Important thing about this camera is economics.
  
  I own EOS 5D as well, and when non-commissioned or low paid project, I tend to bring 5D instead of 1DS MK3.
  It is due to the fact, overall operational cost tend to be higher on the 1DS MK3 so if does not paid well, there will be no point to bring it out.
  
  But, if it does paid well. there are enough justification to own this system, and you should used it as much as you can.
  
  And this system is really reliable, once you get past some getting used to.
  
  One more note,
  
  Now I do own several different system including Hasselblad Medium format.
  Medium Format Digital System is superior system when you are working in the control lighting environment. However, it is rather difficult to work with in the outside activity.
  
  If you are studio photographer with magazine or commercial client, and do occasional out side shoot, you should own both medium format and this camera.
  
  If you are professional just wondering about medium format and full size sensor camera,but without pressing need, then do not bother with medium format.
  
  People who uses medium format digital normally has pressing reason such as satisfying client's specifications to own such system.
  And it is not really versatile system no matter how medium format camera maker and digital back manufacture portray.
  
  Canon 1DS MK3 is really versatile system, and it will satisfy most of design agency, publisher or stock photo agency's requirement, and L lens system are reasonably priced for the performance when looking at the economics.
  
  
  For Semi Pro or High Amateurs User
  
  For semi professional. 1DS MK3 is not going to make best economic argument, if you do not shoot studio.
  If you are part time photographer who shoots mainly events or doing photo journalism.
  I will recommend 1DMK3 over 1DSMK3.
  
  Also, for photo journalist purpose, nowadays 5D MK2 actually makes a lot more sense than getting 1DS MK3 due to the their HD capability.
  And for the photo journalist, it is not that good idea to carry bulky system.
  
  But, for an amateur user with a lot of spending money,
  
  It is one of the best system to get taste of what real pro are using.
  And it does not cost like price of new BMW, and for the financially resourceful amateur, 7 to 8 grand may not be much of money.
  
  When I got 1DS MK3 there were several amateur photographer I taught how to use this camera...
  Surprising thing is, there are quiet many of amateur owner, and with very limited instruction to them,
  They were able to create very good quality images.
  
  So, kudos to the Canon for new 1DS MK3 interface.
  It is actually easier for 1DS first timer than older 1DS MK2 for instance.
  
  Of course, people who were used to with 1DS MK2 or older tend to disagree on this.
  
  
  Now here are list of main advantage.
  
  1. It is 21.1MP, more than most of commercial assignment requires.
  
  2. Color depth of 14bit per channel is really useful for RAW work flow process.
  
  3. Economical compared to the expensive medium format system, and still get comparable or sometimes superior result if conditions are right.
  
  4. Build like tank, and it can take a quiet bit of abuse.
  
  5. For user who are used to with 20D~50D, 5D MK1~MK2, it is really easy to learn interface.
  
  6. Dust cleaning is really useful.
  
  7. AF + Canon L Lens combinations is superior to the other known system in the market as of 2008-9
  
  8. Liveview is useful to shoot architecture, land scape, and products.
  
  9. RAW file format is supported well by the major commercial software.
  
  10.CF slot and SDHC slot actually helps. It did not occurred to me until I run out of memory card on the locations, and had to run to the nearby local drug store. At least they carry cheap SD/SDHC at any large drug store chains, and it is a lot easier to find those store than locating nearby large electronic store...
  
  11. Battery Life is excellent, it will easily cover half day events with nearly a thousand of picture even with taxing RAW + JPEG shoot.
  
  12. Due to its weight and form factor, it is a lot easier to balance with long heavy lens.
  
  13. When used with L lens, it is somewhat comparable with expensive medium format digital back.
  
  14. Silent shutter mode is somewhat useful.
  
  Now here are list of disadvantage.
  
  
  1. It is slightly new form factor for Canon, and there are chance you had to send it to the warranty repair if you got the earlier production model.
  
  2.There are something wrong with design of wireless port cap. It is relatively easy to lose one since it sometimes fell off with limited torque applied. I lost several of them already... though I stocked half dozen cap after I lost my first cap.
  
  3. It is heavy and bulky. Thus some times not a ideal for certain situations.
  
  4. Compared to Nikon D3X, it has slightly poor SNR on the third party software RAW processing software, so certain journalistic style shoot might suffer. If you shoot in the studio controlled lighting environment, that should not be a much of issue.
  
  5. Many of RAW development software is actually more well tuned for Nikon, This might to be due to the amount of info Canon release to the third party software developer.
  
  6. It is hard to justify its price for the many of users.
  
  7. However everyone else claimed, it still can not replace medium format digital camera. Lens resolution and clarity of images is not there yet. Of course, that is when looking at 1:1 images side by side.
  
  8. Silent shutter mode is not that quiet compared to some of the most quiet camera in the market. So, application such as close quarter Jazz or Classical music shot are still off the table.
  
  
  Overall, I will recommend this camera to who,
  
  
  If you are photographer that shoot tons of weddings at high fee structure, you should get one. Otherwise, EOS 5D nowadays makes very attractive choice.
  
  If you are commercial photographer with clients and sufficient invest in Canon system, why are you waiting?
  
  If you are amateur with deep pockets, this is a camera to get, and impress your photography teacher!
  
  
  I will not recommend to someone,
  
  Trek photographer who need lighter weight gear or those wild life photographer needs of faster fps should consider other offering from Canon.
  
  Any journalistic style should consider 1D MK3 first unless you shoot tons of interview photo.
  
  Shooting for hobby or fine arts purpose should really consider 5D mk2 before taking financial plunge of 1DS MK3
  
  If you think it is heavy for you, do not get it. It will be too heavy for you after few hours of holding camera....more info
• Truly spectacular
  I've had the 1Ds Mark III for over a month now and have shot in churches, outdoors and in the studio. It excels in every environment. The first thing you'll notice is the immensely big, bright viewfinder. It barely feels like looking through something! The LCD display is very good as well. Build is very solid. I've used it with the Canon 85mm 1.2 II L and the Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS L. Both deliver outstanding results and are hand-holdable. The new automatic dust-removal system is very good, leaving only a couple of spots against the blue sky when shot at small apertures, when there used to be countless on the 5D. Image quality is fantastic, and the images are huge, making cropping while retaining a big image easy. The menu system is very easy to operate, custom functions offer a plethora of options. Shutter sound is wonderful, and at 5fps very fast for 21MP. It's expensive for sure, but definitely worth it. ...more info