| Canon has today tipped digital SLR resolution
over the twenty megapixel barrier with the new EOS-1Ds Mark
III. The much anticipated Mark III version of the full-frame
EOS-1Ds delivers medium-format threatening resolution; 5616
x 3744 (21.1 million) pixels to be precise, in a portable
and robust five frames per second Canon EOS body. From a
built, function and usability point of view the EOS-1Ds
Mark III is identical to the EOS-1D Mark III apart from
the full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor, (naturally) larger viewfinder
and UDMA support (up to 45 MB/sec) for Compact Flash cards.
At full tilt (at five frames per second) the Mark III is
processing an mighty impressive 185 MB of data every second.
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III key features
- 21 megapixel Full-frame CMOS sensor (36 x 24 mm)
- 5 frames per second shooting (up to 56 JPEG or 12 RAW
images buffer)
- Compact Flash UDMA support (up to 45 MB/sec)
- Large bright 'full size' viewfinder with higher magnification
than the EOS-1Ds Mark II
- All of the operational improvements and enhancements
delivered by the EOS-1D Mark III
Press Release:
Canon strengthens pro lineup with 21 Megapixel
EOS-1Ds Mark III
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 20 August, 2007: Canon raises the stakes
in the professional photography market with the launch of
the 21 Megapixel, 5 frame per second EOS-1Ds Mark III. Delivering
14-bit depth resolution from a newly developed 35mm full
frame CMOS sensor, Canon’s new flagship digital SLR produces
files that convert to over 100MB uncompressed 16-bit TIFF,
setting a new benchmark in image resolution and sharpness
for 35mm-format digital photography.
As well as producing outstanding colour rendition, Dual
DIGIC III processors drive 5 fps continuous shooting for
up to 56 Large JPEGs (12 RAW) – unrivalled by any other
camera at this resolution. This capacity to shoot such large
images uninterrupted is regarded as a big driver in switching
studio photographers to the EOS platform.
The EOS-1Ds Mark III inherits the new technology platform
introduced earlier this year in the EOS-1D Mark III, including
63-zone exposure metering, 19 cross-type auto focus system,
a 3.0” LCD with Live View mode and EOS Integrated Cleaning
System. The Highlight Tone Priority function expands dynamic
range for more depth and detail in bright areas. The launch
is supported with the announcement of Canon’s new ultra
wide-angle lens, the Lens 2.
“Taking image quality and versatility to unprecedented
levels, the EOS-1Ds Mark III redefines commercial photography
conventions”, said Karz Suzuki, Head of Canon Professional
Services. “The camera will strengthen Canon’s popularity
amongst professional studio photographers. Culminating 20
years of EOS development, the EOS-1Ds Mark III represents
a definitive moment in our company’s photographic history.”
Key features
- 21 Megapixel full frame (35mm) CMOS sensor
- 5 fps continuous shooting for up to 56 frames
- Dual “DIGIC III” processors
- Highlight Tone Priority
- Auto focus system with 19 cross type sensors and 26
focus assist points
- EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- ISO 100-1600 (expandable to L:50 H:3200)
- 3.0” 230K pixel LCD with Live View mode
- Redesigned viewfinder now wider and brighter
Image quality
The EOS-1Ds Mark III produces files that exceed the standard
resolution requirements of leading agencies and stock libraries.
The third generation CMOS sensor incorporates a new pixel
design with on-chip noise reduction circuitry to ensure
high image quality all the way to ISO 1600. 14 bit A/D converters
provide a total colour depth of 16,384 tones per pixel -
delivering smoother gradations and more accurate colour
reproduction.
The option to expand to H:3200 will be welcomed by professionals
working in churches and sensitive situations where the use
of flash is not permitted or desired. Where discretion is
paramount, a silent drive mode delays shutter re-cocking
for as long as the shutter release remains depressed.
Highlight Tone Priority mode gives wedding and landscape
photographers the option to boost dynamic range for highlights
when shooting above ISO 200 – reproducing more tonal detail
from wedding dresses, clouds and other bright objects.
Precision and control
The auto focus system includes 19 cross-type sensors with
sensitivity up to f/2.8, spread across the AF area to better
accommodate off-centre subjects. An additional 26 AF assist
points help with AF tracking accuracy.
The control layout includes a dedicated AF-ON button on
the back of the camera, allowing users to instantly switch
auto focus on when composing. The viewfinder is now brighter
with a wider angle of view, while the 63-zone metering system
gives photographers a greater degree of control over exposure.
New LCD with Live View
The bright 3.0” LCD monitor provides 230K pixels resolution
for precise framing and reviewing. Live View mode displays
a real-time image on the LCD, including a selectable grid
overlay and a live histogram that simulates image exposure.
For the studio environment, remote Live View lets the photographer
compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC
using the supplied EOS utility software.
New controls and menu
The EOS-1Ds Mark III’s menu incorporates a tab structure
that eliminates scrolling for vastly improved readability
and ease of use. Improving on previous models, personal
settings and custom functions are consolidated into 57 custom
functions grouped into four logical categories. Photographers
can also now see at a glance any default setting changes.
The My Menu option allows photographers to store frequently
used settings on a separate menu for immediate access. Settings
for recently released accessories such as the Speedlite
580EX II and the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 can be
controlled directly from the LCD. Along with a new dedicated
ISO button, ISO is permanently displayed on the top LCD
panel.
Reliability
Shutter durability is increased by 50% to 300,000 cycles.
A magnesium alloy casing with dust and moisture resistant
seals protects the body. The EOS Integrated Cleaning System
reduces, repels and removes dust from the sensor to significantly
limit the need for manual cleaning. To avoid image loss,
a warning alarm sounds if the memory card door is opened
while images are still being written.
Connectivity
Interfaces include video out (for display in both NTSC
and PAL formats – with the Live View mode ideal for live
display to clients during the shoot) and USB 2.0. To prevent
the USB cable becoming accidentally dislodged during shooting,
a special connection secures it to the camera body.
Compatibility and accessories
As well as full compatibility with all EF lenses and EX
Speedlite flashes and accessories, the EOS-1Ds Mark III
is supported by the recently released Wireless File Transmitter
WFT-E2. The WFT-E2 enables secure wireless uploads to FTP
servers as well as remote access via HTTP and PTP protocols.
The unit also connects wirelessly to external storage media
and supports GPS tagging when used with a portable GPS device.
For assignments where image protection and authenticity
are crucial, the EOS-1Ds Mark III is compatible with the
Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3.
New lens
Today’s launch coincides with the release of the EF 14mm
f/2.8L II USM: Canon’s new professional L-series ultra wide-angle
lens for the photographer requiring a slightly different
perspective. As with many L-series lenses and the Speedlite
580EX II, the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM incorporates environmental
sealing to match that of the EOS-1Ds Mark III, creating
a fully weatherproof camera system. Aspherical and UD lens
elements produce exceptional image quality with improved
corner-to-corner sharpness. The ring-type USM delivers fast,
silent auto focus with full-time manual focus override.
A circular aperture produces pleasing bokeh at wide apertures
and Super Spectra coatings suppress ghosting and flare by
suppressing internal reflections from lens element and sensor
surfaces.
Software
The EOS-1Ds Mark III is packaged with a comprehensive software
suite to streamline the photographer’s workflow. This includes
Digital Photo Professional (DPP) RAW conversion/processing
software for complete RAW image processing control. DPP
also integrates with camera features such as the Dust Delete
Data and Picture Style. The camera also comes with EOS Utility,
ImageBrowser/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III specifications
| List price (body only) |
US: $7,999
EU: ˆ7,999 |
| Body material |
Magnesium alloy (exterior, chassis and mirror box)
|
| Sensor * |
• 36 x 24 mm CMOS sensor
• Full 35 mm size frame
• RGB Color Filter Array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning
unit)
• 21.9 million total pixels
• 21.1 million effective pixels
• 6.4 µm pixel pitch
• 3:2 aspect ratio |
| Image processor * |
Dual DIGIC III |
| A/D conversion * |
14 bit |
| Image sizes (JPEG) * |
• 5616 x 3744 (L; 21.0 MP)
• 4992 x 3328 (M1; 16.6 MP)
• 4080 x 2720 (M2; 11.0 MP)
• 2784 x 1856 (S; 5.2 MP) |
| Image sizes (RAW) * |
• 5616 x 3744 (RAW; 21.0 MP)
• 2784 x 1856 (sRAW; 5.2 MP) |
| File formats |
• RAW (.CR2; 14-bit)
• JPEG (EXIF 2.21) - Fine / Normal
• RAW + JPEG (separate files) |
| File sizes (approx.) *
|
• JPEG L: 6.4 MB
• JPEG M1: 5.2 MB
• JPEG M2: 3.9 MB
• JPEG S: 2.2 MB
• RAW: 25.0 MB
• sRAW: 14.5 MB |
| JPEG quality options |
Each JPEG size (L, M1, M2, S) can be set to a quality
level of 1 to 10 (1 high compression, low quality
- 10 low compression, high quality) |
| Lenses |
• Canon EF lens mount (does not support EF-S lenses)
• No field of view crop (1.0x) |
| Dust reduction * |
• "EOS Integrated Cleaning System"
• Self-cleaning sensor unit (filter in front of sensor
vibrates at high frequency at start-up and shutdown
- can be disabled)
• Dust Delete Data - Data from a test shot is used
to 'map' dust spots and can be later removed using
Canon DPP Software |
| Auto focus |
• 45-point TTL
• 19 cross-type points, require F2.8 or faster lens
*
• Center cross-type point requires F4.0 or faster
lens
• 26 assist points, require F5.6 or faster lens
*
• TTL-AREA-SIR with a CMOS sensor
• AF working range: -1.0 to 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100) |
| Focus modes |
• One shot AF
• AI Servo AF
• Manual focus |
| AF point selection |
• Auto
• Manual (all 19 or inner 9 / outer 9) |
| AF assist |
External Speedlite only |
| Exposure modes |
• Program
• Aperture-priority
• Shutter-priority
• Manual
• Bulb |
| Metering |
• 63 zone metering linked to 19 AF points
*
• Metering range: 0 - 20 EV
• Modes: Center, Linked to AF point, Multi-spot
(up to 8 readings) |
| Metering modes |
• Evaluative (63 zone linked to active AF point)
• Center-weighted average
• Partial (8.5% of picture area)
• Spot metering (2.4% of picture area)
|
| AE lock |
• Auto: One Shot AF with evaluative metering
• Manual: AE lock button |
| Exposure compensation |
• +/- 3.0 EV
• 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments |
| Exposure bracketing |
• 2, 3, 5 or 7 shots
• +/- 3.0 EV
• 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments |
| Sensitivity |
• ISO 100 - 1600
• 0.3 or 1.0 EV increments
• ISO 50 (Enhanced L)
• ISO 3200 (Enhanced H) |
| Shutter |
• Focal-plane shutter
• 300,000 exposure durability *
• 30 - 1/8000 sec
• 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 EV increments
• Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec
• Bulb |
| Aperture values |
• F1.0 - F91
• 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 EV increments
• Actual aperture range depends on lens used |
| Noise reduction |
• Long exposure (1 sec or longer)
• Optional for High ISO (default Off)
* |
| White balance |
• Auto
• Daylight
• Shade
• Cloudy
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Flash
• Custom (up to 5 can be stored)
• Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K in 100 K steps)
• Personal WB (up to 5 can be preset in software
*) |
| WB bracketing |
• +/-3 levels
• 3 images
• Blue / Amber or Magenta / Green bias |
| WB shift |
• Blue (-9) To Amber (+9)
• Magenta (-9) to Green (+9) |
| Picture style
* |
• Standard
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Neutral
• Faithful
• Monochrome
• User def. 1
• User def. 2
• User def. 3 |
| Custom image parameters *
|
• Sharpness: 0 to 7
• Contrast: -4 to +4
• Saturation: -4 to +4
• Color tone: -4 to +4
• B&W filter: N, Ye, Or, R, G
• B&W tone: N, S, B, P, G |
| Color space |
• sRGB
• Adobe RGB |
| Viewfinder |
• Eye-level pentaprism
• 100% frame coverage
• Magnification: 0.76x *
(-1 diopter with 50 mm lens
at infinity)
• Eyepoint: 20 mm
• Dioptric adjustment: -3 to +1 diopter
• Precision matte screen Ee-C IV (interchangeable)
• Eye-piece shutter available via lever |
| Mirror |
• Quick-return half mirror (transmission:reflection
ratio 37:63)
• Mirror lock-up (once or multiple exposures) |
| Viewfinder info |
• AF points
• Focus confirmation light
• Metering mode
• ISO sensitivity *
• Shutter speed
• Aperture
• Manual exposure
• AE Lock
• Exposure compensation amount
• AEB level
• Spot metering circle
• Flash ready
• Red-eye reduction lamp on
• High-speed sync
• FE Lock
• Flash compensation amount
• Warnings
• Maximum burst for continuous shooting
• Buffer space |
| LCD monitor * |
• 3.0" TFT LCD
• 230,000 pixels
• 7 brightness levels |
| LCD Live view * |
• Live TTL display of scene from CMOS image sensor
• 100% frame coverage
• Real-time evaluative metering using CMOS image sensor
• Best view or exposure simulation
• Grid optional (thirds)
• Magnify optional (5x or 10x at AF point)
• Aspect ratio masking for 6:6, 3:4, 4:5, 6:7, 10:12
and 5:7
• Remote live view using EOS Utility 2.0 (via USB
or WiFi/Ethernet using WFT)
• Manual focus only |
| Record review |
• Off
• On (histogram via INFO button)
• Display mode same as last used Play mode
• 2 / 4 / 8 sec / Hold |
| Playback modes * |
1. Single image with exposure, file number,
storage slot
2. As 1 but also image count and quality
3. Detailed exposure information, thumbnail and
luminance histogram
4. Less detailed exposure info., thumbnail, luminance
and RGB histograms
|
| Playback features |
• Optional blinking highlight alert
• Optional AF point display
• Magnified view (up to 10x)
• 2x2 or 3x3 thumbnail index
• Jump (by 1, 10, 100 images / by screen, date or
folder) *
• Delete / Protect
• Record audio clip up to 30 seconds |
| Flash |
• No built-in flash unit
• E-TTL II auto flash / metered manual
• Flash compensation +/-3.0 EV in 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
• X-Sync: 1/250 sec
• High-speed flash with EX-series speedlites up to
1/8000 sec
• Hot-shoe & PC Terminal |
| Drive modes |
• Single
• Silent (single frame) *
• High-speed continuous: 5 fps *
(adjustable 5 - 2 fps)
• Low-speed continuous: 3 fps *
(adjustable 4 - 1 fps)
• Self-timer: 2 or 10 sec (3 sec with mirror lock-up)
|
| Burst buffer * |
• Large/Fine JPEG: 56 frames
• RAW: 12 frames
• RAW+JPEG: 10 frames |
| Orientation sensor |
Yes |
| Auto rotation * |
• On (recorded and LCD display)
• On (recorded only)
• Off |
| Custom functions * |
57 custom functions in 4 groups |
| My Menu * |
Up to six menu options can be customized |
| Menu languages * |
• English
• German
• French
• Dutch
• Danish
• Portuguese
• Finnish
• Italian
• Norwegian
• Swedish
• Spanish
• Greek
• Russian
• Polish
• Simplified Chinese
• Traditional Chinese
• Korean
• Japanese |
| Firmware |
User upgradable |
| Wireless |
Via WFT-E2/E2A (optional) |
| Connectivity |
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed *
• Video out
• N3 type wired remote control
• PC Sync flash terminal |
| Storage |
• Compact Flash Type I or II (supports UDMA)
*
• SD card slot (supports SD/SDHC) *
• External USB hard drives (requires WFT-E2/E2A) *
• Canon Original Data Security Kit supported ("Original
Image Data") |
| Storage options * |
• Record to one memory card
• Record same image to both CF and SD cards (backup)
• Record RAW image to CF and JPEG to SD card
• Overflow (once one card becomes full camera uses
next card)
• Copy from one card to another |
| Power |
• Lithium-Ion LP-E4 rechargeable battery
* (supplied & charger)
• AC adapter |
| Power information |
• Current power source
• Remaining capacity
• Current shutter count on this battery charge
• Recharge performance |
| Dimensions * |
150 x 160 x 80 mm (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in) |
| Weight (no batt) * |
1205 g (2.7 lb) |
| Weight (inc. batt) * |
1385 g (3.1 lb) |
* New or changed compared
to the EOS-1Ds Mark II
Technologies Explained
CMOS
Canon’s CMOS technology is one of the company’s key competitive
advantages, with noise reduction circuitry at each pixel
site delivering virtually noise-free images. In comparison
with CCD technology, the lower power consumption characteristics
of Canon’s CMOS sensors also contribute to longer battery
life.
Signal conversion in Canon’s CMOS sensors is handled by
individual amplifiers at each pixel site. Unnecessary charge
transfer operations are avoided, vastly speeding up the
process of getting signals to the image processor. Noise
generation is reduced, power consumption is limited and
faster frame rate potential is increased.
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust
in three important ways: Reduce, Repel and Remove.
- Reduce – Internal camera mechanisms are designed to
minimise dust generation. The redesigned body cap prevents
dust generation through wear on the cap itself.
- Repel – Anti-static technologies are applied to the
low-pass filter covering the front of the sensor so as
not to attract dust.
- Remove – A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses hi-frequency
vibrations to shake dust from the infrared filter for
a period of approximately one second after each start
up. For instant shooting after power up, this feature
is disabled immediately the shutter release is depressed.
Canon has also developed an internal Dust Delete Data system,
which can map the position of visible dust on the sensor.
This can then be deleted automatically after the shoot with
the latest Digital Photo Professional software.
Picture Style
Picture Style pre-sets simplify in-camera control over
image qualities. Picture Style pre-sets can be likened to
different film types – each one offering a different colour
response. Within each selectable pre-set, photographers
have control over sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation.
The camera’s factory default configuration is set to deliver
immediately-usable JPEG images without need for additional
menu settings. Picture Style pre-sets applied to a RAW image
can be revised with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software.
The six presets include:
- Standard – for crisp, vivid images that don’t require
post-processing
- Portrait – optimises colour tone and saturation and
weakens sharpening to achieve attractive skin tones
- Landscape – for punchier greens and blues with stronger
sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and
building outlines
- Neutral – ideal for post-processing
- Faithful – adjusts colour to match the subject colour
when shot under a colour temperature of 5200K
- Monochrome – for black and white shooting with a range
of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and green) and
toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green)
The User Defined Picture Style can be used to store up
to three customized pre-sets, or any of the pre-sets available
for download from Canon’s web site. Additionally, users
can create their own custom Picture Style pre-sets using
the supplied Picture Style Editor software.
Software
Digital Photo Professional Software
Digital Photo Professional software provides high speed,
high quality processing of lossless RAW images. Processing
with Digital Photo Professional allows real-time display
and the immediate application of image adjustments, giving
control over RAW image variables such as white balance,
dynamic range, exposure compensation and colour tone. Images
can be recorded in camera with sRGB or Adobe RGB colour
space. Digital Photo Professional supports sRGB, Adobe RGB,
ColorMatch RGB, Apple RGB and Wide Gamut RGB colour
spaces.
ICC (International Colour Consortium) profiles can be attached
to TIFF or JPEG images when converted from RAW. This allows
faithful reproduction of colours in software applications
that support ICC profiles, such as Adobe Photoshop. For
improved efficiency, a set of image adjustments can be saved
as a combination and applied.
Improvements in the latest version of Digital Photo Professional
include three times faster image previews, an enhanced Noise
Reduction tool and simultaneous batch processing of TIFF
and JPEG images.
EOS Utility
The latest version of EOS Utility provides essential support
for remote shooting control, camera configuration, remote
Live View support and configuration of the new Original
Data Security Kit OSK-E3 and Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3
accessories. EOS Utility can be configured to monitor ‘hot’
folders, automatically renaming and moving incoming images
to a structured file system – ideal for Wi-Fi transfers,
or for commercial and studio photographers who want to shoot
direct to a computer.
Review
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
|