Is the Canon EOS 5D Mark III a dream come true, or is it second best? ... and where can you get the best deal on this impressive camera?

You'll find the answers to these questions and more on this page.

The 5D Mark II is a beautiful camera with which you can produce millions of stunning images… but it also has some major flaws, particularly the amateur-level autofocus system.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a full-frame DSLR with a 23.3MP,full-frame CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion and New 61-Point High Density Reticular AF.

It is also less expensive than all other current full-frame cameras even though it matches or exceeds their pixel count.

The quality and the operational ergonomics of the 5D Mark II are significant and at it's price range, many photographers have been waiting for this relatively low cost piece of equipment.

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The Key Specifications

* 23.3 MP Full-frame DSLR sensor (14-bit A/D conversion)

* ISO setting 100-25600 , expandable to ISO 102,400 (L:50, H1: 51200, H2: 102400) for shooting from bright to dim light

* 6 fps continuous shooting

* 39-point AF system with 9 cross-type AF points

* 8.11cm (3.2-inch) 1,040,000-dot screen

* Full-HD video with manual control

* 14-bit DIGIC 5+ processor

* HDR mode

* Shutter rated to 150,000 frames

* 1080p30 video recording, stereo sound via external mic

* 61 point AF system

*Dual card slots for CF and SD

* 100% viewfinder coverage

* 63 zone iFCL metering system

* 1040k dot 3:2 LCD

* Dimensions: 3 x 6 x 4.6 inches ; 1.9 pounds

The Body and Design

First Look & Features Breakdown

Canon users can combine the most comprehensive DSLR lens line-up with a full-frame camera that has no major drawbacks at semi-affordable rates for the first time with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III.The 5D Mark II is a nice camera that has produced millions of stunning images for photographers around the globe … but it also had some major flaws, in particular an amateur-level autofocus system.

One of the great things about Canon primes is that they focus faster than their Nikon equivalents. The 5D III's "incremental upgrades" amounts to an unblievable increase in usability, closing major gaps in a comprehensive camera system.Mark III is the first 5D that truly feels right in the hands according to a Nikon fan. It feels rugged and balances well with mid-weight lenses like an 85mmf/1.2L.

The buttons are well-placed on 5D Mark III and the rear-screen is also a pleasure to use, either in review or Live-View mode. Also, moving the AF point is much easier with the addition of a joystick. In my opinion it is best to immediately change the custom function menu so that you don’t have to press an extra button to change the AF point. The joystick is well-placed, it’s not something you’re going to move by accident and allows you to follow the action quickly.

Its burst mode: 6 frames per second - which makes it easier to catch that perfect moment than the previous 5D cameras The autofocus in the 5D line is fixed, the autofocus is accurate, fast, and a pleasure to use — in some ways better than the Nikon D3s.The intuitive autofocus menu lets you customize your autofocus preferences to the smallest degree with a fast lens such as the 135L, Thus you can easily capture lots of great moments quickly and accurately.

The 5D Mark III has excellent results at high ISOs as long as you more or less nail the exposure. The ISO quality and autofocus tracking can also save your bacon at an extremely dark place!

Comparison

Camera

Resolution

20.2

24.3

22.3

16.2

36.3

Kit Lens

24-105mm

24-85mm

25-105mm

27-158mm

n/a

ISO

50-102400

50-25600

100-25600

50-25600

Shutter

30-1/4000

60-1/8000

30-1/8000

Max Aperture

3.5

5.6

3.5

n/a

Body Weight

3 lbs

7 lbs

6 lbs

7 lbs

6.4 lbs

Sports Mode

4.5 fps

5.5 fps

6.0 fps

6 fps

4 fps

MSRP (Body)

$2,099

$2,975

$1,199

$2,995

More Info

Details

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The Verdict

We can say that at the moment Canon's only, primary competition is the Nikon D800. Unfortunately, like most Canon cameras before - including the other 5Ds - the 5D Mark III files are worse at dealing with pushed exposures than the Nikon D3s cameras. Nikon cameras keep a lot of dynamic range in their shadows, and you can raise exposures without significantly degrading the quality of the images.

All in all, being great at high ISOs, with speedy and quiet operation, accurate and customizable autofocus and a versatile RAW resolution, this camera is a worthy companion to Canon’s huge array of lenses. The design of the 22.3MP CMOS sensor inside the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is also completely new with gapless microlenses for improved light gathering capabilities.

At $500 cheaper and with a high-resolution, high dynamic range sensor, the D800 is definitely a tempting option for most users.