It’s here!
Canon’s new 5D Mark III is now available. Boasting a fair amount of new features, capabilities and functions, the Mark III promises to be a worthy replacement for the 5D Mark II.
The camera’s new autofocus system (thanks to the yet released 1DX) and high ISO performance are at the top of the list of these new upgrades. We decided to do a quick test to evaluate the Mark III’s high ISO performance in a real world senario. We set up a scene lit by overhead can lights and a bit of daylight through a frosted window. Images were shot from ISO 100 all the way up to the camera’s maximum ISO of 25,600. The CR2’s were imported into Photoshop CS5 via Camera RAW 6.7.
*NOTE: As of writing of this article. The RAW files of the MkIII are currently unsupported in Capture One, Lightroom 3 and CS5. Only by using the included software or downloading the Camera Raw beta from Adobe Labs can you access the RAW format for processing. It is also possible that the new Photoshop CS6 beta will support the files although we were unable to test that at this time.
Brief High ISO Test
Below are the 100% crops from the scene we set up, showing the high ISO performance of the 5D Mark III from 1600 all the way up to 25,600. The images we shot RAW, white balanced in the Camera Raw 6.7 with default settings and saved as jpegs from within Photoshop. The results are nothing short of stunning. Click to enlarge and view the performance.
First Impressions
Aside from the internal upgrades and tweaks, the camera as a whole is definitely a step up. The body itself is more refined in both fit and finish. Canon clearly took the time when rethinking the ergonomics, button placement and menu system noting that many 5D shooters are now pulling double duty shooting stills and motion.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you pick up the 5D Mark III is that the body is a bit more curvaceous and resembles the 7D in more ways than its predecessor. Also the sound of the mirror and shutter is more crisp & mechanical rather the “clack clack” most 5D Mark II shooters are now used to.
In Stock!
We have a few 5D Mark III Kits (w/ 24-105 f/4 IS lens) in stock and ready to ship. Please contact us or call 877.217.9870 to place your order today!