Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera Body

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR camera is the upgrade to the popular Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Aimed at photographers who are looking for weatherproof construction, exceptional image quality, and impressive speed, its features include: a 22.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor; powerful DIGIC 5+ processor; fast frame rate of 6fps; 61-point AF system; and expandable ISO range from 50-102,400.

All Canon 5D Series Cameras:

Here are all the other cameras in the 5D series:

• Canon 5D Mark I
• Canon 5D Mark II
• Canon 5D Mark IV

Key Features: Canon 5D MK III

• 22.3 MP full-frame sensor
• 61-point AF system
• 6 fps continuous shooting
• ISO 100-25,600 sensitivity, ext to ISO 50-102,400
• Full HD video with manual control
• 14-bit DIGIC 5+ processor
• 100% coverage in the viewfinder
• Weather sealed, magnesium-alloy construction
• 3.2" 1,040,000-dot screen
• In-camera RAW editing
• Dual CF and SD memory card slots
• Headphone output
• Silent shutter - ideal for nature and wedding photography

22.3 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor
The EOS 5D Mark III features a newly developed Canon full-frame 22.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor that's designed to create high resolution, perfectly detailed images with unprecedented speed, bright colours, and clarity. A new photodiode structure with an increased photoelectric conversion rate increases the sensor's sensitivity by approximately 2 stops over previous models, meaning higher ISOs with the lowest noise of any EOS digital camera.

14-bit A/D conversion, wide range ISO setting 100-25600 (L: 50, H1: 51200, H2: 102400)
With a standard range of ISO 100-25600, the EOS 5D Mark III represents a 2-stop increase in sensitivity over previous cameras. The EOS 5D Mark III delivers superb picture quality whatever the lighting conditions: keep shooting hand-held even after the sun goes down. Minimum and maximum ISO settings can also be specified, as can a user-defined range, plus full auto and manual.

DIGIC 5+ Image Processor for enhanced noise reduction and blazing processing speed
The EOS 5D Mark III uses a DIGIC 5+ Image Processor. Working with two 4-channel A/D converter front-end processing circuits, and delivering speeds of up to 6.0 fps (RAW + JPEG), the DIGIC 5+ Image Processor improves data processing performance and features new algorithms that promote greater noise reduction at higher ISOs. It also offers real-time compensation for chromatic aberration in both still and motion images.

61-point wide-area autofocus
Focus quickly and accurately, even on off-centre subjects, with a 61 point wide-area autofocus system. 41 cross-type points (5 of which are extra sensitive double-cross type) ensure highly accurate tracking of moving objects.

This new AF system offers multi-zone wide-area AF for better tracking, has 5 central dual cross-type points (f/2.8 diagonal), 21 central cross-type points (f/5.6 horizontal & vertical) and 20 outer cross-type points (f/4.0 horizontal), and is sensitive in extremely low-light situations (EV-2 for a central point with a f/2.8 lens). With the new firmware update installed, cross-type autofocusing with the center AF point is possible even when the maximum aperture of a Canon EF lens/extender combination becomes as small as f/8.

iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layering metering sensor
The EOS 5D Mark III features Canon's multi-layer 63-zone iFCL (intelligent Focus Color Luminance) Metering System that integrates the cameras AF system into its readings. This new system delivers an entirely new level of accuracy, especially in situations where the light changes quickly. The metering sensor enables evaluative, center weighted, partial and spot metering, plus offers 5-step exposure compensation for perfectly exposed images, every time.

Full-HD video with manual control
Enjoy high quality Full HD video at 1080p resolution. An uncompressed HDMI output allows recording of 1920x1080 footage at 8bits 4.2.2 to external recorders to suit different workflows. Use manual controls and Canon’s comprehensive EF lens range to achieve cinematic visual effects. The 5D Mark III offers both All-I and IPB compression, supports H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile, and automatically splits files greater than 4GB (FAT specifications) for extended recording without interruption.

Great quality sound
Give your video footage the soundtrack it deserves. The EOS 5D Mark III records digital stereo sound at 48KHz and offers manual control over audio level. A standard 3.5mm mic socket enables the use of third-party microphones; a headphone socket permits audio monitoring while recording.

High-Speed Continuous Shooting
Keep up with the action at 6fps, recording up to 16,270 continuous JPEG images to a UDMA mode 7 card in a single burst.

Built to go anywhere
For professionals who demand nothing less than the best, the EOS 5D Mark III is designed to perform superbly, even in the most treacherous environments, every time. The body is constructed of rigid, high-strength magnesium alloy for rugged performance and features a new grip design for easier finger placement and reduced hand fatigue. Its newly redesigned shutter has lightweight and carbon-fiber blades.

Self Cleaning Sensor Unit
The Self Cleaning Sensor Unit featured in the EOS 5D Mark II has been optimized for the new EOS 5D Mark III to deliver even greater dust removal for clearer images. To prevent dust accumulation, the system removes particles adhered to the surface of the infrared absorbing/ultraviolet-blocking glass in a frontward direction by vibrating the glass with ultrasound. The particles are then absorbed by an adsorbent at the bottom of the unit; the unit itself is completely sealed for protection against external contaminants, and its front face of the low-pass filter 1 is treated with an anti-dust fluorine coating making it easier to remove damp or sticky dust particles.

Intelligent Viewfinder with Superimposed LCD
The EOS 5D Mark III's Intelligent Viewfinder offers a sharp, bright approximately 100% field of view with an approximate magnification of .71x, a viewing angle of 34.1° and a 21mm eye-point. With a new construction featuring aspherical lens elements, the viewfinder displays less distortions and colour aberrations than previous models.

3.2" TFT LCD Monitor
The EOS 5D Mark III's 3.2" TFT LCD monitor has 1,040,000 dots, anti-reflective construction and features Canon's Clear View II technology for bright, sharp display in any number of shooting situations. It's ideal for reviewing settings and images, as well as for shooting in Live View mode. Images can be protected or erased quickly, individually or in batches, and slideshows can be created with some or all images and can be sequenced by date, folders, movies, stills or rating.

New High Dynamic Range (HDR)
With its new High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode, the EOS 5D Mark III can merge 3 images of varying exposure, in camera, capturing a broad range of shadow and highlight detail and delivering an image with stunning tonal range. Adjustable to cover a range of ±3 stops, and with 5 different effect settings, HDR recording truly expands the parameters of the light and dark detail a camera can actually record, surprising viewers with the range of tones a photograph can accurately recreate.

Multiple Exposure Control
The EOS 5D Mark III offers a new multiple exposure mode for film-like image creation with the convenience of in-camera processing. It offers 4 different compositing methods for proper exposure and composition: additive, average, bright and dark. Multiple exposure shots can be taken in both RAW and JPEG shooting modes, previously captured RAW images can be used as a starting point, and cumulative results can be observed and corrected in real time on the camera's LCD screen.

Improved handling with addition of new customisable controls
The EOS 5D Mark III's new ergonomic design is more comfortable and intuitive than ever. With a refined and intelligent layout of all control buttons and dials, shooting settings can be made with just the right hand, and quick image check and image processing operations with just the left. The grip has been redesigned for easy holding both when shooting and when carrying the camera. For added convenience, the EOS 5D Mark III has dual card slots, accommodating both a Compact Flash and an SDXC card.

Flash control
Without the Canon 600EX-RT flashgun (or E3-RT Transmitter) installed on the camera you can’t wirelessly control another flash. To control a slave from the 5D Mark III, or any other EOS camera for that matter, you will need a master of some sort on the hot shoe (either a 600EX-RT or a ST-E3). Full support of the 600EX with the 5D MK III means that you get full control of the flash using the LCD. And full support of AF assist – the 600EX has support for all the focus points of the 5D MK III. The 5D MK III does not feature a built-in flash.

5D Mark III sample images: