Key specifications
- New 20.1 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor combined with newly designed High Detail Low-Pass Filter
- New DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO range of 100-102400; Expandable to 50-819200
- New 191-point optical viewfinder AF system capable of tracking the subject’s head and face using Deep Learning Technology
- New Smart Controller built into the AF-ON button for fast control of AF point selection
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast and accurate autofocus in Live View covering 90 x 100% of the image area at EV -6 ~ 18
- Ability to shoot up to 16 fps (frames per second) via optical viewfinder and up to 20fps via Live View
- Maximum buffer in continuous shooting (RAW+JPEG) of 1000 images or more with dual CF Express card slots
- 12-bit 5.5K RAW video internal recording and oversampling 4K 60p video recording using the full width of the sensor in Canon Log with 10-bit 4:2:2
- Improved battery performance with existing LP-E19 battery
Building on the heritage of the EOS-1D X-series, this camera's key cornerstones are speed, focusing performance, future-proofing and familiarity.
Fast and furious
The EOS-1D X Mark III shoots at 16fps (frames per second) via the optical viewfinder, and at 20fps via Live View – both with the mechanical and electronic shutter and with full autofocus.
The camera is powered by the brand new DIGIC X processor, plus there's an additional DIGIC 8 processor which solely looks after the viewfinder focusing and metering.
Focusing finesse
The EOS-1D X Mark III’s AF sensor sports 28 times the centre resolution of its predecessor, with greater precision. The algorithms have been programmed after intensive machine learning, so that the system can recognise subject type. There's a new People Priority mode, advanced subject-based tracking, as well as Eye Detection AF available (Live View only). The focusing performance when switching between optical viewfinder and Live View has been made as seamless as possible, preparing professionals for the future. Case settings are still available, but they've been streamlined to four types, with a new Auto mode which will detect the subject's movement and respond accordingly.
The viewfinder-based focusing uses a new system. Boasting 191 AF points, 155 of which are cross-type AF points (f4) and one dual cross-type (f2.8), that's three times as many AF points as the EOS-1D X Mark II. The AF sensors are new – they are now two-dimensional pixel arrays as opposed to line sensors, for better accuracy and more able to focus in low contrast situations.
Forward-thinking
The EOS-1D X Mark III is the first Canon camera to deploy the relatively new HEIF image format. Compared to JPEG, HEIF contains eight times more data in a smaller file size. You can also convert from HEIF to JPEG in-camera, so whilst the capability of systems and software to handle the HEIF format catches up, you're covered with your usual workflow options. RAW is also available, as is the C-RAW format – a compressed RAW file which significantly reduces file sizes without compromising data.
There's a touch of what the future holds too – the fact that the focusing performance holds up as well in Live View as via the optical viewfinder means that, when the shift to professional mirrorless cameras comes, photographers will already know how this works, and have the familiarity and confidence that's so important in a camera for professional users.
What’s more, the camera offers impressive 5.5K 12-bit RAW video internal recording – the first non-cinema Canon EOS series camera to have such a feature – allowing professionals to capture top-quality video as well as stills.
Familiarity (with a touch of new)
It's important for professional photographers to have a camera that can not only perform but can be picked up and handled with that security of familiarity, so as not to interrupt work schedule. The EOS-1D X Mark III is physically very similar to its predecessors, with button placement in the same places and the built-in grip with replica controls giving you the exact same handling whether shooting vertically or horizontally.
The EOS-1D X Mark III has been developed using feedback from the worldwide community of EOS-1D X and EOS-1D X Mark II photographers. It represents a step-change in autofocus, dramatically improved image and video quality and speedy communication abilities with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth – all features which allow professionals to achieve breath-taking images and deliver them to clients, faster than ever before.
Read the full press release (specifications to follow).
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III will be on sale from February 2020 onwards, priced at £6,499.99 / €7,599.99 (RSP).