5D Mark III video time limit

This is not true. The Panasonic GH1, GH2 and GH3 are still cameras that shoot video and they have essentially unlimited video recording time outside of the EU. So does the $12,000 Canon 1D C.

The EU tax limit is an excuse that Canon, Sony and Nikon hide behind. They could unlock their top of the line cameras outside of Europe if they wanted to - but it would cost them money to make different cameras for different markets, so they don't - because shooters seem to be fine with shelling out $3000 to $3500 for crippled cameras.

What amazes me is that most Canon/Nikon/Sony buyers accept this without complaint - outside of a few posts on camera boards.

I completely understand the OP's surprise that he paid $3500 for a "video capable" camera that stops recording after 30 minutes. As for me, if a company advertises "video" capability and limits the clip length, I am not a buyer for that camera.

Best of the holidays to all,

Bill