Canon EOS-1D Mark III - A quickie review

[txsizzler]

Just thought I would share my experience with a new-to-me Canon 1D Mark III. I bought the camera here off of DPR a little over 2 weeks ago. The camera has had an CPS inspection, has a relatively new shutter (just under 4200 actuations on the new shutter), and I am fairly certain the AF issue has been taken care of by CPS (this was one of the serial numbers to fall within the AF problem).

Anyhow, upon first holding the camera, I honestly expected it to be heavier than it actually is. Don't get me wrong, this camera IS large, but not quite the behemoth that I thought it would be. This is a good thing, hahaha. Actually, I find this camera easier to handle than my 70D.

The camera is great to shoot with. From the great ergonomics, to the nicely placed buttons (although I do not care for having to push the exposure adjustment on top to use the wheel to change aperture). The level of control with this camera is amazing! I am in awe at all that I can play with on the settings.

Image quality... well, I can honestly say that this camera still holds up very well to today's standards. My D750 is sharper, but the colors on this thing.. one word, WOW. When people tell you that this has "Canon's Colors", they mean that the colors are absolutely STUNNING, more so than any other camera I own (including the 70D). Post processing has been cut in half because I see no need to adjust the colors, AT ALL. The 10mp sensor is really, really good... so good in fact, that the only thing I can ding it on, is the slight lack of DR (but is comparable with the newer Canon's, like my 70D). My Nikon D750 is the current king of my DR lineup. One thing I do really like about this camera when shooting fast movement, is how fast the shutter responds.. 10fps!! Plus, with the exposure being able to shoot at speeds as quick as 1/8000, is just amazing! Just note, that on this pro body, you will have to buy a hotshoe flash for lowlight photography (which I haven't done yet, but have a 420EX I might try out with it).

Battery life in this camera is outstanding. By far the best of any camera I own. The camera grip allows for two batteries to be ready to go at all times. The batteries are large, and very expensive (if you buy the OEM ones). If you buy off brand (which I haven't yet), it appears that some folks have had problems with calibration, and the battery being accepted by the camera (seems hit and miss). Maybe someone here can elaborate as to why this is?

Anyhow, I will add to the review as time goes on, and I get more and more familiar with the camera. One thing I will also say about this, is although this camera does have a slight crop (x1.29), and is using a mount that is not compatible with actual CANON EF-S lenses, this camera works great with third party crop lenses (like Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, Rokinon to name some). In fact, the two pics I supplied below are from a Rokinon 24mm f/1.5 manual focus lens, and being that I was focusing based on what I could see through the OVF, may be slightly off (not to mention the wide open apertures). I will add more photos to this thread as time passes.


Flowers budding here in late December in South Texas. No noise reduction applied.


An attempt at a "selfie", as I wanted to see how the skin tones came out, with contrasting conditions. No noise reduction applied.

 

[txsizzler]

Here are some more shots, these were taken in RAW (CR2) format, and I just converted them to jpeg format, with absolutely no processing done to them (not even cropping), just so you can see how they look if you were wanting to see it this way. These photos were taken with the Tokina SD 11-16 F/2.8 IF DX lens. Vignetting really only occurring under 13mm, but at 12mm with the right light conditions, it looks really good (as seen on the first example in this post). At 11mm, too much peephole effect occurring.

All shots taken in Manual (M) mode. Most of them were done wide open on the aperture, so I could see how the DOF is working in conjunction with the slight crop sensor.


Some berry plants in my backyard.


Handheld shot. Not the best angle of the cat, hahaha.


Slightly different angle. AF is working good on this body/lens combo.


One last shot, again being handheld (not using OVF for focusing). Ignore the debris in the upper right of the photo.

 

[PeterMM]

Hi,

You should be able to change the aperture value with a simple turn of the top plate dial, without using any other buttons. Have a look at the manual and see how the top plate dial can be set up. There are various ways that it can be set by custom function. Has probably been set as a two stage operation by someone who did not want to change aperture by bumping the dial.

If you do not have the manual, it can easily be found as a downloadable PDF on Canon's websites.

Peter

 

[Michael Thomas Mitchell]

Glad you like it. These older 1D bodies are real gems today, offering top-notch "old school" performance and construction that many newer models at the same price can't match. What you're not getting is all the latest bells and whistles, video recording capability, and a whole bunch more pixels.

Have fun!

 

[boldcolors]

Yes, the Canon oldies and especially 1D3/1Ds3 are pheonomal in terms of color output and pleasing looking files. I've used a pair of 1DS Mark III for many years (sold now) and the colors are/were just outstanding. I remember I used the APS-H 1D3 as a CPS loaner a few years back and if I'm not mistaken, the colors and contrast from that one were even punchier. Probably due to a more "sport" approach where files need to be as ready as possible out of cam.

I've tried the 70D you also have, and that one (with the existing profiles) is also capable of some surprisingly good looking colors with minimal work required.

 

[txsizzler]

Hi,

You should be able to change the aperture value with a simple turn of the top plate dial, without using any other buttons. Have a look at the manual and see how the top plate dial can be set up. There are various ways that it can be set by custom function. Has probably been set as a two stage operation by someone who did not want to change aperture by bumping the dial.

If you do not have the manual, it can easily be found as a downloadable PDF on Canon's websites.

Peter

That's a good idea, I will look for, or download a pdf manual, and see about changing that. Thanks for the advice!

So far, I am really loving on this camera. The colors are just drop dead gorgeous!

 

[txsizzler]

Here are a couple shots I did with the Sigma 30mm ART lens (had gotten it with my Canon 70D). This lens works GREAT on this APS-H crop sensor!! No vignetting from what I can see, and the DOF is darn near what I would get on a FF camera (being that it's only a x1.29 crop).

The first shot is with the aperture all the way open:



This next shot is with the aperture closed down to f/7.1, and an attempt at a 2 shot exposure bracket by hand (merged with Photomatix):

 

[txsizzler]

Took a couple more shots today. The first shot I did do some post processing work, but not a lot really.. was wanting to test out how the 1D did with heavily contrasting light conditions, and it performed admirably.

The second shot, is straight out of the camera, just converted from RAW is all. No extra post processing done.




A grey, bleak day on this late December day. Thankfully, some flora punctuated otherwise a drab look.




Despite the clouds, and misty conditions, this flower seemed to be enjoying it all.

 

[Innocentius]

I hear ye!

Like stated before in this thread: the 1D are gems on the second hand market. Indeed do don't offer the possibility to post directly to facebook, take movies or have an optional shave-add-on as battery pack for the 5 o'clock shadow... But - at strange as that may sounds for the camera's that are developed nowadays - for taking pictures these are GREAT, G.R.E.A.T. camera's.

I recognize your enthusiasm. I had te same when I upgraded my 300D to an 1D mark II. After that, never looked back for anything else than these flagships.. apart for some Foveon Sigma DPMs that also gives nive images if you want to travel lightly.

Have fun with your camera! Great Buy!

 

[Gandolphi]

Just thought I would share my experience with a new-to-me Canon 1D Mark III. I bought the camera here off of DPR a little over 2 weeks ago. The camera has had an CPS inspection, has a relatively new shutter (just under 4200 actuations on the new shutter), and I am fairly certain the AF issue has been taken care of by CPS (this was one of the serial numbers to fall within the AF problem).

Anyhow, upon first holding the camera, I honestly expected it to be heavier than it actually is. Don't get me wrong, this camera IS large, but not quite the behemoth that I thought it would be. This is a good thing, hahaha. Actually, I find this camera easier to handle than my 70D.

The camera is great to shoot with. From the great ergonomics, to the nicely placed buttons (although I do not care for having to push the exposure adjustment on top to use the wheel to change aperture). The level of control with this camera is amazing! I am in awe at all that I can play with on the settings.

This is changeable in the custom setup.

Image quality... well, I can honestly say that this camera still holds up very well to today's standards. My D750 is sharper, but the colors on this thing.. one word, WOW. When people tell you that this has "Canon's Colors", they mean that the colors are absolutely STUNNING, more so than any other camera I own (including the 70D). Post processing has been cut in half because I see no need to adjust the colors, AT ALL. The 10mp sensor is really, really good... so good in fact, that the only thing I can ding it on, is the slight lack of DR (but is comparable with the newer Canon's, like my 70D). My Nikon D750 is the current king of my DR lineup. One thing I do really like about this camera when shooting fast movement, is how fast the shutter responds.. 10fps!! Plus, with the exposure being able to shoot at speeds as quick as 1/8000, is just amazing! Just note, that on this pro body, you will have to buy a hotshoe flash for lowlight photography (which I haven't done yet, but have a 420EX I might try out with it).

Battery life in this camera is outstanding. By far the best of any camera I own. The camera grip allows for two batteries to be ready to go at all times.

Not too sure what you mean by this.

The batteries are large, and very expensive (if you buy the OEM ones). If you buy off brand (which I haven't yet), it appears that some folks have had problems with calibration, and the battery being accepted by the camera (seems hit and miss). Maybe someone here can elaborate as to why this is?

Anyhow, I will add to the review as time goes on, and I get more and more familiar with the camera. One thing I will also say about this, is although this camera does have a slight crop (x1.29), and is using a mount that is not compatible with actual CANON EF-S lenses, this camera works great with third party crop lenses (like Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, Rokinon to name some). In fact, the two pics I supplied below are from a Rokinon 24mm f/1.5 manual focus lens, and being that I was focusing based on what I could see through the OVF, may be slightly off (not to mention the wide open apertures). I will add more photos to this thread as time passes.


Flowers budding here in late December in South Texas. No noise reduction applied.


An attempt at a "selfie", as I wanted to see how the skin tones came out, with contrasting conditions. No noise reduction applied.

 

[txsizzler]

Battery life in this camera is outstanding. By far the best of any camera I own. The camera grip allows for two batteries to be ready to go at all times.

Not too sure what you mean by this.

Argh, you are correct. I mixed up my thoughts there with another battery grip I own for a different camera. The 1D Mark III grip can only hold one battery. Battery life is amazing still, though. Thanks for the catch!

 

[ALfanso]

Hello, txsizzler, fellow 1DMk3 user.

And here’s my long rant about this great camera…

I wholeheartedly support your sentiments about your new toy, as I’m absolutely in love with mine, that I bought on eBay about 3.5 years ago and to this day I marvel at it -- it’s almost like a fetish… . There’s something magical about 1D Mk3 -- from its almost 3D-like image quality to its overall form factor/shape, drawing me to it like no other Canon camera as it feels so good in my rather large hands.
Along with some initial focus disappointments, the camera also garnered some well-deserved accolades for its incredible built, reliability and unsurpassed ergonomics, rarely discussed in the photo circles.I personally never wanted anything to do with videos or larger MP sensors and wanted ONLY and specifically this particular model: 1DMk3. (As I read, a lot of Pro photographers also don’t really care much about now obligatory video option on pretty much all recent cameras.)
Its 1.3 crop factor saved me tons of money on the Canon glass as opposed to if I had a FF camera and wanted the same reach. Plus this crop factor is the closest to the FF of all others, which is not a bad thing.

Coming from 20D with its 8.2 MP sensor (I know, I know – it’s an ancient history by today’s standards), 10.1. is more than adequate for my needs, even with my 30” Eizo monitor with its 2560x1600 resolution, as I’m not too much of a “cropper”.

[Though the following point is a subject of endless debates, Canon tech. once mentioned to me that at one time he had a discussion with a National Geographic magazine’s photo editor, who stated that one doesn’t really need anything bigger than a 6MP sensor to shoot for magazine prints… ]
Sometimes, in addition to image quality, other features at play are also major contributors to establishing the camera’s suitability and criteria for its usefulness.
For me - it’s the incredible build/ruggedness, balance, instantaneous response, tuning flexibility, shutter speed/lag, weather-sealing, battery life, reliability and ease of use -- something that most professionals look for in their tools of the trade. Plastic-y, wobbly, of questionable reliability and built, latest cameras with even the best PQ won’t cut it for some, let alone don''t look "impressive", when one shows up for a pro shoot...)
Not trying to bash anyone’s preferences for brands, I read accounts of Pros, who decided to switch from 1DX to the latest Sony due to its high MP sensor, to only return it a week later for its awful interface, unreliability, tiny buttons and being unable to quickly switch to some of the most used features. The same goes for some other mirrorless cameras. Understanding that the camera trend is for miniaturization, human hands, sadly, still remain the same size.
I sometimes literally chuckle at laughable battery lifespans in the majority of these new generation cameras with the latest bells and whistles, again, like Sony, where users advise other users at the time of purchase to immediately invest in a spare battery, which is a shame… The last I checked, I managed to squeeze out of my 1D Mk3’s battery almost 2,900 shots on a single charge vs official rating of 2,200 – go try that with mirrorless micro-skinni-mini EVF-equipped marvels of modern technology – good luck!

I bought my 1DMk3 with just 775 actuations in better-than-new condition and with serial number starting with 582***, which is much closer to the end of production serial #s, than earlier “problematic” ones and to this day I keep it in its pristine dust/scratch-free state , though already have about 60K on its “odometer”.

And speaking of the “odometer”, not too long ago I had a chat with Canon tech support and he (in confidence) let me in on a little “story” that happened to them not too long ago: They received 1D MkIV for evaluation, as its owner complained about a “little strange shutter noise coming out of the camera”, so he wanted Canon just to just check it out.
As you probably know, both 1DMk III and MkIV share the same shutter assembly rated at 300K actuations. Now, imagine their complete shock and disbelief when they opened this MkIV and saw the reading of 1,400,000 actuations!!!! That’s right: 1.4 Million!!! Everybody in the room had their jaw dropped.. He told me they had people all over that Canon repair facility running in just to look at that “monster” as they had never seen anything like that before! . So, I guess, you and I are in a “pretty good company”…

Canon rates their cameras shutter lifespan VERY conservatively, as they are designed for a much longer run. For example, my trusted 20D, though rated at 50K, (and being still in flawless condition), has approximately over 160K actuations, so there you have it…

I don’t know if I could say the same thing about reliability of the later Canon models, but I heard quite a few sad stories about dials falling off 5DMkIII, broken joysticks, as well as its problematic & extremely poor weather sealing. Yes, its image quality is incredible, but does it really matter if its use is limited to only good weather?

As for the colors on 1DMk3, it pays to mention, that of all 1D* bodies (except its predecessor, 1DmkII), of all of the subsequent 1D* bodies made after 1DMk3, it still has THE largest size photosites (pixel size) -- at 7.2µm. Even 1DmkIV / 1DX /1DX MkII – all have smaller ones and therefore don’t render their colors better than 1DMk3.
If interested, go to http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-1D-Mark-III-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx and read this superb in-depth review by Bryan Carnathan. There, he also mentions the best DLA – (Difraction Limited Aperture) for 1D Mk3 being at f/11.5, meaning it’s at its sharpest at that aperture. There you can also find other values for all Canon cameras, with your 70D being at f/6.6.
Interestingly, in another 1DXMkII / 1DMk3 shootout review, 1DMk3 up to the ISO 800 was just as good as 1DX MkII. Well, naturally, by today’s standards, poor ISO performance in low light is probably the weakest point of this incredible camera.

I also love the “one button – one function” professional layout approach in this camera – something that distinguishes pro bodies from all others, which is in sharp contrast to the frequent cause of frustration and headaches for the smaller mirrorless camera owners, particularly with larger hands, where features are hidden under multiple layers/sub-menus, requiring multiple button pressing. That is also of major consideration, when speed is of the essence, as I can operate my 1DMk3 with my eyes literally closed and in total darkness.

Sorry if my 1DMk3 “love affair” sound almost like a promo/camera “review” – it’s just how I feel: this camera is simply incredible in its rugged and luxurious simplicity and “old” doesn’t automatically translate into “bad” and “outdated”. Think vintage sports cars: fast and built like tanks.

And a few more parting thoughts:

Yes, the 1DMk 3 has its technical drawbacks, like any 10 year-old camera, which in a technical/photo world is considered a dinosaur..
I remember how in New York on the New Year’s day in 2007, when photographing Polar Bear Club’s January 1st dip in the ocean, some photographer saw a battery grip on my 20D and came closer to look at the camera's model #, thinking it was a pro body. Seeing that it was “only” 20D, he disappointingly exclaimed: “Oh my, you have such an old camera!” Mind you, it was put in production only 3 years earlier…. .

Yes, 1DMk3's top ISO, as I mentioned before, is quite low – topping at 3,200 and expanding to 6,400. However, introduced only in April of last year, Hasselblad’s H6D-50C also sports top ISO of 6400 and its few other features are quite inferior to 1DMk3’s.

The majority of classic photos of last century were taken with the cameras 1000 times less capable than the 1DMk3, so in good hands the camera is only a tool – not an end-all destination.

Once again, good luck with your new toy and you take great pictures, particularly of the flower!

-------------

1D Mk III with Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L

 

[PWPhotography]

I still keep my 1D III, not worth to sell it. It has some unique characters among all other cameras I have owned - creamy smooth color tonality especially in skin tone, 10 fps burst rate and relative deep buffer, 1.3x crop factor that keeps balance of IQ and effective reach, top build quality and excellent handling balance especially with a super-tele lens attached. The only downsides are 10mp and limited high ISOs (still good until ISO 3200). BTW, my copy is in late batch that not affected by AF fiasco in earlier batches.

with EF 70-200L/2.8 IS II at Masai Mara



--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/55485085@N04/albums

 

[txsizzler]

Hello, txsizzler, fellow 1DMk3 user.

And here’s my long rant about this great camera…

(Snip)

Wow, what a great write up, Alfanso! You really emphasized what I was trying to say, and do much more! This body is so incredible, I am not sure I can go back to a more traditional consumer body.

 

[txsizzler]

I still keep my 1D III, not worth to sell it. It has some unique characters among all other cameras I have owned - creamy smooth color tonality especially in skin tone, 10 fps burst rate and relative deep buffer, 1.3x crop factor that keeps balance of IQ and effective reach, top build quality and excellent handling balance especially with a super-tele lens attached. The only downsides are 10mp and limited high ISOs (still good until ISO 3200). BTW, my copy is in late batch that not affected by AF fiasco in earlier batches.

with EF 70-200L/2.8 IS II at Masai Mara

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/55485085@N04/albums

Like you, I will definitely hang on to this wonderful gem of a camera. While I agree with you on ultra high ISO shooting, I rarely shoot above 1600 ISO anyhow. Plus, the grain that is produced from this camera is very fine.. not the blockiness that you find in other bodies!

Great photo, by the way!

 

[txsizzler]

Finally tried my hand at exposure bracketing with this camera. At first I didn't know how the heck to engage it (push the AF Drive and Mode buttons at the same time, then use the wheel to adjust how you want the exposure settings on each of the shots take, after you set in the amount of bracketed shots and order in the Menu).

Anyhow, here are a few shots I took yesterday here in Portland, Texas, at Violet Andrews Park. I used Photomatix to layer the photos together.













All photos taken with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 (just love that lens!).

 

[kwkodiak]

I've also kept my 1DIII. I still use it when I can keep the ISO at 1600 or lower. Great camera still!

 

[ALfanso]

Hi, man...

Haven't been here for some time, so decided to visit.

Still enjoying your new toy? Any additional observations: good/bad/problems?

Your photos look superb! Great captures.

Have you gotten any new lenses since you bought your 1D3?

Alex

 

[txsizzler]

Hi, man...

Haven't been here for some time, so decided to visit.

Still enjoying your new toy? Any additional observations: good/bad/problems?

Your photos look superb! Great captures.

Have you gotten any new lenses since you bought your 1D3?

Alex

Hi Alex,

I still use my "toy" frequently, and haven't noticed any issues at all. It's a remarkable camera, and I am still in love with its fantastic color rendition, not to mention it's speed and build quality.

Lenses.. I have acquired a few, most notably a 17-40 L (also a dirt cheap 17-35 Tammy), and a few other less notable lenses, like Tamron 28-200 (surprisingly good lens!), and a Sigma 70-300. Still have my other lenses as well. Will try to post some here in the next day or so (Working too much overtime lately).

 

[txsizzler]

A few more shots, with this amazing camera. Some taken with the Tamron 17-35 f/2.8-4, others with the cheapie Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6.