Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Manufacturer: Canon Type: camera Year introduced: 2012

Overview

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III was a 22.3-megapixel full-frame DSLR announced in March 2012 as the successor to the revolutionary 5D Mark II, which Canon described as a camera that had been called “a game-changer in most professional photography and videography circles” (^[1]). The 5D Mark III inherited many features from Canon’s flagship EOS-1D X, including the DIGIC 5+ processor and a 61-point High Density Reticular AF system with up to 41 cross-type points — a massive upgrade over the 5D Mark II’s relatively basic AF system.

Key specifications included 6fps continuous shooting (50% faster than the Mark II), native ISO 100-25,600 (expandable to 50-102,400), 1080p video at 24/25/30fps and 720p at 50/60fps, a new H.264 codec with both ALL-I and IPB compression, SMPTE-compliant timecode, a built-in headphone jack for audio monitoring, dual card slots (CF + SD), and improved weather resistance. The body retailed at $3,499 (^[2]).

The 5D Mark III significantly improved on the Mark II’s weaknesses for underwater use: the enhanced AF system and 6fps frame rate addressed the previous model’s limitations in tracking moving subjects. Berkley White of Backscatter tested the camera in the cenotes of the Yucatan and found that “the high ISO performance was far superior to that of the 5D Mark II in terms of noise,” and that “the 6fps frame rate and improved autofocus on the new camera rectify significant weaknesses in its predecessor” (^[3]).

Chris Parsons posted the first underwater video from the 5D Mark III on the Wetpixel forums, shot around the Windjammer wreck in Bonaire at 210 feet (65m) using the Canon 8-15mm fisheye at 14mm with a 1.4x teleconverter (^[4]).

Video quality showed reduced moire and color artifacts compared to the Mark II, an important improvement for underwater shooting. Housings were available from Nauticam, Aquatica, Sea & Sea, and Ikelite.

Reviews & Discussion

• ^[5] — Adam Hanlon’s detailed announcement coverage with the full Canon press release, covering the 61-point AF system, DIGIC 5+ processor, video improvements, HDR mode, and dual card slots. Article (editorial source).
• ^[6] — Chris Parsons’ first underwater footage shot at the Windjammer wreck in Bonaire (210’/65m), using the Canon 8-15mm lens at 14mm with a 1.4x teleconverter. Settings approximately 1/60 at f/8-f/13, ISO 800-1600. Article (editorial source).
• ^[7] — Early underwater video testing in the cenotes of the Yucatan. White found superior high ISO performance, praised the ALL-I codec and improved autofocus, and concluded the Mark III would succeed in conditions where “you just simply couldn’t pull it off with the 5D Mark II.” Article (editorial source).

References

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