Canon EOS 5D Mark III Review | 108 Data compared

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III succeeds the revolutionary 5D Mark II by introducing vital, workflow-driven refinements that resolve the major shortcomings of its predecessor. Built with a rugged magnesium alloy chassis and a comfortable, plush grip, the camera adds highly requested physical features like dual card slots (one CF, one SD) and headphone jacks. It provides excellent all-around performance, featuring stellar low-light noise control at base ISO, accurate color reproduction, and an incredibly precise automatic white balance system. For videographers, it introduces ALL-I and IPB compression options alongside SMPTE timecoding to greatly improve multi-camera workflows, while significantly reducing the ugly moiré artifacts that plagued the previous model. The review highlights several key strengths and weaknesses of the system: Pros: The camera features a massively upgraded 61-point autofocus system with 41 cross-type sensors that drastically improves 3D tracking accuracy. It boosts continuous shooting speeds up to 5.2 fps and delivers highly accurate metering via a 63-zone system. Cons: Despite the overall upgrades, the video sharpness fails to outperform top dedicated camcorders. The CMOS sensor suffers from a persistent rolling shutter...

The Canon 5D Mark III is a highly capable full-frame DSLR that brings significant, professional-grade performance evolutions over its predecessor, the 5D Mark II, making it feel closer to a successor of the high-end 1Ds Mark III. Built around a slightly updated 22.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and powered by a DIGIC 5+ processor, the camera delivers remarkable image quality and dynamic range. Its absolute standout feature is the pro-level, 61-point autofocus system (with 41 cross-type points) inherited from the 1D X, which drastically improves tracking and edge-to-edge viewfinder coverage. Reviewers praised the camera's phenomenal high-ISO low-light capabilities—producing clean images up to ISO 6,400 and usable frames at 12,800—alongside a snappier shutter with a dedicated silent shooting mode, a dual-axis level indicator, and a beautifully sharp 3.2-inch LCD screen. Additionally, the inclusion of dual card slots (CF and SD) provides crucial in-camera backup capabilities that appeal directly to working wedding, event, and portrait photographers.

The forum review praises the Canon 5D Mark III as a superior successor to the Mark II, highlighting a vastly improved 61-point autofocus system, enhanced ergonomic design, faster frame rates, and better video features. It notes significant image quality advancements, including 1–2 stops better noise reduction at high ISOs and a 2-stop improvement in dynamic range at ISO 100. DPReview While acknowledging high performance, the review notes the 22MP resolution is only a minor increase over the previous model and that competitors, such as the Nikon D800, offer higher resolution for lower prices. It concludes that for photographers not requiring excessive megapixels, the 5D Mark III is a highly proficient camera with few faults. DPReview

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is reviewed as a reliable, professional-grade DSLR featuring a 22.3-megapixel full-frame sensor, DIGIC 5+ processor, and a highly capable 61-point AF system. Key advantages highlighted include a robust magnesium alloy body, 6 fps continuous shooting, dual memory card slots, and a very quiet shutter mode. Limitations noted in the review include slow contrast-detect autofocus in Live View, the lack of a built-in flash, and unusable high-ISO settings beyond 51200. Additionally, an early software rendering issue with RAW files in Canon Digital Photo Professional required a patch for optimal performance.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a versatile, professional 22.3-megapixel full-frame DSLR, building on its predecessor with a 61-point autofocus system, 6 fps shooting, and robust weather-sealed construction. Key advantages highlighted include excellent raw image quality, efficient silent shutter mode, and strong video capabilities, making it a reliable workhorse for professionals. Conversely, the review notes that out-of-camera JPEGs can appear soft due to aggressive noise reduction, and the camera lags behind competitors in shadow recovery. Further limitations include lower-resolution video output compared to rivals and some minor user interface quirks regarding the rear dial and menu access.

The Photography Tuts+ field review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III praises the full-frame DSLR for its versatile performance, high-speed 6 fps shooting, and advanced 61-point autofocus system suitable for action. Key advantages include the powerful DIGIC 5+ processor, in-camera HDR, and an improved interface that enhances workflow in studio environments. Conversely, the review notes that the complex autofocus system requires significant user skill to maximize, and in-camera aberration correction is limited to native Canon lenses. Additionally, while high-ISO performance is superior, the base ISO image quality offers only marginal improvements over the previous Mark II model.

The Canon 5D Mark III is a full-frame professional camera that delivers exceptional low-light performance and image quality, featuring a native ISO range of 100–25,600 and a high-density 61-point autofocus system borrowed from Canon’s flagship EOS-1D X. Designed similarly to the Canon 7D, its solid body layout offers convenient tactile controls like fingertip-adjustable aperture/shutter speed knobs and specialized levers for ISO and image review, which are highly beneficial when diving with gloves. For underwater imaging, it excels by capturing clean, punchy RAW images with minimized noise—particularly at multi-step increments of ISO 160—while drastically improving video capture through an all-i frame codec that removes older moiré and aliasing issues. Despite these performance upgrades, the camera has notable limitations for underwater photographers. Its hefty original retail list price of $3,499 USD presents a steep barrier to entry compared to cheaper alternatives like the 5D Mark II or the cropped-sensor 7D. Additionally, the inclusion of a dual CF and SD card slot configuration provides useful backup or auto-switch capabilities, but utilizing the SD card slot simultaneously does slightly slow down the overall write...

The Photography Life review defines the Canon EOS 5D Mark III as a versatile, professional-grade DSLR featuring a significantly upgraded 61-point AF system and a faster DIGIC 5+ processor capable of 6 fps. Key improvements praised in the review include a 100% viewfinder, dual card slots, a silent shutter mode, and better high-ISO noise handling compared to the 5D Mark II. However, the review identifies limited dynamic range at base ISO 100 as a major drawback, with the sensor struggling to recover shadows compared to competitors. Additional cons include high noise at extreme "boosted" ISO settings, reduced accuracy of outer AF points with slower lenses, and increased weight and bulk of the camera body.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a highly versatile full-frame DSLR that significantly improves upon its predecessor, the 5D Mark II, by adopting high-end features from the EOS 7D and flagship 1D X. Its headline features include a 22.3 Megapixel sensor with an expanded sensitivity range of 100-25,600 ISO, a vastly upgraded 61-point autofocus system (with 41 cross-type sensors), and faster continuous shooting at 6fps. Key strengths (pros) highlighted in the review include its superior low-light video performance with minimal noise and virtually no moiré compared to its rivals, an excellent 3:2 aspect ratio 3.2-inch LCD screen, 100% viewfinder coverage with on-demand graphics, and the addition of twin memory card slots (CF and SD). Furthermore, the introduction of a headphone jack and innovative touch-sensitive "silent controls" on the rear wheel makes audio adjustments completely quiet during movie recording. However, the camera has notable limitations (cons) that may disappoint certain photographers and videographers. Despite a three-and-a-half-year gap between models, the photo resolution remains nearly identical to the Mark II, failing to compete with the massive 36 Megapixel count of the...

In his review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Neil van Niekerk praises the camera's superb high-ISO noise performance and significantly improved autofocus compared to the 5D Mark II, calling it a major leap for low-light wedding photography. The camera features better ergonomics, a improved control layout, and a highly flexible sensor that allows for natural-looking images when blending ambient light with flash. neilvn.com However, the review notes that the right forefinger still stretches too much to reach top-plate controls. Despite the excellent low-light capabilities, the review cautions that technical specifications alone do not reflect real-world performance, and photographers must still seek out good light rather than relying solely on high-ISO sensor power.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III, as reviewed by ePHOTOzine, is a highly capable full-frame DSLR offering stunning image quality, accurate colors, and exceptional detail, powered by a 22.3-megapixel sensor and an improved 61-point autofocus system. It features significant improvements over its predecessor, including a faster 6 fps continuous shooting speed, 102,400 extended ISO, and dual memory card slots. While delivering superior performance, the review notes the camera is an iterative upgrade with a significantly higher retail price compared to the 5D Mark II. Furthermore, despite its excellent 22.3MP sensor, maximizing the camera's resolution capabilities requires an investment in high-quality lenses.

Ken Rockwell hails the Canon 5D Mark III as an premier digital SLR capable of producing exceptional, clean images, specifically praising its superb high ISO performance up to 25,600 and a bright, 3.2-inch LCD screen. The camera is noted for its fast 6 fps shooting, improved ergonomics, and a quieter, smoother shutter compared to previous models. YouTube · Key limitations identified in the review include the lack of a built-in flash and a failure to optimize highlights and shadows simultaneously in standard shooting modes. Despite these minor drawbacks and the emergence of higher-resolution alternatives, it is recommended as a versatile, robust, and reliable workhorse for professional photography. YouTube ·

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a full-frame DSLR featuring a 22.3-megapixel CMOS sensor powered by a single DIGIC 5+ processor. It provides a noticeable speed boost over its predecessor, achieving a continuous shooting speed of 6fps and an expanded sensitivity range reaching up to ISO 102,400. The camera integrates Canon's iFCL metering system and introduces key upgrades like dual card slots (CF and SD) and an in-camera HDR recording mode that can simultaneously save raw exposure files. Additionally, it enhances video operation with a dedicated Live View/movie switch and a dedicated headphone socket for real-time audio monitoring. The review highlights several strengths, noting that the camera delivers highly detailed raw and JPEG files, exceptional image quality, and minimal noise alongside its excellent HDR mode. However, it is not without drawbacks; the autofocus system is criticized for being complicated to navigate, and the camera remains a bit pricey. Despite having been succeeded by the Mark IV model, the TechRadar verdict confirms that the 5D Mark III remains a highly capable and feature-packed choice for enthusiast photographers seeking a full-frame...

The Canon 5D Mark III review from EOSHD delivers a highly critical assessment of the DSLR's video performance, concluding that it failed to significantly advance from its four-year-old predecessor, the 5D Mark II. The reviewer notes that while the camera was marketed for 1080p video, the actual output delivers a much softer image resembling 720p resolution. Major technical issues include significant "codec fizz" and mosquito noise generated by the new ALL-I compression layout, which ruins details in underexposed shadow areas even at low ISO speeds. Ergonomically, the camera disappoints video shooters due to a total lack of autofocus in video mode and an inconveniently repositioned magnified focus assist button that requires two hands to operate. Ultimately, the review suggests competitive options like the Panasonic GH2 or Sony FS100 provide better overall value and video quality for the price. Key Pros and Cons Pros: Groundbreaking performance in low-light environments, specifically at or above ISO 6400. Significant reduction in moiré and aliasing artifacts compared to the previous model. Inclusion of a long-awaited headphone jack and enhanced on-screen audio controls. Clean full-frame sensor...

The Canon 5D Mark III remains a highly capable full-frame camera for static and slow-moving photography, such as professional portraiture, landscapes, macros, and events, due to its excellent image quality, weather-sealed body, and fast 61-point autofocus system. Key advantages of this 22-megapixel model include a dual memory card system that provides automatic image backups, low noise performance at high ISO levels for low-light situations, and multiple RAW file size options. The reviewer notes it serves effectively as a primary camera for portraits and offers the option to add a battery grip for extended vertical control. However, the camera has notable limitations that make it outdated for certain modern applications. Its slow burst rate of 6 frames per second severely restricts its usefulness for sports and action photography. Additionally, its video capabilities are highly outdated when compared to newer DSLR and mirrorless alternatives on the market. Despite these shortcomings, it is highlighted as a great value choice for specific photography styles due to the abundance of affordable pre-owned units available.