Canon EOS 1D Mark III DSLR

[LRY]

Hello friends,


John, Paul, and I just met with the folks at Canon where we got the skinny on the new EOS 1D Mk III DSLR. I don't want to get everyone's hopes up, but after what I just saw, well, my hopes are waaay way up. I have used Canon EOS cameras since 1992 and when I worked for newspapers I shot in many challenging situations (and BTW I'm not saying I've done it all). All these years I thought Canon was just a step away from building the "almost perfect" SLR camera for my various needs. The EOS 1V was very close. Then digital came along and things got complicated. Today however, I think 2007 might just be the beginning of something really special for big pro DSLR shooters. It's called the EOS 1D Mark III.





We are off to another meeting straight away so let me just point out a few things that I think will interest a LOT of people. We have some video too that I'll try to get up this afternoon.

Canon have many things to boast about, and for working photographers it is clear as a bell that Canon engineers and marketing people have been listening and innovating. Thank you Canon!


Notable key features claimed by Canon for the new EOS 1D Mk III (first pass, not comprehensive):

* Almost every system reengineered for performance

* Highlight Tone Priority - 14 bit conversion helps smooth highlight gradients

* ISO expandable to 6400

* 100% viewfinder

* Lighter weight than predecessor

* 19 cross-type AF sensors, selectable. 45 total sensors

* Customizable AF behaviors

* Custom AF Microadjustment for different lenses, helps adjust for backfocusing issues

* Quiet shutter release - Not a whisper but quiet and subtle--great

* "Silent" shooting mode - reduced noise from mirror mechanism even quieter than normal

* Live View LCD for product/studio shooters - including mechanism for ensuring precise focus onscreen

* Improved overall exposure and especially flash exposure metering thanks to 63 zone sensor and twin processing engines.



We'll have more to say on these points later, but I hope this gives you an idea of how much power this camera promises to deliver. Better photos later too.