DailyTech - Canon Launches Fastest D-SLR in the World

Submit News

Gadgets Canon Launches Fastest D-SLR in the World
Tuan Nguyen (Blog) - February 22, 2007 12:08 AM

E-mail

del.icio.us

20 comment(s) - last by Oregonian2.. on Feb 26 at 2:17 PM

Introducing the Canon 1D Mark III

Canon tonight launched what it calls -- and really is -- the world's fastest digital SLR (D-SLR) camera, the 1D Mark III. Based upon the current 1D Mark II and the 1D before it, the new Mark III brings a host of new features. The camera will be Canon's flagship high-speed D-SLR, suitable for sports and types of photography that requires fast shooting speeds. The new 1D Mark III boosts Canon's current record of 8.5 frames per second to a blistering 10 frames per second. What's even more impressive is that the 1D Mark III can maintain this shooting speed at its full 10-megapixel resolution for 30 continuous RAW images or 110 JPEG images.

The new camera from Canon also introduces the DIGIC 3 imaging processor, which marks the first time the DIGIC 3 processor will be used on a professional level D-SLR from Canon. Not only this, the 1D Mark III will use two DIGIC 3 processors. The 1D Mark III will continue to use an APS-H size CMOS sensor that has a 1.3x lens crop factor. Canon has also introduced a self cleaning mechanism to 1D Mark III's image sensor -- a feature that first appeared on Canon's Rebel XTi (the 400D).

Carrying forward the advanced features of the 1D family, the new camera will contain 45 auto focus points, 19 of which are user selectable and the remaining 26 will be smart "assist points." Controls on the rear of the 1D Mark III borrows from the 5D/30D bodies, using simpler controls for scrolling and image reviewing. Some of the other features that are new with the 1D Mark III are:

10.1 megapixel APS-H (1.3x crop) CMOS sensor
10 FPS continuous shooting for up to 110 JPEG frames and 30 RAW frames
Dual DIGIC 3processors
New 45-point AF system with 19 cross type sensors
Integrated sensor cleaning system
ISO 100 to 3200 (expandable to L:50 and H:6400)
3.0-inch LCD with Live View mode
100% viewfinder

Also for the first time in a Canon D-SLR, Live View is introduced, enabling the photographer to view a shot before actually taking a picture. What's more impressive is that Live View mode is available remotely, by tethering the camera to a USB 2.0 connection or by using Canon's WFT-E2A Wi-Fi transmitter.

Canon today also announced a new version of its 580EX Speedlite called the 580EX II. New features include a recycle time that's 20-percent faster than the current 580EX, dust and water sealing, and design to match the new 1D Mark III's performance. Along with the new flash and D-SLR, Canon is also introducing the EF 16-35mm F/2.8 L II professional lens. The new lens improves on Canon's current EF 16-35 F/2.8 L lens in edge performance, which is a critical area of concern for wide angle lenses.

Comments

Threshold

Username
Password
remember me

This article is over a month old, voting and posting comments is disabled

1.3x....

By nurbsenvi on 2/22/07, Rating: 0

RE: 1.3x....

By Tuan Nguyen on 2/22/2007 1:09:54 AM , Rating: 5

Yes you would, but not most professional sports photographers. You don't see photographers at a major league football game or a NBA game carrying around a 5D or 1Ds Mark II - you see them with high-speed 1D Mark II's. There's a reason for speed.

The 5D belongs in the studio and at places like weddings and other applications that do not require you to capture fast and randomly moving subjects -- where you would totally benefit from the 8 to 10 FPS. Would I rather shoot and hope my shot of an athlete performing an amazing maneuver comes out sharp, or have 8 to 10 burst shots where I am guaranteed at least one great shot? I go for the later.

Again... it comes down to the applications. The 1D Mark III is obviously not your camera. Get a 5D.

Parent

RE: 1.3x....

By nurbsenvi on 2/22/2007 7:02:25 AM , Rating: 2

ah... ok I get it now
(I'm drooling all over the 5D by the way... need money and skill though...)

So the current technology is not good enough make 8.5fps with full size CMOS possible is it?

Parent

RE: 1.3x....

By alifbaa on 2/22/2007 1:10:53 PM , Rating: 2

In addition to money and skill, might I suggest you find a clue as well? You might also want to try extracting your cranium from your large intestine.

Parent

RE: 1.3x....

By Zoomer on 2/22/2007 2:45:04 PM , Rating: 2

Its a good compromise between cost and performance. We could make a rocket that could travel to Pluto in 6 months and stop there, if we realllly wanted to.

Parent

RE: 1.3x....

By Dug on 2/22/2007 4:06:28 PM , Rating: 2

And the reason you need full-size is??
Too hard for you to figure out the crop factor?
Or even better yet, don't worry about it and just compose the image and shoot.
Or buy lenses that fit your needs.

There's plenty of reasons why they aren't using full size cmos and why you shouldn't care.

Parent

RE: 1.3x....

By alifbaa on 2/22/2007 11:19:32 PM , Rating: 2

Some people legitimately need the full frame. I for one specialize in creating prints of artwork. Having a full sized sensor eliminates the anomalies that occur when the image is zoomed to fit the smaller sensor. The full sized sensors are also the only ones with enough resolution to produce 300dpi 8x10 images. The only other way to do that is to get a medium format camera with a scanning back, which can be much more finicky and time consuming to use. If you are shooting 8x10 and want top quality and aren't worried about speed, full frame d-SLR is the way to go IMO.

Parent

RE: 1.3x....

By vgermax on 2/25/2007 4:34:47 PM , Rating: 2

300 DPI x 8" x 300 DPI x 10" = 7.2 MP
The smaller image circle actually eliminates a lot of anomalies in the lens. Even cheap lenses are sharp at the center, but performance at the edge is where expensive lenses show their worth. Smaller imaging circles eliminate part of the imaging circle where lens performance is degraded.

Parent

RE: 1.3x....

By Oregonian2 on 2/26/2007 2:17:10 PM , Rating: 2

1. The problem with crop factors (other than 1.0) isn't the ability to calculate it. Has to do with what it means.

2. Large sensors have an inherent advantage in terms of low noise (or higher sensitivity given the same noise level) due to being able to have a larger area picking up the same image. Large sensors are a good thing (other than for cost reasons).

3. The ONLY downside is cost, and even then a full sensor one may be cheaper depending upon one's lens usage (I have a pair of 17mm lenses for my 35mm camera, for instance, and so one with a significant factor might require very spendy lenses to replace their capability. Etc.

Parent

Great Camera

By tmok2007 on 2/22/2007 12:07:56 PM , Rating: 2

I own the 1D Mark II. It is a great camera. The 10fps is more of a marketing hype than anything else. I just can't imagine a professional photographer would say 8.5fps is not enough, and I must have 10fps to do my job. Both the 3" LCD and integrated sensor cleaning system are welcome additions. Regarding the 580EX II flash, it says that it is designed to match the 1D Mark III's performance. Yeah right. I want to see a flash that is capable of firing 10 times per second. Regarding the 16-35mm f/2.8L lens, it is one of my favorite lenses. I never thought the edge performance needed improvements. I guess everything is relative.

RE: Great Camera

By d33pblue on 2/22/2007 4:07:02 PM , Rating: 2

If youve actually ever shot sports where a few hundredths of a second could make or break a shot, you'll realize that 10FPS is not just marketing hype.

For instance, both volleyball and tennis are two sports where the ball is in and out of the frame in a split fraction of a second. In other sports (like football) where the action happens very suddenly, something like an arm in the face or a slight turn of the head could make or break a picture. 10FPS gives you even more opportunities to grab just the right moment.

I could go on and on, but you get the point.

Parent

RE: Great Camera

By alifbaa on 2/22/2007 11:26:42 PM , Rating: 2

I was wondering the same thing about that flash. I doubt it's putting out any significant power at that rate. It probably doesn't matter though. Most sports photographers with the budget for this camera and a need for a flash will likely have a wireless connection to the stadium's flash system which really can cycle at least that fast at full power. Other than that application, I'm having a hard time conceiving of a scenario someone would need a flash to be going off that fast.

Parent

un yeah...

By Vokus on 2/22/2007 1:00:24 AM , Rating: 5

well now they will be able to snap 10 photos a second of Britney's shaved head instead of just one, just great... and in super high quality to...

D400?

By dqniel on 2/22/2007 1:00:43 AM , Rating: 2

D400? EOS 400 you mean? ;)

RE: D400?

By Thalyn on 2/22/2007 2:08:01 AM , Rating: 2

He talks about a 400D (aka EOS 400D, Digital Rebel XTi) but never a D400. Only person who mentions a D400 is you - sorry.

An EOS 400 would be an analogue camera anyway, given the lack of a D notation.

Parent

ignorance

By medavid16 on 2/22/2007 2:35:37 AM , Rating: 2

I noticed some of the comments here are demonstrate ... , for a lack of better term, ignornace of people.

A camera body is targeted at a specific consumer audience. Dummy camera's for the masses. A Rebel XTi (400D) for the amateur starter/prosumer on a budget. And this monster camera. As someone pointed out, this is targeted at professional photographers in the field, ideally athletic events, though I do foresee an application even in weddings. Comments about Britney Spears or swaying the consumer... ?