Canon has given a sneak peek of its upcoming flagship DSLR, the EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR. There is still not a lot known about the camera, but Canon has released some information.
You can watch B&H’s first look video at the top of the article. What we do know is that the camera will feature a new processor and a new sensor. According to Canon Japan, the new CMOS sensor and video engine are still currently under development.
Key features KNOWN SO FAR
- Updated CMOS Sensor and DIGIC Processors
- 16 fps Shooting with Viewfinder
- 20 fps Shooting During Live View
- 4K 10-Bit 4:2:2 Video Recording
The EOS-1D X Mark III is primarily a stills camera, but it does seem like it will have some decent video capabilities. According to Canon, the camera will have dual CFexpress card slots and be able to record 4K 4:2:2 10-bit. The camera will also be able to record up to 60fps in 10-bit. It’s a bit unclear whether the 4K 60p YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit can be recorded internally or whether it is only available over the HDMI output. The documentation I received from Canon Japan seems to contradict itself. Canon couldn’t tell me whether there is an image crop, or if this can be done in full-frame. The camera will also have some form of C-Log.
The 1D X Mark III will be able to record RAW internally. We are guessing that this will be Canon’s Cinema RAW Lite that is found in the C200 and C500 Mark II. Update: I have confirmed this with Canon Japan.
The camera will also feature Dual Pixel CMOS AF working across 525 focus areas. According to Canon Japan, they have developed a new type of AF sensor that has approximately 28 times the number of pixels in the center pixel area compared to conventional models. By analyzing the high-resolution signal obtained from the AF sensor, the camera can achieve high focus accuracy.
What is interesting is In Live View shooting, you can shoot with both mechanical shutter and electronic shutter.
The 1D X Mark III will come equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, BlueTooth LE, and an ethernet port. It will also work with the new WFT-E9 wireless file transmitter. The ethernet port and the WFT-E9 will be able to transfer images up to twice the rate of the current EOS-1D X Mark II.
The battery is the same as EOS-1D X Mark II, but the power management has been improved. Canon states that you will be able to take approx. 1210 images on a single battery.
During optical viewfinder shooting:
High-speed continuous shooting at approx. 16 frames / second (AF / AE tracking)
During Live View shooting:
High-speed continuous shooting at about 20 frames / second (AF / AE tracking)
The number of continuous shots that can be taken when shooting RAW is
up to 5 times higher than EOS-1D X Mark II
Yes, the 1D X Mark III is Canon’s flagship camera, but what does this mean for the EOS R line when it comes to video? Hopefully, the new EOS R Pro version will inherit the same video specifications that will be coming to the 1D X Mark III.
Below is the full information available currently from Canon:
Need for Speed
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III will be blisteringly fast – offering exceptional precision, reliability, high-performance autofocus and subject tracking – providing photographers with a tool that will help to capture the shot they are chasing. The camera’s new autofocus algorithm will improve stability and tracking when using both the Optical Viewfinder and in Live View shooting mode, using Deep Learning Technology and adapting to help facilitate accurate focus tracking for every shot. When using the optical viewfinder the camera will use a new autofocus sensor, with approximately 28 times the resolution in the center of the EOS-1D X Mark II. Offering the ability to autofocus in even brighter and darker situations than before and with greater precision, the camera will have a range of autofocus capabilities, which will enable the photographer to get their shot. In Live View mode, users will be able to make use of 525 AF areas using the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system will cover approximately 90×100 percent of the image sensor. The camera will support significantly faster frame rates with full AF and AE, using either the optical viewfinder (up to approximately 16fps mechanical shutter) or Live View (up to approximately 20fps mechanical or electronic shutter). Additionally, the camera’s dual CFexpress card slots will enable more than five times the RAW burst depth of its predecessor.
Powered to Dominate
The development of EOS-1D X Mark III is a clear example of Canon’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovative imaging products featuring optically excellent technology. The camera will support an all new, Canon-developed, CMOS sensor and DIGIC processor, that will deliver greater image quality, at even higher ISOs, with the ability to capture stills in 10-bit using the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) file format. HEIF produces wider dynamic range and greater color representation compared to JPEG. The power of 4K resolution brings stories to life – shoot 4K videos including 4K60p with 10-bit 4:2:2 Canon Log internal recording.
Conveniently Connected
For professionals, content delivery is just as important as image capture – the EOS-1D X Mark III will make it easy, featuring built-in Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® low-energy connectivity in addition to GPS technology. To keep pace with ever-shortening deadlines, the camera will transfer data at more than twicei the speed of the EOS-1D X Mark II when using the built-in Ethernet connection, or the new optional wireless file transmitter – the WFT-E9, which is also compatible with Canon’s recently launched Cinema EOS C500 Mark II camera. Coupled with simpler network set-up the camera will greatly enhance the professional workflow.
A Familiar Feel with Improved Attributes
Existing EOS-1D series users will be familiar and comfortable handling the EOS-1D X Mark III allowing seamless navigation with trusted ergonomics – whilst the magnesium alloy body will offer the durability expected from Canon’s EOS-1D cameras. Professional photographers can trust the same impressive build-quality as the EOS-1D X Mark II – with phenomenal weather-sealing, standing up to harsh conditions, including wind, rain and humidity. With incredible low-light shooting capabilities, the camera will now feature select illuminated buttons that allow for precision operation in challenging, dark and dimly lit conditions. The camera will also offer a new additional control for selecting AF points, built into the AF-ON button, allowing photographers to change AF points on-the-fly for the best composition – further helping to simplify their work. In addition, dramatically improved battery life – with the same LP-E19 – will allow professionals to shoot for longer periods of time, without having to change batteries, helping reduce the chance of missing a shot.
