The Canon 5D mark III is announced
The long awaited Canon 5D mkIII has been revealed today . The camera’s most notable new features for use in video production are as follows:
• Digic 5+ processor (supposedly reduces moire, rolling shutter and aliasing)
• Dedicated video / still switch like that on the 7D
• HDMI stays HD whilst recording
• Headphone port
• Adjustable audio levels whilst recording
• Choice of either Intra-frame or Inter-frame H.264 recording codecs.
• Additional recording resolutions including 720/50 & 720/59.94
• Increased ISO range 100 – 25,600 (extendable range 50 – 102,800)
• SMPTE timecode support (albeit non linkable)
• Ability to record for up to 30 mins by join clips in camera
• Two card slots, 1 x CF and 1 x SD
• Lockable mode dial (that’s actually big for video usage)
• Better weather sealing
• Still uses LP-E6 batteries
Other notable features that relate more to use for stills include the following:
• 22.3 Megapixel full frame sensor
• 61 point autofocus system
• 6fps continuous shooting
• HDR mode
• 100% Viewfinder coverage
Overal it seems like a very nice improvement over the 5D mkII, lots of the issues that have been a major pain for video production with the 5D2 appear have been dealt with although it won’t be clear of course how well things like moire and aliasing have been improved until the cameras get into the hands of more reviewers.
The one lacking feature that many would have liked to have seen was the addition of clean HDMI out, the 5DmkIII still doesn’t offer this ability to use an external recorder, at least not in it’s present form.
What do you think, will you be upgrading your 5D2? Leave a comment.
Limited Pre-order available now!
The 5D mkIII body is available for pre-order from B&H for $3,499
If buying in the EU I recommend Wex (Warehouse Express) who are listing the 5D mkIII body for pre-order for £2,999
The camera is expected to start shipping at the end of March.
