CameraReview

Canon EOS 90D vs Canon EOS 1D Mark III — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

✓ WINNER
Canon EOS 90D
Canon
Canon EOS 90D
DSLR · 33 MP · APS-C · 4K video
67
SCORE
$929.75
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Canon EOS 1D Mark III
Canon
Canon EOS 1D Mark III
DSLR · 10.1 MP · APS-H
52
SCORE
$335.07
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General
Brand CanonCanon
Model 90DEOS 1D Mark III
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20192007
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
28/10/201922/02/2007
Camera type DSLRDSLR
Camera size 141 x 105 x 77 mm156 x 157 x 80 mm
Camera weight 701 g1335 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
33 MP05010.1 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6960 x 46403888 x 2592
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
22.3 x 14.918.7 x 28.7
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CAPS-H
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
10 fps04510 fps045
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Canon EF/EF-SCanon EF
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic 8Digic III
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
Max ISO
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
25600300328000032003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
100302005030200
Max ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
51200300328000064003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max shutter speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000800080032000
Autofocus points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
450300450300
In-body stabilisation
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentaprism)Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder dots N/AN/A
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4KN/A
Max video format
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
3840 x 2160N/A
Max video frame rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
120 fpsN/A
Timelapse built in
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video file format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4, H.264N/A
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen type LCDLCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
104000011500015000002300001150001500000
Flip screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live view
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)SD / SDHC, Compact Flash (Type I or II)
Dual memory card slots
Battery type LP-E6NLP-E5
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
1300 shots15050002200 shots1505000
USB charging

The Canon EOS 90D emerges as the winner with a score of 67/100, while the Canon EOS 1D Mark III trails behind at 52/100. Both cameras are DSLR types, and share similar specifications. However, the EOS 90D has a few advantages. Released in 2019 with a launch price of $1199, it is a more recent and affordable option compared to the EOS 1D Mark III, which was released in 2007 at a launch price of $4050.

The EOS 90D is also lighter and more compact, with dimensions of 141 x 105 x 77mm and a weight of 701g, while the EOS 1D Mark III is bulkier at 156 x 157 x 80mm and 1335g. While the EOS 1D Mark III doesn’t have any significant advantages, it still has a respectable score of 52/100.

Taking all these factors into account, the Canon EOS 90D is the better choice for those seeking a more recent, affordable, and lighter DSLR camera.

Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 1D Mark III Overview and Optics

The Canon EOS 90D outperforms the Canon EOS 1D Mark III in optics with a score of 62/100, a 12-point difference from the latter’s 50/100. Both cameras share similarities, such as a CMOS sensor, 10fps shooting speed, Canon EF lens compatibility, and lack of image stabilization. Despite these common features, the 90D has distinct advantages over the 1D Mark III.

The EOS 90D boasts a higher megapixel count at 33, compared to the 1D Mark III’s 10.1. This difference allows for sharper images and better detail capturing. Additionally, the 90D utilizes a more advanced Digic 8 processor, which contributes to improved image processing and overall performance. The APS-C sensor size in the 90D also enables compatibility with both EF and EF-S lenses, providing users with a wider range of lens options.

However, the 1D Mark III does have a higher DXOMARK score for the sensor at 71, compared to the 90D’s 58. This suggests better overall image quality and low-light performance. The 1D Mark III also features an APS-H sensor size, which offers a larger sensor area than the 90D’s APS-C sensor, potentially providing improved image quality and dynamic range.

Despite the higher DXOMARK score and larger sensor size of the 1D Mark III, the 90D’s higher megapixel count, advanced processor, and broader lens compatibility make it the superior choice for optics. The 90D provides users with sharper images, better processing, and more lens options, while the 1D Mark III may offer marginally better image quality in specific situations.

Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 1D Mark III Video Performance

When discussing the video capabilities of the Canon EOS 90D and the Canon EOS 1D Mark III, it is important to note that the Canon EOS 1D Mark III does not have any video functionality. Therefore, this comparison focuses solely on the video capabilities of the Canon EOS 90D.

The Canon EOS 90D has a video score of 91 out of 100, which reflects its impressive video capabilities. The camera supports a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160 pixels. This high resolution ensures that the videos captured by the EOS 90D are of excellent quality, with crisp and clear details.

In addition to its high-resolution capabilities, the Canon EOS 90D also supports a maximum video frame rate of 120 frames per second (fps). This high frame rate allows for smooth and seamless video playback, making it ideal for capturing fast-paced action or creating slow-motion effects. Furthermore, the EOS 90D features built-in time-lapse functionality, enabling users to create stunning time-lapse videos with ease.

Taking into account the video capabilities of the Canon EOS 90D, it is clear that this camera is well-suited for those looking to capture high-quality videos. The lack of video functionality in the Canon EOS 1D Mark III makes it less versatile compared to the EOS 90D. Therefore, for users who require video capabilities in addition to excellent photography features, the Canon EOS 90D is the better choice.

Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 1D Mark III Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS 90D outperforms the Canon EOS 1D Mark III in terms of features, scoring 83/100 compared to the latter’s 49/100. Both cameras share a 3-inch screen size, lack GPS, and offer WIFI connectivity. However, the EOS 90D boasts several advantages over its counterpart, including a higher screen resolution, touchscreen functionality, a flip screen, and Bluetooth capability.

With a screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, the EOS 90D provides a clearer and sharper display than the 1D Mark III’s 230,000 dots. This difference allows for a better user experience when previewing images or navigating menus. The 90D also features a touchscreen, which simplifies menu navigation and settings adjustments. In contrast, the 1D Mark III relies on physical buttons for these tasks.

The EOS 90D’s flip screen enhances its versatility, enabling users to compose shots from various angles and capture unique perspectives. This feature is absent in the 1D Mark III, limiting its flexibility in certain shooting situations. Additionally, the 90D’s Bluetooth functionality allows for seamless wireless connections with compatible devices, while the 1D Mark III does not offer this capability.

Despite its lower feature score, the 1D Mark III may still hold some advantages in other areas, such as build quality or performance. However, based on the features discussed, the Canon EOS 90D is the superior camera. Its higher screen resolution, touchscreen, flip screen, and Bluetooth make it a more user-friendly and versatile option for photographers seeking advanced capabilities in their camera.

Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 1D Mark III Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS 1D Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS 90D in storage and battery, scoring 84/100 compared to the 90D’s 48/100. Both cameras share the lack of USB charging and support for SD and SDHC memory cards.

The 1D Mark III excels with its dual memory card slots, accepting both SD/SDHC and Compact Flash (Type I or II) cards, providing more storage options and flexibility. Additionally, its impressive battery life of 2200 shots surpasses the 90D’s 1300 shots, using the LP-E5 battery type.

The EOS 90D, however, offers compatibility with the faster UHS-II SDXC cards, potentially enabling quicker data transfer. Its battery type, LP-E6N, is also more recent than the 1D Mark III’s LP-E5.

Considering these factors, the Canon EOS 1D Mark III proves superior in storage and battery capacity, while the EOS 90D provides a slight advantage in memory card speed and battery technology.

Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 1D Mark III – Our Verdict

Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 1D Mark III Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 90D or the Canon EOS 1D Mark III: