Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 58
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 65
SCORE
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| General | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2007 | 2012 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
20/08/2007 | 02/03/2012 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 150 x 160 x 80 mm | 152 x 116 x 76 mm |
| Camera weight | 1385 g | 950 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
21.1 MP050 | 22.3 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5616 x 3744 | 5760 x 3840 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
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. |
24 x 36 | 24 x 36 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
5 fps045 | 6 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 | Canon EF |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Digic III | Digic 5+ |
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. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
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. |
16003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
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. |
5030200 | 5030200 |
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. |
32003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
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. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
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. |
450300 | 610300 |
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/A | N/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. |
N/A | Full HD |
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. |
N/A | 1920 x 1080 |
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. |
N/A | 60 fps |
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. |
N/A | MOV |
| 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 | LCD | TFT LCD |
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" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2300001150001500000 | 10400001150001500000 |
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, Compact Flash (Type I or II) | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact Flash, UDMA |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | LP-E4 | LP-E6 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
1800 shots1505000 | 950 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III with a score of 65/100 compared to 58/100. Both cameras are DSLRs released by Canon, with the 1Ds Mark III in 2007 and the 5D Mark III in 2012. They share similar dimensions, with the 5D Mark III having a slightly smaller and lighter body at 152 x 116 x 76mm and 950g, while the 1Ds Mark III measures 150 x 160 x 80mm and weighs 1385g.
The 5D Mark III’s higher score showcases its superior performance, which is also reflected in its lower launch price of $3499 compared to the 1Ds Mark III’s $7100. The 1Ds Mark III doesn’t offer any significant advantages over its counterpart, making the 5D Mark III the better camera.
Considering the scores and specifications, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the clear winner in this comparison, providing better value and performance in a more compact and lightweight package.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III emerges as the winner in the optics comparison, scoring 67/100, while the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III scores 60/100. Both cameras share several specifications: they have a CMOS sensor type, full-frame sensor size, Canon EF lens mount, and no image stabilization.
The 5D Mark III surpasses the 1Ds Mark III in some aspects. It has a higher megapixel count of 22.3, compared to the 1Ds Mark III’s 21.1 megapixels, allowing for more detail in captured images. The 5D Mark III also has a faster shooting speed of 6 frames per second, compared to the 1Ds Mark III’s 5 frames per second. This difference in shooting speed can be crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the 5D Mark III features a more advanced processor, the Digic 5+, which contributes to better image processing and overall performance. The DxOMark score for the 5D Mark III’s sensor is 81, slightly higher than the 1Ds Mark III’s score of 80, signifying a marginally better sensor performance.
In contrast, the 1Ds Mark III has no significant advantages in optics over the 5D Mark III. Both cameras share the same lens mount and lack image stabilization, so there is no clear winner in these aspects.
Taking into account the higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, better processor, and marginally better sensor performance, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III proves to be the superior camera in terms of optics. The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, while still a capable camera, falls short in this comparison.
When it comes to video capabilities, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III does not offer any video functionality. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III has a video score of 56/100, providing users with the ability to capture video content.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III records video at Full HD resolution, with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This ensures that the captured footage is of high quality and detail. The camera also supports a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, which allows for smooth and fluid motion in videos. However, it is important to note that the EOS 5D Mark III does not have built-in time-lapse functionality.
Taking into account the video capabilities of both cameras, it is evident that the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the better option for users who require video recording features. The lack of video functionality in the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III makes it unsuitable for those who need to capture moving images.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III wins the features comparison with a score of 59/100, while the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III scores 49/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as the lack of a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is superior in screen size and resolution. With a 3.2-inch screen and 1,040,000-dot resolution, it offers a clearer and larger display for users to review their images and navigate menus. This advantage enhances the user experience, making it easier to compose and review shots.
The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, however, has one advantage: built-in Wi-Fi. This feature allows users to transfer images wirelessly and control the camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. Despite this advantage, the overall features score remains lower than the EOS 5D Mark III.
Considering the differences in features, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III stands out with a better screen size and resolution, providing a more enjoyable user experience. The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III’s Wi-Fi capability is a useful feature, but it does not outweigh the benefits of the 5D Mark III’s superior display. Therefore, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the better choice in terms of features.
The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark III in storage and battery with a score of 84/100, compared to 76/100. Both cameras share two memory card slots and accept SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Compact Flash cards. However, the 1Ds Mark III also accepts Type I or II Compact Flash cards, while the 5D Mark III supports UDMA.
The 1Ds Mark III excels in battery life, offering 1800 shots per charge with its LP-E4 battery, nearly double the 5D Mark III’s 950 shots using an LP-E6 battery. Neither camera has USB charging capabilities.
In terms of storage and battery, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III is the superior choice due to its longer battery life and compatibility with additional memory card types. The Canon EOS 5D Mark III still offers ample storage options and a decent battery life, making it a viable option for those prioritizing other features. Ultimately, the decision depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III or the Canon EOS 5D Mark III:
