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Canon · DSLR · 22.3 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Name: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Brand: Canon
Availability: InStock

General 65Optics 67Video Performance 56Features and Benefits 59Storage and Battery 76

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KEY FACTS

BrandCanon

ModelEOS 5D Mark III

Released2012

Announcement date02/03/2012

Camera typeDSLR

What We Like

+Tried and tested, reliable camera

+Strong low-light performance

+Has a high dynamic range

+Dual slots for SD and CF cards

Worth Knowing

−Some disappointing JPEG rendering

−AF in Live View is clunky

−Fixed screen is not touch sensitive

−Video recording is time limited

General 65

Brand

Canon

Model

EOS 5D Mark III

Released

ⓘ

Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.

2012

Announcement date

ⓘ

Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.

02/03/2012

Camera type

DSLR

Camera size

152 x 116 x 76 mm

Camera weight

950 g

Optics 67

Megapixels

ⓘ

The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.

22.3 MP050

Image resolution

ⓘ

Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.

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

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

Sensor format

ⓘ

Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.

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.

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

Image processor

ⓘ

The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.

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

Min ISO

ⓘ

Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.

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.

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

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.

1024003003280000

Minimum shutter speed

ⓘ

The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.

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

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.

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)

Viewfinder dots

N/A

Read our notes on optics

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III receives a score of 65/100, reflecting its position as a solid DSLR camera. Announced on March 2, 2012, and released the same year, it was initially priced at $3,499. The camera measures 152 x 116 x 76mm and weighs 950g (2.09lbs).

While the 5D Mark III has been on the market for several years, its specs still hold up well against newer competitors. However, advancements in technology may overshadow its capabilities, making it a less attractive option for those seeking the latest features.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Overview and Optics

The optics of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III receive a score of 67/100. With 22.3 megapixels, a shooting speed of 6, and a CMOS sensor, this camera offers solid performance. The Digic 5+ processor ensures fast processing, while the full-frame sensor size provides high-quality images. The camera is compatible with the Canon EF lens mount but lacks image stabilisation, which may affect image quality in certain situations.

In today’s market, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III holds its ground with a DXOMARK sensor score of 81. The 3:2 aspect ratio is standard, and the absence of image stabilisation is a drawback for some photographers. However, the camera still manages to perform well due to its other specifications.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III remains a reliable choice for photographers seeking a full-frame camera with good optics. Despite not having the highest score, it provides satisfactory performance and image quality.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Video Performance 56

Video

ⓘ

Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.

Yes

Max video resolution

ⓘ

The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.

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.

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.

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.

MOV

Read our notes on canon eos 5d mark iii video performance

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III receives a video score of 56/100. This camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080. It is capable of recording video at a frame rate of 60fps, which is a standard feature in today’s market.

Comparing these specifications to current camera models, the 5D Mark III’s video capabilities may seem somewhat limited. Many newer cameras offer 4K resolution, which provides a sharper image quality compared to Full HD. Additionally, the absence of built-in time-lapse functionality in the 5D Mark III is a drawback for users who enjoy this creative feature.

To conclude, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III’s video capabilities are satisfactory but may not meet the expectations of users seeking advanced video features or higher resolution options.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Features and Benefits 59

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.

Yes

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.

Yes

Screen type

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

3.2"

Screen dots

ⓘ

Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.

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.

Yes

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.

Read our notes on canon eos 5d mark iii features and benefits

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III receives a feature score of 59 out of 100. With a 3.2-inch screen and a resolution of 1,040,000 dots, the display is clear and easy to view. However, the camera lacks some modern amenities that users may find desirable.

This camera does not have a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities. These missing features may make it less competitive in today’s market, as many contemporary cameras offer these options for added convenience and functionality.

Despite the absence of these features, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III remains a strong choice for those seeking a high-quality camera with excellent optics and video capabilities. Its performance in these areas compensates for the missing modern features, making it a solid option for photographers who prioritize image and video quality over additional amenities.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Storage and Battery 76

Memory card

SD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact Flash, UDMA

Dual memory card slots

Yes

Battery type

LP-E6

Battery life

ⓘ

Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.

950 shots1505000

USB charging

Read our notes on canon eos 5d mark iii storage and battery

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III scores 76/100 in the storage and battery category. This camera provides two memory card slots, which accept SD/SDHC/SDXC, Compact Flash, and UDMA cards. This compatibility offers versatility in storage options for photographers. However, the battery life of 950 shots, powered by an LP-E6 battery, may be considered average in today’s market. Additionally, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities.

In terms of storage and battery performance, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III has competitive memory card compatibility but falls short in battery life and charging options. This camera is suitable for those who prioritize storage options, but users seeking longer battery life and convenient charging may find it lacking.