Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III
Canon · DSLR · 21.1 MP · Full Frame

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Canon |
| Model | EOS 1Ds Mark III |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2007 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 20, 2007 |
| Camera type | |
| Camera size | 150 x 160 x 80 mm |
| Camera weight | 1385 g |
Optics60/100 | |
About the OpticsCanon EOS 1Ds Mark III Overview and OpticsThe Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III receives a score of 60/100 for its optics. This camera features 21.1 megapixels, a shooting speed of 5, and a CMOS sensor. It uses a Digic III processor and has a DXOMARK sensor score of 80. The sensor size is full-frame, and the camera uses a Canon EF lens mount. However, it does not offer image stabilization, and its aspect ratio is 3:2. Comparing these specifications to modern cameras, the 1Ds Mark III falls behind in some aspects. The absence of image stabilization can lead to less sharp images, especially in low-light conditions or when using longer focal lengths. Additionally, the shooting speed of 5 may be considered slow for action photography or capturing fast-moving subjects. Despite these drawbacks, the full-frame sensor and 21.1 megapixels still allow for high-quality images. The Canon EF lens mount provides compatibility with a wide range of lenses, offering versatility in various shooting situations. Therefore, while the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III might not be the top choice for those seeking the latest technology, it remains a reliable option for photographers who value image quality and lens compatibility. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 21.1 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 |
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. | |
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 |
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 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. | |
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. | 16003003280000 |
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. | 32003003280000 |
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. | 450300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
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 |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III lacks video functionality. Unlike many modern cameras, it does not record video. This camera solely captures still images. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | No |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | N/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. | N/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. | N/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. | No |
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 |
Features49/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III holds a feature score of 49/100. This score reflects the camera’s capabilities and how it fares against other models in today’s market. The camera boasts a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots. However, it does not have a touchscreen or flip screen, which are common features in many modern cameras. The EOS 1Ds Mark III lacks GPS and Bluetooth connectivity, but it does have WIFI capabilities. This allows users to transfer images wirelessly and control the camera remotely. Despite these features, the camera falls short in the competitive market due to its lack of modern specifications. The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III is a professional-grade camera with some useful features, but it struggles to compete with newer models that offer more advanced technology. Users may find the camera’s performance satisfactory, but for those seeking the latest features, other options may prove more suitable. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
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. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2300001150001500000 |
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. | No |
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. | No |
Storage & Battery84/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III earns a storage and battery score of 84/100, which is impressive. This camera boasts two memory card slots, accepting SD and Compact Flash (Type I or II) cards. This flexibility allows for ample storage options and easy file management. Battery performance is also noteworthy, with the camera capable of capturing 1800 shots on a single charge. The LP-E4 battery type is reliable and long-lasting. However, the camera lacks USB charging, which may be inconvenient for some users. Despite this minor drawback, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III remains a strong contender in today’s market, thanks to its excellent storage and battery capabilities. | |
| Memory card | SD, Compact Flash (Type I or II) |
| Dual memory card slots | |
| Battery type | LP-E4 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 1800 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |