Features:
Superb image quality: entirely new 21.1 Megapixel Full-Frame Canon CMOS Sensor, Highlight Tone Priority, and 14-bit A/D conversions for outstanding color tones.
The EOS-1Ds Mark III incorporates Canon's newest CMOS sensor, which delivers approximately 21.1 effective megapixels (5,632 x 3,750 pixels). The recording area of the sensor is 36 x 24mm, which is equivalent to the full-frame size of the 35mm film format. The tremendous pixel count delivers high-resolution images of exacting precision, with Photoshop™ file sizes over 60MB for outstanding quality at large print sizes and post-processing cropping flexibility. Despite the higher pixel density, Canon CMOS sensor technology ensures exceptionally low noise and the widest usable ISO range* (from 50 to 3200, using ISO range extension).
Activated via a Custom Function on the EOS-1Ds Mark III, the unique Highlight Tone Priority feature takes full advantage of the camera's 14-bit per channel digital conversion to provide smoother gradations from the grays to the highlights and preserve greater detail in image highlight areas — a perennial problem for digital photographers, especially those who work in bright sunlight or contrasty studio lighting. Highlight Tone Priority expands the available range of capture in the highlights, yet it exacts no penalties in either shadow detail or other aspects of image capture.
Whereas most other digital cameras use 12-bit A/D (analog-to-digital) converters, the EOS-1Ds Mark III employs superior 14-bit per channel converters to process the output of the imaging sensor. In each color channel, this means there are 16,384 distinct brightness steps from the darkest to brightest tone (vs. 4,096 previously). This ensures smoother tonal transitions and more natural gradations. RAW images are recorded at the full 14 bit, and once processed will preserve the entire range of tones when opened in Photoshop's 16-bit color space.
With another great feature, Picture Style technology, photographers can recreate characteristics of their favorite films. Color, saturation, sharpness and contrast settings create noticeable variation in the saved image. In addition to six preset Picture Style settings (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome), users can create three additional settings for their particular photographic style. Picture Style settings are applied directly to JPEG images, giving tremendous flexibility to shooters who prefer the ease of JPEG files. If RAW images are processed in Canon's Digital Photo Professional software (v. 3.2 or higher) or RAW Image Task software, the versatile Picture Style settings can be modified or completely changed in the computer, without affecting the original file.
Dual DIGIC III Image Processor Developed to maximize performance between the capture and recording stages of digital photography, the EOS-1Ds Mark III's Dual "DIGIC III" Image Processors work in parallel to dramatically enhance image quality and deliver the speed and power needed to combine 21.1 million pixels and 5 frames per second. The latest-generation DIGIC III Image Processor works in concert with Canon's CMOS sensor to achieve even higher levels of performance. The entire electronic system is totally re-designed, giving the camera its incredible combination of speed and image quality. Digital noise is significantly reduced in shadow areas, and color reproduction is superior.
Live View Function capabilities, displayed on the large 3.0-inch LCD monitor.
The EOS-1Ds Mark III features a sophisticated Live View Function, which makes the LCD monitor a real-time finder. When the Live View Function is enabled, the reflex mirror is locked up and the shutter opens. The image output from the CMOS sensor will be displayed in real time on the LCD monitor with 100 percent coverage. A selectable portion of the image can be magnified by 5x or 10x to aid in precise manual focusing. Focus, exposure check, composing, and shooting can all be accomplished in this mode. There is also a grid overlay option, perfect for architectural photography.
Live View Function is convenient for tripod-mounted shooting, macro work, precise shooting with Canon's Tilt-Shift lenses, and many other situations in which it is a physical strain to keep the eye at the viewfinder. The image can also be displayed on a TV monitor, which is ideal for showing photographs, as they are being composed, to clients and portrait subjects.
Large 3.0-inch LCD Monitor At 3.0 inches diagonal, the EOS-1Ds Mark III's LCD monitor is exceptionally large. The big, clear image is ideal for Live View Function. It also makes it easier than ever to confirm capture, check memory card contents, confirm shooting parameters, and access menu options.
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III Specifications:
ISI Newsletter