Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Lab test: what is the brand’s highest-end SLR worth?

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II full review (price-specifications-defects-features)

Before getting to the heart of the subject, remember that the EOS-1D X III is the latest in a series launched in 1989 with the Canon EOS-1, which in 2012 became EOS-1D X. The Mark II camera was released in 2016, and four years later the device that interests us here was born, stamped Mark III. The objective of the 1D family remains the same: these cameras are designed to embody the best of Canon’s know-how, and are therefore the most expensive. They are intended for an audience of professionals.

It was eagerly awaited, according to a precise calendar: like the Nikon D6, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III constitutes the most high-end proposal of the Japanese manufacturer, and its release coincides with one of the major events of the year. . This model, intended for professionals and in particular for sports photographers, had to be ready in time for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, scheduled for next summer. The case, formalized at the beginning of the year, begins to be available, and allows those who invest to apprehend it before international meetings – but also our test laboratory to put it to the test.

What is the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III?

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III  is a DSLR that, while not bottom-rung like the EOS 1200D, is reasonably affordable, and offers simple operation that’ll appeal to those who don’t want to get knee-deep into the manual side of photography. It gets you the DSLR benefits of lens choice and good image quality, without the daunting learning curve.

The DIGIC 6 processor lets you shoot at 5fps, which has become the bog-standard speed level for any self-respecting everyday DSLR. It’s the same speed as the 700D too. What has changed, though, is the buffer. The 8-frame RAW file limit may not sound impressive, but being able to shoot up to 940 JPEGs in burst does.

If you’re keen to dive right into some of the more advanced principles of photography, also consider the Canon EOS 760D, which has the same insides but more manual controls.

Want to keep it simple? The only serious issue with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III  is that it doesn’t offer as good dynamic range as its rivals, the Nikon D5500 and Pentax K-S2.

The mode dial features priority modes that let you control one main element such as aperture or shutter speed, letting the camera sort of the rest to best suit that setting. We use these easy manual modes about 90 per cent of the time.

For this reason, the device provides high quality technical paper. The EOS-1D X III has a 20.1 MP full-frame CMOS sensor. It is paired with a Digic X image processor designed to improve shooting speed – up to 20 frames per second live and 16 frames per second with viewfinder. Improvements over 1D X II affect both autofocus, which now has 191 points and combines face detection with improved algorithms, as well as an ISO range (from ISO 100 to 102,400, or even ISO 819 200 in extended mode) or video. This is now recorded in DCI 4K at 60p, but also in RAW 5.5k video (60p), which Mark II did not allow. The connection has clearly gained in freshness, with the emergence of a built-in USB-C and WiFi and Bluetooth port, but also a double CFexpress port. An Ethernet connection is also maintained to transfer clips and video clips.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

For our part, we tested the EOS-1D X III using a high-end optical lens, EF 24-70 mm f / 2.8 L II USM.

Design and ergonomics.
From a purely hardware point of view, Canon hardly changes anything in 1D X II. The case retains dimensions of 15.8 x 16.76 x 8.26 mm, for a slightly lower weight. If the weight of 1D X II, including battery, weighs 1.53 kg, then the Mark III weighs 1.44 kg. There is a slight difference, of course, but it is still palpable for the user, but it still has a sturdy design. So the case is tropical – it is able to withstand 85% humidity and is designed to operate from 0 to 45 ° C. If we cannot assess it in such extreme conditions, it is clear that the locks which ensure correct closing of the memory card slot and battery maintenance are reliable. Similarly, the physical conductors, located on the left side of the housing, are protected by rubber covers to avoid the risk of oxidation.

The EOS-1D X III is not surprising in terms of ergonomics. Nothing has changed, or almost: the main handle is well engraved and ensures a comfortable grip, while the lower part, which also turns into a handle when you place the device in an upright position, is slightly less suitable for larger hands. However, the arrangement of buttons and dials allows use in both configurations without difficulty, especially since everything in this professional box is designed to simplify access to parameters. No need to navigate the complex submenus, therefore: to access the ISO, white balance or exposure, there are dedicated buttons. As for the menus, the option is available to the user, who can move around using the Canon “signature” disc or take advantage of his touch screen. Requires a robust, non-steerable design. Maintains a diameter of 3.2 inches and gains in know-how: it saves 2.1 million points against 1.62 million on 1D X II.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II – 3 comprehensive review

We note that the button layout has not changed, except for the welcome access to the backlight system associated with the light sensor: thus it is automatically activated. Touch is still refreshing: AF-ON button is now sensitive. It is really sensitive and especially allows to choose views during development with great ingenuity. This button is a bit repetitive with the joystick, however, Canon has maintained it: so the systemic regularity of its products will not be confused. Still in the AF range, we appreciate burst mode speed, in visual view or in live view, especially since face tracking is very effective.

To conclude this overview, note that the EOS-1D X III, like the Mark II model, accommodates an LP-E19 or LP-E4N battery. Canon has clearly worked on autonomy for its new case, which is estimated at 2850 shots instead of 1210 with its predecessor. During our tests, we were able to monitor her good behavior, despite our requests.

The resolution.

Recall that the Canon EOS-1D X III offers a full-frame 20.1 megapixel sensor – like its predecessor – but associated with an image processor now called Digic X. It is associated for this test with the Canon EF lens 24-70mm f / 2.8 L II USM, a large aperture trans-standard zoom.

The duo offers good performance capacities, at least 28 and 70 mm where the results are convincing. It’s less convincing at 50mm, where the cropping capacities are a little less important. At the shortest focal length, it is possible to crop up to 68.6% of the image according to our standards (printing 20 x 30 cm) and without noticeable degradation in quality. This harvesting capacity reaches 67.5% at 70 mm. Therefore, users will only be able to keep about a third of the image if cropping is required.

We also note that the centering is excellent, that is to say that the accuracy is greater in the center of the image, and that the homogeneity of the latter is also good with very few aberrations in the measured accuracy . Between the center and the edges. At 50 mm, this smoothing is also good, but it is a little lower.

last word
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is a better version than its previous EOS-1D X. Although it may be somewhat expensive than other DSLRs on the market, professional photographers will find this powerful camera suitable for sporting mobile photography and photography. Wildlife.