K i t Z o n e
116 DIGITAL CAMERA^ APRIL 2020 http://www.digitalcameraworld.comDigital Camera verdict
The 1D X Mark II was already a stellar performer when
it comes to dynamic range, so we’re not surprised
that the new Mark III performs very similarly.The EOS-1 D X Mark III does so much that no other
camera can – it’s a genuine glimpse into the
future of digital photography.5.0 A best-in-class product
Lab tests
The 1D X Mk III produces very sharp shots, but no
amount of processing trickery can make a 20.1MP
sensor equal a top-flight 24.2MP full-frame sensor.The 1D X III is marginally beaten by its predecessor.
This could be symptomatic of Canon’s drive towards
image sharpness causing grain and noise.Face AF is possible
through the optical
viewfinder, but full Eye
AF is unleashed when
you shoot in Live View.The 4K video is crisp and clean, and
we’re so happy that Canon has finally
cracked the full-frame cropping
problem. Obviously the lack of image
stabilisation is a significant factor
when it comes to video, but this is
hardly a run-and-gun vlogging camera.
Mounted in a tripod, and combined
with electronic stabilisation (which
introduces a crop) if you must, the
video seems pretty pristine.
Shooting video reveals the strength
of the new Deep Learning AF, which
really does make a difference. When
filming cars zipping round a track, for
example, you can see the speed of
focus acquisition – and the camera
knew to prioritise the drivers’ helmets
rather than the car bodies. What’s
more, the new Case A (for Auto) AI
Servo mode will faithfully find andfollow the fronts of cars. It’s pretty
darned clever technology.
Canon has its own reasons for
not rolling out IBIS yet, and is still
proclaiming that lens-based IS is
superior. That may well be true. But
when you’re using a huge L-series
lens that isn’t stabilised, or trying to
record video with a giant hunk of glass
mounted and trying to get a cool
angle using a screen that doesn’t tilt,
you really do wish for such things.
The EOS-1D X Mark III is every bit the
professional powerhouse you would
expect it to be. Unlike other Canon
products, however, this one doesn’t
hold back, and it introduces some
serious next-generation technology
that will fundamentally improve your
shooting experience, your images
and your workflow. James ArtaiusFeatures5.0Build &
handling5.0Performance4.0Value5.0Rival cameras
Canon EOS-1D X Mk II
£4,899/$5,499
The predecessor is still
a formidable sports
camera, despite its age.
There is a technological
gulf between the old
and new, however.
Reviewed: Issue 180Nikon D5
£5,199/$5,499
The Nikon D5 is showing
its age: while it’s no less
capable for its advanced
years, the 1D X Mark III
outclasses it in nearly
every respect.
Reviewed: Issue 179Sony Alpha 9 Mk II
£4,699/$4,499
Sony’s new flagship is
every bit as proficient as
the 1D X Mark III – it
comes down to whether
you want DSLR speed or
mirrorless convenience.
Reviewed: bit.ly/dcwa9iiDSLR Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
Resolution (line widths/picture height)01020304050100 200 400 800 1600 3200 6400 12800 25600
Canon 1D X Mk III Canon 1D X Mk II
Nikon D5 Sony A9 Mk IISignal to noise ratio (decibels)0102030405060100 200 400 800 1600 3200 6400 12800 25600
Canon 1D X Mk III Canon 1D X Mk II
Nikon D5 Sony A9 Mk IIDynamic range (EV)02468101214100 200 400 800 1600 3200 6400 12800 25600
Canon 1D X Mk III Canon 1D X Mk II
Nikon D5 Sony A9 Mk II