More powerful, more capable and more versatile, the long-awaited Canon 5D Mark III ($3,499) is finally here. Less revolution, and more evolution, the Mark III brings with it a host of much-needed improvements and new features including several from its behemoth brother, the 1 DX. This includes the 61-point AF system, 63-zone metering system and a single instance of the pixel crunching 14-bit Digic 5+ processor — capable of multi-exposure processing, HDR, convenient M-RAW/S-RAW image size options, and tearing through continuous shooting at 6 fps. At the camera’s heart though, is a new, light-gobbling 22.3 megapixel full-frame sensor that crushes low-light photos with a native ISO 100-25,600 sensitivity range (12,800 for video), expandable to a whopping 102,400. Think of it less like an upgrade to the Canon 5D Mark II and more like a full-frame Canon 7D.
Canon has also rolled out a slew of much needed upgrades to video capture — 1080p (24-30 fps), 720p (24-60 fps), external mic input and the ever-so critical stereo headphone output for monitoring audio levels. In addition, a reduction in artifacting and aberrations thanks to the new processor and a bump to 30 minutes of continuous recording time are included in the gamut.
Also, two new add-ons have been added to the mix: a GPS receiver and wireless image transfer adaptor for about $200 each. If you’re upgrading from the 5D Mark II you’ll also be greeted with a host of welcome features like the improved interface found on the 7D, a new ClearView II LCD display with an improved resolution of 1,040,000 pixels and reflection-resistent coating, enhanced weather sealing, dual CompactFlash and SDHC card slots, and a clever “rate” button, which allows photographers to rate their photos as they shoot. Look for the Canon 5D Mark III (body-only or with a Canon EF 24-105 f/4L IS USM Lens kit) to clog lines and credit card balances at the end of March.
More photos after the jump.
Buy Now: $3,499 (Body only, available end of March)
