Gizmodo: canon eos-1d mark iii

Canon to Halt Sales of EOS-1D Mark III to UK and Recall?

Charlie White — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 09:40:00 EDT

We told you about Canon's willingness to fix the focus problems in its flagship EOS-1D Mark III camera, and now it appears the company is taking further steps to make sure the $4500 digital SLR is working properly. In a letter allegedly sent to UK dealers and dated October 25, not only does Canon acknowledge a quality issue with some of the EOS-1D Mark III units already sold, the company has decided to stop shipping the product and will collect all unsold units from dealer stock. Take a look at the letter:

We talked with representatives at Canon USA this morning, who said they hadn't heard anything about this letter, nor did they know if sales of the EOS-1D Mark III would also be halted in the U.S. or if existing units would be recalled. They're looking into it for us, so stay tuned for more info.

UPDATE: Canon tells us all the U.S. models now shipping have already been modified, and no recall is planned. If current EOS-1D Mark III owners are experiencing autofocus problems, they're invited to return the camera to Canon for repairs. [Rob Galbraith DPI]

Focus-Broken Canon EOS-1D Mark III to be Fixed Soon

Charlie White — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 08:22:26 EDT

Although we were highly impressed with the $4500 Canon EOS-1D Mark III digital SLR camera when we first saw it last winter (check out our video of it snapping off 10 frames per second like a house afire), the high-end super camera turned out to have a goofy problem: Its autofocus didn't work in bright sunlight. Canon has reportedly agreed to fix the camera's AI servo autofocus defect, and if you're one of the unfortunate early adopters of that mofo cam, you can call 800 828-4040, give your serial number to one of the Canon reps, and they'll call you when they have the parts and you'll get your camera fixed right up, maybe even in the next couple of weeks. So much for being an early adopter. [Rob Galbraith, via FM Forums]

PMA 07: Canon EOS-1D Mark III Snapping Off Frames Like a House Afire

Charlie White — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 21:52:00 EST

As promised, here's the Canon EOS-1D Mark III digital SLR firing off 10 frames per second. It's able to shoot a string of 110 frames at a time in its default large jpeg frame size at level 8 compression. Canon's Chuck Westfall, Director of Media and Customer Relationship of the Consumer Imaging Group, shows us what this hot high-end DSLR can do. – Charlie White

PMA 07: Canon EOS-1D Mark III Hands-On

Charlie White — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 09:36:41 EST

We scooped the details last week of the latest supercamera, the 10.1-megapixel Canon EOS-1D Mark III, and now that we've actually held it on our hands, we can give you some first impressions.

The most extraordinary and downright startling feature is the way this camera can snap off 10 frames per second, taking pictures so quickly it sounds like a machine gun. Later in our coverage, we'll capture some video and audio of this remarkable feature in action so you can experience it for yourself. The crowd gathering around this high-end release from Canon was visibly moved.

Jump for more about one of the other impressive new features for the EOS-1D Mark III:

We also took a look at the camera's live-view capability, where you can see what you're framing up in the viewscreen. Just push the big button next to the screen and after you hear a subtle clunk, you see the image right there in that nice big 3-inch screen. However, when you're actually taking the picture, that live view goes away. Nevertheless, this is a welcome innovation for those who sometimes chase celebrities in a crowd and must hold that camera high to actually get a shot.

Another first impression: the thing is huge and heavy. It's about the size and weight of a brick, so don't hold any illusions that you might want to carry a couple of these around just for some casual shooting. Of course, the professionals who might pick up this $4000 camera are already well aware of that. – Charlie White

Canon EOS-1D Mark III Shoots 10 Frames Per Second

Charlie White — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 23:19:21 EST

Canon announced its high-end 10.1-megapixel digital SLR, the EOS-1D Mark III, capable of slamming down 10 motor driven frames per second using the next generation of its image processing engine, the Dual Digic III. Canon says the APS H-size CMOS sensor inside is its most light-sensitive yet, capable of an ISO range of 10 to 3200, and that can be pushed to 6400.

The Mark III also has Canon's first live-view LCD screen on a digital SLR. This will give users the ability to compose shots in the camera's 3-inch LCD viewscreen as well as the optical eyepiece. Plus, the camera can connect to a PC via USB 2.0 to enable viewing of the shots on a computer screen as well. The camera will also include the EOS Integrated Cleaning System which vibrates for 3.5 seconds to clean off dust, just like its lower-cost brandmate the Canon Digital Rebel XTi.

More pics, higher rez:

Canon wasn't quoting pricing for the EOS-1D Mark III yet, but did say the camera would be shipping sometime this spring. – Charlie White

Press Release [Canon USA, Inc.]