Gizmodo: EOS-1D Mark III

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]

Canon EOS-1D Mark III Auto-focus Under Heat

Addy Dugdale — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 05:52:59 EDT

Our own Photo Wizard Charlie White got his hands all over the Canon EOS-1D Mark III at PMA'07 and was blown away by this $4,500 wonder. And rightly so, because the camera is amazing... except for one little problem.

Imagician Rob Galbraith has been field testing the machine-gun wondercamera and he has detected a problem with the autofocus.

After that, [autofocus in] our preproduction EOS-1D Mark III is a mess. It can't hold focus on static subjects very well and it can't track moving subjects very well. While Canon didn't provide any details about the autofocus limitations we would encounter in the preproduction body, we hope this is what they were referring to and this is what engineers have been solving since.

The problem apparently happens on warm weather and especially bright situations, but it's there and it affects not only the pre-production but also the final production models. Not only that: he has received more than 200 mails with people experiencing the same problems. – Jesus Diaz

June 21, 2007: More on EOS-1D Mark III autofocus [Rob Galbraith via Crave]

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.]