Melville, NY—Canon USA announced that its parent company, Canon Inc., is developing the anticipated Canon EOS-1D X Mark III camera. The DSLR is the successor to the renowned EOS-1D X Mark II.
Ideal for sports and wildlife photography, Canon is engineering and designing the flagship DSLR using feedback from the worldwide community of EOS-1D X and EOS-1D X Mark II photographers. Continuing Canon’s heritage of optical innovation, the EOS-1D X Mark III will have an enhanced autofocus system, with dramatically improved still and video image quality as well as communication.
“The innovations put forth by the new EOS-1D X Mark III will set the new standard for professional DSLR cameras; it will further cement Canon’s commitment to its professional photographers,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon USA, Inc. “In developing the new camera, Canon listened to extensive user feedback from professionals out in the field. The result is a camera that has evolved from its predecessor and maintained the overall quality that professional photographers have come to expect from the Canon EOS-1D series.”
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III: Built for Speed
The EOS-1D X Mark III will feature “blisteringly fast” performance, added Ogawa. It will offer “exceptional precision, reliability, high-performance autofocus and subject tracking.” A new autofocus algorithm will improve stability and tracking when using both the optical viewfinder and in live view shooting mode. It will use Deep Learning technology and adapt to help facilitate accurate focus tracking.
Moreover, the camera utilizes a new autofocus sensor when the optical viewfinder is used; it boasts approximately 28 times the resolution in the center of the EOS-1D X Mark II. With the ability to autofocus in even brighter as well as darker situations than before with greater precision, the camera will also have a range of autofocus capabilities.
In live view mode, users will make use of 525 AF areas using Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. They will cover approximately 90–100% of the image sensor. Furthermore, the camera will support significantly faster frame rates with full AF/AE. This is true using the optical viewfinder (16 fps mechanical shutter) or live view (20 fps mechanical/electronic shutter). In addition, the camera’s dual CFexpress card slots will enable more than five times the RAW burst depth of its predecessor.
What’s more, the DSLR will support an all new, Canon-developed CMOS sensor and Digic image processor. They will deliver greater image quality, at even higher ISOs. They also will have the ability to capture stills in 10-bit using the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) format. HEIF produces wider dynamic range and greater color representation compared to JPEG.
Furthermore, the camera will record video in 4K resolution to bring stories to life. The new DSLR will shoot 4K videos at 60p with 10-bit 4:2:2 Canon Log internal recording.
Connectivity Features
Since content delivery is just as important to professionals as image capture, the EOS-1D X Mark III will integrate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth low-energy connectivity, in addition to GPS technology. To keep pace with ever-shortening deadlines, it will transfer data at more than twice the speed of the EOS-1D X Mark II. This is achieved when using the built-in Ethernet connection, or the optional wireless file transmitter—the WFT-E9. The WFT-E9 is also compatible with Canon’s recently launched Cinema EOS C500 Mark II camera.
Additional Features
Moreover, existing EOS-1D series users will be familiar with handling the EOS-1D X Mark III; Canon allows seamless navigation with previous ergonomics. In addition, the camera will have a durable, magnesium alloy body with weather sealing to stand up to harsh conditions.
In addition, select illuminated buttons permit operation in dark and dimly lit conditions. The camera will also offer an additional control for selecting AF points, built into the AF-on button. This will enable photographers to change AF points on-the-fly. In addition, there is dramatically improved battery life with the same LP-E19. This will allow professionals to shoot for longer periods of time without changing batteries.
Canon will announce further details, including scheduled availability and pricing, at a later date.
