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This article is from March 5, 2012, and is no longer current.

Wow-worthy Canon EOS 5D Mark III Introduced

The rumbling in digital photography swelled to a roar last week when Canon U.S.A. announced the EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera, the newest in a line of cameras that first appeared 25 years ago. Its predecessor the 5D Mark II was already considered a “game-changer” by many photographers, so anticipation has been building for the 5D Mark III.
The specs are impressive (read the posts below for all the details), but two features stand out. First, the sensor is a whopping 22.3 Megapixels that captures a full-frame in one shot. The result is, according to those who have tested the camera, are images with astounding clarity and detail. Second, a fast 61-point autofocus mechanism coupled with six frames-per-second continuous shooting means it can capture split-second action with lightning-fast speed.
The EOS 5D Mark III targets what is often called the “enthusiast” market — photographers with good skills in picture-taking and solid knowledge of equipment who aspire to producing professional quality images. The new camera is positioned above the 5D Mark III yet below Canon’s top-of-the-line DSLR, the EOS-1D X. Interestingly enough, the 5D Mark III does not replace the 5D Mark II, but rather supplements it. When it ships later this month, the 5D Mark III will be priced at $3,499 for the body only; a kit with body and EF24-105mm lens will be $4,299. Stores are already accepting pre-orders, according to some photography blogs. The price of the 5D Mark II is expected to drop — although not to firesale proportions $#8212; when the 5D Mark III is released.
The announcement of the EOS 5D Mark III coincides with the 25th anniversary of the EOS line of cameras in 1987 during the era of film cameras. Interestingly enough, the EOS Mark II was introduced on the 20th anniversary of the EOS line. Clearly, Canon likes auspicious occasions in five-year cycles.
More reading, including sample photos and video:
Canon announces EOS 5D Mark III 22MP full-frame DSLR from Digital Photography Review
Canon EOS 5D Mark III: Video Chompin, Darkness Slaying, Digital Single Reflex Camera Pr0n BRING IT from Gizmodo
Canon 5D MKIII – my thoughts form Vincent Laforet
The Canon 5D Mark III, the camera that will make you breakfast from Kottke
Canon EOS 5D Mark III low-light ISO series samples from Digital Photography Review
Canon EOS 5D Mark III Sample Video from Photography Blog
Canon 5D Mark III Announced from Wanken
 

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