Monthly Archives: March 2012
Canon 5D Mark III
MARCH 22nd – This is the day the new Canon 5D mrk III will be available. You can pre-order the camera on Amazon and B&H Photo. So what are the big new features? The new DIGIC 5+ Image Processor changes the way images are recorded and processed. The result is increased speed, power and a higher ISO sensitivity. 14-bit signal processing offers an extended ISO range, and the rear LCD screen is bigger and better. You now get Compact Flash and SD dual memory card slots, and a newly designed autofocus system gives you an extra 52 points for focus.
But what about video? Typically, videographers have chosen the video-friendly 7D for its multiple FPS HD video choices, but it seems the new Mark III has that covered and more. It now offers the same FPS choices in multiple formats, including 1080/30p and 720/60p (still wish the 60fps option was 1080 though). A huge improvement over the 7D is the extended shooting time – up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds on the mark III (only 12 minutes with the 7D), and it comes with timecode. You can now monitor audio levels and plug in a 3.5mm stereo mic. There’s also the long-awaited addition of a headphone jack.
Canon released a beautiful test video for the 5D Mrk III called “Beauty in the eye of the beholder“. You can watch it below.
The Canon 5D is priced at around $3500 for body-only. Some think that’s too high, given the huge selection and choices out there for DSLR video these days. I own a 7D, and have seen enough videos on Vimeo shot with the 5D to know that its resolution and low light sensitivity cannot be beat in that price range. Of course reviews are one thing though, I can’t wait to get my hands on one to shoot with it - that’s the real test!
Filed under Video
