Canon 1D Mark III Vs. 5D
Even in the world of high-end digital single-lens reflex (D-SLR) cameras there are different levels that cover everyone from the professional studio photographer to the sports photographer at a local newspaper. In 2005, Canon released the high-end 5D and followed it up with the professional level 1D Mark III in 2007. These models show the differences between Canon high-end D-SLRs.
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Continuous Shooting
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D-SLRs are often the choice of serious photographers because of their ability to shoot a lot of photos in a short period of time, making them ideal for fast-moving subjects such as animals and sports. The 1D Mark III can shoot up to 10 frames-per-second and can continue that shooting burst for up to 110 consecutive JPEG photos. The 5D can shoot up to three frames-per-second and can continue that burst for up to 60 JPEGs.
Display
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LCD screens on a D-SLR allow you to review your photos and to set and review your camera's settings. Newer D-SLRs also have a live view function, which allows you to use the LCD rather than the viewfinder for composing your photos. The 1D Mark III has a 3-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD, compared to the 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD on the 5D. Aside from screen size, the other major difference between the two is that the 1D Mark III has the live view function, while the 5D does not.
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Megapixels
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The number of megapixels your camera has relates directly to the size of the prints you can make without affecting your photo's quality. The 1D Mark II has 10.1 megapixels and the 5D has 12.8 megapixels, more than enough to print high-quality 8-by-10-inch prints or larger, according to Target's 2008 digital camera buyer's guide.
Lenses
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D-SLRs have the ability to change lenses, which gives you more creative control over the photos you take. The 5D is compatible with all Canon EF lenses, with the exception of the EF-S series. The 1D Mark III is compatible with even more lenses including Canon EF, TS-E and MP-E lenses. Like the 5D, the 1D Mark III is not compatible with Canon EF-S lenses.
Power
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Because they are more powerful, D-SLRs require more power. To keep you from having to run out for new batteries all of the time, both the 1D Mark III and the 5D come equipped with a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack. The 1D Mark III's battery, the LP-E4, can take up to 2,200 photos per charge and the 5D's battery, the BP-511A, can take up to 800 photos between charges.
Size
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Based on their advanced features and capabilities, D-SLRs of any classification are larger than point-and-shoot cameras. The 1D Mark III is 6.1 inches wide, 6.2 inches high, 3.1 inches deep and weighs 40.7 ounces. The 5D is slightly smaller -- 6 inches wide, 4.2 inches high, 2.9 inches deep and weighs 24.7 ounces.
Price
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As of September 2009, Canon has suggested retail prices on its website of $2,499.99 and $3,999 for the 5D and the Mark III, respectively. Canon notes, however, that those prices are only suggestions and that the retailer you buy your camera from determines the final selling price.
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References
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Comments
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michald
Feb 11, 2010
Canon 1D Mk III - and the recently released Mk IV - are high end cameras, which most amateurs or semi-professionals won't need. The 5D Mk II has been adopted by many professionals, including some newspaper photojournalists, as it's cheaper, yet produces fantastic, high-quality images.
