Canon’s new full-frame camera vs. RED’s resolution champion – that’s something for movie makers. A comparison concerning image details between the EOS 5D Mark III, the EOS 7D and the Scarlet-X done at cinema5d DSLR film forum by user Sebastian, which has also some interesting thoughts about the EOS 5D Mark III (from a film-maker’s point of view).
That means a full-frame sensor (5D3) vs an APS-C sensor (7D) vs a smaller than APS-C sensor (Scarlet-X), using a Canon zoom 24-105mm f/4.0 L (5D3), a Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 (7D) and a Contax Zeiss 28mm (Scarlet-X) – this was done to match the shots (but filmed sections are not 100% identical, not a real problem in my opinion).
The footage of the Scarlet-X was recorded @2k and scaled down to HD. Not only the 5D Mark III matches the Scarlet-X concerning image details, but there is also less noise.
Read the cinema5d forum post clicking here. The original files used for the comparison can be downloaded:
J&R: 5D Mark III w/24-105mm f/4 L $4,299 – click here (NOTE: shows up as out of stock, should be in stock in a few hours)
Adorama: 5D Mark III body + free photo-book $3,499 – click here
Adorama: 5D Mark III w/24-105mm f/4 L $4,299 –click here
DigitalRev: 5D Mark III body – location-based price, different kit options, ships in 24h – click here
DigitalRev: 5D Mark III w/24-105mm f/4 L – location-based price, different kit options, ships in 24h – click here
2) DPreview published a new set of professional samples images shot in test-lab setting, JPG and RAW, comparison widget (Nikon D800, 5D Mark II, Sony A900 on crops) – click here.
Keep in mind this is an extreme test to demonstrate the rolling shutter effect, no one in their right mind would pan like this. However, there are plenty of real life situations when the jello effect suddenly becomes a problem, a fast train or car passing will have leaning windows and elliptical wheels, or watching a chase scene with moving camera and subjects will make you dizzy. Until we get global shutters, the jello effect is CMOS sensor’s biggest Achilles Heel.
If you never heard about the rolling shutter effect, the short video that follows will give you an idea. Otherwise jump over and read on.
You may wonder why two cameras not in the same league are compared. It makes sense, since theoretically the Nex 7 should perform better because of its smaller APSC sensor (the rolling shutter effect increases with sensor size). The EOS 5D Mark III was set to 1080/24P, ISO 100, Shutter Speed 1/50th, F/8, white balance 5600K, Picture Style Neutral. The NEX 7 to 1080/24P, ISO 100, Shutter Speed 1/50, F/8, Picture style Portrait. Sharpening, contrast, saturation have been turned down to zero on both cameras.
Let us first have a look at Mike’s video:
The weird thing is that the EOS 5D Mark IIIperforms better that the Sony NEX 7, which is surprising to some degree. Mike writes:
Surprise, the 5D3 kicks Nex 7′s gluteus maximus, I sure didn’t expect that from the FF sensor, either the Canon is very good or the Sony just terrible, your pick !
If you have a look at the crops below you can clearly see that the NEX 7 produces more moire than the EOS 5D Mark III
Credits: Mike Kobal
Yeah, what shall I say? Maybe that the EOS 5D Mark III is a great great camera? :-)
There are much more test pictures and crops you can analyze in Mike’s post (which is absolutely worth to be read: click here).
BTW, Mike has also a post about his brand new EOS 5D Mark III (click here) and provided us a nice unpacking video:
Let’s start with a problem some users have with Canon’s DPP software. People reports that DPP is generating extremely soft jpgs from the 5d Mark III RAW files. Two possible solution for the problem:
go to DPP’s “preferences”, then “general setting” tab, and the change “viewing and saving RAW images” to “high speed” (default is “high quality”). When using “high speed” the noise reduction palette is not used no moiré correction is applied.
use a third party RAW converter, namely: Adobe Camera Raw 6.7rc. Using ACR you first generate DNGs and the can use this DNG wherever you want (remember that LightRoom 4 does not natively support the 5D Mark III)
Ok, that should help to see all the super sharpness of the 5d Mark III images.
Next, let us talk about reviews. There is a bunch out there that are helpful and worth to be read if you want to learn more about the 5d Mark III, or need to take a decision if to buy it or not.
Le me start with a detailed hands-on review by lightingmods. Read part 1 and don’t miss part 2 of this review. The latter comes with useful samples, and other informations you may be interested in.
Engadget has a pre-production 5D3 for two weeks (those lucky guys…) and made a serious field test with the cam.
They start the review:
Shoot in the dark. That’s essentially what you can do with the Canon 5D Mark III — with a top sensitivity of ISO 102,400, what was once unfathomable could soon become an acceptable standard. While point-and-shoot manufacturers are adding WiFi and GPS, and tweaking algorithms in an effort to boost sensitivity beyond the 6400 mark, Canon and Nikon are making clear cases for a DSLR upgrade, by drastically improving image quality. The 5D Mark II had an excellent three-year run, but with its 22.3-megapixel sensor, 1.04M-dot 3.2-inch LCD, improved autofocus and high-performance video capabilities, Canon’s latest full-frame DSLR is an entirely different beast, and a very compelling successor.
Sounds good to me. But let us see the single points they are discussing:
Silent shooting – You made it past the break! As a gesture of our appreciation, we’re going to let you in on a little Mark III secret — in fact, if that high-ISO shooting wasn’t in the picture, this could very well have been our favorite new feature.
ISO 25,600 and beyond – Yes, you know the Mark III can capture usable images at ISO 25,600 — the top sensitivity available on the 5D Mark II — but there’s a noticeable improvement with this year’s model, even with our pre-production sample
Image quality – As you’ve probably already gathered, we’re very impressed with the Mark III’s performance, both while capturing images and when it came time to review them after a shoot. So much so, that we wouldn’t hesitate to declare that image quality is absolutely spectacular.
Focusing – You can’t really prioritize features when it comes to a professional camera — everything needs to work, very well, and focusing performance is right up there with image quality in our book. When every shot counts, having a flawless focusing system is key, and thanks to the 61-point High Density Reticular Autofocus on board (the same system you’ll find on the 1D X), we felt quite fulfilled in this department as well.
Video – Like its predecessor, the 5D Mark III is an incredibly capable video shooter
Battery life – Battery life shouldn’t be an issue on any recent DSLR. Period. This is also the case with the 5D Mark III — you’re likely to fill your memory card long before you exhaust the battery
And finally they conclude:
We honestly haven’t been this in love with a camera since we reviewed the Sony NEX-7. And while there’s little to compare from a price and design perspective, we’re seriously questioning that affair, and completely ready to sacrifice the compact design in favor of this incredibly capable do-everything shooter. At $3,499 for the body only, Canon priced this latest 5D higher than its predecessor, which rang in at $2,699 at launch. Still, if you’ve been considering a 5d Mark III purchase, don’t hesitate — it’s worth the investment, we promise. And if you’ve already placed your order or have one in the mail, get ready to have your world turned upside-down — this thing is simply amazing, in every way.
The review (click here) is filled with sample pics (lots shot in low light) that can also be downloaded (original files). Two videos are provided. The first one a sample video shot with the 5d Mark III.
The photographyblog has a LOT of sample images to show, also samples that cover the whole ISO range. They also provided a sample video shot at the highest quality setting of 1920×1080 and at 25 frames per second. You can see the movie clicking here.
Samples, samples, samples, who doesn’t want to see as much of possible of them? :-) We do. DPreview gives us the gift of a selection of real world samples images. They also updated the 5D Mark III preview page with new information about the cam. More samples taken with a final production Canon EOS 5D Mark III using a selection of lenses can be seen at cameralabs. The whole set (original size!) can be seen and downloaded from their Flickr page. More pixel-peeping exercises can be performed using the samples at dsrl4real. Or, for the lazy ones among us, by watching the following video:
National Geographic Photographer Ira Block got a 5d Mark III and shares his thoughts about Canon’s new FF cam (samples included). Next, it’s photographer Philip Bloom who shares thoughts and pictures of his first 48 hours with a 5d Mark III with us. This are pics shot by a professional photographer, some are simply beautiful.
I have to report new items that are either available for pre-order (1DX) or in stock now (5D Mark III). And at the end you’ll find some cool deals for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Let’s start with the Canon EOS 1DX:
pre-order possible at Amazon, $6,799.00 (click here)
The EOS 5D Mark III is in stock at
5D Mark III body for $3,499 at Adorama, free shipping (click here)
5D Mark III with 24-105mm IS Lens for $4,299 at Adorama, free shipping (click here)
5D Mark III body at Abe’s of Main for $3,499, free shiping (click here)
5D Mark III with 24-105mm IS Lens at Abe’s of Main for $4,299, free shipping (click here)
For more EOS 5D Mark III world-wide pre-order and order options click here.
3 items, $1,989.90 at peach_photo (ebay top rated seller) –
3 items, $2,009.00 at photovideo4les (ebay top rated seller) –
>10 items, with gift pack, $2,011.89 at t-dimension3 (ebay top rated seller) –
>10 items, with hugegift pack (2 lenses, filter set, 20G memory cards, tripods, 2 big bag, and more stuff), $2,088.65 at electronicsvalley (ebay top rated seller) –
For more possible 5D Mark II deals have a look at the following box:
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