Canon EOS 5D Mark III - An object of desire

OK, I will say it.  I WANT the 5D Mark III!  It's a camera that fixes all of the 5D Mark II's short comings (ok, I still want the swivel screen).  The specs are pretty much the same as what the rumor have been saying, except the price, which is higher than what most people expected.

The image quality test at dpreview sure looks pretty good, but I don't think it's that far ahead of the 5D Mark II.  Strangely enough, if you check out Canon's official sample images, image #1 (the aurora) shot at ISO 800 has a  lot of chroma noise.  Not sure if they turned off the noise reduction or what.  Canon jpeg engine still falls behind Olympus, which generates exceptionally good jpeg as if they were converted from RAW.  Would 5D Mark II owners upgrade?  If I had the Mark II, I would probably not upgrade, unless superior auto focus is what you are after.  

For me, this camera would replace my 1D Mark III, but the price is just too high to justify at $3,888 CAD.  I guess it's a camera for most pros and semi pros of still and videographers.  I am sure many well heeled buyers will snap the 5D III up, but it's just too much money for non-money making use.  I will pick up a used 5D Mark II when it hits $1500, and keep my 1D III.

Megan -- Sony NEX-5N & Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6

Canon 5D Mark III -- Is it worth the hype?

Canonites are eagerly waiting for the unveiling of the long waited successor to the 5D Mark II, which has been one of the most successful and best selling full frame cameras in recent history.  So, the Mark III has a big shoe to fill. If the rumour is correct, it will have the 1DX auto focusing system, and a new 22MP sensor with high ISO going all the way up the wazoo! I am happy that Canon listens to its customers and didn't go nuts on pixel count on the popular 5D line, and instead, concentrates on high ISO and more dynamic range.  The only worry is that the price might be too high.  Anything over $2800 is too much, in my opinion.  The 5D II was something like $2800 on introduction.

On the other hand, I am sure Canon won't let Nikon steal the show with the D800's 36MP sensor.  I have no doubt they will have a competing model with 40 or more megapixel sensor, perhaps the 3D, or 5DX very shortly?

This is exciting times, even though for me, they are too expensive for me to afford, but glad to see the technology advances.  Who knows, in a couple of years, we may see a $1500 full frame 24MP camera.

Rock Skipping -- 1D Mark III & EF 135mm f2