EmailBest Reviewed
High-End DSLRs
- Best full-frame digital SLR with movie mode Canon EOS 5D Mark II *Est. $2700
- Fast full-frame digital SLR for action shots Nikon D3 *Est. $4350
- Best professional digital SLR Canon 1Ds Mark III *Est. $7000
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Best professional digital SLR
- High 21.9-megapixel resolution
- Great image quality
- Durable build
- Self-cleaning sensor
- Heavy (42.5 ounces)
- LCD screen not very high res
- Live view only in manual mode
February 2009. The 21.9-megapixel Canon 1Ds Mark III is Canon's flagship model, with superior weather sealing and durability. Reviews give this camera high marks for image quality, and tests show that although the Nikon D3 can shoot faster, the Canon 1Ds Mark III has better autofocus in action shots. Its main advantage, however, is for landscape photography, where the high resolution makes for superior detail. The less expensive 21.1-megapixel Canon EOS 5D Mark II (*est. $2,700 body only, $3,500 with kit lens) isn't as durable but weighs less and can take high-definition videos.
We found the most objective reviews based on lab tests at PopPhoto.com, DxOMark.com and ProPhotoHome.com. Of these three, PopPhoto.com tests the most factors and evaluates overall image quality and usability as well. The review at DPReview.com is longer and more detailed, with useful illustrations of photographic tests. For direct comparisons with the Nikon D3, we turn to comparison reviews at Luminous Landscape and Photo Business News and Forum, while the lengthy review at The-Digital-Picture.com includes detailed comparisons with other Canon models.
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Our Sources
1. PopPhoto.com
This detailed review, based on lab tests and hands-on usage, finds that the Canon EOS 1Ds provides "image quality and fine detail that rivals or exceeds that of many medium-format systems." The camera earns special praise for its autofocus, color accuracy and resolution.
Review: Camera Test: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, Michael J. McNamara, Feb. 2008
2. DXOMark.com
Lab tests of camera sensors rank the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III below the Nikon D3 and D3X, primarily because the Canon 1Ds produces more noise at high ISO settings. However, the sensor on the Canon 1DS Mark III gets slightly higher ratings than the Nikon D3 for color depth, and outranks other DSLR cameras.
Review: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, Editors of DXOMark.com
ProPhotoHome.com's objective tests comparing action shots of a runner show that the Canon 1D Mark III outperforms the Nikon D3 in terms of autofocus.
Review: Canon 1D MKIII vs. Nikon D3 Sports Autofocus Showdown, Editors of and contributors to ProPhotoHome.com, May 8, 2008
4. DPReview.com
This lengthy review covers all aspects of the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III camera in detail, concluding with lists of pros and cons. Despite a few drawbacks, the review calls this camera "peerless" and, like the review at PopPhoto.com, positions the camera between pro DSLR cameras and medium-format cameras.
Review: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Review, Simon Joinson, Aug. 2008
Comparing the Canon 1Ds Mark III with the Nikon D3 and D300, landscape photographer Reichmann provides comparison photos of close-up details but doesn't recommend one camera over the other.
Review: Oh No! Not a Nikon/Canon Comparison! Yes. I'm Afraid So, Michael Reichmann, Dec. 2007
This detailed hands-on comparison review favors the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III over the Nikon D3 for large prints, but judges its higher resolution less important for most shots. For shooting in low light, the Nikon D3 has the edge.
Review: Nikon vs. Canon, John Harrington, Dec. 8, 2007
This review compares the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III with a host of other Canon DSLR cameras, but not with Nikon models. The reviewer is mostly enthusiastic about the 1Ds Mark III, but his unit shipped with a dirty sensor that was hard to clean.
Review: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III Digital SLR Camera Review, Editors of The-Digital-Picture.com
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