Canon raises the curtains on the EOS 5D Mark III full frame DSLR

After Nikon recently announced the D4, we knew it was just a matter of time before Canon addressed this by responding to the competition. On the 25th anniversary of its world-renowned EOS System, Canon have announced their latest model, the new EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera. Positioned between the extremely popular EOS 5D Mark II and Canon's top-of-the-line professional EOS-1D X model, the brand claims that the EOS 5D Mark III delivers superb image quality, due to a new 22.3-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, a high-performance DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processor, a 61-point High Density Reticular Autofocus (AF) System and six frames-per-second (fps) continuous shooting speed. 

Finally announced!

The EOS 5D Mark III incorporates enhanced video features for professionals in the fields of cinematography, television production and documentary filmmaking, including improved noise reduction, longer recording times and a built-in headphone jack for audio monitoring. The EOS 5D Mark III is Canon's answer to hundreds of thousands of advanced amateurs and emerging professionals looking for a compact, high-quality camera system to help them achieve their artistic vision, whether it be through still or video imagery.

Speaking at the announcement, Yuichi Ishizuka, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. said, “We are extremely excited to announce the highly anticipated follow-up to our EOS 5D Mark II, a camera which has been called a 'game-changer' in most professional photography and videography circles. The EOS 5D Mark III will carry on that tradition, delivering better and more advanced features, helping our customers achieve excellent image quality for stills and video.”

Canon claims, “Special optical technologies like the 61-Point High Density Reticular AF and an extended ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 50 (L), 51200 (H1) and 102400 (H2) make the EOS 5D Mark III ideal for shooting weddings in the studio or out in the field, and great for still photography. Advanced professional-level high definition video capabilities (that includes a host of industry-standard recording protocols and enhanced performance) make it possible to capture beautiful cinematic movies in EOS HD quality. A newly designed 22.3 Megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Canon DIGIC 5+ Image Processor, and shooting performance up to 6.0 fps provide exceptional clarity and sharpness, even when capturing rapidly-unfolding scenes. Additional technological advancements include an Intelligent Viewfinder, Canon's advanced iFCL metering system, High Dynamic Range (HDR), and Multiple Exposure mode — all of which that help make the EOS 5D Mark III the perfect multimedia tool.”

Here is a look at the specifications of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III:

• Type: Digital, AF/AE single-lens reflex, camera
• Recording Media: CF Cards (Type I); Compatible with UDMA CF cards; SD, SDHC, and SDXC
• Image Format: Approx. 36 mm x 24mm (35mm Full-frame)
• Compatible lenses: Canon EF Lenses (excluding EF-S Lenses)
• Lens Mount: Canon EF mount
• High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor
• Effective pixels: Approx. 22.3 megapixels
• Total pixels: 23.4 megapixels
• Aspect ratio: 3:2 (Horizontal: Vertical)
• Colour Filter System: RGB primary color filters
• Image format: JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon Original), M-RAW, S-RAW, RAW+JPEG, M-RAW+JPEG, S-RAW+JPEG
• Video format: MOV (Image data: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Linear PCM)
• Large file size: Approx. 22.10 Megapixels (5760 x 3840)
• RAW + JPEG Simultaneous Recording
• Viewfinder: Eye-level pentaprism
• Autofocus: TTL secondary image - registration, phase detection

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR camera is expected to be available at the end of March 2012 and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $3,499.00 (approximately Rs.1,73,407). The EOS 5D Mark III will also be available with the EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens in a kit for an estimated retail price of $4,299.00 (approximately Rs.2,13,055). For more information on this highly anticipated DSLR, click here.