Canon 1DX Mark III Review | Living with a $6,500 Camera

[@slrlounge]

See more sample images in the article: www.slrlounge.com/canon-1dx-mark-iii-review/

[@andrewalisov8738]

4 :18 at least you talk about shooting sports on 105/1.4 but actually shows shots on 24mm or wider... wtf?

[@thefujiguy5865]

Man. I dropped 40 pounds when I was rolling everyday. Most fun I have ever had. Keep rolling with a blue belt. As you get closer and closer to holding your own, you are making jumps. When that new guy walks in, or another white belt from another gym comes in, you'll see just how much you're growing.

[@easer777]

@@andrewalisov8738 Yea, I was thinking the same, however, I guess that he was not free to show them publicly. -But I would like to know whether thát was via the optical viewfinder, or via live-view....? Any way, my biggest gripe with this camera is that it haven't got interchangeable focusing screens, which I need if I am to continue shooting how I shoot now, focusing my f/1.2 lenses manually (< googl "eg-s" if You haven't got any idea of what I'm talking about). -So can anyone confirm that iTr will follow the eye that one focus at initially, in a close-up portrait situation, and half/full figure as well....?

[@tHaH4x0r]

I think the smaller resolution, is also aimed at sports professionals for their faster workflow. If you get 'the picture' in a match, but deliver it a day later, its already worthless. They need to select, edit and upload the first half pictures before the first half is over almost! For them, 20ish MP is more than enough even to cover a full newspaper, so it just doesn't make sense to have a lot more resolution that slows down image transfers to your computer, slows down editing, slows down the upload via FTP to whoever contracted them. So seeing this, it makes a lot of sense why they picked the resolution like they did. So to me, this camera doesnt seem to be aimed at one type of photographer, but rather two different kinds: - The pro sports/journalist photographer that doesn't need high res, but needs robustness, great focusing and a quick workflow to be the first out there with a good image - The pro cinematographer who can fully use the video features of this camera, but for some reason (budget/weight/size) doesn't want to invest in a professional camera setup (or does also sometimes do stills).

[@Stefan1968ful]

I kept the 1DX Mark II and purchase the R5. Best combo for me, the 1DX Mark II I use in super harsh environment and the R5 where I need the extra reach. The EF lenses perform like a charm on the R5, even the Canon 600mm 4.0 III. For Wildlife, I can't imagine something better right now. The Animal Eye Autofocus of the R5 is simply mind-blowing - unbelievable. So no need for an 1DX Mark III.

[@keithkreatives]

The 1Dmk3 outperforms the mk2 noticeably in all categories.

[@RotterStudios]

I have this 1DX Mark III and love it. The feel in your hand, alone, well, you just have to try it.

[@munkey572]

The limitation was due to pixel size. A 45mp sensor scaled down to 20mp still has pixels sized for 45mp so that wouldn't work. They wanted the large pixel size so that they could have better high ISO noise performance, they clearly state that in their release. For the ISO ranges a portrait photographer uses it doesn't matter, but for a wildlife photographer, being able to shoot at 6400 ISO with 1600 ISO noise is huge.

[@DylanTheCameraGuy]

Exactly what I was going to say! Shooting night time sports is also a big factor. This camera is touted towards action photogs.

[@shaun1040]

The higher iso would also be great for wedding night receptions or events!

[@sctm81]

Shooting with a pro body is a unique experience. The way the shutter shake is absorbed by the body is just unreal. It's hard to explain if you haven't tried it.

[@longliveclassicmusic]

As a portrait photographer I'm honestly considering grabbing a 5Ds which is super super super cheap these days and a used EF 24-105 and going back to DSLR more in the studio particularly but also as needed in general. I find the electronic viewfinder's and live view's digitally-limited dynamic range on my EOS R crippling in many situations, and I really crave that 50MP. The grass is NOT always greener. A 20MP 1Dx III is literally the last camera in the world I want or need. Everyone always wants the latest and greatest or the fanciest camera of their brand. I feel like most people who sport these (except action photogs) only do it to look and feel cool. But most of us need to be way more honest with ourselves regarding what we actually need.

[@obsidian00]

Got my body back in the end of May...I have never been so pleased with a piece of kit! Sure, I will NEVER shoot a second of video but that’s not why I bought it...

[@kilohotel6750]

I picked up a 1DX2 about a year and a half ago and glad I didn’t wait for the 3. For wildlife not enough of a improvement for me. I’m also waiting for a RF body to replace my 5dsr, looks like that won’t come until 2021 maybe. I’ve never shot weddings I just do wildlife as a hobby but the weight of the 1DX bodies isn’t a big deal, it actually helps balance the 600/4 IS II well on a gimbal head.

[@mika2666]

That battery tho, I thought the 1DX2 was impressive where I get 1500 shots on an E19 easily and 2000 with a little care but 2000 with half your battery left is incredible

[@rumporridge1]

My Batman and Robin duo, 90D and 5DM4 is perfection. At least for me. L glass are my weapons of choice. Out shooting Gotham has never been more fun lol.

[@angelisone]

The last Canon EOS-1Dx Mark III (same with Nikon D6). Because many beginners/amateurs/KZbinrs want small & mirrorless. All pros are retired or retiring because they simply couldn't compete with amateurs. Existing photographers are doing video's reviews to make end meets.

[@guillandanthony711]

I am an amateur photographer and I started by using the 1100D nearly ten years ago. Now I own a 5D4 and a 1DX2 (second hand). I'm more into sports and the 1DX is a beast. If you don't want to miss shots, this is the camera to use. So, I wanted to upgrade to a 1DX3 and sell the Mark 2, but what's preventing me from doing so is that Canon is replacing the CompactFlash through CFast. Okay, CFast is much better and faster, I know. But this makes part of my equipment unusable, and i don't like that. The other reason is the price. Even if if I sell my Mark 2, it would still be way too expensive. And you are right on that point. Buying a 20 MP camera, which has only a few improvements compared to the predecessor, for € 7,200 here in Europe (it's what my car has cost), it's way too much. The RF system is well appreciated for videos and you see the research and improvements in these cameras, which can justify a higher price. This is not the case for the 1DX3. But I will stick to my EF cameras, because I'm not into video-making. The 1DX2, bought at nearly the same price as a discounted 5D Mark 4, was a good deal.

[@mhsvz6735]

Thanks for another excellent review video! Long live the Canon Lens Wars!

[@Jgilbert232]

More megapixels = more noise. Sports photographers like myself don’t want that. Our file sizes need to be smaller to edit and send quick. I get your point but that’s the reason behind 20mp. 24 would of been nice but certainly nothing above that would be necessary. Cheers 🍻

[@payamjirsa]

Yeah, makes sense, I just wish I had a full 30mp option, and then the 20mp option. It felt like a limitation that didn't need to be there.

[@onlysublime]

I'm not a sports shooter (I wish I had the kind of media access needed to be a sports shooter!). I love the 30 mp resolution of the EOS R and the 42MP of the Sony A7R3. It's amazing how sharp the images are and how much you can crop and still have a fantastic image. With 20 MP, you really need to be careful with framing. Yes, people get sloppy with framing when using high resolution cameras but sometimes you can't get in the proper position within a limited time because life is life and the logistics of getting the subject in the right position with the background.

[@guardotutto3583]

@@payamjirsa PyeJirsa the sensor is divide in cells/pixel, a 30Mpx sensor produce a 30Mpx Image. If you select the 20Mpx option the camera just downsize the 30Mpx image. More the cells are small (so more Mpx per sensor) less space they have to capture light, so more noise at the same ISO! In conclusion less Mpx give a better ISO performance

[@krane15]

I just said that. Canon got user feedback and they agreed with you.

[@SnapJimmy]

I’m trying to decide between 1DX Mk3 and R5. I most shoot photos and not much video. When I shoot my kids running around in the late afternoon or indoor, 5 out of 10 shots are blurred & can’t use them. If money is not an issue, which one do u think is better?

[@UtubeEric12345]

Regarding the 20 MP. Apart from what other has written about file size and iso noise. My guess is that downsizing a higher def sensor output requires some kind of image processing, and thus cost both time (lower fps) and battery power. Which is not what you want when you design a camera optimized for high fps and long lasting batteries. But that is just my guess, perhaps some of the pros can confirm if this is the case?

[@mikewinburn]

i appreciate the details presented and the down to earth presentation of the downsides and upsides when considering this camera. My strongest disappointment w/ this camera was the choice to decrease the mpx count (20.2 to 20.1 effective), when i was sooooo looking forward to 26-30mpx. If asked would i prefer larger mpx or higher frame rate, i'd have opted for higher mpx - as long as the iso performance remained as good or better than the 1DX2. RARE would be the need for 16-20fps - i was getting my shots w/ the 1D4 (only 10fps) since i came from film days and didn't grow up on autofocus. Oh well.

[@heartlandlight6862]

I hadn’t seen your videos for a while. I’m glad I saw this one. Almost every word added information, not fluff. Top notch production qualities. Ideal presentation voice. I’m primarily a birds-in-flight photographer, so this is a dream machine for me, regardless of video considerations. But I agree, for general photography, the 1DX III is expensive overkill.

[@carstentlund]

Heartland Light I’m with you on this one. Bird/wildlife photographer here and I absolutely love this camera. What a beast! The AF tracking is insane compared to earlier versions

[@dannygo4230]

Nice video. How/what set did you shoot to shoot the strobes at One Jujitsu? Did you use the multiple strobes bounced in essence to get enough light at very low power to recycle at 16/20(?) fps? Would be a nice video to show the setup of the shoot.

[@monzarace]

While I would like the Mark III, I will stick on with my Mark II, as I see the III as an incremental step forward, not a huge one. But with mirrorless, there are and will be new problems to be solved. Thanks for sharing. Kind regards.

[@adude394]

I appreciate your objectivity and candor. I've shot with my EOS 300D for about 20 years and almost never used anything other than full auto. On the advice of a friend who is an expert photographer, I picked up a used 20D and a used 7D with some decent glass, and started to learn about taking control of my settings and not letting the camera make decisions for me. As I got better and more comfortable with manually selecting settings, my 60th birthday approached. I like to do sports and wildlife photography, and decided that I didn't care about the potential obsolescence; I picked up a used Mark III, and I'm quite happy that I did. It's got far more power than anything I'll ever realistically need, but since I'm not really interested in trying to move to mirrorless, I believe that as far as DSLR, I'm set for life. (With a few more lenses to come, I imagine.)

[@marcanthonystorm]

I love this camera, I also have the R6 but the 1DX Mark III it’s just so good. You literally want to sleep with it.

[@sauravpradhan7881]

Car photographer's dream 😍

[@darealphantom]

Thanks for making such a great informative video I thought about buying this camera but I feel the R5 will be for my speed since I already have the EOS R and want to invest with RF glass

[@mattk1627]

If you want a high megapixel camera then just get the 5DSR

[@waelpph328]

Im curious about something 🤔 can you try the Canon 85mm 1.2 with it and tell/show us the results? Because if that camera can fast focus with that old guy "85 f1.2" i mean!! Thats the dream

[@massacci]

wael pph are you having soft focus problems with it?

[@michaelbushphotography]

It does very well.. used that combo at the canon booth at WPPI.. it was like a whole new lens.

[@jorgemoya9395]

have you experienced any overheating with the video at 4k? the new eos r5 anf r6 have reported overheating. I'm confused because the r6 uses the same chip and sensor as the 1dx mark III. I wonder if having the larger body is distributes heat better. thoughts? thanks

[@Ultrarmx]

THX for the wise advice. Definitely have to be more cautious on spending during these difficult times.

[@alyriatutoring5697]

Real talk, whats your audio setup here? Thats so full and clean with the mic being that far away. What’s the mic and recorder?

[@Bb4r]

I can't understand why anyone would want to use the 1DX lll to shoot weddings, or have it as their primary camera for portraits. For still photography, as you said, this camera was built to capture sports and action in the stills realm, with the ability to capture decent portraits of participants of sports and action if need be. I photograph sports and action, and have always used canon equipment starting from 1976. Large lenses and heavy camera bodies; weight of the equipment not a problem for me, and not a problem for a lot of other photographers I usually see at the events I attend. Also, the era of technology is not a problem as long as it produces great results.

[@ryanjones9103]

Is this camera built for action or sports photography? is it a good idea to shoot film with this camera? I shoot videos a lot

[@theaaronimal]

Great sensible review! Thank you!

[@shawnewaltonify]

You took 2000 frames. Can you please make some content on how you sit there and look at them all? Do photographers have several processes for reviewing and organizing their shoot, or is the workflow the same everytime? Huge thank-you for this reliably excellent channel.

[@stevemophoto]

You should look into photo mechanic. 3rd party software that is super fast at viewing and organizing raw photos. A friend told me about it and it blew my mind. By far the best and worth every penny. check it out

[@dakotaxu4792]

It"s not always about resolution, content is way more important. A boring 60MP photo is still boring and an iPhone photo with interesting content, the kind of photos that are rampant on Instagram these days, the ones with thousands of likes featuring mind-numbingly beautiful women is far better than any photo regardless of resolution. So the resolving power of the new RF lenses that are being attached to the toy like bodies of the Canon EOS R5 (the one with the over heating problems) do not necessarily output 'better photos'. A 1Dx Mark III with 'only' 20MP is designed for a specific user, You trashing the camera at the end of your deceptive video doesn't serve a useful purpose, similar to you sitting next to a table with carefully positioned camera gear designed to make you appear as an expert on the subject of photography. The 1Dx Mark III is still very much relevant today and will be for the next four years down the line

[@keithkreatives]

That’s what happens when a portrait photographer reviews a sports camera. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@olesjor]

I don't have that problem with the EOS 5D IV with sigma 105mm 1.4 art. You may need to micro adjust the autofocus. you rock Pye ;)

[@SeanThurston]

CRUSH > soft light.... looks so good. Waiting for crush!

[@slrlounge]

Thanks Sean! We're excited for it as well.

[@dct124]

Thanks for the not try hard review. No offense but Fro was trying way too hard to make the camera out to be way more than what it is. The reality is that the D4 and 1Dx II hit the peak of sports action bodies. The sports photographers that are going to buy this body are not buying it for video and so glad you made the point of the capacity (so many literally overlooked that). They also overlooked the fact that your ability to edit the raw files is limited if you can use them at all. What the 1Dx Mk III is, it's a future proof Pro DSLR. In 20yrs this camera will still be easily a great buy and by then it'll be sold for $1k or less. The camera can't shoot 24fps either.

[@weddingphotographerjake]

Ok but what about events and weddings? Is it worth it? With ISO, and tracking ect?

[@Popeii1]

A pro sharing his experience, there may be something better on earth, but I haven't found it.

[@michaelbobarev]

Nice review !! Thanks!

[@RedHell2884]

Which is better and has the most important and strongest specifications 1D Mark 4 Or 1Dx?

[@quazisanjeed6395]

Thank you for the video though I found it quite late. If I can muster the necessary funds; I’m definitely going for Canon EOS 1Dx Mark III and EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM. I’m already using 1D Mark IV and EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM with a native 2x III extender for bird/wildlife photography. Why all the above? Because, my name is DSLR Forever. Do I need to explain the reasons? I don’t think so because, you are a pro and I’m sure you know why I choose DSLRs over MILCs. I don’t need the latest simply because those are Not the greatest. As purely a hobbyist; my dream is to capture a sprinting cheetah after its prey in Africa and only an appropriate DSLR setup can achieve it. I’m already in a position to go about it with my current setup however; the dream setup would be fun. Thanks again.

[@YenithLianTy]

Love the music choice for the video!

[@slrlounge]

Haha, us too!

[@scotie690]

I will continue with my Eos R and wait for the R5. I wouldn't be comfortable to spend 6.5k on the 1d 3. That said, we will wait to see that haircut. 😂😁

[@XPKFighter]

Does anyone know the recording limit with 5k or 4K? Does it have nonstop recording on any of these resolutions?

[@kelb89]

30 minutes

[@johnsmith1474]

We'd shoot sports wide open at 1.4 in 1976, and get great results with a manual focus lens. We used what appears to be a lost technique: "ability to turn a lens ring to focus a camera." Anyway, what is up with the little model? Why did she dirty herself up with skanky tats? Jail? Glad to hear about the battery life, that is important should you forget how to swap out a battery, or not have one because you are broke.

[@stevesvanderpool8653]

As a former Nikon and now Sony shooter, I admit this is very impressive. But too large, dated mount and let's not forget the upcoming R5. $4500 for A9II which does about the same. I would wait for Canon's more all around offering. This is for that old Canon guy who just can't let go.

[@BadKarma714]

I knew you guys went to Laguna Beach I love the places you shoot because they’re not far from me either. I graduated from Tustin high school

[@batmo6772]

Pye,calibrate your lenses and the camera.I had 2 D750's,one wouldn't get sharp images with any lens without calibration and the other one was fine with everything.

[@MatthewSaville]

We do this, monthly, with all our DSLRs in the entire SLR Lounge and wedding/portrait studio, as full-time photographers who shoot tens of thousands of photos every month. The lenses still get out of calibration again and again. It's just an inherent drawback of having autofocus not be performed on the image sensor itself. Also, Sigma primes in particular are notorious for not just having a simple front/back-focus issue, but simply being un-reliable (meaning, both front and back-focusing) on DSLRs. This isn't a problem in live view on a 1DX iii, or on a mirrorless camera, because autofocus is performed on the sensor itself. In that case, all you have to worry about is, is there enough light for the camera to "see" clearly, and if yes, it can nail focus every time.

[@smurfrock]

The last DSLR camera from Canon. Rent if needed.

[@dct124]

The only reason a real pro is buying either this or the D6 is for the AF. Like there's literally nothing else really worth upgrading to them from their current body except for better AF.

[@KissMyKite]

Correct and at 20MP even with tack on focus the lack of resolution makes everything soft. Hair looks like pudding!!!

[@rvdxpress]

I don’t need it, but I want it. 😏 But I will settle for the 90D 😒

[@maskirovka77]

thought provoking review...I was leaning toward buying the camera before watching it and now, I'm leaning against.

[@johnrus7661]

This is the best review I have watched on the 1Dx III that actually highlights the same things I have seen and want. Namely the resolution, so many dismiss this as being just a speed body you don't need more. But as you have very well said. It is a downside and an unnecessary one at that given the price point and the competition.

[@RedHell2884]

is there a difference between mark 3 and mark 4?

[@johnsmith1474]

He has his hat on backward, or inside out.

[@onlysublime]

R5!

[@slrlounge]

I think that's definitely what has Pye's eye.

[@heeroyuy9z]

First model name/IG?🧐

[@steffmkd]

a7Riii or a7R4 will be better for portrait/wedding photography

[@payamjirsa]

I would agree from a technical standpoint, feature set yes. But, in terms of color, I still prefer the 1DX3 or Canon color tones.

[@onlysublime]

I used the A7R3 extensively (borrowed from a friend) during 3 shoots because my camera gear was stolen and while it's a fantastic camera, there were so many little niggles that added up to a somewhat frustrating experience. The buffering is just insanely bad. I've never had such a bad buffering experience. You are literally watching the number count down and you can't do ANYTHING while the buffer is writing down. The menu system is just insanely bad. Sony fans say you can tailor it but it really takes a long time to customize it and you really need instructions. A Canon doesn't need instructions. On a Canon, you hover over a menu item and there's a popup telling what the function does. I couldn't customize the Sony either because my friend spent so much time setting it up to his workflow and I had to respect the fact that he let me borrow the body and so many lenses. I also had problems taking group pictures. For some reason, the focus point kept jumping from where I wanted it and I had no idea why. In low stress situations, the camera performed quite well. But under high stress situations, I was struggling to keep up. There was a scenario where there was a runway walk with numerous models walking fairly close to each other and coming toward me at an angle. So my strategy would be to grab a few shots of each person within a certain zone. But I was struggling to focus on the desired person. And these were just a few things. I get that with more time, I could adapt to the A7R3 but I felt that Canon is a bit more predictable in high stress situations. And I rarely have a what-just-happened moment with a Canon camera (well, I have had ISO change dramatically on occasion). Don't get me wrong. I loved the images I got out of the A7R3 and the resolution was insane. But the shooting experience wasn't that great.

[@sauravpradhan7881]

R3 if you don't want lag or if you want high megapixel with little lag go for R4

[@fotoreportaze5797]

In Slovakia it costs even more - 7 398 euros. According to conversion rates, that makes it 8 704 $ camera!

[@keithkreatives]

And this is why a portrait photographer shouldn’t review a sports camera. I love your content (normally), bud but this review missed the mark.

[@deb8183]

please cancel the music. It’s distracting. thanks.

[@jonneye]

Too many assumptions (with almost every take) that all your viewers are not professionals who will likely never utilize all the features offered.

[@ajar1000]

20MP is a huge advantage for low light. I'd be mad if it was a higher resolution

[@Luna-cf3op]

The music is driving me crazy. You try to be smart what's important is the message not the appeal. I'd rather listen to someone speaking interesting with bad footage than listening to all these trying to be smart videos. I don't mind if the lighting is not perfect as long as I can see you and your message is clear I an ok. This is not only for this channel but to all channels. Sorry but this is my opinion.

[@krane15]

Nothing to be sorry about. Its a trend that's totally unnecessary at best, and annoying as all get out at its worst.

[@colbewells1487]

go to a sony page and hear how every sony shooter needs 6k raw 10 bit....wrong. you're wrong. you're just wrong lol. 90% of the clients who will receive a final video will not require more than 720/1080p MAX. most people don't even have 4k and can't tell the difference between graded 4k and ungraded 1080p. Thank you Pye...for saying that people won't and DONT need anything over standard 4k.

[@RobJorg]

why you wearing a hat indoors ?

[@slrlounge]

His hair bro! He ain't got none right now. He's rocking a quarantine buzz cut, hahaha

[@RobJorg]

@@slrlounge haha, i notice a lot of unshaven faces and hats of all sorts on youtube. whats next wearing shoes indoors ? anyway, i wish him well. such a nice young man.

[@randomfun6526]

😑

[@deb8183]

couldn’t listen to video as the 🎶 distracted big time.

[@arunashamal]

You can't use primes wide open without missing focus on a Canon camera?? wut? I never knew cannons were that bad!

[@EstelonAgarwaen]

me sitting here with a 16mp crop sensor be like: ... ... ... :|

[@Santhoshm-kt9ef]

Please give me the camera

[@ScoopsTroopsRugby]

Oooh, the camera is a bit heavy 🙄

[@JonJakubcin]

A9ii with battery grip > 1Dxiii

[@payamjirsa]

Basically. With a different color science.

[@MatthewSaville]

The A9ii is the best argument against a 1DXiii, and for many types of action sports photography, the A9 series might be superior, however there is still a lot to be said for the OVF if you shoot VERY fast action. In other words, for things like weddings and kids running around, "medium-fast" action as it were, I'd totally rather have a used A9 than anything else. Best "action camera" deal in town, even if you could get a used 1DX ii for the same price. The AF tracking is just insane. However, for the ridiculously fast stuff, like fighter jets and cars and erratic action sports athletes, ...I'd have to still give the nod to a 1DX iii.

[@JonJakubcin]

Matthew Saville after owning the a9 and a9ii, I do agree the evf could be better... essentially the same res as the a7Riv. That said, it has never lagged or had me miss a shot for football, baseball, racing or birds in flight. When do we get to the point of more than we need an spec chasing? I mean looking back 10yrs at what I/we shot with, we are all so spoiled. Happy to even be able to have cameras like this to compare. What a time to be alive! Happy shooting!

[@frostybe3r]

Now this thing is completely useless with EOS R5 existing.