Canon 1DX Mk III Review by Ken Rockwell

[@forsterl.stewart414]

28-135 was worlds first 35mm image stabilized lens if I'm not mistaken In 1999 used it on my eos 3 with pb2 power booster, and both still work today. A testament of Canon's build quality.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Correct. I was still stuck with Nikon back then and lusted after the 28-135 IS my freinds had. Thanks

[@tommyvictorbuch6960]

A true masterpiece, as all Canon cameras was from the very beginning.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@mas3ymd]

Excellent review. I’m not even a photography enthusiast, but I’ve always loved Ken Rockwell’s reviews and commentary on photography equipment and topics on his website. He’s uncommonly knowledgeable about photography, thoroughly tests equipment before reviewing, makes important points, and writes well. I had no idea he’s making KZbin videos, but I’m super happy to discover this!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!!

[@georgesealy4706]

If you are dealing with highly dynamic situations requiring fast and accurate AF, then this is the camera to get.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Right on! Thanks!

[@jkb462]

“If you like fast expensive cards, it’s for you.” Man you always crack me up. 🤑

[@KenRockwellTV]

I’m serious. I like cheap SD cards. I don’t need the fart expensive ones, but we’re all different

[@daknarr]

All I can say is wow. As a shooter of the original 1DX, I appreciate your approach to reviewing this camera. You hit on all the points important to me in a very practical manner. The lack of a flip out screen, or an EVF are actually pluses to me. I realise that as a stills shooter almost exclusively, I am in an ever more narrowing minority (or perhaps the KZbin gear pundits would have me believe I am), but I like cameras that take pictures. It's the Canon 1DX Mark III, is there really a need to go into how good the autofocus is? Excellent, excellent review. Thank you for this!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU! As you can see, I’m a shooter rather than a talker, and cover things from that perspective. www.kenrockwell.com/tech/2-kinds-of-photographers.htm

[@michaeltuffin8147]

Though I own newer cameras I.e R6 I still prefer my DX cameras I have the original and the Mark 3. also have a 5D4 which I also love

[@PaulKretz]

If you need standard FF zoom, take a look at *EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM* . I've just tested it against EF 24-105mm f/4 IS USM L and it turned out it's totally on par with it regarding picture quality! Amazing sharpness for such price. I preferred it to 28-135 due to wider both angle and aperture. Sure, 24-85 lacks IS and long reach, but it's about half the size and weight of L-lens and circa 1\5 of its price for the same image quality! Brilliant piece of gear.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Agreed. Tested at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/24-85mm.htm

[@PaulKretz]

@@KenRockwellTV Thank you, sir!

[@ApertureDG]

Oh boy. Most honest photo blog now on youtube, and I missed that.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Seems like you found it! Thanks!

[@jacobb590]

Very informative, very quick. Ken get's straight to the point!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Exactly what I go for. Thanks for noticing!

[@davidmalone4017]

Ken -your videos are the very best!!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!

[@mdbedelsohn4307]

Hi, and thanks for your great video and all the info on your site, reading "the art of photography," as by your recommendation (a GREAT recommendation, thanks!). Right now I'm hesitating between the 1dxIII or Nikon D5 (second hands). Would you also say (like dpreview) that the D5's 3D tracking is still superior, even to the 1dxIII? Also is the Nikon ocular less of a peephole?

[@KenRockwellTV]

I forget! It’s been a while, which is why I do my written reviews. See www.kenrockwell.com/canon/1dx-mk-iii.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d5.htm oh duh, my own review proclaims the 1DX III as worlds best. I prefer the Canon, overall it’s a better newer camera from a better company with better support. Ignore non-pro (do review are amateur shooters at best) “reviews.” Also which is best depends on who you are and what you’re trying to do; see my written reviews which should cover it all. Thanks!

[@RotterStudios]

"scrolling around like a nut job" - subbed! Sold my 5Dmkii and looking at either 5D mkiv or this 1DX mkiii. I no longer shoot professionally but would take a job if offered. Used to do weddings and now I just love shooting nature and architecture and my German shepherds...very fast when running. thoughts?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Easy: 1DX is a pro camera for speed while 5d mk IV is for weekend shooters. Either makes a lot of noise at top speed; an EOS R can run faster as well as being completely silent. The 1DX III makes a lot of noise at full tilt.

[@RotterStudios]

@@KenRockwellTV Thanks Ken, I did get the 5D mkiv. I can shoot with anything but was looking for best resolution, the best look. I also saved $5k but was tempted with the 1DX mkiii.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

"Mother Function Button" - I need one of those!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Right by the shutter, very handy. Thanks!

[@stans6582]

WELL DONE................Ken...............thank you

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!

[@adude394]

I'm a tad late to this dance, but I really appreciate this. Though I've been shooting through my EOS 300D for over 20 years now, I would still consider myself a beginner, because until recently I almost never moved away from full-auto mode. A friend of mine who is an expert photographer changed that and pointed me toward a used 20D and a used 7D, as well as a couple of nice lenses. I've been learning recently about taking more control of my settings. Now I'm waiting for the arrival of my (used) Mark III, which should come tomorrow. I'm sure it's complete overkill for someone like me, but you know what? I'm turning 60 in a week and this was my present to myself. Looking forward to going through your Tutorial & Tricks video as well.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Good going! Happy birthday and enjoy!

[@richardreynolds8326]

I absolutely love your review….you are straight yo the point….I always wondered why someone would buy this as a video camera…it is a pro still camera…

[@KenRockwellTV]

Agreed.

[@videosuperhighway7655]

heh Just learned about that silent shooting from this video. Set my 1Dx Mark III and wow its nice I shoot Dual card Raw + 5Mp JPEG with custom monochrome baked in. The images for Web etc.. they are ready for posting I remember that 28-105. I purchased that in 2003 for my 10D and what a dog was that lens, I actually returned it. The H1/H2 high ISO modes are used for Technical Surveillance. I used the bottom LCD For quick changing file type :)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@mcollon]

Dear Ken, thank you for the review. I am new to IDXMKIII can you share your setup for the C1, C2 and C3?

[@KenRockwellTV]

All explained in my written guide at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/1dx-mk-iii.htm#usage thanks!

[@anand-iyer]

Excellent video. Do you encounter oil splatter on the sensor like the mark ii?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Never personally seen oil splatter. Thanks!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Not have any of my friends with the 1DX mk II. Thanks!

[@jintongmao8660]

Hi， Ken：Could you compare Nikon D850 with Canon 5DS R? Some comments said Canon 5DS R in some respects, for example in dynamic range, when ISO over 400, even is not good as D810. Is this true in your opinion? Because of the limited choice in lens, I would like to wait to move to mirrorless.

[@KenRockwellTV]

I’ve owned them all and prefer the 5DS/R. It’s never about ISOs or tech quality in a lab; for taking real photos in the real world more important are ergonomics that let us get the picture now rather than having to fumble with settings, so overall the 5DS/R makes the best pictures in an ever changing real world. Forget Mirrorless; if price matters you’re paying a lit extra for the novelty but getting less performance per dollar. Thanks!

[@jintongmao8660]

Thank you very much. I am a long time viewer of your comments on your website. I am a Nikon user for a long time, mainly for underwater photos. My Nikon D850 with 8-15mm fish eye produced very nice underwater photos. But now I hope I can take more landscape photos. Based on you suggestion, I may completely shift to Canon including 5DS R plus 11-24 mm & 100-400 mm lens. Appreciate your suggestion and comments sincerely. By the way, may I ask for Canon TC 1.5 and TC 2.0, which one is more suitable for 100-400mm for wildlife, for instance in Africa? @@KenRockwellTV

[@olivearodriguez9603]

Is there a camera like this you would recommend at a lower price point possibly

[@KenRockwellTV]

EOS R6 mark II is even faster and lighter for sports. www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r6-ii.htm

[@mrericwonghk]

More 1DX3 videos please!

[@KenRockwellTV]

What else Xs I show? I have both a review and a tips videos. Thanks!

[@mrericwonghk]

@@KenRockwellTV perhaps comparisons between flagships of different brands?

[@gilltim5711]

Ken: I just discovered your channel here on KZbin, and want to commend you on your excellent style of reviewing equipment. All the other reviewers show pictures of test charts, which tell me absolutely nothing about the likeability of the images the camera takes. You, on the other hand, show actual pictures of interesting things, so we can judge if the lens or camera actually takes nice pictures. I love the way you zoom into the details of the images so we can see how sharp they are. No one else does that. I have a quick question for you, since you mentioned in the above video that Canon makes the best cameras and lenses. I was a photographer back in the 70's, then sold all my equipment (Nikon F2's, Bronica, Hasselblad) and left the business and went off to collage. I have not picked up a camera since. Now that I'm retired, I'm considering getting back into it. Back in the 70's Nikon was considered the best 35mm, but I'm hearing from you now that Canon has replaced Nikon as number one. When did that happen, and how much better is Canon, and what makes them so much better? I agree the image quality is fantastic, and I've often admired photojournalist prize winners' work they did with their Canon. Is Canon using only glass, vs. Nikon using plastic? What enabled Canon to become so much better than Nikon? I want to know before I go out and spend $20k on equipment. Thanks, and keep up the great work!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Hi! Nikon was #1 in 35mm from the 60s till the 90s. Canon took AF seriously and Nikon shrugged it off, and Canon became tops in the pro 35mm world in the 1990s. Nikon had a short period around 1999-2004 where they were ahead in digital, but Canon has outsold them ever since. Here’s my comparison of the three top brands for Mirrorless. The differences are in ergonomics, product choices and support, not lab performance. It really depends on which aspects of overall experience, and your preferences for color rendition (like brand of film) are the most important to you. www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm

[@gilltim5711]

@@KenRockwellTV Thank you for that detailed answer and the link. That is one thorough review. Lots of one-upmanship between the brands. Good to know Nikon's image quality is still considered competitive, but I'd love to try a Canon, as the images just seem to have a little something extra to them. Will look into this more thoroughly. Thanks again for your quick response.

[@enri_1986]

Hi Ken, do you have a video review of the EF 70-200mm F/2.8 IS III USM?

[@KenRockwellTV]

No, but I have a much better review at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/70-200mm-f28-is-iii.htm Thanks!

[@Twobarpsi]

Subscribed!! Love your website too!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!!!!!

[@adude394]

Kind of an interesting question here: I bought a used 1DX Mark III from a reputable reseller (KEH, whom I've had excellent experiences with). I was a bit surprised and disappointed to see that the unit I got does not have the option for mechanical vs. electronic shutter in the SHOOT4 menu, as seen in the Canon manual and also in quite a few KZbin reviews. I updated the firmware from 1.1.0 up to the current 1.7.0, but nothing changed. I sent the unit back to KEH and bought a used Mark III from B&H instead. That just arrived, and still, that SHOOT4 menu is only showing 3 items rather than the 5 items as seen in Canon's documentation. Does anybody have any insight into this? I've looked all over the Internet, but every hit just seems to show Canon's documentation. Has Canon changed the menu since the documentation was issued? Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out here.

[@adude394]

UPDATE: Well, I feel like a complete fool now. Someone on the Canon Forums pointed out that it's only available in LiveView, the one button I didn't push. Soon as I selected that, boom. There it was. I'm just glad to know I wasn't completely losing my mind…🙄

[@KenRockwellTV]

Just ask Canon at (800) OK-CANON. They’re a pro camera company; it’s not like other brands where you have to ask around the internet; the people at Canon know.

[@camerapunk4109]

You think they will ever make a 5d mk V or 6d mk III?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Some fine day. I can’t shoot with cameras that don’t exist, so I never ask those kinds of questions. thanks!

[@Twobarpsi]

Excellent review!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!

[@maurogalch2098]

Great Scott! Great again! The camera has a shutter counter, but does the memory card photo counter go beyond 9999? Thanks!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Beats me; I haven’t looked. Weird thing is while Nikon has always been able to overflow to “54.2k” when it runs out of digits, Canon used to get stuck. Haven’t looked at this one - but note the fast counter shows folders and files. Quite likely it creates a mew folder once it hits 1000. Thanks!

[@yoloman9998]

it creates a new folder after 9999th image with image count reset to 0001

[@oopppppp]

So in your opinion what makes the the image on this camera so fantastic ? Is it the processor or the anti alias filter , low megapixels etc ? Will i get the same image with R6 ?

[@KenRockwellTV]

It’s the secret sauce Canon pits in the firmware. It never has anything to do with banner specifications; it’s always the finesse in the subtle trade secrets of color matrices and transfer functions hidden inside that make the difference between why Nikon and Canon make pictures that just look better than from lesser brands like Sony and Fuji that lack the experience and artistic inputs Nikon and Canon have had.

[@mostlymessingabout]

How many megapickle is the EVF? 🤩

[@KenRockwellTV]

Infinite; it’s an optical finder. Thanks!

[@deltaoscaruniform1316]

Hi Ken Have you tried LCD eyepiece cups for these kind cameras? Turning a DSLR to a Mirrorless camera seems like a interesting test to see how it compares to a real EVF of a mirrorless camera when it comes to manual focus resolution/interface seems interesting.

[@KenRockwellTV]

No, haven’t tried. Sounds foolish; rather than spend more money to try to downgrade this $6,500 DSLR to Mirrorless, I’d just buy the R6 for less than half price to do Mirrorless better. . Thanks!

[@westyorksshutterbug]

Excellent this Ken thanks - just bought this camera and interested in your comment about using other EF lenses? I will be using for sports and bird photography so have purchased a Sigma 150-600 sports and therefore will have to wait a short while before any major expenditure on other lenses! Could you recommend a reasonably priced lens pls - I have looked at the 50mm 1.8 STM but got a less than supportive response when I asked a forum this question!!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Eeew! A sigma lens on a beautiful pro camera like this? See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/lens-or-camera.htm I prefer my 100-400 L II www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/100-400mm-ii.htm but to each their own. Thanks!

[@KenRockwellTV]

The EF 50/1.8 STM (www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/50mm-f18-stm.htm) is among Canon’s sharpest lenses. I love mine. I’d stop reading forums, which are the best places to get the worst information from the least informed. See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/2-kinds-of-photographers.htm

[@westyorksshutterbug]

@@KenRockwellTV good man - that's the one I was looking at - and I concur with your view on forums and (most) KZbin advice

[@westyorksshutterbug]

@@KenRockwellTV I am moving over from Nikon to Canon Ken so the top Canon Lens were off limits along with the camera purchase. They will follow though :)

[@oscarshen6855]

With the R6 out there with 1/3 the price, same sensor and processer, lower weight and newer RF lens compatiblity, I kind of see no reason to buy this camera. Maybe if you can only work with optical viewfinder, or maybe you just want to look more badass.

[@KenRockwellTV]

The badasses are the ones who win the job. Honestly, though, the controls are more direct and respond much faster on the 1DX III than on the Canon EOS Canon EOS R6 if you use your camera a lot. Thanks!

[@jn3750]

Ken, I like it when you say *the world's best...*. Just makes my decision a lot easier. Do you still recommend Nikon Dslr or Mirrorless in 2020?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Nikon dslr yes. Mirrorless? Go Canon EOS-R system, that’s the worlds best Mirrorless. See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm Thanks!

[@jd5787]

OK, I'm in. Got this instead of an R series. I must be mad... :)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Not at all; a really pro workhorse camera that just goes. Good job!

[@marcelocampoamor4761]

Undoubtedly a good camera, at a price ... I see a lot of plastic on the dials and buttons something that Kent has always criticized on other cameras (Sony A1 for example) but this time he doesn't even name it.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@robertvarner9519]

Nice camera!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Nice comment! Thanks!

[@mikeconnell2099]

I can’t believe how dirty you camera is?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Pro camera. Gets used earning a living full time. Also it’s black and well lit and my video camera lightens it, so at these closeup distances it greatly exaggerates the dust. Doesn’t look that way in person but high definition video shows all. Thanks!

[@videosuperhighway7655]

Its not a shelf queen 😂

[@ganzonomy]

Can I afford a 1dx3? Nope. Do I enjoy his videos? Yup. Best eBay score by ken's method: a Canon 5d mark IV with all papers and box and original receipt and under 12k shots for $1300 back in 2018. Honorable mention: a free Kodak medalist I that I got from someone when I bought a II from them. All I had to do was pay $13 for shipping.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yes! Perfect!!!!

[@ganzonomy]

@@KenRockwellTV thanks! PS: I loved your review on the medalist II. I wound up with three Medalists. One I bought for $400 (ouch, but it had the box, all papers, and case), one came with that one for free (better), and then a subscriber of mine sent me a full medalist with kit for free because he wanted to find it a good home. That one, is getting a full overhaul.

[@dakotaxu4792]

Great video!!!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@angelisone]

The Canon EOS-1Dx Mark III and Nikon D6 are collecting dust from C/N. We only have cheaters shooting & correcting using photoshop. Many places will not allow noisy cameras.

[@KenRockwellTV]

And you can see it in a few days or you so you can feel it yourself. Thanks.

[@icehouseimages8687]

Will you review the Nikon D6?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Already did www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d6.htm always check KenRockwell.com first; I have reviews of everything. Thanks!

[@icehouseimages8687]

Ok I’ll look for it

[@LouisLuzuka]

Would love to see this in 10 years with a patina

[@KenRockwellTV]

I own some people who wear it down from black to bare metal in just a few years!

[@LouisLuzuka]

@@KenRockwellTV I need to seee videos of this 😍

[@neilarmitage6632]

Yes a great camera still today 2024

[@KenRockwellTV]

As is the Mark II. Thanks!

[@LouisLuzuka]

I want this because it’s like a machine gun 😍

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yes!!!

[@41stclair]

its a pro camera no flip screen !!!!!!!!! or will be

[@KenRockwellTV]

Correct. Much tougher than floppy screens. Thanks!

[@PunjabiGymBeats]

I see my 90d as my 1dx with fip screen

[@KenRockwellTV]

Perfect! Thanks!

[@kevc.2958]

Ken your voice can impersonate Tom Cruise XD

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks Kev!

[@ahmonon4352]

None of the dinosaurs are the fastest Focusing camera anymore, A9 cameras focus much better in lower light, very much noticeable if you use teleconverters . Canon will eventually catch up such mirrorless tec soon

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks; I prefer this overall.

[@Jerry23555]

Gift me 1 dx mark iii

[@KenRockwellTV]

OK. Here you go, and I’ll throw in a 50/1.0L as well. Thanks! www.kenrockwell.com/canon/images/1dx-mk-iii/D3S_7297-1200.jpg

[@Jerry23555]

@@KenRockwellTV can't afford that beast camera