The new Canon 5D Mark III is here…

Welp, looks like its time for an upgrade. Here’s the new Canon 5D Mark III. Announced today at the strike of midnight and officially ships later this month. Its currently available for pre-sale for $3499 at B&H (click here). Below are a couple specs…

High Performance Operation
61-point high-density reticular AF (up to 41 crosstype points)
6.0 fps for high continuous shooting
Intelligent viewfinder with approx. 100% coverage
3.2-type, approx.1.04m dot (3:2 wide) Clear View LCD II
iFCL metering with 63-zone dual-layer sensor
Shutter durability of 150,000 cycles

High End Features
Silent & low vibration modes
Dual card slots (CF & SD)
High Dynamic Range (HDR) Mode
Multiple Exposures
Comparative Playback function
Improved durability & water and dust resistance

Specifications
Available Colors – Black
Megapixels – 22MP
Sensor Size – 36 x 24mm
ISO/Sensitivity – 100 – 25600
Autofocus Points – 61 points
Lens Mount – Canon
LCD Size – 3.2″
Liveview – Yes
Viewfinder – Optical TTL
Min Shutter Speed – 30 sec
Max Shutter Speed – 1/8000 sec
Continuous Shooting Speed – 6 fps
Self Timer – 10 sec, 2 sec
Metering – Center-weighted, Spot, Evaluative, Partial
Video Resolution – Full HD 1080
Memory Type – Compact Flash
Connectivity – USB 2, HDMI, Mic Input, Wireless (optional)
Battery – LP-E6
Battery Type – Lithium-ion
Charger – Includes Li-Ion Charger
File Formats – AVI, RAW, H.264, MOV, MPEG-4
Dimensions – 152 x 116 x 76mm
Box Contents – Battery Pack LP-E6 .. Battery Charger LC-E6 .. AV Cable AVC-DC400ST .. Interface Cable IFC-200U .. Eyecup Eg .. Wide Strap EWEOS5DMKIII .. CR1616 Lithium Battery+

DIGIC 5+ Image Processor
For the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, the largest improvement over the 5D Mark II comes from the increased speed and power that are made possible by the DIGIC 5+ Image Processor. Compared to the DIGIC 4 processor, the new chip should show marked improvements in terms of speed, file-write time and transfer time. This processor also integrates new complex algorithms for improved noise reduction, greater sensitivity at higher ISOs, and a reduction in chromatic aberration. This boost in sensitivity will make photographing in low-light situations less of a chore and much more of a realistic possibility. The higher speed of the DIGIC 5+ affords an increased continuous shooting rate, bringing it from 3.9 to 6.0 frames per second when using a UDMA CF card.

14-bit A/D Conversion
Working tightly with the image processor, the 14-bit signal processing provides an extended ISO range for the EOS 5D Mark III. Standard sensitivity runs 100-25600 ISO, but this range is further extended to 50-102400 ISO in expanded mode. This range can be customized and modified depending on your own needs; additionally, an auto ISO mode can be employed to cope with fluctuating conditions. 14-bit depth also makes possible excellent, smooth tonal gradations and high overall image quality.

22.3 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS Sensor
While the megapixel count hasn’t increased significantly, the 5D Mark III’s CMOS sensor has been reformatted, promising to enhance the already superb image-capturing traits of the previous model. A newly designed photodiode structure facilitates highly detailed, rich images and increased visual depth. This full-frame sensor provides the same field of view as a 35mm camera and causes no crop factor. This is especially useful for taking full advantage of wide-angle lenses.

61-Point High Density Reticular AF
The newly designed autofocus system employs an additional 52 points for focus. This new 61-point autofocus system helps ensure the most critical focus possible, with a high level of efficiency. The autofocus system is broken down into several modes, featuring up to 41 cross-type AF points across the image and 5 dual diagonal points. Focus control is segregated into 6 different methods: Spot, Single Point, Single + 4 Adjacent Points, Single + 8 Adjacent Points, Zone Selection and Automatic AF Point Selection. This variety helps to suit the requirements of any situation, including extremely low light conditions.

The AF system revolves around a 100,000-pixel RGB sensor for intelligent automatic AF point selection. This intuitive point positioning is especially crucial when using autofocus to track quickly moving subjects. Making use of the EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) system, the 5D Mark III is able to recognize and address the facial and color characteristics of different subjects, for focus tracking while panning and moving across the scene.

iFCL 63-Zone Dual-Layer Metering Sensor
Playing off the AF system, the metering system has also become more intelligent and critical in terms of analyzing subjects to help determine the best exposure possible. The 5D Mark III independently analyzes focus, color and luminance across the 63 zones that comprise the image area. The dual-layer design of the metering sensor provides a wider sensitivity to different wavelengths of light, countering the common issues that are generally associated with electronic sensors. On the 5D Mark III, these layers are split between a red/green channel and a blue/green channel, giving relief to the inherent red bias that sensors are usually known for. Data from each layer is analyzed and combined into a highly accurate metering and subsequent exposure setting.

HD Video Recording
Continuing what made the 5D Mark II so popular, the 5D Mark III offers significant HD video quality. Multiple formats are supported including 1080/30p and 720/60p, and continuous recording times up to 29 minutes 59 seconds are now possible—with time code. The camera compresses video as either I-frame-only or as IPB, for two variations of the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC codec.

What separates the 5D’s video recording from that of other DSLRs is manual adjustment of settings and audio levels while recording. These features are available, in part, due to Live View; which permits real-time monitoring on the LCD as well as menu functionality during recording. The DIGIC 5+ processor also enhances the 5D Mark III’s video functions by improving response times and reducing color artifacts, aberrations and moiré.

Multiple Exposure and HDR
Both Multiple Exposure and HDR features are available to use in-camera, reducing the time needed to alter your imagery during post production. High dynamic range imagery is executed quickly and seamlessly. The camera automatically brackets your exposures and then integrates the subsequent range of images into one file. This new file represents controlled highlights and detailed shadows with an extended middle range of tones. This efficiency is especially useful when photographing high-contrast scenes, such as landscapes with water or snow, or in situations where both an exterior and interior are in the image frame.

Intelligent Viewfinder and 3.2-inch Clear View II LCD Monitor
On the surface, the optical viewfinder provides 100% field of view and aspherical lens elements for a bright, clear view with a reduction in chromatic aberrations and distortions. This high-grade viewfinder is further enhanced with the integration of a superimposed transparent LCD that displays autofocus and exposure information. This newly developed Intelligent Viewfinder gives a range of information, and is easily turned off to return you to the clear, unadulterated view from the optical finder itself. The displayed AF information and grid lines can be customized and the AF meter can also be segregated to the side of the viewfinder outside of the image area.

A newly designed LCD shows an increase in size (3.2″ compared to the Mark II’s 3.0″) and resolution (1,040,000 over 920,000-dots). Increases in size and resolution allow for even more critical review of imagery and videos and a reflection-resistant multi-coating enables monitoring in bright conditions.

Both the viewfinder and rear LCD support Dual Axis Electronic Levels, a feature that visually displays a level as well as roll and tilt information. This is particularly useful for photographing landscapes or in situations where horizons must be straight and convergence is to be avoided.

Rugged and Functional Design
The 5D Mark III does not alter the already tested and proven magnesium-alloy construction of the previous model. This highly rigid and strong design also provides a great deal of weather and dust resistance and features extensive gasketing around the seams for ensured protection. The tough build also features ergonomic contouring for simplified and intuitive handling. Customizable controls allow you to dedicate certain buttons to your own needs, helping to increase efficiency when photographing in fast-paced situations. There are also dual memory card slots, supporting both CF and SD cards for convenience.

The camera’s newly designed shutter has been tested to at least 150,000 cycles. An updated EOS Integrated Cleaning system uses a vibration-based dust removal process to protect the camera against dust incursion.