Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

    61
    Image cannot be found

    Highlights

    • 21.1 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
    • 50 - 3,200 Native ISO
    • 45 Focus Points
    • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
    • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
    • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • Wheather Sealed Body
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found

    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III was announced in 2008 and is a Full Frame (36 x 24 mm) DSLR camera with 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 50 to 3,200. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 230k dot resolution and built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Canon EOS-1D series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Canon EOS-1D series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D X III
    Compare
    		January
    2020    		 20.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 102,400 Fixed 3.2"
    2,100k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D X II
    Compare
    		February
    2016    		 20.2 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 51,200 Fixed 3.2"
    1,620k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D C
    Compare
    		April
    2012    		 18.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 51,200 Fixed 3.2"
    1,040k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D X
    Compare
    		October
    2011    		 18.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 51,200 Fixed 3.2"
    1,040k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D IV
    Compare
    		February
    2010    		 16.1 MP
    APS-H    		 100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    920k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1Ds III August
    2008    		 21.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 50 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D III
    Compare
    		February
    2007    		 10.1 MP
    APS-H    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1Ds II
    Compare
    		October
    2005    		 17.2 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 2.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D II N
    Compare
    		August
    2005    		 8.2 MP
    APS-H    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 2.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D II
    Compare
    		June
    2004    		 8.2 MP
    APS-H    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 2.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1Ds
    Compare
    		December
    2002    		 11 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 1,250 Fixed 2.0"
    120k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 1D
    Compare
    		December
    2001    		 4 MP
    APS-H    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 2.0"
    120k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III vs EOS-1D X Mark II vs EOS-1D C vs EOS-1D X vs EOS-1D Mark IV vs EOS-1Ds Mark III.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III.

    PROS

    •   Large Sensor
    •   50 Lowest Native ISO
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   No Video Capture
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No HDMI Output
    •   No Built-in Microphone
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   Heavy - 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz)

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Sensor Resolution - 21.1 Megapixel
    •   45 Focus Points
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
    •   DxO Overall Score - 80

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III to its predecessor EOS-1Ds Mark II and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III vs Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II
    Higher Sensor Resolution 21.1 Megapixel vs 17.2 Megapixel
    Lower Native ISO 50 vs 100
    Max Image Resolution 5616 x 3744 vs 4992 x 3328
    Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.0"
    Live View vs
    Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.76x vs 0.70x
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1663 vs 1480
    Higher DxO Color Depth 24.0 vs 23.3
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.0 vs 11.3
    Higher DxO Overall Score 80 vs 74
    Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
    Lighter 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz) vs 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III vs EOS-1Ds Mark II.

    Successor

    In 2011 Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III was replaced by Canon EOS-1D X. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and its successor.

    UPGRADES Canon EOS-1D X vs Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
    Video Capture vs
    Higher Native ISO 51,200 vs 3,200
    More Focus Points 61 vs 45
    Center Autofocus vs
    Tracking Autofocus vs
    Face Detection vs
    Live View Autofocus vs
    Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
    Larger Screen 3.2" vs 3.0"
    Higher Resolution Screen 1,040k dot vs 230k dot
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 14.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Multi-Segment Metering vs
    Center Weighted Metering vs
    Average Metering vs
    Spot Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 2786 vs 1663
    Higher DxO Overall Score 82 vs 80
    HDMI Output Mini vs
    Built-in Microphone Mono vs
    Microphone Input vs
    DOWNGRADES Canon EOS-1D X vs Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
    Lower Sensor Resolution 18.1 Megapixel vs 21.1 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 100 vs 50
    Max Image Resolution 5184 x 3456 vs 5616 x 3744
    Timelapse Recording vs
    Lower DxO Color Depth 23.8 vs 24.0
    Lower DxO Dynamic Range 11.8 vs 12.0
    Heavier 1530 g (3.37 lb / 54.0 oz) vs 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz)
    Shorter Battery Life 1120 shots vs 1800 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III vs EOS-1D X.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fixed screen

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 230k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards.


    Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.76x magnification.

    Sensor

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III features a 21.1 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36 x 24 mm and a total area of 864 mm2. Its native ISO range is 50 - 3,200.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III's Full Frame sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera can take pictures up to 5616 x 3744 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 4992 x 3328, 4080 x 2720, 2784 x 1856 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III has Canon EF lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III.

    Canon 1D II
    Image cannot be found

    APS-H

    8.2 MP

    Canon 1D C
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    18.1 MP

    Canon 1Ds
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    11 MP

    Canon 1D III
    Image cannot be found

    APS-H

    10.1 MP

    Canon 1D X III
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    20.1 MP

    Canon 1D
    Image cannot be found

    APS-H

    4 MP

    Canon 1D IV
    Image cannot be found

    APS-H

    16.1 MP

    Canon 1Ds II
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    17.2 MP

    Canon 1D X II
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    20.2 MP

    Canon 1D X
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    18.1 MP

    Canon 1D II N
    Image cannot be found

    APS-H

    8.2 MP

    Fujifilm X-A7
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has two card slots - one for SD and one for CompactFlash (Type I/II).

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III has Electronically Controlled Vertical-travel Mechanical Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


    Exposure

    Camera's exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±3 EV range. You can also do exposure lock and manual exposure adjustment.


    Flash

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III has dimensions of 150 x 160 x 80 mm (5.91 x 6.3 x 3.15"). It weighs 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz), so it is a heavy camera.

    150 mm (5.91")

    160 mm (6.3")

    Image cannot be displayed


    160 mm (6.3")

    Image cannot be displayed


    80 mm (3.15")

    Image cannot be displayed

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III dimensions

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    GOOD
    84

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III gets a score of 84 and is GOOD choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    66

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III gets a score of 66 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   45 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
    •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    67

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III gets a score of 67 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   45 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    76

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III gets a score of 76 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   45 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    71

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III gets a score of 71 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   45 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Heavy - 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz)

    Travel Photography

    AVERAGE
    63

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III gets a score of 63 and is AVERAGE choice for Travel photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Heavy - 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz)
    •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Evaluation

    We evaluate Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and give score of 61 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    61

    Sensor

    GOOD
    74

    We give Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III a score of 74 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   Sensor Resolution - 21.1 Megapixel
    •   50 Lowest Native ISO
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 80

    Photo

    GOOD
    71

    We give Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III a score of 71 for Photo parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

    Video

    BAD
    0

    We give Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III a score of 0 for Video parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization

    Focusing

    AVERAGE
    69

    We give Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III a score of 69 for Focusing parameters.

    •   45 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    70

    We give Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III a score of 70 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

    Connectivity

    POOR
    40

    We give Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III a score of 40 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   No HDMI Output
    •   No Built-in Microphone
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    GOOD
    76

    We give Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III a score of 76 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Heavy - 1385 g (3.05 lb / 48.85 oz)
    •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

    Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
    ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.