Comparisons
Nikon D2Hs - The Nikon D2Hs is Nikon's photojournalism entry, with a burst speed of 8 fps and a 4-megapixel file size. The Canon EOS-1D Mark III is 25 percent faster, with more than twice the resolution – plus the option of shooting lower resolution for easier image storage and manipulation. Comparing specs, the Nikon looks pretty stale.
Canon EOS-1D Mark II n - The Mark III's predecessor shot at 8.5 fps, as opposed to the Mark III's 10 fps, and recorded 8 megapixels instead of 10. The Mark III offers interface refinements including a four-way controller, a 3-inch LCD, and live preview. We can't say the Mark II n's autofocus is better than the Mark III's, but it doesn't have a bug. Live preview probably isn't a must-have feature for many Mark II n owners, so few users will feel they have to upgrade. On the other hand, some users are hanging back to see if the focus issue is fixed. At less than $4,000, the Mark II n is much cheaper.
Nikon D3 - This 12.1-megapixel DSLR was just announced, and features a 9 fps burst speed. It has a live preview that shows on an enormous 3-inch LCD screen. The screen has much better resolution at 920,000 pixels. The D3 has a viewfinder accuracy of 100 percent, and a Nikon F-mount for its compatible lenses. It accepts Nikon and other standard flashes with a top sync speed of 1/250 of a second. The ISO range is wider from 200 to 6400 with extensions on both ends. The spot meter measures a smaller area of the frame too, at 1.5 percent. The Nikon D3's autofocus system has more total autofocus points at 51, but has less cross-type sensors at 15. The D3 can accept CompactFlash and Microdrive media in its single slot and can play back slide shows.
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III - This is Canon's latest upgrade, with an amazing 21.1 megapixels on its CMOS sensor and a weatherproofed body. There are dual image processors and many of the same modes and features found on the 1D Mark III. The Burst mode is slower at 5 fps but the excess resolution will cost you $7,999.
Value (9.0)
The Canon EOS-1D Mark III costs between $5,000 and $5,500 from the big stores. That's a very good deal considering the new technology the Mark III introduces: a live preview that isn't annoying, dual processors, and an exceptional combination of speed and resolution. Those advances are worth plenty of money. Not many users need the Mark III's level of performance, certainly not all of its features, but the combination of speed and image quality will make business sense to an elite group. Many users in that group will be pleased with the Mark III's many other advances, whether their work requires them or not.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - The Canon EOS-1D Mark III is big, expensive, and manual – three strikes against it in this category.
Budget Consumers - A camera priced at more than $5,000 isn't a budget camera.
Gadget Freaks - There is everything to love for the gadget freak in the Mark III: new technology, a big display, and controversy in Web forums.
Manual Control Freaks - With Canon's excellent image quality and most convenient manual controls yet, the Canon EOS-1D Mark III is tempting for this group. If they like focusing manually, they have nothing to worry about with the Mark III.
Pros/Serious Amateurs - The Canon EOS-1D Mark III is a serious investment for just about anyone, even in its target market. This group should try out the Mark III to be sure the focus system meets their needs.
