Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Canon launched its campaign for the PMA expo by introducing the EOS-1D Mark III, its new flagship camera. The new pro digital SLR is the fastest of its kind, according to the company: dual DIGIC III processors offload much of the image processing and transfer work, allowing the camera to shoot as quickly as 10 frames per second and achieving bursts of up to 30 RAW shots or 110 JPEG images. The chips also improve image quality and allow sensitivity up to ISO 3200 in normal shooting, jumping to ISO 6400 in a special mode for low-light shots and ISO 50 for better shots in bright areas.

The Mark III also marks a number of rare achievements for high-end DSLRs, Canon says. A 3-inch live LCD lets the photographer preview images without the normal requirement of the viewfinder, including the ability to lock magnification for composing shots; an automatic dust-removal system originally featured in the Digital Rebel XTi is also new to the camera class. An advanced autofocus system further enhances focusing by offering 19 user-selectable focus points (up from seven) while including 26 separate assist points in between.

The new EOS-1D model is due to ship in April for $3,999.

By Electronista Staff