Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Nikon D800 reach buyers
updated 05:35 pm EDT, Thu March 22, 2012
Pro DSLRs hit US shelves by tomorrow
Two high-end digital SLRs have begun hitting retailers' shelves. The 36.3-megapixel Nikon D800 has started to ship to Japan and Europe as of Wednesday, and is expected in Australia today as well as the US tomorrow for Nikon Professional Services customers. The 22.3-megapixel Canon 5D Mark II was anticipated at US stores on Sunday, but B&H Photo has it in stock and already has begun shipping.
The FX-format Nikon D800 is a highly-anticipated sequel to the D700. The super-dense full-frame CMOS sensor offers the greatest resolution for a regular-sized DSLR available on the market today. It leverages an upgraded 51-point auto-focus system. It comes in two versions. The initial version being shipped is the regularD800, priced at $3,000 for the body only. A second version, the D800E, will cost $3,300. This model trades off the low-pass filter for improved sharpness. It's expected at retailers sometime next month.
Although rated at a lower megapixel sensitivity, the EOS 5D Mark III also uses a full-frame CMOS sensor, but with 61-point high density auto-focusing capability and a high ISO 102,400 sensitivity. The camera shoots video at full 1080p30 with better quality and more control. The price for the kit version is listed at a premium at B&H, at $4,299. [D800 via Nikon Rumors, EOS 5D Mark III via Canon Rumors]
Canon EOS Mark III
