If you first talk about the image resolution, the difference from 22.3 megapixels to 21.1 megapixels may leave you feeling a bit concerned about the lack of improvements, especially given the Nikon D800’s serious increase in resolution thanks to its Sony sensor. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is really more of an answer to all our complaints about the Canon EOS Mark II. If you do away with the other minor changes like the bigger (and better) 3.2-inch LCD, the now 100% coverage viewfinder and the unfortunately heavier weight, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is really a completely different beast. You’ve got your improved 61-point AF (which is EOS-1D X grade), 2-stops more of image sensitivity with a maximum of ISO 102400, the introduction of an additional memory card slot (at long last!) which together makes this a much more solid offering than the Canon 5D Mark II.


Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS 5D Mark II – Responsive Shooting



I have always placed responsive shooting and good results over any fancy features. With the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, you’ve already got that in good quantity, so why consider the Mark III? Well, there is the AF system of course. Let’s be honest, a good AF system that is quick and responsive would often define how many keepers you can get. Through in the transmissive LCD viewfinder also helps to give you the right framing information. These things adds up to making the Canon EOS 5D Mark IIImarkedly better than its predecessor. The only let down (if you can call it that) is the heavier camera. It still balances well but I would be happier if the Mark III was a 140g lighter like the Canon 5D Mk II.



Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS 5D Mark II – A Question of Speed

It wasn’t that long ago when I was using a Canon EOS 40D for its good 6.5fps speed for most of my more active shots. Fast forward to present time and seeing the Canon EOS 5D Mark III with its 6fps full frame 20 megapixels shooting capabilities and I believe that this is a very fast camera for most usages. Sure, it’s no 1D Mark IV or 1D X but then, how many of us would really find it a good investment? (I would still put my money with the lenses). So compared to the much slower 3.9fps of the Mark II, the 5D Mk III is definitely fast and furious when you shoot them against each other.

The improved image sensitivity of the new sensor coupled with the better exposure metering has given the Canon 5D Mk III a big edge on the image quality front. What we have been getting from the 5D2 has been damn good and the 5D3 has just bettered it. Images throughout the various sensitivity settings shows a clear edge from the 5D Mark III. Perhaps not so pronounced before ISO 3200 unless you pixel peep but the difference is there.


Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS 5D Mark II – My Conclusion

I can easily say that this is probably the best camera I’ve seen in a long while and personally, this is as good as in the bag. Being a current 5D Mark II user, I am certainly not unhappy with what I am already getting. The thing is that the 5D Mark III is really much better in the key specs and has peripheral features which makes it all worth the upgrade. One of the things I plan to do more with my 5D is movie shooting and the stereo sound of the 5D Mark III does make this just another (of many) little changes that spells big difference for me. Oh, and did I mention the dual card slot? I love it!

• Summary – Reasons to Upgrade to the Canon EOS 5D Mark III
• 61-point AF system (1D X) and 63-zone metering system (1D Mark IV)
• Continuous burst of 6fps and image sensitivity up to ISO 102400
• Full HD Movie with STEREO sound
• Dual Memory Card slot (1x CF/UDMA card, 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC card)
• Transmissive LCD viewfinder with 100% coverage

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