THE CANON Eos-1ds MARK III CAMERA: EOS REBORN

C 

WHITE PAPER 

THE CANON 

EOS-1Ds MARK III 

CAMERA: 

EOS REBORN

I. OVERVIEW 3 

II. SUMMARY OF DIFFERENCES FROM THE EOS-1D MARK III 5 

III. SUMMARY OF DIFFERENCES FROM THE EOS-1Ds MARK II 6 

Image Quality 6 

Speed 6 

High Performance 6 

Reliability 7 

Customization 7 

EOS System 7 

IV. DISCUSSION OF NEW AND IMPROVED FEATURES 11 

New 21.1 Megapixel, Full-Frame CMOS Sensor 11 

Autofocus 12 

Image Recording and Processing 13 

Viewfinder 14 

New UDMA Compatibility 16 

ISO Speed 16 

EOS Integrated Cleaning System 16 

Drive 16 

Metering and Exposure Control 17 

Custom Functions 17 

Direct Printing and PictBridge 18 

External Flash Control 18 

Design and Construction 19 

Power Source and Shooting Performance 21 

Live View Function 21 

Shutter 22 

V. ACCESSORIES 23 

New EF 14 mm f/2.8L II USM Lens 23 

VI. SOFTWARE 25 

Lens Aberration Correction Function 25 

Brightness Warning Display Function 27 

Additional Changes in DPP (Digital Photo Professional) 28 

Picture Style Editor 29 

VII. SPECIFICATIONS 30 

VIII.COMPARISON CHART 35 

IX. CONCLUSION 37 

Contents ©2007 by Canon U.S.A., Inc. All Rights Reserved. Excerpts from this material may be quoted in published product 

reviews and articles. For further information, please contact Canon U.S.A., Inc. Public Relations Dept., (516) 328-5000.

I. OVERVIEW 

The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III is a new, top-of-the-line, professional DSLR autofocus 

camera with a 35mm full-frame, 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor. It was developed in 

parallel with the totally new EOS-1D Mark III, so the cameras are similar in many 

respects. For example, the operation procedure, LCD monitor, menu functions, and 

playback functions are all the same as those of the EOS-1D Mark III. 

The main differences reside in the 35mm full-frame sensor and related features of the 

EOS-1Ds Mark III, such as the viewfinder optics and the top cover, although other distinctions 

will be made in this white paper. 

EOS-1Ds Mark III: Specifications Different from EOS-1D Mark III 

Feature EOS-1Ds Mark III EOS-1D Mark III 

Sensor size 35mm full-frame APS-H size 

Effective pixels Approx. 21.10 megapixels Approx. 10.10 megapixels 

Self Cleaning Sensor Unit Dedicated to full-frame sensor Dedicated to APS-H size 

Large 5616 x 3744 (Approx. 21.0 megapixels) 3888 x 2592 (Approx. 10.1 megapixels) 

Medium1 4992 x 3328 (Approx. 16.6 megapixels) 3456 x 2304 (Approx. 8.0 megapixels) 

Pixels recorded 

Medium2 

Small 

4080 x 2720 (Approx. 11.0 megapixels) 




RAW 5616 x 3744 (Approx. 21.0 megapixels) 3888 x 2592 (Approx. 10.1 megapixels) 

sRAW 2784 x 1856 (Approx. 5.2 megapixels) 1936 x 1288 (Approx. 2.5 megapixels) 

UDMA compatibility (High-speed 

writing) 

Yes - 

ISO speed 100–1600 L:50, H:3200 100–3200 L:50, H:6400 

Viewfinder 

Magnification 

(Angle of view) 

Approx. 0.76x (Approx. 35°) Approx. 0.76x (Approx. 28.3°) 

Drive modes High-speed (H) Approx. 5 fps Approx. 10 fps 

Max. burst 

Large 

RAW 

56 shot 

12 shot 

110 shot 

30 shot 

Metering range 

Partial 

Spot 

Approx. 8.5% 

Approx. 2.4% 

Approx. 13.5% 

Approx. 3.8% 

Flash sync speed 1/250 sec. 1/300 sec. 

External flash function settings Yes (Increased) Yes 

PictBridge Yes (Increased) Yes 

Battery life (Normal/Low temperature) 1,800 shot / 1,400 shot 2,200 shot / 1,700 shot 

Dimensions (W x H x D) 

6.1 x 6.3 x 3.1 in. 

156 x 159.6 x 79.9mm 

6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in. 

156 x 156.6 x 79.9mm 

Weight (Body only) 42.7oz./1,210g 40.7oz./1,155g 

* External flash function settings: Zoom and wireless settings added. 

* PictBridge: Printing effects are now reflected in the image displayed on the upper left. Tilt correction also added. 

When the EOS-1Ds Mark III is compared to the camera it succeeds, the EOS-1Ds Mark II, 

the differences are much more substantial. The new camera has higher resolution, 

better image quality (from 14-bit D/A conversion vs. 12-bit, and DIGIC III vs. DIGIC II), 

I. OVERVIEW 3

a higher framing rate and larger burst capacity, more precise AF, professional Live 

View Function, a 3.0-in. LCD monitor (larger images and larger, more legible font size), 

the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, a more convenient operating system, as well as 

many other features summarized in the next section. 

The EOS-1Ds Mark III is intended, most obviously, for professional studio photographers 

and landscape photographers, but its 5 fps speed will attract sports, fashion and 

high-end wedding shooters, too. It is a complete imaging tool, with a host of extraordinary 

features shared with EOS-1D Mark III and, indeed, the entire Canon EOS System, 

meaning that almost any photographer for whom ultimate image quality is the benchmark 

for camera selection will find the EOS-1Ds Mark III deeply appealing. It is a most 

worthy successor to the EOS-1Ds Mark II. 

I. OVERVIEW 4

II. SUMMARY OF DIFFERENCES 

FROM THE EOS-1D MARK III 

• Large size, single-plate, 36 mm x 24 mm (full-frame) CMOS sensor 

• Low-noise, wide ISO 100-1600 range* (ISO extension L: 50, H: 3200) 

• Compatible with UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access) for high-speed writing to the CF card 

• 100% viewfinder coverage, 0.76x viewfinder magnification (approximately 35° angle 

of view), approximately 20mm eyepoint, Ec-C IV standard screen 

• Zoom and wireless flash settings added to the Speedlite settings and Speedlite 

Custom Functions settable using the camera with 580EX II attached 

• New PictBridge direct printing effects reflected in the displayed image and image tilt 

correction now provided 

• The EOS-1Ds Mark III is 0.12 in./3mm taller and 1.76 oz./50g heavier than 

the EOS-1D Mark III 

*Standard output sensitivity. Recommended exposure index. 

II. SUMMARY OF DIFFERENCES FROM THE EOS-1D MARK III 5

Image Quality 

Speed 

High Performance 

III. SUMMARY OF DIFFERENCES 

FROM THE EOS-1DS MARK II 

• 21.1 effective megapixels for ultra-fine resolution and top image quality 

• Dual “DIGIC III” Image Processor with DDR-SDRAM buffer for fine-detail and natural 

color reproduction with high-speed processing of very large files 

• Picture Styles for image control according to the preferences and intentions of the 

photographer 

• RAW, sRAW (Small RAW), RAW+JPEG, sRAW+JPEG simultaneous recording 

• 5 custom WB settings can be registered 

• 6 preset settings, color temperature specification, and personal WB 

• WB correction and WB bracketing provided 

• Noise reduction provided for long exposures 

• Noise reduction provided for high ISO speed images 

• Highlight Tone Priority 

• Maximum speed approximately 5 fps continuous shooting (One-Shot AF, AI SERVO AF, 

switchable between H [High-speed continuous] and L [Low-speed continuous]) 

• Maximum burst, JPEG Large, approximately 56 shots; RAW, approximately 12 shots 

• Fast startup time of approximately 0.2 sec. 

• Shutter release time lag approximately 55 msec.; viewfinder blackout time approximately 

80 msec. (with C.Fn IV-13-1, approximately 40 msec. at max. aperture) 

• Compatible with SDHC (SD High-Capacity) memory cards, plus 2GB and higher capacity 

CF and SD memory cards 

• Compatible with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed image transfer to personal computer 

• New Area AF sensor with 19 high-precision, cross-type AF points + 26 Assist AF points 

• 19 points: Cross-type focusing with f/2.8 or faster lenses 

• 26 points: Horizontal line-sensitive focusing with f/5.6 or faster lenses 

• Center AF point: Horizontal line-sensitive focusing with f/8 or faster lenses 

• AF points can be set to the inner or outer 9 AF points 

• AF microadjustment provided (fine adjustment of AF point of focus) 

• For AI SERVO AF, the AF operation characteristics, AF point selection characteristics, 

and focus-tracking sensitivity can be adjusted 

• During manual AF point selection, AF point area is expandable 

• Switch to registered AF point is possible (Home Position function) 

• High-magnification viewfinder and improved focusing screen with 100% viewfinder coverage, 

0.76x viewfinder magnification (approx. 35° angle of view), approx. 20mm eyepoint 

• Ec-C IV standard screen and compatible with Ec-type focusing screens used by EOS-1 

• EOS Integrated Cleaning System with Self Cleaning Sensor Unit, Dust Delete Data 

acquisition and appending enabled 

III. SUMMARY OF DIFFERENCES FROM THE EOS-1Ds MARK II 6

Reliability 

Customization 

EOS System 

• 63-zone metering sensor for more stable ambient and flash metering 

• Remote Live View Function and (camera) Live View Function provided with displayable 

exposure simulation and aspect ratio information 

• Large and very bright 3.0-in. LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels and wide angle of view 

• High-capacity lithium-ion battery with battery check detection and battery information 

viewable with the menu 

• Compact and lightweight battery helps make the EOS-1Ds Mark III 5.82 oz./165g 

lighter and easier to carry 

• Flexible recording options: automatic switching of recording media, separate recordings 

to media, identical recordings to multiple media 

• Silent mode (for one image) provided 

• ISO speed always displayed, and ISO speed safety shift provided 

• Standard EOS Digital camera control operation incorporated with SET button and 

Multi-controller provided for refined convenience 

• Displayable camera settings and better image information during playback, including 

histogram display, jump display, error code display, and shooting functions display 

(C.Fn II-9) 

• Shutter durability of approximately 300,000 cycles 

• Chassis, mirror box, and exterior covers made of magnesium alloy for a lightweight 

and highly rigid body 

• Maintains dust- and water-resistance of Speedlite 580EX II 

• With the 580EX II and a dust- and water-resistant lens attached, entire camera is 

resistant to dust and water 

• 57 Custom Functions in four groups 

• Personal Functions consolidated with Custom Function 

• Custom Function settings can be registered and called up 

• My Menu can be registered and displayed at the start 

• Camera settings can be saved and read 

• Camera’s basic settings can be registered and applied 

• External recording media and GPS unit usable (via WFT-E2A) 

• Speedlite settings and Speedlite Custom Functions settable with the camera (with 

580EX II attached) 

• Image encryption/decryption possible (with OSK-E3) 

• Direct image transfer enabled 

• Camera direct printing (PictBridge) improved and DPOF print ordering provided 


Specifications Comparison 

of EOS-1Ds Mark III and 

EOS-1Ds Mark II 

External appearance 

Image sensor 

Recording 

System 

White Balance 

Viewfinder 

Item/Camera 

Image sensor 

Image sensor size [mm] 

Effective pixels [Approx. megapixels] 

Pixel size [ m square] 

Lens Crop Factor [Approx. magnification] 

Color filter 

Self Cleaning Sensor Unit 

Sensor Cleaning 

Dust Delete Data 

Imaging engine 

A/D conversion [bits] 

Recording media 

Clean manually 

EOS-1Ds Mark III 

36 x 24mm full-frame 


7.2 

1.0 

– 

DIGIC II 

12 

CF(MD), SD 

Slots 

2 (CF: 1, SD: 1) 

Compatible card capacity 

2 GB and higher (compatible with SDHC) 

2 GB and higher (compatible with 

SDHC/Ver.1.16 or later) 

UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access) Compatible 

Yes 

– 

Recording format 

Design rule for Camera File System 2.0, Exif2.21 

Large 5616 x 3744 (21.00/6.4) 

4992 x 3328 (16.60/5.5) 

Image size 

JPEG 

Medium1 

Medium2 

4992 x 3328 (16.60/5.2) 

4080 x 2720 (11.00/3.9) 

3600 x 2400 (8.60/3.2) 

3072 x 2048 (6.30/2.6) 

[Approx.megapixels/MB] 

Small 

2784 x 1856 (5.20/2.2) 

2496 x 1664 (4.20/1.9) 

RAW 

5616 x 3744 (21.00/25.0) 

4992 x 3328 (16.00/4.6) 

sRAW (Small RAW) 

2784 x 1856 (5.20/14.5) 

– 

RAW+JPEG 

RAW+JPEG 

Yes 

simultaneous recording sRAW+JPEG 

Yes 

– 

Auto switch media 

Yes (CF -> SD -> External media) 

– 

Recording functions Rec. separately 

Yes (CF/SD/External media) 

– 

Rec. to multiple 

Yes (CF/SD/External media) 

Yes (CF/SD) 

Color space 

sRGB, Adobe RGB 

Picture Styles [types] 

Yes (Preset: 6, User-defined: 3) 

Color matrix + Processing parameters 

Assigned by camera 

Yes 

File name setting 

User setting 1 

Yes (4 characters) 

– 

[Characters] 

User setting 2 

Yes (3+1 characters: Image size appended 

automatically) 

– 

File No. 

Continuous / Auto Reset / Manual Reset 

Noise reduction of long exposures 

Yes (Off/Auto/On/C.Fn II -1) 

Yes (Off/On) 

Noise reduction of high ISO shots 

Highlight tone priority 

Image copying between recording media 

Backup to external media 

Detection system 

Auto WB 

Preset WB [types] 

Custom WB 

Personal WB 

Color Temp. Spec. [Range/Increments] 

WB correction 

WB bracketing 

Coverage [Approx.%] 

Dioptric adjustment [dpt] 

Registered 

Magnification [Approx. magnification] (Angle of view 

[Approx.]) 

Eye point [mm] 

Indicators 

Depth-of-field preview 

Eyepiece shutter 

Interchangeable focusing screens 

Auto Cleaning 

Clean now 

Images in card -> Registered 

Shooting -> Registered 

Viewfinder blackout time [Approx. ms, Tv = 1/60 sec. or 

faster] 

ISO speed always displayed 

Metering mode 

Standard focusing screen [Overall characteristics] 

36 x 24mm full-frame 

21.10 

6.4 

1.0 

Yes (Dedicated to full-frame) 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes 

Dual “DIGIC III” 

14 

CF (MD), SD, external media (via WFT-E2A) 

CMOS 

Primary colors 

Image size Yes (RAW, JPEG) 

Yes (JPEG only) 

Battery check 

Yes 

– 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes (C.Fn II -2) 

Yes (C.Fn II -3) 

Yes 

Yes (Via WFT-E2A, Quick and Normal) 

Image sensor 

Yes 

100 

20 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1. Daylight / 2. Shade / 3. Cloudy , Twilight , Sunset 

4. Tungsten light / 5. White Fluorescent light / 6. Flash 

5 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes (-3 - +1) 

: Superior specifications 


16.70 

Yes (5) Yes (3) 

Yes (2500-10000/100) 

YES (B/A/M/G: 9 / UI improved) 

Yes (B/A, M/G: ±3 levels in 1-level increments 

/ UI improved) 

0.76 (35°) 

80 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes (Gray blades) 

Ec-C IV (Yes + Advanced features) 

Yes 

– 

– 

– 

1 

– 

Yes (2800-10000/100) 

YES (B/A/M/G: 9 / G:9) 

Yes (B/A, M/G: ±3 levels in 1-level increments) 

0.70 (31.9°) 

87 

– 

– 

Yes 

Ec-C III (Yes) 

Yes (Ec-C IV and Ec-S incompatible)




(cont.) 


Item/Camera 




Cross-type AF points 19 (f/2.8 for horizontal + f/5.6 for vertical) 

7 

AF Points 

Assist AF points 26 (f/5.6 for vertical) 

– 

Total AF points 

45 

Superimposed display 

Yes 

One-Shot 

Yes 

AF mode 

AI SERVO 

Yes 

Manual 

Yes 

Autofocus Focusing brightness range [EV at 23°C/73°F, ISO 100] 

-1 - 18 0 - 18 

AF point selection 

Auto/Manual 

AF point area expansion 

Yes (C.Fn III -8) Yes (C.Fn-17) 

AF point selection method change in AI SERVO AF 

Yes (C.Fn III -4) 

– 

Operation & release timing change in AI SERVO AF 


– 

AF Microadjustment 


– 

Switch to registered AF point 

Yes (C.Fn III -10, C.Fn III -6-6) 

Yes (C.Fn-18) 

50 kph predictive AF [EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM, approx. m] 

8 

Sensor Zones 

63 21 

Focusing brightness range [EV at 23°C/73°F, ISO 100] 

0 - 20 

Evaluative 

Yes 

Partial [%] 

Yes (8.5) 

Metering Modes 

Spot [%] 

Yes (2.4/C.Fn I -7) Yes (2.4/C.Fn-13) 

Multi-spot 

Yes (8) 

Center-weighted average 

Yes 

Setting range [ISO, step] 

100 - 1600 (1/3) 

Exposure 

Control 

ISO Speed 

ISO extension [ISO] 

ISO safety shift 

-> (C.Fn I -3) 

Yes (C.Fn I -8) 

Yes (L: 50, H: 3200) 

– 

Program AE 

Yes 

Shutter-priority AE 

Yes 

Shooting Modes 

Aperture-priority AE 

Yes 

Manual exposure 

Yes 

Bulb 

Yes 

AE Lock 

Yes 

Exposure Compensation [increments and range] 

1/3•±3 

AEB [increments and Tv/Av 

Yes (1/3•±3) 

range] 

ISO – Yes 

Type 

Vertical-run, focal-plane, mechanical shutter with all speeds electronically controlled 

Speeds [sec.] 

1/8000 - 30, bulb 

Shutter 

Max. sync speed [sec.] 

1/250 

Release time lag [Halfway press -> Full press in ms] 

55 (40 at optimum) 

Shutter Durability [Approx.] 

300,000 200,000 

Silent Yes Yes (P.Fn-21) 

Drive Modes 

Single 

Continuous [approx. fps] High-speed: 5, Low-speed: 3 

Yes 

4 

Self-timer [sec.] 

10, 2 

Drive 

Continuous shooting [Max. approx. fps] 

5 4 

JPEG 56 32 

Max. Burst [Approx. shot] RAW 12 11 

RAW+JPEG Large 

10 9 

Mirror lockup 

Yes (C.Fn III -15/Continuous shooting enabled) Yes (C.Fn-12) 

Flash metering 

E-TTL II TTL II 

Evaluative/Averaged flash metering 

Yes (C.Fn II -4) Yes (C.Fn-14) 

FE lock 

Yes 

External Flash Flash exposure compensation [increments/amount] 

1/3•±3 

FEB 

Yes (Settable with camera/Speedlite) 

Yes (Settable with Speedlite) 

2nd-curtain sync 

Yes (Settable with camera/Speedlite) 

Speedlite settable with camera 

Yes (Zoom and wireless features added) 

– 

Speedlite Custom Functions settable 

Yes 

– 

Live View 

Function 

Shooting 

Remote Live View Function shooting 

(Camera) Live View Function shooting 

Grid display 

Exposure simulation 

Yes (EOS Utility) 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes (C.Fn IV -16) 

–(Live View Function shooting impossible, 

shooting and image transfer only) 

– 

– 

– 

Aspect ratio indicator/Info appended 


– 

Screen Size [in.] 

3.0 2.0 

Pixels displayed [Approx.] 

230,000 

LCD Monitor 

Angle of view [ ] 

Vertical 

Horizontal 

140 (70/70) 

140 (70/70) 

(Undisclosed) 

(Undisclosed) 

Max. brightness 

Yes 

Brightness adjustment [Levels] 

Yes (7, Gray chart) Yes (5, Gray chart) 

Character size 

Yes (larger) Yes 

Shooting settings 

Button (Timer) -> Main/Quick Control Dial 

Button + Quick Control Dial 

Menu selection 

Main Dial/Quick Control Dial -> SET button 

MENU / SELECT+ Quick Control Dial 

Operation ease AF point selection 

Main Dial/Quick Control Dial 

(Multi-controller:Center/ Auto AF point selection only) 

Main Dial/Quick Control Dial 

AF start/ISO speed setting/Function button 

– 

Multi-controller 

Yes 

– 

Yes (brighter) 

Yes / Yes / Yes 





(cont.) 


Menus & 

Customization 

Category 

Item/Camera 

Interface Languages 

Custom Functions [Types] 

Personal Functions 

Customization 

Registration/call-up of setting 

groups 

Save/read camera settings with card 

Register camera settings 

My Menu registeration 

Menu operation during image processing/writing 

Single image display [Types] 

Index display [Images] 


Shooting1,2/Playback1,2/Set-up1,2,3 

/Custom Functions/My Menu 

18 

57 (I:15, II:9, III:17, IV:16) 

Consolidated with Custom Functions 

Yes (Set 1 - 3) Yes (P.Fn-00: 3) 

Yes (10) Yes (1) 

Yes (Menu) Yes (P.Fn-25) 

Yes (6) 

– 

1. Single image, 2. Single image + image size, 

3. Shooting information, 4. Histogram 

(Brightness + RGB) 

1. Single image 2. Shooting information 

Zoom-in magnification 

Magnification [Approx.]/Steps 

1.5 - 10 / 15 

Initial magnified position 

Center / User-selected AF point 

– 

Playback 

Image jump [Types] 

Histogram 

Yes (6) 

Yes (Brightness / RGB) 

– 

Highlight alert 

Yes 

AF point display 

Yes 

Auto rotate vertical image 

Yes (Camera / PC) Yes (Camera) 

Rotate image [ ] 

Yes (90->270->0) 

Protect image 

Yes ( Single image: 2 ways, folder, card ) 

Yes ( Single image, folder, card ) 

Erase image 

Yes ( Single image: check, folder, card ) 

Yes ( Single image, folder, card ) 

Sound recording [sec.] 

Yes (30) 

Low-level format 

Yes (SD card only) 

Yes + Advanced features 

– 

Camera 

Direct/DPOF 

PictBridge (PTP) Compatiblity 

(Printing effects reflected in displayed image 

and tilt correction added) 

Yes 

CP/BJ Direct Compatibility 

– 

Yes 

DPOF [Ver.] 

Yes (1.1) 

Direct image transfer/Transfer order 

Yes / Yes 

– 

IEEE1394 

– 

Yes (Protector provided) 

USB2.0 Hi-Speed 

Yes (Protector provided) 

– 

Extension system terminal 

Yes 

– 

Interface 

Direct printing terminal (USB) 

Video OUT 

– 

Yes (NTSC/PAL) 

Yes 

Remote Control Terminal [Type] 

Yes (N3) 

PC Terminal Yes 

Extension system terminal 

Yes 

– 

Wireless/wired LAN compatibility 

Yes + Advanced features (WFT-E2A) 

Yes (WFT-E1A) 

External media connection 

Yes (via WFT-E2A) 

– 

GPS device compatibility 

Yes (via WFT-E2A) 

– 

Original image verification data 


Yes (P.Fn-31) 

Image encryption Yes (OSK-E3) 

– 

Battery (Capacity, mAh) 

Dedicated Li-ion battery (2300) 

Dedicated Ni-MH battery (NP-E3: 1650) 

Number of shots [At 23°C/73°F] (CIPA) 

1800/1400 1200/800 

Remaining capacity detection 

Yes (1% increments) 

– 

Power Source Battery information Recharge performance 

Yes (3 levels) 

– 

Shutter count 

Yes 

– 

AC drive 

Yes (ACK-E4) 

Yes (DCK-E1) 

Backup battery for date/time 

CR2025 

Main materials (Body, covers, mirror box) 

Magnesium 

Magnesium and aluminum 

Exterior color 

Black 

Exterior 

Dust- and water-resistance 

Canon logo 

Yes (Suited for water-resistant Speedlite) 

Relief letters with white filling 

Yes 

LCD panel 

Top/Rear 

Illumination 

Yes/Yes 

Yes 

Startup time [Approx. sec.] 

0.2 

0.3 

Dimensions [W x H x D] 

6.1 x 6.3 x 3.1 in./156 x 159.6 x 79.9 mm 6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in./156 x 157.6 x 79.9 mm 

Weight 

Body only 

42.7oz./1,210g 42.9oz./1,215g 

[Approx. g] Including battery and eyecup (excludes body cap) 

1,400g 1,550g 

Operation Ambient temperature 

0 - 45°C/32-113°F 

Environment Ambient humidity [% or less] 

85 

Marketing Date 

Fall 2007 

2004.11 


Yes 

Yes (4, 9) 



Shooting/Playback/Set-up 1,2/ 

Custom, Personal Function 

12 

20 

27

New 21.1 Megapixel, Full 

Frame CMOS Sensor 

IV. DISCUSSION OF NEW AND 

IMPROVED FEATURES 

The 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor of the EOS-1Ds Mark III has been developed and 

manufactured by Canon. Its 6.4µm pixels take advantage of a host of Canon R&D 

advances to achieve its speed, resolution and image quality. The following features 

make the EOS-1Ds Mark III the highest performing digital AF SLR camera: 

• 35mm full-frame digital AF SLR with the world’s 

highest resolution, approximately 21.1 

megapixels* 

• Wide ISO speed range (ISO 100- 1600, L: 50, 

H: 3200) 

• Low noise (same level as EOS-1Ds Mark II) 

• High-speed signal reading (approximately 5 fps) 

• Low power consumption 

• Live View Function 

*For 24x36mm format as of August 20, 2007. 

36mm 

Although the pixel size is about the same as that of the EOS 30D, the ISO speed range is 

the same as that of the EOS-1Ds Mark II. 

Pixel size [µm square] 

EOS-1Ds Mark III 6.4 50 L 

EOS 5D 

8.2 

50 L 

ISO speed range 

100 - 1600 H 3200 

EOS-1Ds Mark II 7.2 50 L 

100 - 1600 H 3200 

100 - 1600 H 3200 

By optimizing the gap between the on-chip microlenses, reducing the height from the 

photodiode to the microlens, and improving the fill factor (photo diode area divided by 

pixel size) by applying the micro-rule that improves the performance of the exposure 

device, light-gathering efficiency has been improved. 

Opening Ratio (Conceptual Diagram) Microlens Comparison (Conceptual Diagram) 


(6.4 x 6.4 µm) 

Photo diode area 

Pixel Size 


(7.2 x 7.2 µm) 

Pixel Size 

EOS-1Ds Mark III (6.4 x 6.4 µm) 

Gap between microlenses 

CMOS Sensor (Actual Size) 

Photo diode area Pixel pitch Photo diode 

EOS-1Ds Mark II (7.2 x 7.2 µm) 


24mm

Autofocus 

Also, the second-generation, on-chip noise removal circuit and a 

newly-developed noise reduction technology combine to remove 

noise effectively. To achieve even less noise, the EOS-1Ds Mark III 

has a new output amp that attains both high speed and low noise. 

Low noise is also achieved with an improved manufacturing 

process, optimized pixel amp, and optimized reading circuit. 

Thanks to optimized photo diode construction and finer processing, 

the photo diode can still accumulate enough light to function 

exceptionally well. At low ISO speeds, the dynamic range is about 

the same as that of the EOS-1Ds Mark II. 

As with the EOS-1D Mark III, single-line, 8-channel parallel reading 

is employed. With a low-noise, high-speed output amp, a continuous 

shooting speed of approximately 5 fps is attained, even with 

approximately 21.1 megapixels with which to contend. 

The infrared, low-pass hybrid filter in front of the sensor consists 

of an infrared-absorption glass (including multiple coatings to 

reflect ultraviolet and infrared rays) and low-pass filter (phase 

plate sandwiched by two single-crystal plates). Other than optimization 

for the full-frame CMOS sensor, the specifications are the 

same as for the EOS-1D Mark III. 

The state-of-the-art AF sensor in the EOS-1Ds Mark III is shared with the EOS-1D Mark III. 

The AI SERVO AF algorithm has been optimized to match the continuous shooting speed 

of the EOS-1Ds Mark III, approximately 5 fps. Also, due to the full-frame CMOS sensor, 

the Area AF coverage with respect to the viewfinder is slightly smaller than with the EOS-1D 

Mark III. The AF speed and predictive AF performance are the 

same as with the EOS-1D Mark III. All other AF-related specifications 

not mentioned here are also the same as the best-inclass 

EOS-1D Mark III. 

AF Sensor Configuration 

: Cross-type AF points : Assist points (Not user-selectable) 

: f/2.8 sensors (Center AF point is f/4) 

: f/5.6 sensors 


2.25 

6.6 

7.50 

3.00 

4.5 

Diagram of 8-channel 

Signal Reading 

LPF Construction 

2.00 

4.00 

Dichroic mirror 

(Reflects infrared rays) 

Infrared-absorbing glass 

CMOS 

sensor 

Time 

Low-pass filter 

(Separates image in vertical direction) 

Phaser layer 

(Converts linear polarized 

light into circular polarized light) 


(Separates image in horizontal direction) 

AF Sensor

Image Recording and 

Processing 

With the EF 24mm f/2.8 or EF 28mm f/2.8 lens, cross-type focusing will 

be active with the 13 AF points shown in the diagram; the remaining 

6 AF points will be horizontal line-sensitive at f/5.6. 

All other EF lenses take full advantage of the AF sensor. 

All basic specifications related to image 

processing such as Dual “DIGIC III” 

Image Processors, 14-bit A/D conversion, 

and DDR SDRAM are the same as 

those of the EOS-1D Mark III. 

Digital Control Circuit Board 

DIGIC III 

Image-processing Sequence Diagram 

21.1M 

CMOS 

14-bit A/D 

conversion 

Front-end 

processing 

circuit 

Memory (DDR SDRAM) 

DDR 

SDRAM 

Dual 

"DIGIC III" 

The number of pixels for all image sizes is about double that of the EOS-1D Mark III. The 

recorded resolution can be set to any one of six sizes. For JPEGs, the compression rate 

can be set to one of 10 settings for each image size, a feature shared with the EOS-1D 

Mark III. The sRAW or Small RAW setting that was originally introduced with the EOS-1D 

Mark III becomes even more useful with the EOS-1Ds Mark III, since the resolution in 

sRAW is 5.3 megapixels with the new camera. 

Recording Quality Specifications 

Image size 

Pixels 

[Approx. megapixels] 

File Size 

[Approx. MB/ 

Shot] 

Possible Shots 

[Approx.] 

Maximum burst 

[Approx.] 

High-speed Low-speed 

Printing 

Size 

L 21.10 (5616 x 3744) 6.4 290 

56 (63) 83 (180) A2 or larger 

M1 16.60 (4992 x 3328) 5.2 350 

73 (96) 140 (370) Around A2 

M2 11.00 (4080 x 2720) 3.9 470 110 (160) 300 (500) Around A3 

S 5.20 (2784 x 1856) 

2.2 840 160 (470) 890 (890) Around A4 

RAW 21.10 (5616 x 3744) 25.0 75 

12 (12) 14 (16) A2 or larger 

L 25.0 + 6.4 54 

10 (10) 10 (10) 

RAW+ 

M1 

M2 

– 

25.0 + 5.2 

25.0 + 3.9 

57 

60 

10 (10) 

12 (12) 

10 (10) 

12 (12) 

– 

S 25.0 + 2.2 64 

12 (12) 12 (12) 

sRAW 5.20 (2784 x 1856) 14.5 130 

18 (18) 24 (28) Around A4 

L 

14.5 + 6.4 82 

12 (12) 14 (16) 

sRAW+ 

M1 

M2 

– 

14.5 + 5.2 

14.5 + 3.9 

90 

97 

12 (12) 

12 (12) 

14 (16) 

18 (18) 

– 

S 14.5 + 2.2 100 

18 (20) 20 (24) 

* The number of possible shots (battery life) and continuous shooting speed are based on Canon's testing standards and a 2 GB CF card. 

* Under Maximum burst, the number in parentheses is the maximum burst with a UDMA-compatible 2 GB CF card used in Canon's tests. 

* JPEG quality 8, ISO 100, the Standard Picture Style and initial Custom Function settings. 

* The actual file size of one image, number of possible shots (battery life), and maximum burst during continuous shooting vary depending 

on the subject, memory card brand, ISO speed, Picture Style, Custom Function settings, etc. 


CF card 

SD card

Viewfinder 

The EOS-1Ds Mark III is compatible with UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access), a new CF 

card specification (CompactFlash Specifications Revision 4.0) enabling high-speed writing 

to the CF card. With a UDMA CF card, the high-speed data transfer is about twice as 

fast as the EOS-1D Mark III (about 3 times as fast as the EOS-1Ds Mark II). Although the 

EOS-1Ds Mark III has twice as many pixels as the EOS-1D Mark III, the writing speed per 

file is about the same as the EOS-1D Mark III, which is quite amazing. 

The camera is compatible with SD memory cards including SDHC (SD High-Capacity) 

cards. The writing speed with SD cards is the same as that of the EOS-1D Mark III. 

Large, bright viewfinders are an inherent advantage of full-frame sensor DSLR cameras. 

The viewfinder of the EOS-1Ds Mark III incorporates a totally redesigned pentaprism and 

refined eyepiece optics to make the viewfinder performance of the EOS-1Ds Mark III the 

best in its class. Remarkably, the viewfinder provides the highest magnification and widest 

coverage in the history of EOS-1 series cameras, including film models, approximately 

0.76x and 35°. This is a substantial improvement over the EOS-1Ds Mark II. The new 

finder also corrects the distortion in EOS-1Ds series cam- Viewfinder Coverage Comparison 

eras to make the large viewfinder look more natural. The 

100% viewfinder coverage, approximately 20mm eyepoint, 

-3 to +1 dpt dioptric adjustment range, and eyepiece 

shutter are the same as the EOS-1D Mark III’s. It is 

now an even greater pleasure to look through the finder 

and the point of focus is much easier to find and follow. 

Major Viewfinder Specifications 

As with the EOS-1Ds Mark II, glass with a high refractive 

index is used for high performance. To match the 

higher viewfinder magnification (wider viewfinder coverage), 

the pentaprism and SI prism have been made 

larger, necessitating a change in the top 

exterior cover of the camera’s body. 

Viewfinder Optics 1 

The lens type and glass selection have 

been changed to make the eyepiece 

lens larger. By having 4-lens elements 

in 4 groups for the eyepiece optics, 

flare is suppressed. 

EOS-1D Mark III coverage 

EOS-1Ds Mark II coverage 

EOS-1Ds Mark III coverage 

Item 1Ds Mark III 1Ds Mark II 5D 

1D Mark III 

Coverage [Approx. %] 100 100 96 100 

Magnification [Approx. X] (Viewing angle [°]) 0.76 (35.0) 0.70 (31.9) 0.71 (32) 0.76 (28.3) 

Eye point Approx. 20 mm 

Dioptric adjustment -3 - +1 dpt 

SI lens 2 

Metering 

sensor 

V-LCD 

prism 

SI-LCD 

Pentaprism 

Backlight lens 

SI-LED 

H-LED 

H-LCD prism 

Eyepiece lens 

Metering lens 

Condenser 

lens 

Focusing 

screen 

SI prism 1 

SI prism 2 


V-LCD 

SI lens 1 

SI mirror

As with the EOS-1Ds Mark II, the superimposition display consists of the lead-in component, 

integrating the dichroic prisms (SI prism 1 and 2) with the pentaprism and the illumination 

(SI-LED), liquid-crystal (SI-LCD), and the eyepiece lens. Compared with the 

EOS-1D Mark III’s dichroic mirror system, the dichroic prism system can have a more 

compact light path in the lead-in component. This contributes to a higher viewfinder 

magnification. 

Viewfinder Optics 2 

Pentaprism 

Condenser lens 

Laser Matte 

surface 

Focusing 

screen 

45 main reflex 

mirror 

SI lens 1 

SI lens 2 

SI mirror 

SI prism 1 

Metering sensor 

Metering lens 

Eyepiece lens 4 




SI prism 2 

H-LCD 

H-LCD prism 

The exceptional legibility of the viewfinder means it is now a practical option to include 

a great quantity of information in the finder display. 

Viewfinder Information 

Center spot metering circle 

Focusing screen 

Metering mode 

Manual exposure 

AE lock 

AEB in-progress 

Multi-spot metering 

Flash-ready 

Improper FE lock warning 

High-speed sync (FP flash) 

FE lock 

FEB in-progress 

Shutter speeds 

Bulb (buLb) 

FE lock (FEL) 

Busy (buSY) 

Aperture 

AF point selection mode 

( AF, SEL [ ], SEL AF) 

Recording media indicator (Card*) 

AF point registration 

( HP, SEL [ ], SEL HP) 

Area AF ellipse 

Maximum burst 

Focus confirmation light 

ISO speed 

Highlight tone priority display 

ISO speed icon 

Shots remaining 

Recording media full (Full) 

AF point 

: Cross-type points 

: Assist AF points 

Exposure 

level indicator 

White balance correction 

Exposure compensation 

Flash exposure compensation 

JPEG icon 

RAW icon 

Battery check 

Standard exposure index 

Exposure level scale 

: 1 stop 

: 1/3 stop 

Overexposure 

Flash 

overexposure 

Exposure level 

Flash exposure 

level 

Flash underexposure 

Underexposure 

IV. DISCUSSION OF NEW AND IMPROVED FEATURES 15

New UDMA Compatibility 

ISO Speed 

EOS Integrated Cleaning 

System 

Drive 

UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access) is a new specification for CF cards (Compact Flash 

Specification Revision 4.0) to enable high-speed writing to the card. With a UDMA-compliant 

CF card, the data transfer speed is twice as fast as with the EOS-1D Mark III, and 

the writing speed is on par with the EOS-1D Mark III (and about 3 times as fast as the 

EOS-1Ds Mark II) even though the pixel count is twice as large. 

With a higher number of pixels in the same sensor dimensions, the pixel size is necessarily 

smaller than those of the EOS-1Ds Mark II. Nevertheless, the ISO speed range is 

the same as that of the EOS-1Ds Mark II with ISO 100 to 1600 and ISO extensions of 50 

(L) and 3200 (H).* The ISO speed Safety Shift is enabled via C.Fn I-8-2. The ISO speed 

control value differs from that of the EOS-1D Mark III. Note that the maximum burst during 

continuous shooting will decrease if ISO speed safety shift, noise reduction for high 

ISO speeds (C.Fn II -2-1), or a high ISO speed is set. (The maximum burst during continuous 

shooting is displayed in the viewfinder.) 

*Standard output sensitivity. Recommended exposure index. 

The EOS-1Ds Mark III uses the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, a complete dust reduction 

system for reducing dust adhering to the imaging sensor, removing dust, and making 

dust spots less noticeable. The Self Cleaning Sensor Unit is a newly designed, dedicated 

unit optimized for the full-frame CMOS sensor. As with the EOS-1D Mark III, this 

unit has two thin piezoelectric elements that apply ultrasonic vibration to shake dust off 

the infrared absorption glass which is the outermost layer in front of the low-pass filter. 

The removed dust then sticks to the absorbent material lining the perimeter of the 

infrared absorption glass. Mechanisms such as the shutter and the mirror are manufactured 

in ways that reduce the generation of dust. The LPF uses grounding and a conduction 

process to discharge static electricity, minimizing dust adherence. And, to prevent 

the dust from entering the internal parts, the unit’s outer periphery is sealed. The specifications 

of the unit’s operating condition, forced termination condition, and Dust Delete 

Data acquisition and application are the same as with the EOS-1D Mark III. 

Self Cleaning Sensor Unit Construction Diagram Absorbent Material 

Infrared-absorption 

glass 

Sealing material 

Support material 


Piezoelectric element 

CMOS sensor 

As with the EOS-1D Mark III, 6 drive modes (single shooting, high-speed continuous, 

low-speed continuous, 10-sec. self-timer, 2-sec. self-timer, and silent single shooting) 

are provided. The noise level of the single shooting and silent single shooting modes is 

the same as with the EOS-1D Mark III. 


Metering and 

Exposure Control 

Custom Functions 

Having the same drive mechanism as the EOS-1D Mark III, the EOS-1Ds Mark III’s maxi- 

mum continuous shooting speed is 5 fps in both the One-Shot AF and AI SERVO AF 

modes. This rate is achieved with 8-channel reading, DDR-SDRAM (twice the capacity of 

the EOS-1Ds Mark II’s), and Dual “DIGIC III” Image Processors. Continuous shooting 

speed can also be adjusted with C.Fn III-16 [Continuous shooting speed] as follows: 

High-speed continuous within 2 to 5 fps, and low-speed continuous within 1 to 4 fps. 

The metering optics have the metering lens and 63-zone metering 

sensor positioned at the rear of the pentaprism. The 19 AF points in 

the Area AF optimally match the metering sensor’s zones. 

The same 4 metering modes as in the EOS-1D Mark III are provided. 

Partial metering covers about 8.5% of the viewfinder area at the 

center, and spot metering about 2.4% at the center. 

Because the metering area within the viewfinder is smaller than that of the EOS-1D Mark III, 

the algorithm has been optimized for the EOS-1Ds Mark III. However, the basic algorithm 

is the same as the EOS-1D Mark III’s. 

Metering Zones 

Evaluative/Center-weighted 

average metering 

Partial metering Spot metering 

* C.Fn I -7-1 enables AF point-linked spot metering. 

Metering Sensor 

ISO bracketing is not provided in either the EOS-1Ds Mark III or the EOS-1D Mark III. 

With the Ec-A, Ec-B, Ec-I, and Ec-L interchangeable focusing screens, only spot metering 

outside the center and center-weighted average metering is possible. Since the prism 

centers of these focusing screens are plainly transparent, an error will occur with evaluative 

metering, partial, and center spot metering. 

The Custom Functions are the same as the EOS-1D Mark III’s. The Custom Function 

names, settings, numbers and so forth are the same. The only exceptions are C.Fn I-3 

[Set ISO speed range], C.Fn I-8-2 [Safety shift: Enable (ISO speed)], C.Fn I-15-1 [Flash 

sync. speed in Av mode: 1/250 sec.], and C.Fn III-16 [Continuous shooting speed]. Either 

the setting values or control values have been changed to suit the EOS-1Ds Mark III’s 

specifications. 


Direct Printing and 

PictBridge 

External Flash Control 

Besides adding PictBridge, as with the EOS-1D Mark III, 

two features shared with the EOS 40D have also been 

incorporated that work with all Canon printers that support 

PictBridge. First, printing effects such as B/W, Vivid, 

Brightness, and Adjust levels are now reflected in the 

image displayed. Only the Face Brightener and Red-eye 

Correction are not reflected in the displayed image. 

Second, with the trimming screen displayed, turning the 

Quick Control Dial will tilt the displayed image up to ±10 

degrees in 0.5-degree increments. 

All PictBridge-compatible Canon printers can now be 

used to set the Brightness, Adjust levels, Contrast, Color 

saturation, Color tone, and Color balance (except for 

Face Brightener and Red-eye Correction). Previously, this 

was possible only with the Canon PIXMA Pro9500 and Pro9000. Compatibility with Face 

Brightener and Red-eye Correction depends on the printer type. 

When printing sRAW images through direct printing, the JPEG image will be used to 

make the print. The pixel count for the JPEG image and the sRAW image is the same. For 

RAW+JPEG images, the RAW image will be used to make the print. For sRAW+JPEG 

images, the JPEG image will be used to make the print. Note that if the JPEG image size 

is small, print size should be limited appropriately. Finally, a RAW image taken by another 

camera cannot be printed via direct printing. Since the RAW image processing method 

and imaging processor differ among cameras, compatibility cannot be ensured. 

The [Zoom] and [Wireless set.] flash functions have 

been added. These settings make it easier to view, 

summarize and set complicated wireless set-ups. As 

on the EOS 40D, one can now set all wireless flash 

settings with the camera’s LCD monitor instead of the 

master Speedlite when the 580EX II is used. All external 

flash function settings and external flash Custom 

Functions settings other than these are the same as 

the EOS-1D Mark III’s. 

Printing Effects Reflected in 

the Displayed Image 

Tilt Correction 


Zoom 

Wireless Settings

Design and Construction 

Flash Function Settings (with 580EX II) 

Flash function settings 

With E-TTL II With TTL (With Flash C.Fn settings C.Fn-5-1) 

Item Description Item Description 

Flash mode E-TTL II / Manual flash / MULTI flash ….. Flash mode ….. MULTI flash / TTL / AutoExtFlash….. 

1st curtain Flash output 1/4..1/2..1/1 

Shutter sync. 2nd curtain 1st curtain 

Hi-speed Shutter sync. 2nd curtain 

FEB -3. . 2 . . 1 . . 0 . . 1 . . 2 . .+3 High-speed 

Flash exp. Comp -3. . 2 . . 1 . . 0 . . 1 . . 2 . .+3 Zoom Auto/24/28/35/50/70/80/105 [mm] 

E-TTL II 

Evaluative 

Average 

Flash firing 

Enable 

Disable 

Zoom Auto/24/28/35/50/70/80/105 [mm] 

Wireless func.: Enable/Disable 

Master flash: Enable/Disable 

Channel: 1/2/3/4ch 

Wireless set. 

Firing group: A+B+C/A:B/A:B C 

A:B fire ratio: 8:1, 4:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8 Item Description 

Grp.C exp. comp: -3..2..1..0..1..2..+3 Flash mode ….. TTL / AutoExtFlash / Man.ExtFlash 

Flash firing 

Enable 

Disable 

FEB 

Flash exp. Comp 

-3. . 2 . . 1 . . 0 . . 1 . . 2 . .+3 

-3. . 2 . . 1 . . 0 . . 1 . . 2 . .+3 

INFO. Clear Speedlite settings 

Zoom Auto/24/28/35/50/70/80/105 [mm] 

With Manual Flash 

Flash firing 

Enable 

Disable 

Flash mode E-TTL II / Manual flash / MULTI flash ….. 


Flash output 1/128..1/64..1/32..1/16..1/8..1/4..1/2..1/1 

1st curtain 

With external Speedlite set to M 

Shutter sync. 2nd curtain 

(With Flash C.Fn settings C.Fn-5-3) 

Hi-speed Item Description 

Zoom Auto/24/28/35/50/70/80/105 [mm] Flash mode ….. TTL / AutoExtFlash / Man.ExtFlash 

Wireless func.: Enable/Disable Zoom Auto/24/28/35/50/70/80/105 [mm] 



Flash firing 

Enable 

Disable 

Wireless set. Firing group: A+B+C/A:B/A:B C 

Group A output: 1/128……………….1/1 

Group B output: 1/128……………….1/1 

Group C output: 1/128……………….1/1 


Flash firing 

Enable 

Disable 


With Multi 

Flash 

Flash mode ….. Manual flash / MULTI flash / TTL ….. 

Flash output 1/128..1/64..1/32..1/16..1/8..1/4..1/2 

Frequency 1 - 199 Hz 

Flash count --, 1 - 100 times 

Zoom Auto/24/28/35/50/70/80/105 [mm] 

Wireless func.: Enable/Disable 



Wireless set. Firing group: A+B+C/A:B/A:B C 

Group A output: 1/128……………….1/1 

Group B output: 1/128……………….1/1 

Group C output: 1/128……………….1/1 

Flash firing 

Enable 

Disable 


* The flash output applies to 1/4 to 1/128 in whole-stop increments. 

(The display shows 1/2 to 1/128 in 1/3-stop increments.) 


* Flash output will be fixed at 1/1. (Displayed from 1/4 to 1/1.) 

With external Speedlite set to autoflash 

(With Flash C.Fn settings C.Fn-5-2) 

Due to the large pentaprism, the top cover is a newly designed, dedicated cover having 

a bulge on the hot shoe area. It is 0.12 in./3mm taller than the EOS-1D Mark III and 2mm 

taller than the EOS-1Ds Mark II. As with the EOS-1Ds Mark II, the "Ds" and "Mark III" 

nameplates are gold-plated. 

Magnesium Alloy Exterior Exterior Covers and Internal Construction 


The dimensions (W x H x D) of the EOS-1Ds Mark III are: 156 x 159.6 x 79.9mm/6.1 x 

6.3 x 3.1 in. It is 3mm taller than the EOS-1D Mark III. The body-only weight is approximately 

42.7 oz./ 1,210g, approximately 1.9 oz./55g heavier than the EOS-1D Mark III 

but 0.18 oz./5g less than a body-only EOS-1Ds Mark II. The difference in this case 

becomes more pronounced when the respective batteries are added in: 48.9 oz./1,385g 

for the EOS-1Ds Mark II vs. 54.9 oz./ 

Location of Major Water-resistant Measures 

1,555g for the Mark II, a difference of 

approximately 6 oz./170g. 

Water- and dust-resistant construction is 

the same as the tight and thorough sealing 

of the EOS-1D Mark III. 

Except for the 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor, 

large glass pentaprism, and full-frame 

Self Cleaning Sensor Unit, the internal components 

(including the shutter and the 

shutter-release mechanism) are the same 

as those of the EOS-1D Mark III. 

The basic electronic components are the 

Total 

same as those of the EOS-1D Mark III. 

However, certain boards have been optimized 

for the 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor. For 

example, due to the larger circuit, the Self 

Cleaning Sensor Unit board has been split into two boards. 

Parts Count T 

Item 1Ds Mk III 1Ds Mk II 

Optics 

35 

30 

Mechanical parts 

674 

628 

Electrical parts 

1557 

1479 

Circuit boards 

41 

43 

Lead wires 

162 

22 

Total (Official) 

2323 

2202 

Screws and washers 

349 

311 

2672 

2513 

* The shutter unit is counted as 1 part. 

* The DC/DC converter is counted as 1 part. 

* The E-ring is counted as a washer. 

* The official total excludes the screws and washers. 

All parts comply with the RoHS (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances 

in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive. 

Cross Section at Center 

Pentaprism 

Condenser lens 

Laser Matte 

surface 

Focusing 

screen 

45 main reflex 

mirror 

Fully-reflective 

mirror 

Infrared-absorption 

filter 

Fixed aperture 

Secondary 

image-forming lens 

SI lens 1 

SI mirror 

SI lens 2 

SI prism 1 

Metering sensor 

Metering lens 





H-LCD 

H-LCD prism 

Image sensor 


LCD monitor 

Secondary mirror 

AF sensor 

SI prism 2 

Rear LCD panel 

Lithium-ion battery 

If there is a small noise when the camera is shaken, it is the sound of the ball bearings in 

the camera orientation detection unit. 


Power Source and 

Shooting Performance 

Live View Function 

Except for the number of possible shots (battery life), all the specifications are the same 

as those of the EOS-1D Mark III. Because the EOS-1Ds Mark III has the full-frame CMOS 

sensor and full-frame Self Cleaning Sensor Unit, battery life is shorter than that of the 

EOS-1D Mark III by about 20%. At 73°F/23°C, this is approximately 1,800 shots maximum, 

and at 32°F /0°C, approximately 1,400 shots maximum. 

As with the EOS-1D Mark III, an automatic battery check is performed when the main 

switch is turned on. Battery level is indicated by one of six levels on the LCD panel. 

Current battery, remaining capacity (indicated in 6 levels with icon and in 1% increments), 

current shutter count with the battery since the battery recharge, and recharge performance 

can be checked. Power turns off after the set time (1, 2, 4, 8, 15, or 30 min.) of 

non-operation elapses. Even when set to [Off], the LCD monitor will turn off 30 min. after 

idle operation, but camera power does not turn off. 

The professional Live View Function included in the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS 40D is part 

of the EOS-1Ds Mark III as well. In brief, Live View Function works either on the camera’s 

LCD monitor or by remote (with EOS Utility). It makes it possible to place the camera in 

positions for which it would be difficult or impossible to look in the finder to check composition 

and verify exposure, depth of field or focus. It has grid display and aspect ratio 

display features. 

During Live View Function with the EOS-1Ds Mark III, an icon is now displayed to indicate 

exposure simulation (when one presses the depth-of-field preview button or set C.Fn IV- 

16-1). Other than this, the Live View Function is the same as that of the EOS-1D Mark III. 

The EOS 40D enables AF and silent shooting during Live View Function, but these features 

are not provided by the EOS-1Ds Mark III because of a difference in shutter design. 

During Live View Function, approximately 300 shots can be taken at 73°F/23°C or 230 

shots at 32°F/0°C. In the EOS Utility Ver.2.2 disk to be bundled with the EOS-1Ds Mark III, 

a test-shooting feature and preview feature will be newly added to the Remote Live View 

Function. 

In EOS Utility ver.2.1, users could adjust Test Shooting Window 

the white balance in Remote Live View 

Function using ambient light by looking 

at the real-time Live View Function 

image on the PC screen. They could then 

store the results on the camera with a 

single mouse click. However, users 

could not check the real-time Live View 

Function image for shots taken with the 

flash, so they had to check the finished 

shots, adjust the settings as needed 

and retake the shot. The new Test Shooting function offers users a simple procedure for 

adjusting white balance for flash photography, as follows: 


Shutter 

1) Take a test shot using the flash. The Test Shooting window automatically opens showing 

the photographed image. 

2) Set Click White Balance for a suitable location in the displayed image. 

3) Take the test shot again using the flash. 

The results of step 2 are applied and stored in the camera and then applied to the 

test shooting results. 

Check the resulting shot in the test window. The image in the Test Shooting window is 

updated each time one takes a test shot and is automatically deleted when the Test 

Shooting window is closed. However, one can save the image by clicking the Save button. 

One can also use this function for shots taken using ambient light. 

Another new, Live View Function related feature is Quick Preview. Until now, image 

checking for remote shooting using EOS Utility has been achieved by transferring images 

to DPP (Digital Photo Professional) or ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser, which launch 

automatically. As a result, there has always been a time lag of several seconds between 

shooting and image checking. The new Quick Preview function is Canon’s response to 

user requests for a shortening of this time lag. 

In EOS Utility ver.2.2, users can check the 

Quick Preview Window 

results of remote shooting immediately in a 

Quick Preview window that automatically 

appears after the shot is taken. The default 

window size is 600 x 428 pixels, but one can 

adjust the window to any size, including fullscreen. 

Note that the Quick Preview window 

always shows the last shot one took. 

One can choose whether to show or hide the 

Quick Preview window by clicking the Show/Hide Quick Preview button in the Capture 

window. The Quick Preview function can be used by all cameras that are compatible 

with EOS Utility ver.2.2, even if Live View Function is not involved. 

The shutter unit is the same as that of the EOS-1D Mark III, 

with a durability of 300,000 cycles. Because of the larger 

frame size, flash sync is 1/250 sec. rather than the 1/300 

sec. of the EOS-1D Mark III with EOS Speedlites. 

Shutter Unit 


New EF 14 mm f/2.8L II 

USM Lens 

V. ACCESSORIES 

The EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM is an ultra-wide-angle lens that was 

developed as the successor to the EF 14mm f/2.8L USM. Since the 

EF 14mm f/2.8L USM was first released in 1991, it has been widely 

used as a high-performance ultra-wide-angle lens by both professional 

and high-end amateur photographers. At the same time, 

there has been increasingly strong demand from the market for a 

lens with improved image quality, particularly in peripheral areas. To 

meet these demands, the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM features completely 

redesigned optics that offer not only significant improvements in 

image quality, but features such as dust- and moisture-proofing, 

resulting in a high-performance lens that exceeds even the stringent 

O 

requirements of professional users. 

Optical Construction 

Focusing Elements 

Diaphragm 

UD Lens 

GMo Aspherical Lens 

EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM 

Compared to the now-discontinued EF 14mm f/2.8L USM, the dimensions of the new 

lens are: maximum diameter, 88.5mm (+5mm), overall length 111.6mm (+8.6mm), and 

weight 645g (+85g). The minimum focusing distance is 0.2m and the maximum magnification 

is 0.15x. 

Extenders EF 1.4x II and EF 2x II, and Extension Tubes EF 12 II and EF 25 II cannot be used 

with the lens. Also, the lens has no filter threads, so it cannot be used with the screw-in 

250D, 500D, and 500 Close-up Lenses, as well as with Gelatin Filter Holders III and IV. 

The lens comes with a new, secure, spring mechanism lens cap, Lens Cap 14. 

Features: 

• High-performance L-series lens capable of ultra-wide-angle shots with a diagonal 

angle of up to 114° 

• Uses 2 high-precision GMo aspherical lens elements (G3 is 40mm diameter aspherical 

lens element) to provide excellent correction for curvature of field, distortion and other 

aberrations, giving superb image quality over the entire image, and particularly in 

peripheral areas, that far exceeds previous models 

V. ACCESSORIES 23

• Uses 2 UD lens elements to minimize lateral chromatic aberration to which wide-angle 

lenses are prone, achieving superb image quality with excellent resolution and contrast 

with little or no color bleed around the outline of the subject 

• Lens coatings and lens disposition optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that 

frequently occur when the lens is used with a digital camera 

Flare and Ghosting Suppressed 

Lens without optimized coating Lens with optimized coating 

• Waterproof and dustproof construction used in the mount, focus mode switch and 

focusing ring to prevent dust and moisture from getting into the lens, making it suitable 

for taking pictures even in harsh conditions 

• EMD has circular aperture that produces beautiful out-of-focus images (bokeh) 

• Rear focusing system, ring USM, high-speed CPU and improved AF algorithms for fast 

and quiet autofocusing 

• Manual focusing enabled even during the AF mode (full-time mechanical manual focus) 

• Focus mode switch has been given a shape that prevents it from being changed 

accidentally 

• Equipped with constriction-type gelatin filter holder at the rear of the lens 

• Uses a new type of specially designed lens cap (Lens Cap 14) that is both light and secure 

• Optical system constructed using only glass which is lead-free 

V. ACCESSORIES 24

Lens Aberration Correction 

Function 

VI. SOFTWARE 

EOS Digital Solution Disk Ver.16 will ship with the EOS-1Ds Mark III camera at no additional 

cost. Each component is modified to bring EOS-1Ds Mark III compatibility to such things 

as RAW and sRAW files, as well as metadata. 

The new EOS Utility, ver.2.2, has 2 enhancements to Live View Function, a Test Shooting 

function and a Quick Preview function. Both are discussed in the Live View Function 

section of this paper. 

DPP (Digital Photo Professional) is upgraded from version 3.1 to 3.2. The 2 main additions 

are the lens aberration correction function and the brightness warning display function. 

While lens optics are designed to achieve the best possible balance in minimizing 

different types of aberrations and defects, these do remain, even if only minimally, as in 

reality it is impossible to eliminate aberrations completely. The new “Lens Aberration 

Correction Function” provides correction by way of image processing to handle divergences 

from ideal imaging. 

Aberration correction is achieved by re-processing the image, combining the following 

information with the photographed RAW image: 

1) The optical data for the lens: 

The DPP software includes data containing lens IDs and optical characteristics of 

each lens 

2) Lens information for the lens used (lens ID): 

Automatically recorded to the supplementary information for photographed RAW images 

3) The focal length information when shots are taken: 

Automatically recorded to the supplementary information for photographed RAW images 

4) The distance information when shots are taken: 

Automatically recorded to the supplementary information for photographed RAW images. 

Note: some of the specifications for recording the supplementary RAW image information in 2), 3) and 4) vary 

depending on the EOS Digital camera used. 

There are 4 factors that this function can correct: 

1) Peripheral illumination: 

Corrects peripheral light, which declines as one moves away from the center of the 

image, by increasing brightness at the image periphery so that brightness is uniform 

over the entire image 

VI. SOFTWARE 25

2) Distortion: 

Corrects images where shape relationships are disrupted so that they appear as they 

should 

3) Chromatic aberration: 

Corrects color fringing that arises around the image periphery 

4) Color blur: 

Corrects the blue and red color blurring that can occur at the edges of very bright 

areas in images 

This innovative technology ties together the lens information, camera lens system information 

and image design in a comprehensive way that could be achieved only by a truly 

comprehensive camera manufacturer. 

At present, 29 EF lenses (lenses with built-in lens ID, focal length and distance information) 

are supported. 

T 

Lenses Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction Function 

EF 14mm f/2.8L USM EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM EF 20mm f/2.8 USM 

EF 24mm f/1.4L USM EF 28mm f/1.8 USM EF 35mm f/1.4L USM 

EF 50mm f/1.2L USM EF 50mm f/1.4 USM EF 85mm f/1.2L USM 

EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM 

EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM EF 17-35mm f/2.8L EF 17-40mm f/4L USM 

EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM EF 28-70mm f/2.8L 

EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM 

EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM 

EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM 

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II USM EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS 

*Also usable for RAW images taken with extender mounted on supported lens. 

Depending on the EOS Digital camera on which the lens is mounted, there are 2 modes 

of correction using DPP ver.3.2. In the latest models released in 2007 (EOS-1Ds Mark III, 

EOS 40D and EOS-1D Mark III), the lens ID and the focal length and distance information 

are recorded as supplementary information in photographed RAW images. As a result, 

these cameras meet all the requirements for aberration correction. To use aberration 

correction on these 3 models, simply check the boxes for the factors to be corrected in 

the [Lens aberration correction] window. 

On the EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS-1Ds, EOS-1D, EOS 5D, 

EOS 30D and EOS Digital Rebel XTi/400D DIGITAL, the lens ID and focal length are 

recorded as supplementary information in photographed RAW images, but the distance 

information is not recorded. On these cameras, when one checks the boxes in the [Lens 

aberration correction] window for the factors to be corrected in photographed RAW 

images, aberration is corrected on the assumption that the distance is set to infinity. 

To correct aberration in DPP, open the [Lens aberration correction] window (edit window 

or edit window tool palette [NR/Lens] tab> click the [Tune] button) and check the boxes 

for each of the 4 correction factors to be corrected. The image is then corrected and the 

VI. SOFTWARE 26

Brightness Warning 

Display Function 

results are applied in real time to the image displayed in the [Lens aberration 

correction] window. One can then check the effects of distortion 

and peripheral illumination on the entire displayed image. One can also 

enlarge a section of the image to check for chromatic aberration or color 

blur by clicking in the section to be checked. That section then appears 

enlarged to 200% in the top right corner of the [Lens aberration correction] 

window, allowing one to check the effects in detail. 

If one is not happy with the results of the corrections performed by 

DPP, one can use the sliders for the different correction factors or the 

shooting distance to make additional adjustments. Also, one can 

correct red chromatic aberration with the [R] slider of the [Chromatic 

aberration] or blue chromatic aberration with the [B] slider. 

(Note that correcting peripheral illumination 

may result in noise appearing around the 

image periphery. One may be able to alleviate 

this noise by using the DPP noise reduction 

functions (luminance noise or chrominance 

noise reduction). In some images, using 

distortion correction may cause areas around 

the image periphery to be deleted. Also 

occasionally, color blur correction may have 

no discernible effect. Finally, color blur 

correction may also reduce color saturation 

in some images.) 

After completing the corrections, click the [OK] button to 

close the [Lens aberration correction] window. At that point, 

the corrections are applied to the image in the edit window 

and the corrections (ON or OFF) also appear in the tool palette. 

Lens Aberration Correction Window 

[NR/Lens] Tab in 

the Tool Palette 

Warning Display Settings in 

the Preferences Window 

The brightness warning display function has also been added. 

It is useful in preventing excessive adjustment and in checking 

white flare or shadowing in images. One can use the 

[Preferences] window to specify separate 

Edit Window (with Warnings Displayed) 

settings for highlights and shadows in the 

warning display range settings. If one selects 

the [Highlight] or [Shadow] setting in the [View] 

menu, highlights that exceed the specified 

range are displayed in red and shadows that 

exceed the range are displayed in blue in the 

image in the Edit or Edit Image window. 

VI. SOFTWARE 27

Additional Changes in DPP Another new function that has been developed links DPP with the new “Easy-PhotoPrint 

EX” printing software for inkjet printers. This allows the transfer of RAW images selected 

in DPP directly to Easy-PhotoPrint EX so that RAW images can be printed simply and at 

high quality. The specifications and procedures for using the new software are the same 

as the previous “Easy-PhotoPrint” software. 

A [View images at high speed (moiré reduction off)] option has been added to the [High 

quality] display mode. This will prove useful for those who want slightly faster image display 

when false color reduction is not needed, because they do not use false color reduction 

when viewing images in the Edit or Edit Image window. 

Preferences Window 

The [Preferences] window has been amended to include a 

function for reducing the “block noise” and “mosquito noise” 

that particular affects JPEG images when RAW images are 

converted and saved in JPEG format. This makes it possible 

to improve the image quality particularly when high compression 

rates are used. 

DPP features: 

• RAW image viewing/processing/editing software aimed primarily at amateur and 

professional users who mostly shoot RAW images 

• High-speed processing of RAW images 

• Support for RAW images from almost all EOS Digital camera models 

• Viewing and editing of JPEG and TIFF images 

• Links with Canon’s EOS software 

• Window displays tailored to professional workflows 

• Extensive range of image editing functions 

• Real time display of image adjustments and comparison displays of edits 

• Faithful, high-quality printing using links with Canon inkjet printers 

• 3 printing style specification functions 

• RAW image conversion and saving 

• Batch processing of large numbers of RAW images 

In versions up to DPP ver.3.1, thumbnail images that had 

been dragged into a different sequence in the main window 

reverted to the original display sequence when DPP was 

shut down. In ver.3.2, this has been improved so that the 

user’s thumbnail sequence is retained. With the addition of 

a [Retain sort order] checkbox in the [Preferences] window, 

DPP has been improved so that the current thumbnail 

sequence is retained when DPP is shut down. By clearing 

the [Retain sort order] checkbox, users who prefer the 

ver.3.1 specifications can revert to the previous system 

(in which the original sequence is restored when DPP 

shuts down). 

Preferences Window 

VI. SOFTWARE 28

Picture Style Editor 

The Quick Check tool function has been improved 

with the addition of an [Information] button that 

displays the Shooting Information window; the 

control buttons have been rearranged to match 

more closely the way they are actually used. Also, 

whereas the only enlargement ratio available in 

the enlarged display was 50% in ver.3.1, the 

specifications have now been improved so that 

either 50% or 100% can be selected in the 

[Preferences] window. 

Quick Check Window 

Picture Style Editor Ver.1.1 is also included on Digital Solution Disk Ver.16. In brief, 

Picture Style Editor is software that allows users to create their own Picture Style files 

by selecting and loading a sample RAW image and then adjusting the image characteristics 

based on one of the existing Picture Style settings (Standard, Portrait, 

Landscape, Neutral or Faithful, but not Monochrome). The created Picture Style file 

can then be registered in the camera using EOS Utility, or used in the DPP or RAW Image 

Task applications. 

There is only one change in Picture Style Editor from ver.1.0: the range of sample images 

available for adjustment has been expanded to include RAW images shot on all EOS 

Digital cameras (EOS D30 to EOS-1Ds Mark III. This includes EOS D6000 and D2000 

RAW images that were converted using .CR2 Converter to RAW images with the “.CR2” 

extension.) There are no functional changes. 

Note that there are some cameras that are not supported by and cannot be used with 

Windows Vista: the EOS-1Ds, EOS-1D, EOS 10D, EOS Digital Rebel/300D DIGITAL, EOS D60 

and the EOS D30. Also, while the following cameras are compatible with Windows Vista 

for 32-bit systems, they are not compatible with Vista for 64-bit systems: the EOS-1D 

Mark II N, EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS 5D, EOS 20D and the EOS Digital Rebel 

XT/350D DIGITAL. 

VI. SOFTWARE 29

Type of Camera 

Image Sensor 

Recording System 

VII. SPECIFICATIONS 

Type: Digital AF/AE SLR 

Recording Media: CF Card Type I and II, SD/SDHC Memory Card (1 slot each), and/or 

External media (USB v.2.0 hard drive, via optional Canon Wireless File Transmitter 

WFT-E2A), compatible with UDMA-compliant CF cards, and SDHC SD cards 

Image Format: 1.42 x 0.94 in./36.0 x 24.0mm (full-frame sensor) 

Compatible Lenses: Canon EF, TS-E, and MP-E lenses (except EF-S lenses) 

Lens Mount: Canon EF mount 

Lens FocaL Length Conversion Factor: 1.0x 

Type: Full-frame, high-sensitivity, high-resolution, single-plate, CMOS sensor 

Effective Pixels: Approx. 21.10 megapixels 

Total Pixels: Approx. 21.90 megapixels 

Aspect Ratio: 3:2 (Horizontal : Vertical) 

Color Filter System: RGB primary color filters 

Low-pass Filter: Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor 

EOS Integrated Cleaning System: (1) Self Cleaning Sensor Unit, (2) Dust Delete Data, 

(3) Manual Sensor Cleaning 

Recording Format: DCF 2.0 (Exif 2.21): JPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG simultaneous recording 

possible. Multiple options for recording images on two memory cards, and onto 

compatible external USB hard drives (via optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2A) 

Image Compression: JPEG, JPEG+RAW, RAW (Canon CR2) 

File Size: (1) JPEG/Large: Approx. 6.4MB (5,616 x 3,744); (2) JPEG/Medium 1: Approx. 

5.2MB (4,992 x 3,328); (3) JPEG/Medium 2: Approx. 3.9MB (4,080 x 2,720); 

(4) JPEG/Small: Approx. 2.2MB (2,784 x 1,856); (5) RAW: Approx. 25.0MB (5,616 x 3,744); 

(6) sRAW: Approx. 14.5MB (2,784 x 1,856) 

Folders: Can be manually created by user, and freely selected for subsequent images 

File Numbering: (1) Continuous numbering (2) Auto reset (3) Manual reset (the image 

numbering is reset to 0001, a new folder is created automatically) 

Color Space: Selectable between sRGB and Adobe RGB 

Picture Style: Six preset Picture Style settings plus three user-defined custom Picture 

Style settings with individual adjustments for Sharpness, Contrast, Saturation, Color 

tone; Filter effect, Toning effect for black & white images 

Interface: USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, mini-B port. NTSC/PAL for video output 

VII. SPECIFICATIONS 30

White Balance 

Viewfinder 

Autofocus 

Exposure Control 

Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, 

five Custom WB settings (1–5), user-set Color Temperature (2,500~10,000K), five 

Personal White Balance PC-1 to PC-5 

Auto White Balance: Auto white balance, taken from imaging sensor 

White Balance Correction: White balance bracketing: Three consecutive images, Up to 

+/- 3 levels in 1-step increments; White balance shift: blue/amber bias and/or magenta/ 

green bias +/- 9 levels; manually set by user 

Type: Eye-level SLR with fixed pentaprism 

Coverage: Approx. 100% horizontally and vertically 

Magnification: 0.76x (-1 dpt with 50mm lens at infinity) 

Eyepoint: Approx. 20mm 

Dioptric Adjustment Correction: 3.0 to +1.0 diopter 

Mirror: Quick-return half mirror (Transmission: reflection ratio of 37:63) 

Viewfinder Information: AF (AF points, focus confirmation light, point selection mode, 

registration), Exposure (metering mode, spot metering area, shutter speed, aperture, 

manual exposure, AE lock, ISO speed, exposure level, exposure warning), Flash (flash 

ready, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure level), Image (JPEG recording, RAW 

recording, shots remaining, maximum burst, white balance correction, memory card 

information), Battery check 

Depth-of-Field Preview: Enabled with depth-of-field preview button; possible in Live 

View Function 

Eyepiece Shutter: Built-in 

Type: TTL-AREA-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor 

AF points: 45-point (19 high-precision cross-type AF points plus 26 Assist AF points) 

AF Working Range: EV -1 ~18 (ISO 100 at 73°F/23°C) 

Focusing Modes: Autofocus (One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF), Manual Focus (MF) 

AF Point Selection: Automatic selection; Manual selection: 19 AF points, or only inner 

9 AF points (C.Fn III-9-1), or outer 9 AF points (C.Fn III-9-2) 

Selected AF Point Display: Superimposed in viewfinder and on LCD panel 

AF-assist Beam: None. Emitted by EX-series Speedlite or optional ST-E2 Speedlite 

Transmitter 

Metering Modes: 63-zone TTL full aperture metering; (1) Evaluative metering (linked to 

all AF points); (2) Partial metering (approx. 8.5% of viewfinder); (3) Spot metering (approx. 

2.4% of viewfinder): Center spot metering, AF point-linked spot metering (C.Fn. I-7-1), 

Multi-spot metering (max. 8 spot metering entries); (4) Center-weighted average metering 

Metering Range: EV 0–20 (ISO 100 at 73°F/23°C with EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100) 

Exposure Control Systems: Program AE (shiftable), Shutter speed-priority AE, Aperturepriority 

AE, E-TTL II program AE (Evaluative flash metering, Averaged flash metering), 

Manual, Bulb 


Shutter 

External Speedlite 

Drive System 

LCD Monitor 

ISO Speed Range: Equivalent to ISO 100–1600* (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments), 

ISO speed can be expanded to ISO 50 and 3200 (via C.Fn I-3) 

* Standard output sensitivity. Recommended exposure index. 

Exposure Compensation: Exposure Compensation (user-set): up to +/-3 stops in 1/3- or 

1/2 stop increments; Auto Bracketing (AEB): 3 shots, up to +/- 3 stops, in 1/3 or 1/2 

stop increments, in all exposure modes. Sequence can be changed via C.Fn I-5 

AE Lock: Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is 

achieved; Manual (user-set): By AE lock button in all metering modes 

Type: Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically controlled 

Shutter Speeds: 1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3-, 1/2- or 1-stop increments), X-sync at 1/250 

sec. (with EOS dedicated external Speedlites; 1/250 maximum with other shoe-mount 

flashes, and 1/60th–1/250th with studio strobes*) 

* maximum sync speed with studio strobes will depend upon flash characteristics and connection method; 

testing is encouraged to verify fastest possible sync speed with specific studio flash equipment. 

Shutter Release: Soft-touch electromagnetic release 

Self-Timer: 10 sec. delay, 2 sec. delay 

Remote Control: Canon N3 type terminal 

EOS External Flash or Dedicated Speedlite: E-TTL II autoflash with all EX Series Speedlites 

PC Terminal: Provided; accepts third-party flash units with sync line voltages up to 250V 

maximum 

Drive Modes: Single, silent, high-speed continuous (approx. 5 fps), low-speed continuous 

(approx. 3 fps), 10- or 2-sec. self-timer 

Continuous Shooting Speed: Approx. 5 fps (at a shutter speed of 1/500 sec. or faster in 

all recording modes) 

Max. Burst During Continuous Shooting: JPEG: approx. 56 frames; RAW: approx. 12 frames 

RAW+JPEG: approx. 10 frames (Large/Fine) 

Type: TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor 

Monitor Size: 3.0 in., diagonal 

Pixels: Approx. 230,000 pixels 

Coverage: Approx. 100% 

Brightness Control: 7 levels provided 


Playback 

Image Protection and Erase 

Sound Recording 

Menus 

Power Source 

Dimensions and Weight 

Image Display Format: Single image, 4-image index, 9-image index, Jump, AF point, 

Magnified zoom (approx. 1.5x to 10x), Brightness or RGB Histogram, Auto rotate, Rotate; 

Live View Function: view image before shooting on LCD monitor; live histogram and live 

simulation of exposure level possible with C.Fn IV-16-1 

Highlight Alert: In the single image display and (INFO) display, over-exposed highlight 

areas will blink 

Protection: Single image, all images in a folder, or all images in the memory card can be 

protected or cancel the image protection 

Erase: Single image, all images in a folder, all images in the memory card or check- 

marked images can be erased or unprotected 

Direct Printing from the Camera: Possible with compatible PictBridge-enabled printers 

Compatible Printers: CP and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers, PIXMA Photo Printers and 

PictBridge compatible printers (via USB Interface Cable IFC-200U, included with camera kit) 

Settings: Print quantity, style (image, paper size, paper type, printing effects, layout), 

trimming, tilt correction 

Recording Method: Via built-in microphone at rear of camera body; activated by pressing 

recording button on camera. Sound file attached to image file on memory card 

File Format: WAV 

Recording Time: Max. 30 sec. per recording 

Menu Categories: (1) Shooting (2) Playback (3) Setup, (4) Custom Function/My Menu 

LCD Monitor Languages: 18 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, 

Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, 

Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese) 

Battery: One dedicated lithium-ion battery pack LP-E4. AC power can be supplied via 

the AC Adapter Kit ACK-E4 (included) 

Number of Possible Shots: At 73°F/23°C: Approx. 1,800 shots; At 32°F/0°C: Approx. 

1,400 shots 

The above figures apply when a fully-charged Battery Pack LP-E4 is used 

Battery Check: Automatic, displayed in six levels. Precise readout of percentage remaining, 

shots taken since last charge, calibration recommended, and approx. remaining 

battery life are displayed with Battery Info menu setting. 

Power Saving: Provided. Power turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30 min. 

Back-up Battery: One CR2025 lithium battery 

Dimensions (W) x (H) x (D): 6.1 x 6.3 x 3.1 in./156 x 159.6 x 79.9mm 

Weight (Body only): 42.5 oz./1,205g 


Operating Conditions Operating Temperature Range: 32–113°F/0–45°C 

Operating Humidity Range: 85% or less 

• All the specifications above are based on Canon’s Standard Test Method. 

• The camera’s specifications and physical appearance are subject to change without notice. 

• TFT monitor images shown in the white paper are simulated. 


EOS-1Ds Mark III vs. 


Comparison Chart 

VIII. COMPARISON CHART 

Resolution & Sensor 

Performance 

Image Quality 

AF System 

Number of AF points 

User-selectable AF points 

High-precision points off-center 

AF Microadjustment 

Metering System 

Computer Interface 

Recording Media 

LCD Monitor & Playback 

EOS-1Ds Mark III EOS-1Ds Mark II Comments 

Recording pixels 21.1 million 16.7 million 

Full resolution 

Photoshop file size 

Sensor type 

Sensor size 

Lens conversion factor 

ISO sensitivity range 

Maximum fps rate 

Maximum frames in a burst 

Shutter speed range 

Fastest flash sync speed 

Shutter durability 

Continous mirror lock-up 

Processor 

Analog to Digital conversion 

Highlight Tone Priority 

Color, Contrast & Sharpness 

adjustments 

Integrated cleaning system 

High-ISO noise reduction 

Custom White Balance 

White Balance Shift 

Evaluative metering 

E-TTL II flash metering 

Direct-connection type 

Direct printing 

Compatible cards 

UDMA hi-speed compatible CF 

Automatic switch from card 1 to 2 

External hard drive compatible 

RAW + JPEG recording 

User-set file name prefix 

Separate image type recording 

LCD monitor size 

Ultra-wide LCD view angle 

Live View shooting 

Live View to computer 

5616 x 3744 

4992 x 3328 

approx. 60MB approx. 48MB 

CMOS (Canon-produced) 

Full-frame — 24 x 36mm 

None (1x) 

(50) 100 ~ 1600 (3200) 

5.0 fps 4.0 fps 

56 (full-resolution JPEGs, level-8 fine) 32 (full-resolution JPEGs, fine) 

12 (RAW; full-resolution) 

11 (RAW; full-resolution) 

300,000 exposures 

30 ~ 1/8000 sec. 

1/250 

200,000 exposures 

Yes (mirror down with SET) — 

Dual “DIGIC III” DIGIC II 

14-bit (16,384 tones/channel) 12-bit (4,096 tones/channel) 

Yes — 

Canon Picture Style Parameters + Color Matrix 

Yes 

— 

Yes 

— 

5 settings possible 1 setting 

Yes (9 steps to alter WB) — 

45 (19 are cross-type) 45 (7 are cross-type) 

19 45 

Yes (all 19 user-select pts.) — 

Yes — 

63 zones 21 zones 

63 zones 21 zones 

USB 2.0 Hi-Speed IEEE 1394 (“Firewire”) 

Yes (PictBridge, plus new Canon 

print effects features) 

CF and/or SD cards (2 slots) CF and/or SD cards (2 slots) 

Yes — 

Yes — 

Yes — 

Possible to record RAW on one card, 

JPEG on other 

RAW + JPEG always on same card(s) 

Yes (first four characters) — 

Yes 

3.0 inches (diagonal) 

230,000 pixels 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes (via USB or Wireless) 

Yes (standard PictBridge) 

Highest-resolution AF digital SLR 

in world (as of August, 2007); 

unprecedented large file sizes 

Entirely new CMOS technology 

similar to EOS-1D Mark III 

Fast shooting speed; 

greater burst rate 

Mark III shutter: highest durability 

rating ever in an SLR 

Easy continuous mirror-up 

Mark III: two highest-speed 

processor units 

Smoother changes in tones 

Superb control of bright areas 

Broader range of in-camera image 

control 

Built-in dust removal system 

Further noise-reduction option 

Far more flexibility 

Outstanding fine-tuning ability 

Entirely new Mark III AF system 

Faster navigation to set AF points 

Outer AF points more efficient 

Fine-tune AF if needed 

Finer segmentation; superior 

shot-to-shot consistency 

Same speed; more extensive 

computer compatibility with USB 

SD slot – now SDHC compliant 

Much higher CF card speed 

Variety of user-settings available 

Another high-capacity option; 

requires optional WFT-E2A 

Mark II N – easier organization of 

images before downloading 

Mark II N: can be set on menu 

Any file type on one card; 

different type on other card 

Largest LCD monitor on market 

(as of August, 2007) 

View up to 70° angle 

Excellent for studio or remote 

Live View can work remotely 

VII. COMPARISON CHART 35 

— 

2.0 inches (diagonal) 

230,000 pixels 

— 

— 

—

EOS-1Ds Mark III vs. 


Comparison Chart 

(cont.) 

Wireless Transmitter 

Wireless transmitter unit 

Transmission modes 

USB host port 

Set-up 

Transmitter power supply 

Other 

Camera control 

Silent mode 

Speedlite control from camera 

Custom Functions 

Battery type 

Battery life 

Precise battery read-out 

Weight (including battery) 

Approx. price 

EOS-1Ds Mark III EOS-1Ds Mark II Comments 

WFT-E2A (optional) 

FTP, PTP, HTTP 

Yes 

Wizard-based 

Uses camera battery 

Dials plus SET button 

Available on-camera 

Camera’s menu controls 

580EX II flash 

57 (all in-camera) 

New Canon LP-E4 Lithium Ion 

Up to 1,800 shots (at 68°F) 

Yes 

48.8 oz. (body only) 

$7,999 (body only) 

WFT-E1A (optional) 

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners. 

Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice. 

Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary. 

VII. COMPARISON CHART 36 

FTP only 

— 

Conventional FTP 

Separate BP-511 

Hold button, turn dial 

via Personal Function only 

— 

20, plus 27 Personal Functions 

Canon NP-E3 (NiMH) 

Up to 1,200 shots (at 68°F) 

— 

54.7 oz. (body only) 

$7,999 (body only) 

=significant new feature or competitive advantage 

Far smaller, more integrated 

wireless unit; more functions 

Remote camera control and 

viewing camera using web 

browser now possible 

1. External hard drive useable 

2. GPS compatibility 

Much easier set-up for Mark III 

No additional battery needed 

Much easier camera operation 

Easy access to quiet shooting 

Quick flash control, using 

camera’s menu 

No need to upload anything from 

computer; broadest EOS range of incamera 

control 

Same lightweight battery pack as 

EOS-1D Mark III 

Battery Info on camera menu 

Mark III: noticeably lighter 

Prices at time of initial launch

IX. CONCLUSION 

When it was introduced, Canon, with complete justification, called the EOS-1Ds Mark II 

“The Absolute Pinnacle of DSLR Design and Performance.” Now the pinnacle has been 

raised. Technological advances have continued to come at a furious rate, even as the 

digital age of photography has matured, and it should surprise no one that Canon is 

able to build a better flagship than it did a few years ago. Nonetheless, there are many 

aspects of the EOS-1Ds Mark III that are astonishing. For example, the 16.7-megapixel, 

4 fps EOS-1Ds Mark II it succeeds is still the leader in its class. On the same full-size 

sensor plate, Canon now has 21.1 megapixels that, although they are smaller than 

those of the EOS-1Ds Mark II, record a finer image with 14-bit depth and vastly greater 

control possibilities. At 5 fps, the EOS-1Ds Mark III fires off its enormous image files as 

fast as most 10 megapixel cameras can make 12-bit files. This is one camera that can 

excel in studios, sporting venues, and the farthest and most remote reaches of the 

earth. Its files can generate prints and magazine layouts equally remarkable for their 

great size and superlative quality. No other camera can make such a claim credibly. 

Viewed in terms of its resolution alone, the EOS-1Ds Mark III seems to compete with the 

medium format digital backs that cost somewhere between more and much more. At 

this point, many even have less resolution than the EOS-1Ds Mark III. But their cumbersome 

handling and their very limited and expensive systems, especially in comparison 

with the Canon EOS System, mean that they are capable of functioning in just a very 

small portion of all the photographic situations in which the EOS-1Ds Mark III excels. 

Consider, too, the question of continuity, a matter of considerable relevance when the 

purchase of an $8,000-or- more camera is on the table. Where the EOS-1Ds Mark III is 

completely compatible with virtually all of the vast EOS System, and can be expected to 

remain compatible—and supported—for decades to come (note the current software 

support for the D6000 and D2000), today’s medium format digital backs often do not fit 

even recent products from the same manufacturer. Will a newly-purchased component 

be compatible with same-brand software and hardware in the not-too-distant future? 

Betting on, and investing in, the EOS-1Ds Mark III is a sure thing. 

When Canon shows a diagram of its DSLR family, it has co-equals at the top of the 

range, the EOS-1D Mark III with a 1.3x sensor, 10.1 megapixels and a breathtaking 10 

fps, matched with the EOS-1Ds Mark III, with its full-frame sensor, 21.1 amazing 

megapixels and a not-to-be-believed 5 fps for that file size. Both have Live View 

Function, the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit, the endless control and customization options, 

the high ISOs and low noise and the super-rugged construction. Both epitomize professional 

hardware. Choosing between them is really a matter of degree. Both have extraor- 

IX. CONCLUSION 37

dinary speed and image quality. For the photographer for whom the highest speed is an 

absolute must, the EOS-1D Mark III is the camera of choice. For photographers for whom 

the finest possible image quality in a complete package of professional excellence is the 

goal, there is the EOS-1Ds Mark III. There is nothing else. 

Contents ©2007 by Canon U.S.A., Inc. All Rights Reserved. Canon, EOS, DIGIC, PIXMA and SELPHY are registered 

trademarks of Canon Inc. in the United States, and may also be registered trademarks or trademarks in other 

countries. All other products and brand names are registered trademarks, trademarks or service marks of their 

respective owners. 

Excerpts from this material may be quoted in published product reviews and articles. For further information, 

please contact Canon U.S.A., Inc. Public Relations Dept., (516) 328-5000 

IX. CONCLUSION 38

THE CANON Eos-1ds MARK III CAMERA: EOS REBORN

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?