First conclusions

The camera performed well for real photojournalistic work. Even without being completely familiar with the new features of the Mk III, the settings are easy to use if you know the previous 1D series cameras. But it takes real work to know whether the camera is trustworthy or not. In my opinion, it'll take at least half a year to discover all possible shortcomings. This is why I don't want to give a final opinion for this camera at the start of its career. Following the first few tests, I started preferring the Mk III to the Mk IIn. Those of you with Mk II N - no need to rush in. It's a new camera and it's very likely that there will be some quirks to be ironed out in future firmware revisions. If you're a pro without a 1D camera and thinking about buying one, well, go for it. A used 1D Mk II N could prove to be a risky investment. (All pictures on this page by Ziga Intihar)

In the world of photojournalism, there's no room for sentimentality, except perhaps in the final images. Did you get the shot or not? That's the only thing that counts. Despite being very new, this camera performed admirably.

Such a pose of a celebrity father-daughter couple is only there for a second. In such cases, a fast camera is often more important than the photographer. The photographer got his chance when he got his accreditation. From that point on, it's his experience and the camera's capabilities that make or break a shot.

A look at the first corner of the Monte Carlo race right after start.

Focusing speed and shutter responsiveness is very important if you can't anticipate what happens next.

Formula 1 and Mk III. They're both about speed.

DJ Bob Sinclair and MTV VJ Lana Boric. For interviews, high ISO is a necessity. ISO 6400.

A 100% crop from the shot above. At ISO 6400. This says it all. Any editor who’s worth his salt will immediately order this camera. If, of course, he is worth his salt.

A 100% crop from the shot above. At ISO 6400.

6400ISO

6400ISO

6400ISO

3200ISO, 21mm, 1/6sec., f/4.5

A 100% crop from the shot above.

A 100% crop from the shot above.

6400ISO

ISO 6400. A 100% crop from the shot above.

3200ISO

A 100% crop from the shot above.

A 100% crop from the shot above.

ISO 6400. Despite being shot in JPEG and contrasty light created by the reflector, the main details are still visible.

Otherwise, the picture appears as if it were taken in ideal conditions. However, without ISO 1600, such a shot couldn't be taken.

Again, the advantages of the EOS 1D Mk III are obvious. There are other cameras which offer fast focusing, light metering and other characteristics in bad lighting. The Mk III, however, is the only one to have such image quality at 10 MP with such low noise and good tonal reproduction.

A slow sync portrait at ISO 1600.

24mm, ISO 1600, 1/60 s, f/4 and flash

Fisheye and ISO 6400.

3200ISO.

6400ISO.

This vista of Monaco would look pretty awful on any other camera. Taken at ISO 6400.

Any way you look at it, the Canon EOS 1D MkIII is a photojournalist’s dream camera. Loads of features, intuitive settings, antidust system, liveview, and excellent image quality at high sensitivity are what make it so amazing. And it is this last thing that makes the Mk III so special.