The Canon 1DX mkIII is really crossing the boundaries, both in price and peformance. The EOS-1D X Mark III is the latest high-end, ultra-tough, hyper-fast DSLR from Canon. From the outside, it looks about the same as previous EOS-1D bodies dating back two decades. But on the inside, there are radical updates. And even though this is a big, double-grip DSLR, it functions as a highly capable mirrorless camera in Live View mode provided you’ve got the muscle to hold it out in front of you for extended periods of time.

This is also a camera that can take you beyond 8-bit JPEG shooting as your ‘finished image’, includes AF subject recognition based on machine learning in both OVF and live view shooting, and has some impressive video capabilities (including internal Raw video).

Key specifications:

• Updated 20.1MP CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel AF
• Digic X processor
• HEIF 10-bit recording (supports HDR display at smaller-than-JPEG sizes)
• 16fps bursts (viewfinder), 20fps bursts (Live View) with autofocus
• All-new mirror mechanism to reduce vibration and blackout
• 191-pt viewfinder AF system with new ‘square pixel’ design, 155 cross-type points, Face + head detection, sensitivity to -4 EV, all points support F8 shooting
• Live View AF system is now 90% horiz / 100% vertical coverage with enhanced eye detection, sensitivity down to -6 EV, supports F11 shooting
• New AF ‘Smart Controller’ built into the AF-ON buttons
• 5.5K/60p 12-bit Raw video recording, 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit H.265/HEVC recording
• Dual CFExpress card slots for virtually unlimited buffer in most situations
• CIPA rated to 2850 shots with the viewfinder, 610 with Live View using LP-E19 battery
• Shutter rated to 500k shots
• Weighs 1440g

Excepting landscape and studio specialists that need massive amounts of megapixels, the EOS-1D X Mark III is the most well-rounded, well-specced camera currently on the market for both stills and video shooters that have the requisite funds.

The EOS-1D X Mark III is a large camera with an integrated vertical grip housing a battery that could probably jumpstart your car. In the hand, it feels like it could double as a weapon for home-defense. None of this is a surprise, of course, but Canon has a couple of tricks up its sleeve for this latest model.

• AF Smart Controller
• The touchscreen
• Customization and remaining controls
• Live view handling
• Built-in wireless antenna
• Battery and memory cards

The Image Quality is Pretty good and is professional grade.

Key takeaways:

• Better default JPEG parameters give more usable results right out of the camera
• Noticeably lower noise at high ISOs than predecessor, still not quite a match for Nikon’s D5
• JPEG noise reduction and detail retention are improved across the board

What we like.

• Excellent image quality in both JPEG and Raw
• Low noise levels and very good dynamic range
• Class-leading video quality, feature set
• Best Canon autofocus yet
• HEIF HDR files are an excellent replacement for the aging JPEG format
• Refined, yet familiar ergonomics
• Great touchscreen experience
• AF Smart Controller is innovative and useful
• Fast 16/20fps burst speeds in the viewfinder and live view respectively
• CFExpress cards provide for a virtually unlimited buffer
• Extremely robust build quality
• Strong battery life
• Extensive connectivity options for amateurs and pros alike
• Easy to switch between stills and video

What we don’t

• Subject tracking in the viewfinder can’t match the best peers
• Best AF subject tracking requires live view, which is a bit impractical
• Electronic shutter reduces dynamic range
• Customization options could be expanded
• Menus are increasingly complex, could benefit from more organization
• It’s big and heavy; awkward to use in live view for video, fastest bursts, best AF performance

Overall conclusion

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III sits comfortably among the best DSLRs ever made. It’s fast, rugged and produces some of the best image quality we’ve seen from a Canon camera (limited resolution notwithstanding, since speed is the name of the game here). In typical EOS-1D form, an experienced professional could pick one up and get right to work with minimal fuss, but that would mean missing out on some valuable innovations Canon’s included in this workhorse sports shooter.

The AF ‘smart controller’ is no gimmick and the updated auto focus system gives better performance than ever while also being easier to use. The inclusion of HDR image capture using the HEIF format promises some degree of future-proofing (though you may need to upgrade your monitor to really get a feel for it). The ability to connect the camera to multiple devices or services simultaneously will open up new possibilities for professionals and amateurs alike.