Comfortable viewfinder and improved information display
The viewfinder has been improved to provide easier viewing and a sharper, clearer view with an all-new design (picture coverage of approx. 100%, magnification of approx. 0.76X and eyepoint of 20mm). The new standard focusing screen, Ec-C IV laser matte, provides the optimal balance of brightness, granularity, easy center focusing and pleasing out-of-focus effects. The entire existing Ec-series can be used as replacement focusing screens. The following information is displayed in the viewfinder.
· Light metering mode
· ISO speed
· Battery check status
· RAW (turned on when RAW or sRAW formats are selected)
· FE lock
With the new optical system design, the Anti-Fog Eyepiece Eg, the Dioptric Adjustment Lenses Eg and the Eyecup Eg with improvements to ensure it does not come off unintentionally, have also been developed concurrently with the EOS-1D Mark III.
Expanded range of photographic expression provided by new functions
(1) Shooting with priority for highlight tones
The default recording pixel dynamic range is the same as the EOS-1D Mark II N, but the C.Fn II-3 setting provides an improvement in the reproduction of highlight tones of about 1 step. The gradation from mid-tones to the highlights becomes smoother and loss in highlight detail is decreased.
(2) Live View shooting function
• Remote Live View shooting
Live View shooting is a new function to fit the needs of commercial product photography and photo studios. It offers efficient shooting using a computer screen as the viewfinder. Using a USB cable to connect the camera to a computer running the application provided (EOS Utility Ver.2.0), the real-time image output from the imaging CMOS sensor is displayed in a large window on the computer display. This can be used to check and adjust the focus, subject framing, etc. in real time and shoot remotely.
Wireless Live View shooting is also possible using the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2, which was developed concurrently with the EOS-1D Mark III.
• Camera Live View shooting
Viewing the scene in real time on the large 100% coverage LCD monitor on the back of the camera, the user can focus, check the exposure and frame and then shoot the shot. This is particularly effective when taking macro shots using a tripod.
With [Live View Shoot: enable] set, pressing the Setting button at the center of the Quick Control Dial in ready-to-shoot state raises the mirror and fully opens the shutter, and the image is shown on the LCD monitor in real time.
Focusing is manual, but the image within the focusing frame can be magnified by 5x or 10x by pressing the Magnify button, enabling precise focusing. The focusing frame position can be moved freely using the Multi-controller.
Evaluative metering (limited) using the imaging CMOS sensor is used for light metering in Live View shooting, and the metering range is EV 0 to EV 20. In addition to being able to use any shooting mode and drive mode, it is also possible to use AE lock, exposure compensation, AEB and depth-of-field preview similarly to the normal shooting.
When the shutter button is pressed completely in Live View shooting, the picture is taken and a quick preview of the captured image is shown, then the Live View real-time image is shown again. If a flash is used, pressing the button drops the mirror and E-TTL II autoflash is activated with the metering sensor (preflash fired and the correct flash output is determined). Then the mirror is again raised and the picture is taken. Live View shooting is cancelled by pressing the Setting button.
Design evolution and operation innovation
(1) Design concept
While inheriting the characteristic curved surfaces of the EOS-1 series, the flagship EOS-1D Mark III incorporates a design representing the new-generation EOS-1 series that will stand the test of time. The design concept is outlined below.
• ''Strong and beautiful'' shape
• Improved ease of use, easier to understand and more reliability
• Improved handling comfort
• Improved operational ease with bundled accessories
(2) Renewal and unification of basic operations
While retaining the basic operations that have been used since the release of the EOS-1 in 1989, the EOS-1D Mark III, renewing its digital operations, incorporates the operations into the EOS DIGITAL's basic operations (fixed by pressing Setting button after selection) with an eye to the next decade. Also, additions (new AF start button, etc.) and rearrangements (see Fig. 2) have been made to the operating components to establish basic operations for the next generation of digital cameras.
(3) Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor and easy-to-read menu display
The EOS-1D Mark III has a large 3.0'' LCD monitor with approx. 230,000 pixels, a viewing angle of 140 degrees, high brightness and low power consumption. The increase in size makes menu fonts larger by two levels and improves visibility. Menu selections are made by using the Main Dial to select tabs (9 types) and the Quick Control Dial to select menu options (no scrolling) in a new format that provides easier and faster operation. The following new functions have also been added
| · | My Menu display Up to six frequently used menu options and Custom Functions can be registered in My Menu (Fig. 3), and the My Menu screen is displayed immediately by pressing the Menu button. |
· Display of camera settings
· Error countermeasure message display
· Display of flash function settings (displayed only when the 580EX II is attached)
The various settings of the Speedlite 580EX II functions can be set and custom settings can be set or all together disabled.
A wide range of 57 custom functions
All 57 custom functions including those for personalized tuning and personal functions that have previously been PC settings have been enhanced and integrated into camera operation. These functions are organized into four groups by function to provide faster selection and setting, and they are consolidated with the new numbering system that will become the standard. The custom functions are shown in Table 1.
Major overhaul of the power system
Efforts have been made to greatly increase the performance and functionality of the power system used in the EOS-1D Mark III.
(1) Battery Pack LP-E4 enabling up to 2200 shots when fully charged
The new high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack (Photo 2), has a capacity of 2300 mAh, 40% more than the NP-E3 NiMH battery pack used in the Mark II. It is possible to shoot 2200 shots at normal temperatures (about 20 °C), or 1700 shots at 0°C on a single battery charge. The battery is also more compact and lighter, 40% smaller in terms of volume and 46% lighter.
The LP-E4 communicates with the EOS-1D Mark III, and the Battery information screen (Fig. 4) can be used to check the power source, remaining capacity (marks in six levels and percentage in 1% increments), shutter count and recharge performance (3 levels).
(2) Battery Charger LC-E4 with 120-minute charging time (approx.)
The battery charger LC-E4 is a dedicated quick charger for the LP-E4. Two battery packs can be attached (Photo 3). Charging is performed in series when two battery packs are attached, and charge time is approximately 120 minutes per battery pack. The LC-E4 has calibration and recharge performance display functions to enable the remaining capacity to be displayed accurately.
The multi-voltage LC-E4 accepts AC100-240V (50/60Hz) and DC (12V/24V) power inputs, making it possible to connect to a car battery using the separate Car Battery Cable CB-570.
(3) AC Adapter Kit ACK-E4
This is a kit for supplying AC power for Live View shooting, etc. in studios (Photo 4). It consists of an AC adapter, a power cord and a DC coupler. The DC coupler, integrated with the DC cable, is a type that prevents accidental disconnection while shooting.
Greater reliability
(1) Robust magnesium alloy body and exterior
The body chassis and shell, mirror box and major exterior covers including the memory slot utilize magnesium alloy to make a strong, hard, lightweight body (Photo 5).
(2) Dust- and drip-proof on par with the EOS-1D Mark II N
Meticulous sealing using packing and silicone rubber is provided for a total of 76 locations including all joins among operating parts and the exterior covers to ensure reliable operation even under severe environmental conditions.
Ribbing has also been added around the accessory shoe section to ensure the same dust- and drip-proof when the 580EX II is attached as when using the EOS-1D Mark III alone.
(3) Shutter durability of 300,000 cycles
The EOS-1D Mark III utilizes a new shutter unit (Photo 6) with electronic control for all shutter speeds with shutter durability 1.5 times that of the EOS-1D Mark II. The EOS-1D Mark III shutter durability is 300,000 shooting cycles.
Improvements to the overall performance of the EOS-1D Mark III system
Together with the camera itself, numerous system accessories have also been developed to improve the overall performance of the EOS-1D Mark III as a system.
• Speedlite 580EX II
This is a high-power flash with maximum Guide No. of 58 (ISO100 in meters) (Photo 7). Recycle time has been further shortened (20% less than the 580EX), the same dust- and drip-proof as the camera itself (including external power, etc.) has been provided, robustness has been increased through the use of a metal attachment foot, and charging has been silenced.
• Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2
This is a high-speed wireless file transmitter communicating at 1.5-3 times the speed of the WFT-E1 and sending data up to 150m using its internal antenna. It can be connected to external storage media and GPS devices using embedded USB hosting, and has been greatly reduced in size and weight (Photo 8).
• Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3
In addition to the original data verification (modification detection) features of the DVK-E2, this system accessory offers a new image encryption/decryption feature (Photo 9). See the system map in Figure 5 for other system accessories.
Over two months, we have introduced the latest information on the EOS-1D Mark III and the new systems it utilizes. Explanations of the included software evolution and new system accessories details will be provided elsewhere due to space limitations here.