I recently acquired Canon’s revamped 5D MarkII, the MarkIII. Canon’s flagship d-slr video camera just got pimped, but it seems Canon is no longer focused on studio photographers as they don’t have much to offer in their recent announcements. The new 4K 1D-C and C500 shoot video better than ever, but starting at 15K, they are meant for a target audience of a few. As for the 5D MarkIII, I was expecting a slight boost in resolution like its competitor, the D800.

In terms of functionality, it’s much better. Once I come around the menu changes, I’m sure I’ll appreciate it even more. Hard not to mention the awesome ISO improvements. But what I appreciate the most so far, are the little things. Easy switch from photo to video without losing settings. New jpg format of 1920 pixels wide, fitted to match HD video shooting. The new LCD screen maximized for HD viewing. The new focusing system. The more silent shutter. The new and improved EOS utility that facilitates remote shooting. Not to mention the possibility to work with an overlay image.

But as a studio photographer, I was expecting a little bit more after 3 years of wait. I envy the D800 pixel count, though I haven’t read much about the actual quality. I guess I was kind of expecting the missing link between slr shooting and medium format out of price digital back.

The apple didn’t fell far from the tree, so the MarkIII is not that different than the MarkII which doesn’t quite explain to me the price hike! Don’t get me wrong, I love the new camera. But it feels more like a replacement than a new product. With the recent announcements, looks like Canon is done putting out new products for a while. Guess we’ll have to wait another three years, or create an investment fund to get a PhaseOne IQ180!