Canon 1DX Mark III Review

Article: main image URL: https://static.photocdn.pt/images/articles/2024/03/04/Canon_1DX_Mark_III_Review.webp
Article: description: The Canon 1DX Mark III is a big, burly professional camera packed with top-end features. Is it worth the investment in 2024? Find out in this detailed review!
3209
1

Are you not a fan of the mirrorless camera craze that has taken the world by storm over the last ten years? Do you prefer working with DSLR cameras instead? If you answered yes to those two questions, boy, will you love the Canon 1DX Mark III. It’s the newest Canon DSLR and the most advanced single-lens reflex camera ever!

This Canon 1DX Mark III review starts with a basic camera overview before examining the camera's design/handling performance, breaking down its photo and video capabilities, and sharing our favorite Canon EF lenses to use with it. Additionally, thanks to innovative websites like MPB, buying a used DSLR has never been cheaper and easier.

Who is MPB? It is a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling used photography and videography gear at affordable prices. Better yet, every one of its cameras and lenses is hand-inspected by knowledgeable product specialists with years of experience and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.

We highly recommend MPB because of its state-of-the-art online marketplace. It’s a remarkable tool that has helped us save thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading in high-quality photography equipment over the years, and we firmly believe it can help you do the same. That said, it’s time to discover everything there is to know about the Canon 1DX Mark III. 

Check out the video above by Lensrentals to compare the Canon 1DX III against the Canon EOS R3. 

Table of Contents

Canon 1DX Mark III: Overview

The Canon 1DX Mark III was released in 2020, replacing the 1DX Mark II as Canon’s highest-end DSLR for professional photographers. The three most significant updates from the previous model are the new 20.1-megapixel sensor, the upgraded Digic X image processor, and the addition of Dual Pixel autofocus (AF). 

This new technology combines to make the camera faster while delivering better-quality photos and videos. What’s not to love about that? Another interesting quirk is that the EOS-1DX Mark III functions the same as a mirrorless camera when it's in live mode. This feature won’t be for everyone, but it’s like getting two cameras in one body!

Something else we have to mention is the camera’s insane battery life. The large LP-E19 battery can take up to 2850 shots on a single charge, more than four times the number of pictures you can take with the average mirrorless camera. That number drops to 610 when using the live view (still better than most mirrorless cameras). 

Now, here’s an in-depth look at the Canon 1DX Mark III specs and key features:

  • Camera Type: DSLR
  • Sensor: 20.1MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • ISO: 100 - 102,400 (expandable to 50 - 819,200)
  • Lens Mount: Canon EF Mount
  • Speed: 20.0 fps
  • Autofocus: 191 focus points (3869 points in live view)
  • Video: 5.5K/60p, 4K/60p & 1080p/120p
  • Size/Weight: 158 x 168 x 83 mm / 1440 grams
  • Battery Life: 2850 shots
  • Stabilization: Yes (Digital Image Stabilization)
  • Touchscreen: Yes
  • Weather-Sealed: Yes
  • Used Canon 1DX Mark III Price: $3,169 - $4,199

Canon 1DX Mark III: Design & Handling

The first thing that will jump out at you when you see the Canon 1DX Mark III is its size. In a day and age where cameras are typically getting smaller and smaller, this camera bucks that trend. But that’s actually one of its selling points. Its large body is easy to grip, it has three screens, and it offers endless customization options. 

The high-resolution optical viewfinder is super clear and is ideal for photography. At the same time, live view is perfect for videography. Whether you use the viewfinder or live view, the two all-new AF Smart Controllers are game-changing additions that boost productivity. They function as tiny touchpads for your thumb, allowing you to select your focus point quickly and easily.

Learn More:

Canon 1DX Mark III: Imaging Capabilities

With its signature feature being speed, it should be no surprise that the Canon 1DX Mark III excels at sports, action, documentary, and wildlife photography. The Dual Pixel AF produces consistently sharp images, even when shooting bursts at the max continuous shooting speed of 20 fps. 

Moreover, it has a buffer of 1000 images, so you can hold down the trigger and fire away for what seems like forever. If you frequently shoot bursts, you know how useful the extended battery life will be. Otherwise, you’d be swapping out batteries every few minutes.

Courtesy of its wide ISO range, low-light shooting is also a strength of the Canon 1DX III. It has a native ISO range of 100-102,400 and can be expanded to 50-819,200 when needed. On top of that, the camera’s noise reduction technology also delivers noticeably better results than other Canon DLSRs. 

Canon 1DX Mark III: Video Capabilities

The Canon 1DX Mark III is also an awesome video camera. Regarding both video quality and its video feature set, it’s the best DSLR for video we’ve ever tested. For starters, it boasts 5.5K, 4K, and Full HD video capabilities.  

The 5.5K 12-bit RAW video is excellent for professional videographers and filmmakers who want to WOW the audience with crystal-clear footage. 4K video is perfect for vloggers and YouTubers, and 1080p Full HD video is ideal for social media and beginners. 5.5K and 4K movies top out at 60 fps, while Full HD clips can be recorded in slow motion at 120 fps.

Furthermore, while there is technically no “in-body image stabilization,” the Canon 1DX III offers two levels of digital stabilization for video recording: Enable and Enhanced. They are good for handheld recording, but keep in mind that they will add a crop factor to your footage. The crop factor for Enable is between 1.11x and 1.48x, and the Enhanced crop factor is between 1.43x and 1.91x, depending on the video resolution. 

Recommended Lenses for the Canon 1DX Mark III

Since the Canon 1DX Mark III is a flagship camera, you will want to pair it with equally impressive lenses. If you don’t, you are wasting the talents and technology of the camera. With that in mind, here’s a quick list of some of the best Canon EF lenses for photo and video to pair with it.

Final Thoughts on the Canon 1DX Mark III

There’s no denying that the Canon 1DX Mark III is a unique camera. Its big body may scare some people away, but if that’s not something that concerns you, it’s one of the best cameras on the market. In fact, we can confidently say it’s the best DSLR we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with!

Do you want to compare the Canon 1DX III with other flagship DSLRs and mirrorless cameras to ensure it fits you and your needs correctly? If so, check out the list below of other high-end cameras currently available at MPB.

DSLRs

Mirrorless Cameras

 

Disclaimer: Just so you know, some of the cool stuff we mention comes with affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you buy (no extra charge to you!). Plus, we occasionally feature sponsored content, but rest assured, we only shout out products we genuinely stand behind.

Learn More: