In March 2012, Canon introduced the 5D Mark III, an eagerly anticipated successor to the popular 5D Mark II. Building upon its predecessor’s reputation, the Mark III incorporated cutting-edge technology, including the most sophisticated autofocus system derived from the flagship EOS-1D X. With a redesigned full-frame sensor offering a native ISO range from 100 to 25,600, a rugged weather-resistant magnesium alloy body, high-speed continuous shooting at 6 frames per second, and dual memory card slots, the 5D Mark III positioned itself as a versatile tool suitable for everything from portraiture and fashion to fast-paced wildlife and sports photography.
Having worked with the Canon 5D Mark III for nearly three months, I’ve had ample time to evaluate its performance in a variety of settings. I started using it around the same period I received the Nikon D800, making it possible to assess both cameras in parallel. As someone who has long been immersed in the Nikon ecosystem, most of my previous reviews have focused on Nikon gear. However, earlier this year, I made a conscious effort to branch out and explore products from Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm. While my personal preference still leans toward Nikon, particularly due to familiarity and long-term investment, I believe comparing systems offers valuable insights. In truth, every camera brand has its own strengths and shortcomings—there is no perfect system. If my first experience with photography had been through Canon or Sony, my gear preference and website content might have reflected that.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III + EF17-40mm f/4L USM @ 17mm, ISO 100, 1/400, f/11.0
As I’ve mentioned previously, my experience with the Canon 5D Mark III has been overwhelmingly positive. I had some exposure to the 5D Mark II thanks to friends who use Canon gear, and I was impressed with its capabilities. So, when the Mark III was announced, I was eager to test it thoroughly. This time, I paired it with top-tier Canon L-series lenses including the EF 24mm f/1.4L, EF 50mm f/1.2L, and EF 17-40mm f/4L. Whether on casual photo walks, landscape shoots, or professional assignments, the camera consistently delivered solid results.
While going through this review, you’ll come across both praise and criticism. Like all gear, the 5D Mark III has its pros and cons. Just because some aspects didn’t meet my expectations doesn’t mean the camera falls short overall. In fact, it’s an excellent performer that competes well with its primary rival, the Nikon D800. Evaluating a camera should involve a holistic view—not just the sensor or speed specs, but the entire user experience. My analysis comes from the perspective of someone deeply familiar with Nikon, so expect comparisons that highlight the strengths and limitations of both systems.
Canon 5D Mark III Specifications
- Sensor: Full-frame CMOS, 22.3 megapixels with 6.25µ pixel pitch
- Sensor Dimensions: 36 x 24 mm
- Image Resolution: 5760 x 3840 pixels
- Standard ISO Range: 100 to 25,600
- Extended ISO Range: Low ISO 50; High ISO up to 102,400
- Dust Removal System: Included
- Processor: DIGIC 5+
- Autofocus: 61-point high-density system, including up to 41 cross-type points
- Lens Compatibility: Canon EF mount
- Weatherproofing: Yes
- Chassis: Magnesium alloy construction
- Shutter Range: 30 seconds to 1/8000s
- Memory Card Support: Dual slots – 1 CF and 1 SD (SD/SDHC/SDXC)
- Viewfinder: Pentaprism, 100% field of view, 0.71x magnification
- Continuous Shooting Speed: 6 frames per second
- Metering: 63-zone iFCL metering system
- Exposure Compensation: ±5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments
- Pop-up Flash: Not included
- Rear Display: 3.2-inch screen with 1,040,000-dot resolution
- Video Capabilities: 1080p at 29.97/25/23.976 fps, 720p at 59.94/50 fps, VGA at 25/30 fps
- Video Exposure Control: Manual and automatic
- Max Recording Time: 30 minutes
- File Format: MOV using H.264 compression
- Internal Mic: Mono audio
- HDR Functionality: Built-in
- GPS Support: External GP-E2 module required
- Battery: LP-E6
- Battery Endurance: Approximately 950 shots (CIPA rated)
- USB Interface: USB 2.0
- Camera Weight: 860g (body only)
- Retail Price: $3,499 (body only)
Canon EOS 5D Mark III + EF17-40mm f/4L USM @ 22mm, ISO 100, 2.5 sec, f/11.0
For a complete technical breakdown, please refer to Canon’s official website at Canon.com.
Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 5D Mark II
How does the 5D Mark III improve upon the Mark II? Though a comprehensive comparison can be found in the dedicated Canon 5D Mark III vs 5D Mark II article, here’s a quick rundown of the notable upgrades:
- Megapixel Count: 22.3 MP (Mark III) vs 21.1 MP (Mark II)
- ISO Range: 100-25,600 vs 100-6,400 (native)
- Processor: DIGIC 5+ vs DIGIC 4
- Autofocus: Advanced 61-point AF with up to 41 cross-type vs 9-point AF with a single cross-type
- Viewfinder: 100% coverage vs 98%
- Media Slots: CF + SD vs single CF slot
- Burst Speed: 6 fps vs 3.9 fps
- Metering: Dual-layer 63-zone iFCL vs 35-zone TTL
- LCD: 3.2-inch display vs 3.0-inch
- Display Resolution: 1,040,000 dots vs 920,000
- HDR Functionality: Present vs Absent
- Chromatic Aberration Fix: Present vs Not available
- Silent Shooting Mode: Yes vs No
The sensor’s resolution sees only a modest bump, but other aspects of the sensor have seen notable enhancements. Canon expanded the native ISO range by two full stops—though real-world results may vary, as detailed in the camera comparison section of this review.
The autofocus system, which was a point of criticism in the 5D Mark II due to its outdated 9-point design, has seen a dramatic overhaul. The Mark III inherits the professional-grade 61-point AF system from the EOS-1D X, marking a significant leap forward in subject tracking and focus accuracy.
Improvements also extend to the viewfinder, which now offers full 100% coverage for precise composition. The rear LCD has been enlarged and improved for better image review. Thanks to the new DIGIC 5+ processor, the 5D Mark III handles faster frame rates (up from 3.9 to 6 fps) and supports more complex image processing functions such as in-camera HDR and chromatic aberration correction. The inclusion of a silent shutter mode is especially beneficial in settings where noise must be minimized.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III + EF17-40mm f/4L USM @ 40mm, ISO 100, 1/50, f/5.6
Canon 5D Mark III vs Nikon D800
When evaluating the capabilities of these two cameras, it’s crucial to consider sensor performance with precision. Due to the substantial gap in megapixel count between them, inspecting images at a 100% crop level naturally favors the Canon 5D Mark III. This advantage arises because its larger individual pixels generally produce cleaner results with less noise. However, a fair evaluation necessitates resizing the higher-resolution image to match the lower one’s resolution. Specifically, the 36.3 MP files from the Nikon D800 should be scaled down to 22.3 MP to accurately compare image quality. This downscaling process, which can be executed in programs like Photoshop or Lightroom, helps neutralize the resolution disparity. According to testing, once resized, the D800 delivers impressive image quality at elevated ISO settings, even slightly surpassing the 5D Mark III starting around ISO 3200. Furthermore, the D800 excels in dynamic range — DxOMark data reveals it outperforms even many medium format cameras in this regard, something the Canon cannot claim. For an exhaustive feature breakdown, refer to the detailed comparison in my article on the Canon 5D Mark III vs Nikon D800.
- Sensor Resolution: Canon 5D Mark III – 22.3 MP; Nikon D800 – 36.3 MP
- Standard ISO Range: ISO 100–25,600 (Canon) vs ISO 100–6,400 (Nikon)
- Expanded ISO: Canon goes up to ISO 102,400; Nikon extends to ISO 25,600
- Image Dimensions: 5760×3840 (Canon) vs 7360×4912 (Nikon)
- Burst Rate: 6 fps for Canon, 4 fps for Nikon
- Shutter Longevity: Canon rated for 150K actuations, Nikon for 200K
- Autofocus: Canon offers 61 points (41 cross-type), Nikon provides 51 points (15 cross-type)
- Autofocus Sensitivity: f/5.6 for Canon, f/8 for Nikon
- Built-in Flash: Absent on Canon, present on Nikon
- AF Assist Beam: Missing on Canon, available on Nikon
- Uncompressed Video via HDMI: Canon – No; Nikon – Yes
- Screen Resolution: 1,040,000 dots (Canon) vs 921,000 dots (Nikon)
- Battery Performance: Canon – 950 shots; Nikon – 850 shots (CIPA rated)
- USB Interface: Canon with USB 2.0, Nikon with USB 3.0
- Camera Weight: Canon – 860g; Nikon – 900g
- Price at Launch: Canon – $3,499; Nikon – $2,999
Beyond differences in resolution and ISO range, the Canon 5D Mark III offers several advantages: faster burst speed, more autofocus points (with a higher number of cross-type), superior LCD display, longer battery life, and a lighter frame. On the downside, its shutter is rated for fewer actuations, lacks both a built-in flash and AF assist light, doesn’t support uncompressed video out via HDMI (which matters for video creators), and comes at a higher price point. Nikon’s D800 counters with the ability to autofocus at f/8 — valuable for wildlife photography using teleconverters — and a more robust shutter mechanism. Each camera has its own strengths and trade-offs, and the choice ultimately depends on your individual photography priorities.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III + EF50mm f/1.2L USM @ 50mm, ISO 100, 1/200 sec, f/5.6
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The Canon 5D Mark III, like its predecessor and Nikon’s D800, is built around a tough magnesium-alloy chassis with weather-sealing, offering resilience against harsh conditions. It’s often described as “built like a tank” — and for good reason. It feels reassuringly solid in hand and has proven to operate flawlessly across a wide range of environments, from humid Florida summers to frigid mountain conditions in Colorado. Even when exposed to dust-heavy winds, the camera held up well (though, as with all DSLRs, care should be taken to minimize dust ingress through the lens mount).
Canon EOS 5D Mark III + EF50mm f/1.2L USM @ 50mm, ISO 100, 1/500 sec, f/1.2
In terms of user experience, the 5D Mark III impresses. Personally, I find its grip more ergonomic than the D800’s — it’s more pronounced and fits the hand comfortably. The control layout is reminiscent of the Canon 7D and feels like a clear evolution over the 5D Mark II. With extensive customization options, nearly every control can be reprogrammed to suit the user’s needs — something expected from a professional-grade body. One element I struggled with was the absence of a second dial. Coming from Nikon’s dual-dial system (front and rear), adapting to Canon’s approach took time. The top dial’s function varies by mode: adjusting aperture in Aperture Priority, shutter speed in Shutter Priority or Manual, while the rear dial handles exposure compensation or aperture depending on the mode. It’s a different philosophy and not one I immediately preferred.
The left rear button arrangement mirrors the D800’s layout somewhat, though Canon’s buttons serve different functions. One design flaw, in my opinion, is the inclusion of a dedicated “Rate” button. While the ability to rate photos in-camera is useful for those using Lightroom or Aperture, I personally find it impractical to judge images on the small LCD screen. I’d rather see that space used for zoom functionality — ideally with separate buttons for zooming in and out, as found on the D800, instead of a combined button and dial approach. Canon could take a cue from Nikon here in terms of usability.
One more thing worth noting: the 5D Mark III’s viewfinder is set quite deep into the body, making it difficult to clean if it fogs up. The D800, in contrast, has a more accessible viewfinder eyepiece. Also frustrating is the method Canon uses to block light from the viewfinder — you must remove the eyecup and use a plastic tab attached to the strap. This feels outdated and unnecessarily complex compared to Nikon’s simple mechanical switch.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III + EF50mm f/1.2L USM @ 50mm, ISO 4000, 1/320 sec, f/2.8
The rear LCD on the 5D Mark III is excellent. It features toughened glass with anti-glare treatment, enhancing visibility outdoors. Though it may appear slightly dimmer than other screens, it displays colors accurately and remains usable even under direct sunlight — unlike the D800’s more reflective, glare-prone display.
Switching from Nikon’s integrated multi-selector to Canon’s joystick-and-dial combination took some adjustment. Personally, I’ve never liked joysticks — they feel awkward, and extended use makes my thumb ache. I felt similarly about Nikon’s D4 joystick implementation. That said, after spending time with Canon’s layout, I eventually adapted and found the camera straightforward to operate.
One particularly annoying default behavior I encountered was the joystick’s lack of function when looking through the viewfinder — it wouldn’t move AF points without first pressing another button. Nikon’s multi-selector handles this much more efficiently. Thankfully, with help from a friend familiar with Canon systems, I discovered a workaround. Here’s how to fix it: press the “Info” button, then hit “Q,” navigate using the joystick to the “Custom Controls” section, scroll to the last option labeled “Multi-controller AF point direct selection,” and enable “AF point direct selection” instead of the default “OFF.” Once this is set, you can move your autofocus point using the joystick directly.
To sum up, while I believe the Canon 5D Mark III offers a better handling experience overall, Nikon’s approach to ergonomics still aligns better with my personal preferences.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III paired with an EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens, shot at 50mm focal length, ISO set to 100, shutter speed at 1/400 second, and aperture opened to f/2.0
