A photographer holding a Canon camera with an L-series lens, seen from below

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III: the flagship DSLR in the field

· Photo gear · 3 min read

Přečíst česky

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is Canon's last flagship DSLR: a tank that sports photographers use at the Olympics and photojournalists in war zones. I had the chance to photograph wildlife and landscapes with it in harsh conditions. How does a professional DSLR do in the field for a landscape and travel photographer?

Key specs

  • 20.1 MP full-frame sensor, DIGIC X processor.
  • 16 fps bursts through the viewfinder, 20 fps in live view.
  • ISO 100–102,400 (expandable to 819,200).
  • Two CFexpress Type B slots.
  • 5.5K RAW video internally, 4K 60p in 10-bit.
  • LP-E19 battery, around 2,850 shots per charge (CIPA).
  • About 1,440 g with battery.

In the field: toughness and handling

The body is magnesium alloy, sealed against water and dust. I shot in rain, snow and frost, and the camera never missed a beat. The built-in battery grip means the same controls in landscape and portrait orientation. The AF-ON button with its optical sensor works like a small trackpad for moving the focus point: after a short while it's brilliant.

Autofocus

Viewfinder autofocus has 191 points and, thanks to deep learning, recognises a person's head and body. In live view Dual Pixel AF tracks eyes. On animals and movement the focus is fast and reliable, though modern mirrorless cameras (Canon R5, R6) track animal eyes even better.

Image quality

20 MP seems little in the age of 45 MP cameras. For sport and reportage it's ideal: smaller files, faster processing. For landscapes and big prints, though, the resolution is limiting. The noise is excellent: photos at ISO 6400–12,800 are usable, which you'll appreciate at dusk and at night.

Weight: the main drawback for travellers

With a 70–200 mm f/2.8 lens you're carrying over 2.5 kg. That's a lot for an all-day hike or ski touring. For travellers and landscape photographers a lighter mirrorless camera makes more sense.

Who it makes sense for today

Canon has moved its flagship to the EOS R1 mirrorless camera. The 1D X Mark III still makes sense for:

  • sports and wildlife photographers who prefer an optical viewfinder,
  • those who shoot in extreme conditions and need battery life,
  • second-hand buyers: used, it's still an excellent tool.

Verdict

Pros: toughness, battery life, speed, ergonomics, image quality at high ISO. Cons: weight and size, 20 MP for landscapes, the price of CFexpress cards.

My current kit is in what I shoot with.

Faq

Is the Canon 1D X Mark III good for landscapes?

It can do them, but 20 MP and the weight aren't ideal. A lighter camera with higher resolution, such as the Canon R5, suits landscapes better.

What replaced the Canon 1D X Mark III?

The Canon EOS R1 mirrorless camera, announced in 2024.

Is a second-hand 1D X Mark III worth it?

For sport and wildlife, yes. Check the shutter count and the condition of the body.

Read next

All articles