So, **IF** the additional rumor info from NL is correct, and the 5D3's 61pt AF and metering system
IS NOT the same as the 1Dx (something I have believed all along and posted/discussed several times in many of the recent threads), this makes it all the more important that the rumored price of about $3500 be a
KIT price (camera and lens), and not a body only price.
I've said several times that getting the full-on 1Dx AF and metering was not likely, based on the technical details of the processors used and the processing demands of the images and the AF/metering systems in the various cameras. The AF/Metering in the 1Dx has a dedicated Digic 4 processor. It has two Digic 5 processors to handle the 216Mpix data demands of 18Mpix images at 12 fps, plus all other camera functions. With an estimated 22Mpix image and 7 fps for the 5D3 (note that 7fps has been listed here
but NL has 6fps listed currently), that's a 154Mpix load for what would be a single Digic 5, assuming the AF is full 1Dx and needs the Digic 4 as in that camera. There is no way that Canon puts 3 processors in the 5D3, no room in the body for it (see the 1Dx circuit board), and no way they will incur that manufacturing cost in this camera.
That being the case,
I fully expect to see a dual Digic 5 in the 5D3 handling the image needs and this 61pt "simplified" AF/Metering system now noted on the NL web site. This makes perfect technical and marketing sense to Canon and fits their track record.
Some folks here are going to be disappointed by this, but honestly, was it realistic to expect Canon to do anything other than this? To expect the full 1Dx AF and metering based on their clear track record of camera differentiation, regardless of what Nikon does, was just dreaming. And don't expect a kit with the new 24-70 f/2.8 L II for $3500 either....some people here are floating that lead balloon, I have no idea what they are smoking thinking a $2300 lens plus a $2700-$3000 camera body will sell in a $3500 kit. Here's another news flash: it won't have a mirror lockup button either kids.
Of course, depending on what we see in the actual announcement and spec sheet, if the camera comes in with an AF and metering mix of the 7D-1D4-1Dx, has a 7fps frame rate, the 7D nimble handling and convenience features, and decent weather sealing, with a body only price under $3k, I'll give it some serious consideration. I was fine with a $2999 price from the start for a feature set like this. However, I'm still leaning towards a 1Dx as a solid workhorse that covers all of my shooting needs and selling my 5D2 w/grip and batteries.
I would not consider a 5D3 as I listed above for the $3500 price if that were body alone, that would seal the deal for a 1Dx by EOY for me. The price point for consideration is $3k or under for a body only with that feature set above. I'd rather save for a 1Dx and spend the extra $$$ on a camera that serves a wider set of needs and will be business depreciated over 5 years before selling and replacing.
As for video, I will admit to the following:
1) I have an interest in that for business purposes but know nothing about it
2) I have used the video options on the 5D2 and 7D I own
once in the past two years
3) If I'm going to add video to my work, I'll probably get a camera made for that, such as the forth coming 4K DSLR
So whatever video features are included, they aren't a factor to my decision. I can understand if others have a desire for them, and I'm fine with that being included in the 5D3....it will enable me to learn before expanding to a more specific camera for that work.
