Silent mode on 5DmkIII

[markd61]

I have not yet handled a mk3 but I have read that it has a silent mode that reduces shutter and mirror noise. Jeff Ascough claims near silence in this mode.

My question is what is the downside of using silent mode? If there is none why would they not make the camera default to silent mode or make it quiet from the start?

Thanks for any info.

[Spooky]

It slows the shutter return and mirror movements, which leads to a slight increase in lag between pressing the shutter and exposure and also lowering the continuous shooting rate from 6 to 4 fps if I remember right.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

For most users, there is no downside, but if you need 6 fps, you can do it in liveview and still get silent mode.
 
This is going to be a popular feature.  I occasionally photograph birds, and when I'm close, they jump or fly when they hear the normal loud shutter click.

[wickidwombat]

it's awesome much better than the 1D silent mode which isnt bad either

[rwmson]

I don't agree with Jeff's "almost silent" comment.  It's more like "not as loud".  Don't get me wrong, it's a great feature but to call it "Silent" mode is very misleading.