Canon EOS-1D X Mark III rumoured specifications [CR1]

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Blaa, blab, blaa. Save the stale "gear doesn't matter" argument. It is an unfortunate reality that the AF 1DX2 falls short of the D5 for BIF. Hopefully, Canon will address the problem with the 1DX3.
I don't think anyone is questioning that the D5 or even the a92 is slightly ahead of the 1dx2. The argument is over the classification of that difference as the 1dx2 having a 'problem with its autofocus.
 
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Excellent shots. And, they prove my point. Single-point or expanded single-point for sports shooting with Canon. I hope that someday, Canon's autofocus is good enough to allow it to track the subject. I'd also like to be able to afford a 200 f2. :)

Help me understand what you are wanting. If you have three players behind the net, you want to start with one and have the AF follow that person's eyes, no matter what? Or do you want the AF to understand which one you want and do it all internally?

I have mixed feelings about either. Seems like it takes away all the challenges of sports photography. I think I understand what you are wanting, but I will feel much less accomplished if I used it.
 
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I don't think anyone is questioning that the D5 or even the a92 is slightly ahead of the 1dx2. The argument is over the classification of that difference as the 1dx2 having a 'problem with its autofocus.
First, my post addresses the AF of the 1DX2 for BIF. For that application, the 1DX2 AF struggles to hold focus in certain circumstances. The AF of the Nikon is measurably more stable. The schizophrenic behavior of the Canon AF is a problem which I hope will be improved in the 1DX3. It is a design issue which is not resolved with camera settings or shooter technique. Here is a link to a thoughtful comparison of the D5 and 1DX2 by one of the most knowledgeable BIF photographers. He succinctly describes the problem of the 1DX2 AF. Worth the read: http://arihazeghiphotography.com/blog/nikon-d5-review/
 
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First, my post addresses the AF of the 1DX2 for BIF. For that application, the 1DX2 AF struggles to hold focus in certain circumstances. The AF of the Nikon is measurably more stable. The schizophrenic behavior of the Canon AF is a problem which I hope will be improved in the 1DX3. It is a design issue which is not resolved with camera settings or shooter technique. Here is a link to a thoughtful comparison of the D5 and 1DX2 by one of the most knowledgeable BIF photographers. He succinctly describes the problem of the 1DX2 AF. Worth the read: http://arihazeghiphotography.com/blog/nikon-d5-review/
Well. I run a 7d2 which has the same basic focusing system as the original 1dx but with less processing power. And yes. There are situations where it struggles. Very contrasty backgrounds(especially situations where a bird is close to a choppy ocean). But it can be overcome most of the time if you know what you are doing. Not always however. But I wouldn't qualify that as a 'problem' I guarantee the d5 does not get a 100% hit rate either. Does that mean it has a 'problem'? Fact is the 1dx2 and even my lowly pathetic 7d2 have incredible AF systems that allow us as photographers to get photos that those is the past could only dream of. It may not b perfect but is far from 'problematic'. And interestingly enough I have found that if I do nail the focus in those situations where the AF has its difficulties I will tend too ditch the shots anyway(for BIF that is). Reason being that even if they are in focus, the background that is making focusing harder also tends to make the images messy and unpleasant to look at. Here is an example. Nailed focus on this Osprey as it came in to land in the very situations that canons can struggle with. Great position. Great subject. I will never use this shot as it is just messy.(2)-11.jpg
 
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Well. I run a 7d2 which has the same basic focusing system as the original 1dx but with less processing power. And yes. There are situations where it struggles. Very contrasty backgrounds(especially situations where a bird is close to a choppy ocean). But it can be overcome most of the time if you know what you are doing. Not always however. But I wouldn't qualify that as a 'problem' I guarantee the d5 does not get a 100% hit rate either. Does that mean it has a 'problem'? Fact is the 1dx2 and even my lowly pathetic 7d2 have incredible AF systems that allow us as photographers to get photos that those is the past could only dream of. It may not b perfect but is far from 'problematic'. And interestingly enough I have found that if I do nail the focus in those situations where the AF has its difficulties I will tend too ditch the shots anyway(for BIF that is). Reason being that even if they are in focus, the background that is making focusing harder also tends to make the images messy and unpleasant to look at. Here is an example. Nailed focus on this Osprey as it came in to land in the very situations that canons can struggle with. Great position. Great subject. I will never use this shot as it is just messy.View attachment 187121
A nice image but what is your point? No one is claiming the 1DX2 never achieves subject focus but Canon's AF produces a much lower keeper rate than the Nikon. It is a problem that hopefully Canon will address in the 1DX3.
 
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A nice image but what is your point? No one is claiming the 1DX2 never achieves subject focus but Canon's AF produces a much lower keeper rate than the Nikon. It is a problem that hopefully Canon will address in the 1DX3.
We really need a roll your eyes emoji for those that refuse to read posts.
 
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TAF

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They do have several different patents for a combined optical and digital viewfinder that switches modes as needed.

I'm not sure if a mechanical shutter could ever do 30fps, but an electronic one certainly could. If that happened, it would certainly be a game changer. To be honest, if the specs are true, I'm not sure how they would do 30fps in a 1dxiii without it, simply because without a movable screen using the lcd display in live view is just that much more difficult.


Pellicle mirror, anyone?
 
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AlanF

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Apart from the fact that is just more hyperbole.

1st, by problem I meant actual issue like in the 1D MkIII. 2nd, even the very best avian raptor in flight specialists say there is no more than a 5% difference in keeper rate between the best AF currently available for that speciality and the 1DX MkII, and even that difference is predicated on a specific shooting style with both systems having different advantages.

I would have said (indeed I have been) a 5% difference makes the various systems comparable, not one 'a problem'. Now I can understand the very best of the best deciding that a 5% difference for their particular specialty is a significant enough benefit for them to change system. However I have no time or inclination for the vast majority of sheep who bleat endlessly when they don't have 1/10 the skill of those at the very top hiding behind idiot comments like 'the AF has a problem' because a rarified few have found the limits of the various AF algorithms, especially when there are instances of high profile high speed nature shooters who have gone the other way.

So now we have proven the A9/II, 1DX MkII and D5 have comparable iso performance LINK, and that the best of the best who are also genuinely analytical about their AF rate the differences in keepers at around 5% for any of the top three I'd say the AF was also comparable.

To be sure I can understand why any individual might find one of the top three advantageous for their specific subjects and personal use, however I find the suggestion that any one of the three has 'a problem' or lags seriously behind any of the others as proof of only one issue and that issue is 6" behind the viewfinder.

I am no Canon apologist I am a photographer, give me a 1DX MKII, a D5 or an A9 and I'll take the same images, if I don't get the image the problem is me and you won't find me blaming any of the gear.
This review of the D5 and comparison with the 1DXII has just been posted by one of the best BIF photographers out there. You might be interested in his views. http://arihazeghiphotography.com/blog/nikon-d5-review/
 
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AlanF

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Well. I run a 7d2 which has the same basic focusing system as the original 1dx but with less processing power. And yes. There are situations where it struggles. Very contrasty backgrounds(especially situations where a bird is close to a choppy ocean). But it can be overcome most of the time if you know what you are doing. Not always however. But I wouldn't qualify that as a 'problem' I guarantee the d5 does not get a 100% hit rate either. Does that mean it has a 'problem'? Fact is the 1dx2 and even my lowly pathetic 7d2 have incredible AF systems that allow us as photographers to get photos that those is the past could only dream of. It may not b perfect but is far from 'problematic'. And interestingly enough I have found that if I do nail the focus in those situations where the AF has its difficulties I will tend too ditch the shots anyway(for BIF that is). Reason being that even if they are in focus, the background that is making focusing harder also tends to make the images messy and unpleasant to look at. Here is an example. Nailed focus on this Osprey as it came in to land in the very situations that canons can struggle with. Great position. Great subject. I will never use this shot as it is just messy.View attachment 187121
An hour with PS and it will be a great shot!
 
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Those specs almost sound like a joke....Unless this is really the FINAL (for real this time) DSLR they make before going to all mirrorless. Which would make sense, you want something that could still drive sales of new EF mount gear.
I don't understand your post. In what way do these CR1 specs sound like a joke?
 
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An hour with PS and it will be a great shot!

Yeah. But for me there is a point where it becomes something other than the image I captured And if it takes an hour in PS to get the result then it isn't what I captured(trying not to sound like a snobby purist while saying that)
 
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AlanF

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Yeah. But for me there is a point where it becomes something other than the image I captured And if it takes an hour in PS to get the result then it isn't what I captured(trying not to sound like a snobby purist while saying that)
It was meant as a joke and also a sideswipe at a certain famous bird site where the backgrounds in images are manipulated in the pursuit of art.
 
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It was meant as a joke and also a sideswipe at a certain famous bird site where the backgrounds in images are manipulated in the pursuit of art.
Fair enough. Way over my head. I am just not on it today. Bit slow
 
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I shoot BIF. The AF lock on the 1DX2 is nervous. It obtains initial focus quickly but jumps to complex, contrasty backgrounds. The D5 is slightly slower to obtains initial focus but holds focus lock much better. I shoot a 1DX2 but have to concede AF performance to my friends who the shoot D5.
Even with AF point auto switching set to 0? If you aren't making custom 'Case Modes' then you are not getting the best out of it. Personally since making a 'My Menu' page with all the AF variables I have found the AF to be vastly more responsive. However I do believe that people that have one single speciality do have the ability to out learn the AF algorithms.
 
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Even with AF point auto switching set to 0? If you aren't making custom 'Case Modes' then you are not getting the best out of it. Personally since making a 'My Menu' page with all the AF variables I have found the AF to be vastly more responsive. However I do believe that people that have one single speciality do have the ability to out learn the AF algorithms.
I use custom use modes but settings do not resolve the problem with Canon's nervous AF for BIF. The camera's predictive focusing loses focus lock too easily in challenging situations.
.
 
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