DPReview 5D3 review out

[MazV-L]

I'm unlikely to use the video features on my 5Diii, however was interested to note that the Canon 5D iii took out the 2012 TIPA Award for Best Video D-slr

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I have the D800 and have returned my 5D MK III after a month (I bought a 1D MK IV).

The DPR review is pretty accurate based on my experience. Each camera takes excellent images, and has its strong points as well as weak ones. I'd grade them as being equal myself, but one camera might be better at certain things. One thing for sure, computer makers and SSD makers will benefit from owners frustrated with the time to process the huge files. I like the D800's extra features like the built-in AF-Assist light, but the menu system is horrible. It seems like there is a button for everything, but trying to find them in the dark is bad news. The other bad thing about the D800, and DPR mentioned it, perhaps not strongly enough, and that is the need to use the very best glass, and the utmost care in setting up your shot. Otherwise, your images will be no sharper than the 5D MK III. It makes good lenses look bad, so plan to buy only the top lenses and spend $$$$$!

I may very well sell the D800 and get another 5D MK II to go with my 1D MK IV.

 

[briansquibb]

I have the D800 and have returned my 5D MK III after a month (I bought a 1D MK IV).

The DPR review is pretty accurate based on my experience. Each camera takes excellent images, and has its strong points as well as weak ones. I'd grade them as being equal myself, but one camera might be better at certain things. One thing for sure, computer makers and SSD makers will benefit from owners frustrated with the time to process the huge files. I like the D800's extra features like the built-in AF-Assist light, but the menu system is horrible. It seems like there is a button for everything, but trying to find them in the dark is bad news. The other bad thing about the D800, and DPR mentioned it, perhaps not strongly enough, and that is the need to use the very best glass, and the utmost care in setting up your shot. Otherwise, your images will be no sharper than the 5D MK III. It makes good lenses look bad, so plan to buy only the top lenses and spend $$$$$!

I may very well sell the D800 and get another 5D MK II to go with my 1D MK IV.

Are you enjoying the 1D4 then?

 

[Dianoda]

I find it weird that when using the camera comparison, the 5d mkII is rated way better in video mode than the mkIII. I was under the impression that the mkIII is a step up in every way from the mkII in video. They also gave the mkII the nod for raw and jpeg image quality, as well as the exact same scores for build and handling, which contradicts their own review. Seems weird to me.

DPR Review ratings are based against current peers (at time of review), so the 5DII review should be looked at in a time bubble of sorts - it's relevant compared to the D700, not so much compared to anything current.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I have the D800 and have returned my 5D MK III after a month (I bought a 1D MK IV).

The DPR review is pretty accurate based on my experience. Each camera takes excellent images, and has its strong points as well as weak ones. I'd grade them as being equal myself, but one camera might be better at certain things. One thing for sure, computer makers and SSD makers will benefit from owners frustrated with the time to process the huge files. I like the D800's extra features like the built-in AF-Assist light, but the menu system is horrible. It seems like there is a button for everything, but trying to find them in the dark is bad news. The other bad thing about the D800, and DPR mentioned it, perhaps not strongly enough, and that is the need to use the very best glass, and the utmost care in setting up your shot. Otherwise, your images will be no sharper than the 5D MK III. It makes good lenses look bad, so plan to buy only the top lenses and spend $$$$$!

I may very well sell the D800 and get another 5D MK II to go with my 1D MK IV.

Are you enjoying the 1D4 then?

Yes, its a great camera, the best I've owned for my usage. Obviously, MF was better for portraits, and the D800 is also excellent, but you must be deliberate and careful, and use the best of the best glass. I can definitely see the better resolution in D800 images, but I rarely need that level. I did need to crop severely at a recent event, where the only Nikkon lens I thought was usable was my 24-70mm f/2.8G, and it wasn't long enough. The cropping ability can be useful.

Here is a 1D MK IV image at ISO 12800

And one at 12800 with the D800. Both require a lot of NR, but will print fine at reasonable sizes.

 

[briansquibb]

In theatre shots I always overexpose and the move to correct it gets rid of most of the noise.

I use Nik DFINE to finish the noise off.

I find iso 12800 very acceptable and iso6400 is getting good (for prints, noise definitely shows up more on the screen)

 

[smithy]

I don't think there are any shots I could take with a D800 that I couldn't take with a 5D3, whereas there are situations where a 5D3 will get a shot that a D800 can't. Therefore, for me at least, the 5D3 is a better all-round camera. And because I don't specialise in any one area of photography, that's what really matters.

It's sad to see DP Review go down as hard as it has. I've used it a lot over the years and must say that it doesn't even really feature on my list of good review sites anymore. I only use it when I want to view camera specifications.