handrew

I took delivery of my new 1D mk III today - they have started to ship - of course this week I am working and its pouring with rain but I hope to get it in to the field soon and then I'll post some feedback. There are already some good reviews out and it looks like a fine DSLR. I'd be interested to hear from others about what they think of it when they get their hands on one and in particular if anybody finds any gremlins.

Thanks

handrew

The dealer I bought from was very cagey kk. He only had 3 allocated and I had ordered mine in March I think. He hasn't put any on display. Apparently they arrived last week but I was in London so only found out this morning  

handrew

This was taken this afternoon at ISO800, 1/640, at f11 with the new camera body and my 100-400mm IS lens and a 2x TC handheld. This is the first time I have used the camera but if the weather is OK I may venture to MPNR tomorrow  

handrew

OK, here are some shots with the new camera, not necessarily birds  

http://upload.pbase.com/image/79409067

This was handheld at 1600, no noise reduction applied, f8, 1/200, EV at 0, 100-400 IS at 400mm.

http://www.pbase.com/andrew57/image/79408453

Same lens at 1/500, ISO 800, no noise reduction applied, EV -1/3, f5.6

http://www.pbase.com/andrew57/image/79407895

Not so sharp in my view but this was using TV at 1/1000, f11, lens at 400mm, EV -1/3, ISO 800 without NR.

http://www.pbase.com/andrew57/image/79374173

A bird at last! And yes the whites are burned out on the far wing. But settings were: ISO 800, f5.6 300mm IS lens +2x TC, EV at 0, and 1/3200

After a short time in the field I am blown away with the noise levels (or lack thereof) on this camera. They are very usable at 1600 ISO. I need to recalibrate my compensation for highlights - there is more tolerance in this camera and I like the highlight priority feature - I don't think I am losing much on the shadows.

This body feels lighter and better balanced than my 1D mkII and the battery  is the main reason. I'm not sure the AF is any faster but with the 300mm and the 2x TC its quick enough. Without the TC its lightning fast. I haven't tried Live View yet nor the AF fine adjustment. I'm a happy bunny so far.

Andrew

handrew

I have been staying out of the heat this weekend but finally got round to testing the Live View on the Mk III. This works very well indeed. What I found remarkable was the difference between what looked sharp through the viewfinder and what looked sharp when magnified 5x through the rear panel. The gridlines also help with alignment. Once you get the hang of it this mode is really very simple to use and to navigate around the image there is just one button. I found the accuracy of focus for my macro shots of moths improved significantly. Now if only I could nail the exposure! I haven't used the camera nearly as much as I would have liked for various reasons but I do believe this is a step change from my old 1Dmk II and although not cheap it is competitively priced. Warehouse Express in the UK are selling it for GBP3,000 when they get it. That's about 50% more than in HK. Ouch.