Sold out or backordered with most retailers, Beach Camera in New Jersey just listed the Canon 5D Mark III + 24-105mm F/4L with a limited quantity available. I work around lots of small lighting setups, and once you try out the low light capabilities of this camera, it's hard to go back to anything else. Brand new USA warranty, check it out following the link via eBay (click here).
Canon 5D Mark III + 24-105mm F/4L
Robert from Juicedlink just uploaded a video showing some of the Canon 5D Mark III audio features along with the Nikon D800 audio features. Towards the second half, he introduces a new Juicedlink RM333 low noise pre-amp. We've run a few audio tests running a microphone into the Canon 5DM3 and there's no doubt using an external preamp will still yield better results. The internal amps of the Canon DSLR aren't very good.
The new Juicedlink RM333 preamp looks like a good small solution, and it was pretty smart to add in the backup audio that had been attenuated (reduced volume). There's times when your subject gets a bit excited and starts talking a little louder than expected, so a lower recording can save you from clipping. When the RM333 becomes available, you'll be able to find it over at Juicedlink's Website (click here).
This might not be such a big deal for some people, but it's always been a huge inconvenience with all current Canon DSLR cameras. The latest 1Dx camera from Canon showed that Video mode could be started from the same shutter button used to take photos. What does this mean? Well, this means that your most basic and most inexpensive wireless (not just infrared) shutter trigger systems will be able to start video mode.
The question I had was will the 5D Mark III have the same, and Mitch from Planet5D.com was able to get the information from Canon stating 'Yes, the basic shutter will start video mode'. There's also a constantly updated Blog article about all the main questions coming in about the 5D Mark III found here: https://blog.planet5d.com/2012/03/questions-answered-for-the-canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-hdmi-video/. [Thanks Mitch]
I'm not saying that's a reason to upgrade from a Canon 5D Mark II, but that was one very annoying feature Canon seems to have finally fixed. Guess what? That also means if you purchased a set of Yongnuo RF-602 or RF-603 triggers for your Speedlite flashes, those also can be used to start and stop video with your new Canon camera.
Yongnuo RF-603 Wireless Flash Triggers
Some of you might already own a set, but ideally these very cheap Wireless trigger systems should now be able to start and stop video mode on all your 1Dx, Canon 5D Mark III, and hopefully all future Canon DSLRs.
And there you have it, the new Canon 5D Mark III and already available for pre-order. From the images, it looks like a cross between a 5D Mark III, 7D, and a 60D (no flip out LCD screen). From the 7D you can see the dedicated photo/video switch and joystick knob, and on the left top it looks like the locking dial from the Canon 60D.
Product Highlights
22.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
3.2" Clear View High Resolution LCD
DIGIC 5+ Image Processor
61-Point High Density AF
Full HD 1080/30p and 720/60p Formats
Built-In HDR and Multiple Exposure Modes
Extended ISO Range (50-102400)
Up to 6.0 FPS Continuous Mode
Dual CF and SD Memory Card Slots
Durable Magnesium-Alloy Construction
Additional photos and specs are available at the Pre-Order page (click here).
Canon 5D Mark III - Pre Order
Along with the new Canon 5D Mark III announcement, Canon releases a new 600EX-RT Speedlite flash system that works on Radio waves (not infrared). Communication over Radio is going to be a big hit on wireless trigger companies like Pocket Wizard and Radio Popper. If things work out well with the new flashes, I can finally say goodbye to my Radio Popper PX system....
Been keeping up with the news? Canon has scheduled an event in Hollywood on November 3rd to make some big annoucements. Of course we all feel like many of their professional DSLR cameras are overdue for an upgrade like the Canon 5D Mark III, I doubt we'll hear anything about that this early. Who knows, it could just end up as an announcement for a new mirror-less camera lineup. More speculation about the latest announcement is towards a high end professional 4K video camera that will compete with the RED EPIC, which sounds more fitting for a Hollywood reception. They did already have a 4K prototype available at the shows one year ago. Either way, i'm staying glued to the internet on November 3rd to keep up with the news.
It's been several years, and there's no secret about Canon replacing the 5D Mark II. The big question on everyone's mind is when? I'm not a rumor guy, I myself rely on CanonRumors.com for that sort of stuff. But I just received a teeny weeny bit of news not mentioned elsewhere (from a reliable source) that the Canon 5D Mark III is definitely real and among us - closer than you think. One thing I can say is that while Canon has been releasing all their latest cameras with Swivel LCD screens, the 5D Mark III will not have this.
This is just my opinion, but my guess is that the Canon 5D represents a more robust professional line of camera. A swivel screen could cause more issues (fragile?). Most professional photographers require speed and don't shoot in 'Live View' mode. For professional video and filmmakers, there's no reason to add a swivel LCD since there are many existing solutions around using external monitoring sources like EVF or LCD monitors, should you require angles while shooting...
When Panasonic announced the AG-AF100, there were claims that DSLR video was dead. Sure the Panny is a good camera, but they were too far from the idea of what DSLR’s really were. It seems they were designing around the needs of the high end filmmaker, but the largest community of DSLR shooters are from basic consumers. Today Sony announces a new NEX-FS100E, a nice balance between the influence from DSLR cameras as well as addressing more professional filmmakers. Depending on the price of this unit, some might say that Panny’s AF100 is dead. Vimeo member Den & James from F-Stop Academy had the chance to input all the good qualities of DSLR’s as well as the bad.
Some features and controls are said to be influenced from the EX1, but Sony’s NEX-FS100E will have the ability to use interchangeable lenses with Sony’s Super 35mm motion picture sensor. There’s also 1080@60p available, the top swivel LCD remains on even when another monitor is plugged in on the full size HDMI. XLR inputs with phantom power, Shotgun Microphone with top handle, manual audio levels, and even a bunch of ¼ x 20 mounting points built directly into the Sony camera body. There’s a ton of other features explained in the video (above) and more found at Sony’s Press Release page: https://www.sony.co.uk/biz/content/id/1237480587665?en_GB=
I personally love the way this Sony camera was put together. Keep it small, that’s the whole appeal of DSLR’s. Today I can carry 4 Canon DSLR cameras + lenses to a location in a single roller bag. If manufacturers design these bodies too big (or too expensive), they’ll be losing the largest market of DSLR shooters. One thing I can safely say is that even this new Sony won't kill DSLR's. It's designed to have more ergonomics for Video rather than for Photographers. You might think this isn't a big deal, but having both a still camera and video camera in one tiny form factor is still appeals to a huge audience. The opposite side of the spectrum are cameras designed to have more ergonomics for Photos rather than for Video. Dedicated interchangeable lens 'still cameras' with 'a little bit of video' will still be a tool for a big audience. Sure I would love to throw this Sony NEX-FS100E in my bag, but it would be along side a DSLR. I'm not ready to give up a fast and professional Photography camera. There’s no word on pricing, but my guess is cheaper than the Panasonic AG-AF100. [Update] I guess pricing comes in at about $6550. This is definitely great news and could appeal to serious vide shooters who 'work around' the lack of features in DSLRs today, but it's early in 2011. Canon might still be dropping a 5D Mark III....
