I was in B&H today for a USB 3.0 Compact Flash reader and I stopped by the Canon Kiosk. Low and behold, there were two Canon 5D Mark IIIs on display! Yes, these are REAL fully-functioning cameras – not some disabled demos. The camera feels very solid. I could not really compare it to the 5D Mark II sitting next to it since they had different lenses. But, the grip was about the same.
I did find two surprises on the back. First, the Canon 7D-inspired switch for stills & video! The other was flipping through the menus to find that it is shipping with Firmware 1.07.
Now for the bad news – B&H has already shipped their first allotment of 800 camera and they have pre-orders for another 4000. If you are interested in getting a Canon 5D Mark III, try Adorama. They have a much shorter list of pre-orders.
I was wondering if you are going to review and compare the 7d vs the new 5d III. I purchased your book on the 7d and was wondering what is your opinion of the new 5D III?
Ed
I have been thinking about it. I have even been toying with the idea of a Canon 1D X. I have two concerns:
1. Canon still does not have a wide-angle zoom with an f/2.8 and IS. Only the Canon 17-55mm EF-S fits that bill!
2. I really hate to loose my crop factor for telephoto zooms.
The biggest plus is the crazy new ISOs. Being able to shoot at 6400 ISO and higher is really amazing. I still am hoping Canon will announce the Canon 7D Mark II