Canon 1D X Mk3 information

Canon 1D X mkIII info – 1D X mark 2 replacement

Our collected Information about the new 1 series DSLR camera that follows the 1D X mk2

The Mk3 was first available mid February 2020

• Latest info
• Specifications

Mirrorless EOS 1 series?
Not for some time yet
See the EOS RX/R1 page

Ordering…

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The 1D X Mk3 Info

2021 March

30th Canon EOS 1DX Mark III – firmware download

Firmware Version 1.4.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Adds [RAW (Light)] to the movie recording size and [IPB (Light)] to 4K to enable lower bit rate shooting. These settings can also be selected when RAW+MP4 is set.
2. The transfer time (estimated value) now displays on the camera monitor during FTP transfer.
3. Improves communication reliability when using FTP and USB simultaneously.

2020 November

2nd A firmware update to V1.2.1

Fixes a phenomenon, in which, after updating the camera’s firmware to version 1.2.0, the Smart Controller may respond slowly or not at all on some cameras. (The phenomenon described may occur in cameras whose first two digits of the serial number are “01” “02” “03” or “04”)

v1.2.1 at Canon USA

August

27th There’s a firmware update for the 1D X Mark III:

Firmware Version 1.2.0 incorporates the following enhancements and fixes:

• Enhancements when using Browser Remote:
  – The image list displayed will be refreshed automatically on the browser.
  – On the shooting screen of the browser, you can set the movie resolution and a high frame rate.
  – On the shooting screen of the browser, you can change the movie shooting mode.
  – On the shooting screen of the browser, Live View will be displayed as soon as you select the movie shooting button.
• Enhances Auto Focus (AF) for improved face and eye recognition at greater distances.
• Fixes a phenomenon that may occur during viewfinder shooting, in which the shutter may not be released or the camera may not operate in the following settings:
  – In One-Shot AF mode, when the AF Area Selection Mode is set as Zone AF, Large Zone AF or Automatic Selection AF.
  – In AI Servo AF, when direct AF point selection is made using the smart controller.
  – When the Register/Recall Shooting Function is assigned to the AE Lock button, in the Custom Controls.
• Connectivity during FTP transmission has been improved.
• Improves Wi-Fi connectivity when using the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E9.
• Fixes a phenomenon, in which the card access time may take longer when using certain CFexpress cards.

Firmware v1.2.0 for the 1D X Mark III [Canon USA]

April

8th V1.1 firmware is now available [Canon]

Firmware Version 1.1.0 incorporates the following enhancement and fixes:

• The option to capture full HD movies and 4K UHD movies in 23.98p frame rate has been added.
• The communication speed has been improved when connected via wired LAN.
• The “Browser Remote” function has been added.
• The function to transfer only protected images has been added.
• Corrects the phenomenon in which, when the electronic level is set to “Show” in the viewfinder display, in rare cases, the camera may freeze when operating the AF-ON button or shutter button.
• Corrects the phenomenon in which the Custom Shooting Mode settings may change when the shooting mode is switched.

March

27th Canon will be bringing out a firmware update next month to fix an issue.

“Phenomenon:
When the camera is used with the electronic level set to “Show” in the viewfinder display, in rare cases, the camera may not perform normally when operating the AF-ON button or shutter button.”

8th There are reports of some 1D X mk3 cameras briefly going to sleep/rebooting of their own accord.

See more and a video someone took at [CR]

February

12th The manual for the 1D X mk3 is available at Canon USA

6th It looks as if the situation in China is going to limit supplies of the CFexpres card that should be bundled with many 1D X mk3 cameras. This will affect a lot of camera gadgets/accessories.

There is a new video from Park Cameras looking at the 1D X mk3

January

24th A video from a sports shooter, shows why he really likes the new 1D X3 [CR]

8th Two 1D X Mark III white papers from Canon [via CR]

• Canon Technical White Paper – Photography (PDF)
• Canon Technical White Paper – Video (PDF)

7th The 1D X Mark III is announced. Specs and announcement info below, along with any good resources/reviews/links we find.

It’s been around for a while for testing, so there are several articles already about what’s new and different. This from DPReview

• What’s new

Canon 1D X 3 announcement

A MASTERPIECE IN ENGINEERING AND DESIGN: CANON ANNOUNCES THE EOS-1D X MARK III CAMERA

MELVILLE, N.Y., January 6, 2020 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the highly anticipated Canon EOS-1D X Mark III camera – the successor to the world-renowned and award-winning EOS-1D X Mark II. The Company’s new flagship DSLR has been engineered and designed using extensive feedback from the professional sports, photojournalist, wildlife and wedding photographers.

This new groundbreaking workhorse EOS-1D X Mark III DLSR Camera features:

• New 20.1 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor combined with newly designed High Detail Low-Pass Filter
• New DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO range of 100-102400; Expandable to 50-819200[i]
• New 191-point optical viewfinder AF system capable of tracking the subject’s head, and face using Deep Learning Technology
• New Smart Controller built into the AF-On button for fast control of the AF Point selection
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast and accurate autofocus in Live View covering 90%x100% of the image area at an EV of -6 ~ 18
• The lightning-fast camera features the ability to shoot up to 16 frames-per-second in optical viewfinder shooting and up to 20 fps while in Live View shooting with mechanical or silent shutter
• Maximum buffer in continuous shooting (RAW+JPEG) of 1000 images or more with dual CFexpress card slots
• 12-bit 5.5K RAW video internal recording and oversampling 4K 60p video recording using the full width of the sensor in Canon Log with 10-bit 4:2:2

“When engineering and designing the new flagship camera, Canon’s top priority was collecting and implementing extensive user-feedback from a variety of professionals,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “In the end, the outcome is at first glance a familiar tool, but in reality, so much more; a camera unlike anything the company has introduced before. Canon is eagerly waiting to see what timeless memories professional image makers capture with this new camera.”

At the camera’s core is Canon’s newly developed 20.1 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, a High Detail Low-Pass Filter and the DIGIC X image processor. These features will help to provide professional photographers with a fast and powerful tool to capture images with a greater level of resolution, higher sensitivity, reduced moiré and improved image quality in higher ISO ranges with reduced noise. Utilizing a single DIGIC X image processor and a DIGIC 8 dedicated for AF/AE the camera’s image processing performance far exceeds and surpasses that of its predecessor, all while reducing power consumption. The DIGIC X is capable of up to approximately 3.1 times the image processing and 380 times Dual CMOS AF processing performance compared to the dual DIGIC 6+ found in the EOS-1D X Mark II. The new powerful image processor also allows for an ISO range of 100-102,400 (expandable up to 50-819,200), providing users with higher clarity images and quality in various shooting situations.

The EOS-1D X Mark III camera also provides users with equally impressive video features, with the ability to internally record 5.5K RAW video and uncropped 4K 60p derived from the original 5.5K readout in Canon Log with 10-bit 4:2:2. Canon Log allows users to record 4K and 1080p video files with up to 12 stops of High Dynamic Range and wide exposure latitude, making it simple to coordinate color settings with other Canon cameras in multi-camera set-ups. It’s ideally suited to help streamline and provide greater creative freedom during the extensive post-production processing. In addition, the camera’s HDMI terminal can be used to transmit 4K 60p data to another device for display or external recording.

When developing the EOS-1D X Mark III, Canon put a heavy emphasis on designing and installing a completely overhauled and comprehensive Auto Focus system for the user with the need for speed. The new 191-point AF system with 155-point all cross-type points helps users to quickly and smoothly track a subject and maintain a level of focusing accuracy during a variety of shooting situations such as tracking a motorcar circling around the race track or a leopard bolting across the plains. Canon has redesigned the AF sensor incorporating a new square pixel design based on an image sensor, essentially making the AF sensor 28x higher resolution at the center area.

Canon’s revolutionary Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology provides users with fast and accurate AF using 3869 manually selectable AF positions and 525 automatic areas[ii]. In Live View shooting, the EOS-1D X Mark III’s AF system supports face, head and, most noteworthy, eye detection AF tracking. Eye detection AF provides high-precision tracking by locking in on and following the eye of a moving subject. When in Live View AF/AE tracking is supported during high-speed burst shooting with the ability to capture up to 20 fps in both RAW and RAW + JPEG file format.

Using the traditional optical viewfinder, the camera has the ability to capture up to an extraordinary 16 fps with reduced time lag and image blackout. Reducing lag and image blackout greatly increases a photographer’s ability to track moving subjects and never miss a shot. Regardless of the method of shooting through the OVF or LCD, the EOS-1D X Mark III can shoot over 1000 images in a burst using the dual CFexpress cards.

To support the needs of top professionals, the camera’s communications functions have been greatly enhanced. Incorporating a dedicated Network tab in the menu, the photographer can much more easily set up network functions such as connections via built-in gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi® connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity and destinations such as FTP servers, EOS Utility, or Browser Remote[iii] functions. It will even support encrypted network authentication for advanced network users.

Thoughts from the First Users

“I can’t say enough good things about how well the EOS-1D X Mark III camera performed on so many levels. The new AF system is a game-changer for me, I was totally blown away by how well it performed in various situations, including very low-light levels,” said wildlife photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Adam Jones. “The ability to move the AF point quickly with the new sensor-based AF button was simply amazing; the focus followed the subject like nothing before. As a wildlife photographer, I never dreamed we would have a camera that could follow focus on fast-flying snow geese using a super-telephoto lens with 1.4x and 2x converters – but with the new camera here we are!”

“My job is to travel the world to photograph automobile racing and car culture in the harshest conditions imaginable. Racetracks, salt flats, sand dunes, frozen lakes, you name it, I photograph all things four wheels. That is why I need a camera that works as hard as we do,” said automotive photographer Larry Chen. “I started my professional career on the EOS-1D series of bodies, and I’ve had several over the years with over one million images captured. The EOS-1D X Mark III really is the next generation of professional cameras in a familiar package, the first words out of my mouth after shooting with it were ‘There are no more excuses, to miss a shot!’ I can’t wait to use it for the 2020 racing season!”

Additional Features of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR Camera Include:

• Enhanced operational controls including button illumination, Touch AF and a multi-controller allowing users to select the desired AF point more easily
• Face-Priority E-TTL II metering enables the camera to automatically adjust to provide the appropriate output of an external flash when it detects a face
• Digital Lens Optimizer helps to correct against any potential lens diffraction or aberration based on the design of each individual lens. DLO also improves the overall resolution of an image
• Ability to capture stills in 10-bit using the HEIF (High-Efficiency Image File) file format. HEIF produces a wider dynamic range and greater color representation compared to 8-bit JPEG
• Built-in Wi-Fi®[iv], Bluetooth®[v], and GPS[vi] Technology
• Faster speed and improved user interface for networking with optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E9 or with the built-in gigabit ethernet port
• Canon EOS-1D series level of durability including dust-and-weather- resistance

Price and Availability

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR camera body and WFT-E9 wireless file transmitter are both scheduled to be available in mid-February 2020 for an estimated retail price of $6,499.00 and $649.99, respectively*. For more information, please visit, cusa.canon.com.

[i] Camera’s ISO range expandable for still image shooting only.

[ii] Available AF positions may decrease when shooting with AF cropping or in movie mode, or depending on camera settings or lens attached.

[iii] Browser Remote will be supported through firmware update after shipping.

[iv] Compatible with iOS® versions 9.3/10.3/11.2-11.4/12.2/13.2, Android™ smartphone and tablet versions 5.0/5.1/6.0/7.0/7.1/8.0/8.1/9.0/10.0. Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This app helps enable you to upload images to social. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app.

[v] Compatible with select smartphone and tablet devices (Android™ version 5.0 or later and the following iOS® devices: iPhone 4s or later, Pod Touch 5th gen. or later) equipped with Bluetooth® version 4.1 or later and the Camera Connect App Ver. 2.5.10. This application is not guaranteed to operate on all listed devices, even if minimum requirements are met.

[vi] in certain countries and regions, the use of GPS may be restricted. Therefore be sure to use GPS in accordance with the laws and regulations of your country or region. Be particularly careful when traveling outside your home country. As a signal is received from GPS satellites, take sufficient measure when using in locations where the use of electronics are regulated.

Specifications

1D X mk3 pre-release information

2020 January

3rd The specs seem to have settled at 20MP, with hefty increases in buffer capacity. The camera will likely be officially launched next week.

• 20.1mp
• 16fps/20fps
• ISO 100-102,400 (extends up to 819,200)
• 4K at 60p (No DPAF in 4K 60p or 4K RAW)
• Dual CFexpress card slots
• 191 AF points (155 cross-type)
• 5.4K RAW internal video recording
• $6499 USD

—

Various ‘specs’ for the 1D X mk3 keep appearing, initially showing Digic 6+ processors – yes, they were largely the 1D X mk2 specs…

Some more have now surfaced [Nok] – if accurate, the 1D X mk2 stays at ~20MP

They are listed at [CN] in English

2nd Still waiting for some specs… (pics are from B&H)

27th It seems that the 1DX 3 and external WiFi adapter (WFT-E9) are appearing in Canon product lists for availability in April [Nok] No specs yet – an end-january announcement is still most likely.

November

28th Canon are keeping a pretty tight lid on 1D X 3 info, so expect dribs and drabs from real people testing (not so likely these days) and the odd vague rumour to keep interest alive ;-)

I’m minded to put the sensor based IS mentions of late into the later category. Yes, Canon will have sensor IS at some point, and they may have it reliable enough for a 1 series camera. If it was a definite feature, I think it might have been mentioned in the development/marketing/FUD announcement we’ve seen?

People likely to buy a 1D X mk3 were likely to do so anyway. They know it’s coming and that it will do the job they want it for – features will be what they are…

My last 1 series (1Ds mk3) still works great and get used every so often, but for my work I need ‘more MP’ rather more often than ‘more robustness/speed’.

BTW, I’m not plastering ads all over the site for ‘Black Friday’ stuff – if you would like to help support us, just go via one of our affiliate links to buy stuff. Thanks to everyone who helps…

16th Coming -after- a product announcement/mention, the wireless certification details for the 1D X III are spotted at the Korean regulator.

Sadly, the excellent Nokishita blog has been deleted. This used to spot code numbers and registrations and was often one of the few sources of info that wasn’t guesswork. My thanks to whoever ran it over the years.

7th Guesstimates/hints arrive about the sensor resolution of the 1D X mk3 and seem to settling around the 24MP mark [CR]

Somewhere in the 24-25 range makes for easy implementation of a 3:2 oversampled 4k output without any crop.

Personally this seems a bit low, but I speak as someone who’s last 1 series camera was the 1Ds 3 and couldn’t tell you the video specs of any of my newer Canon cameras.

What is pretty likely (mentioned as ‘early 2020’ in Canon’s financials) is that a new ‘Flagship’ 1D will appear in January.

October

30th With the announcement, it confirms a few hints about the camera that have surfaced recently [CR]

• The battery life is nothing short of amazing, much better than the 1DX Mark II.
• The silent shutter mode in liveview is absolutely silent.
• The eye AF works incredibly well (via liveview we are assuming)
• The AF-ON trackpad is so innovative, works fast and it very precise. In the source’s words, “it’s a real revolution. Nobody will be using the old joystick”

24th Canon does indeed do a ‘development announcement’: See the 1D X Mark III announcement news post for more.

This page will continue have all our ongoing 1D X mk3 coverage.

The key spec related aspects of the announcement

• 10bit HEIF image option
• New Digic processor (this is NOT the first one series camera to debut a processor type BTW)
• Higher res AF points in the centre
• 16 fps through the viewfinder 20 fps with liveview
• Dual CFexpress card slots
• 10-bit 4:2:2 and internal RAW at 4k/60p
• Backlit buttons
• Longer battery life (same battery as mk2)

Here’s a looking at one in a box video from Park Camera – where I usually buy my UK Canon gear.

23rd The 1D X mk3 is seen by [CR] – no pics or details at the moment, but (as expected) the fundamental look/ergonomics of the camera are similar.

—

It looks like the same LP-E19 battery for the 1D X mk3 as the mk2

New licensing info [Nok on Twtr] shows that the 1D X 3 will have the model number DS126771

—

Still no solid details of spec…, although there is a suggestion [CR] that there may be an impending ‘development’ announcement for the camera. Whilst we may see some significant advances, 1 series cameras are very strongly ‘evolution’ driven, given their main ‘pro’ market, so don’t expect too many new whistles and bells.

I’d note that ‘Development announcements’ are entirely marketing led – usually to maintain ‘brand interest’ or divert attention from something (someone) else. If we do see such a thing – ask yourself what it’s hiding ;-)

September

27th An update to Canon model number info [Nok] shows a device with multiple designations (could it be the1D X mk3?) and lenes.

• DS586191 (DS586192 / DS586193 / DS586194)
  Wireless file transmitter
  Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac) compatible
• interchangeable lens
  SKU: 3450C005AA, 3792C005AA

However… The 1D X mk3 is the only camera due, but it’s been pointed out that the multiple 6 digit codes don’t match up with previous DSLR//R camera ones (which start DS12xxxx), and it’s unlikely that the 1D X mk3 will come in kit options or multiple colours. Some other device, or a camera? It is likely the external WiFi device for the 1D X mk3

17th After Nikon’s D6 ‘announcement’ it seemed likely that a bit of 1D X mk3 info might appear – yes, it will almost certainly be here in time for next year’s Tokyo Olympics but would we see some form of ‘development’ or marketing announcement, as we know them?

Some comments [CR] suggest all the usual rumour crowd pleasers:

• 6K video without a crop.
• Dual CFExpress cards are in the prototype models and will likely make it to the production version.
• There will be a “significant jump in resolution for an EOS-1 series camera”.
• New DIGIC processor.
• IBIS is in prototype cameras

Digic 9 could well make an initial appearance and give the needed boost for pro-level mirrorless, also in 2020.

I note that Digic 2, 3 and 5 all seem to have made their first appearances in 1 series cameras (this is just from a quick look at the timeline, which references announcement dates)

July

13th Whilst nothing changes the general expectation of a late 2019/early 2020 announcement, a recent Canon patent application (main rumour page) showing an in-body IS [IBIS] system in a DSLR camera has fuelled speculation that it could appear in a remaining DSLR launch, before appearing in an EOS R body.

Several IS related patent applications have been seen of late. They show many of the image capture problems that you might not first think of as issues, such as sensor movement during the sweep of a shutter, the loss of accuracy for lens distortion correction, and the defocus effects of a slight tilt to the sensor.

As an aside, and as a former 1 Series user, I was interested in using the Panasonic S1R recently for a detailed review. It’s a hefty camera with the feel of a 1 series, albeit without built-in gip. Using it, along with my experiences from my EOS RP review have made me a lot more comfortable about the prospect of using a ‘Pro-Level’ mirrorless camera from Canon. I still don’t think we’ll see a true mirrorless 1 series equivalent until 2022, but 5D mkV build and performance could still be a 2020 arrival.

February

21st Fitting in with an expected announcement late this year or early next, is a report of 1D X mk3 testing [CR]

As you might expect, no-one involved is saying a thing about what it’s like, and a year away from any announcement there are likely quite a few variants out for testing. That and they are likely to marked as 1D X mk2 so unlikely to be noticed…

15th I’m not expecting a 1series level of EOS R for some time yet, but I’ve added an EOS RX rumour page for when it does come.

6th There were two Canon camera models left in the latest ID codes found with radio certification data. One is the upcoming EOS RP, which looks like a small 26MP full frame mirrorless [Mirrorless page], that’s not much bigger than my 100D. Both it and the other model are said to be using the small LP-E17 battery, so definitely not 1 series (or 80D/7D2 updates).

Absolutely no signs of the next 1 series yet, I suspect we’ll have to wait until the Autumn

2018 December

20th The 1D x mk3 gets a mention [CR] as a (late) 2019 product – we’re a long way off from any announcement so, as expected, there is no real information/specs.

For the timescale of a potential Mk3 introduction, mirrorless is unlikely to reach the performance demands of 1D X style camera users.

Last DSLR left standing? Much as the film EOS-1 series continued a long time, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the 1D X3 (or even mk4) continue many years as Canon’s last production DSLR.

2018 March

20th An interesting interview [DPR] from Canon at the recent CP+ show seems to have fired up mirrorless rumours, but it pretty much confirms a new ‘flagship’ camera in time for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. That’s still likely to be a 1D X mk3 IMHO.

We may well see a high end mirrorless then, maybe even with a new FF mount, but the top end DSLR has a way to go

“We still believe there’s work to be done before we can achieve the level of satisfaction that our users are looking for before they could confidently move from DSLR to mirrorless”

January

25th The timeline is updated and I still don’t expect to see anything 1D X mk3 related until late 2019 or early 2020, in time for the next summer Olympics. By 2020 we should be well into Canon’s move to mirrorless, but I’m feeling there is at least one more top end DSLR in the company.

2016 February

2nd The 1D X mk2 is official, so this page steps up…

So, what will we see in a 1D X mark 3?

Given the nature of its market I reckon it will still be in an obvious 1 series body.

The safe money goes on another modest increase in speed, improved AF performance and bump in megapixels.

Maybe they’ll even dispense with the need for an external WiFi unit

For video, good 4k would seem obvious, but going to 8k needs a somewhat higher MP count.

It’s far enough ahead that we may see much more of a change in basic sensor type – the 1DX2 has dual pixel AF and on-chip A/D conversion.

The amount of non-bayer (‘foveon type’) sensor patents has seen a jump recently and I’d not be surprised to see Canon or (more likely) Sony dip their toes into this area in 2016/17 – will it be the next big thing, as regularly predicted on forums since Foveon’s first appearance?

I’m definitely not seeing a place for an EVF in Canon’s next flagship camera, even if by 2020 it has appeared lower down the EOS line.

Will we see a return of a 1 series ‘s’ model? I’d suspect less likely now that the 5Ds/R has taken a lot of the high megapixel market.

Canon hinted that a very high MP camera was on its way with a 120MP APS-H (~200MP FF) example at their expo last autumn (2015) More likely for a 2018 5Ds mk2 (almost certainly an ‘R’ version only)

1st 1D X mk3? A camera for 2019/20

Full specs for the 1D X mk2 appear – all info on the 1Dx 2 page

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