Canon EOS-1D X Mark III - Cameras
Canon EOS 1D X Mark III Reliable Autofocus
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III: Stay sharp. Stay focused.
© Ben Thouard
Whether you shoot with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III's sensational optical viewfinder or using its generous 3.1-inch touchscreen, you can't help but notice the speed, accuracy and precision of its revolutionary AF system. Deep-learning algorithms have been programmed to identify different sports, while Face and Eye detection has been joined by advanced tracking ability that tracks athletes even when they're wearing goggles or a helmet.
No matter how fast the action moves, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III moves faster, adjusting focus to give you critical focus when you need it.
A dedicated imaging sensor and processor for focusing
When we introduced the EOS 650 back in 1987, we revolutionised the SLR market with line-type CMOS autofocus sensors. These are so capable that they're still used in EOS DSLRs today – but the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III takes the next step, with a new technology.
When you compose, focus and shoot through the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III's optical viewfinder, you're experiencing a revolution in AF design. A dedicated CMOS imaging sensor is used exclusively for autofocus, improving accuracy and precision and allowing many more focusing points in the viewfinder. The AF processing it taken care of by a dedicated DIGIC 8 processor who's sole job is to look after the AF when using the optical viewfinder.
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III boasts 191 AF points, of which 155 are cross-type for extra sensitivity – perfect for nailing critical focus on fast-moving athletes and animals when light levels get low. These AF points can used on their own for highly selective focusing, in small groups and zones that can be moved around the frame, or all together with the camera selecting the best points to use automatically.
The behaviour of the camera's continuous focusing system can be adjusted according to the kind of action you're photographing. Just choose from four case settings or use the new Auto case setting that will select the most appropriate behaviour for the task in hand.
Mirror system
For the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III to focus accurately at high continuous shooting speeds, we needed to give it a completely redesigned reflex mirror system. It's vital that the camera's mirrors return as quickly as possible to their resting positions between each shot, and with no 'mirror bounce', if they are to continue to direct light onto the AF sensor. This is something that happens inside the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III up to 16 times every second – an extraordinary achievement of mechanical engineering.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF
When using the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III like a mirrorless camera, in Live View mode, autofocusing is performed by our renowned Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. This turns virtually every pixel on the camera's sensor into an imaging pixel and a phase-detection AF pixel.
Dual pixel CMOS AF can operate quickly when shooting stills, tracking moving objects around the frame, and more smoothly when capturing video, allowing professional pull-focus effects from one object to another.
The implementation of Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology in the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III sees focus-capable pixels over the whole height of the frame and over 90 per cent of its width. Performance has increased to a level where it's possible to shoot at 20fps with fast, accurate, continuous focusing. The same deep-learning AF algorithm that's available when using the camera in viewfinder mode is available to Dual Pixel CMOS AF, so you can be confident that critical sharpness is being maintained on the object, animal or person being tracked.
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Faster than fast
Some moments are unrepeatable. Gone in a fraction of a second, never to come again. Catch them with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III – watching events unfold in real time through its bright, zero-lag optical viewfinder and capture the action at a staggering 16fps*
*Max shooting speed 20fps in live view mode.
Sensational quality in less-than-sensational conditions
We've given the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III a 20.1 megapixel sensor that is more sensitive in low-light conditions (up to ISO 102,400) and captures more dynamic range. It works hand-in-hand with a DIGIC X processor to give you image quality that is simply exceptional – even when conditions are not.
Stay connected, stay competitive
When time is not on your side, and your images need to be with your client as soon as possible, reach for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. Its advanced connectivity talks to pitch-side ethernet cables, stadium Wi-Fi networks, smart devices and laptops, letting you edit browse and transmit in a flash – or even send images straight to your clients as you shoot.
A formidable film making machine
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is a no compromises filmmaking machine that uses technology from our Cinema EOS range to deliver exceptional results. It's an ideal tool for journalists, documentary makers and anyone who's serious about professional video.
Reliable performance, wherever you are
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is designed to feel like an extension of your creative soul – as close to invisible as a camera can be. Controls fall instinctively and instantly under thumbs and fingers and a new Smart Controller lets you select focus points quickly and instinctively.