Canon EOS 1D Mark III - Digital Camera SLR, EOS-1D MARK III User Manual

C

THE CANON EOS-1D
MARK III CAMERA:

EOS REBORN

WHITE PAPER

Table of Contents I. OVERVIEW 4

II. SUMMARY OF NEW AND IMPROVED FEATURES 7

III. IMAGE QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS 9

New 10.1 Megapixel Sensor 9
Dual DIGIC III Image Processors 11
Noise Reduction 12
Highlight Tone Priority 12
New sRAW Image Size 13

IV. EOS INTEGRATED CLEANING SYSTEM 14

Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit 14
Dust Delete Data 15

V. INCOMPARABLE EOS AUTOFOCUS, NOW EVEN BETTER 16

AF System 16
AF Unit 18
AF Start Button 19
AF Point Selection 19
Focusing Computation 19
AI Servo AF 20
Automatic AF Point Selection 21
AF Point Expansion 21
AF Micro-adjustment 21
Speedlite Compatibility 22

VI. LIVE VIEW MODE 23

Camera Live View Mode 23
Remote Live View Mode 24
Focusing 24
Metering and Exposure 24
Function Settings 25
Info Display 26
Shooting Sequence 26
Thermal Issues 27

VII. IMAGE RECORDING AND STORAGE 28

Recording Methods 28
External Recording Media 28
Data Safety when Compartment Cover is Opened 28
In-Camera File Copying & Naming Options 29

VIII.ROCK SOLID RELIABILITY 31

Improved Body Design and Construction 31
Dimensions and Weight 32
Mechanical Components 32

Electronic Components 33
RoHS Compatibility 33
Shutter 34
Silent Mode 34
10 fps 35
Metering and Exposure Control 35
Safety Shift 36
Interface 37
Power 37

IX. CONTROL AND DISPLAY 40

Ease of Operation 40
LCD Display Panels 41
LCD Monitor 41
Viewfinder 42
Menu Functions 44
Playback and Display Options 45
White Balance 47
Custom Functions 47
Saving and Registering Settings 51
My Menu 52
Picture Style 52
Camera Direct Functions 52

X. SOFTWARE PACKAGE, COMPATIBILITY AND ACCESSORIES 54

Software: EOS DIGITAL Solution Disk, Version 14 54
Dedicated Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2A 55
Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 56
Canon EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens 56
Canon EOS System Compatibility 58

XI. SPECIFICATIONS 59

XII. CONCLUSION 63

Contents ©2007 by Canon U.S.A., Inc. All Rights Reserved. Excerpts from this material may be quoted in

published product reviews and articles. For further information, please contact Canon U.S.A., Inc. Public Relations Dept.,

[phone].

I. OVERVIEW 4

Professional photographers know what they want in a camera. Above all, the camera
must be dependable—able to come through in shooting situations that are far less than
ideal… even in harsh environmental and handling conditions. The camera must be
responsive—reacting instantly to the photographer’s input… able to capture, within a
heartbeat, the image in the mind’s eye. It must provide a sophisticated feature set that
makes it versatile and adaptable and, yet, does not compromise operability. And, of course,
it must deliver image quality beyond reproach—which, in the digital era, means not only
noise-free detail, richness of color, and depth of tone, but also sufficient data density to
satisfy the widest range of output applications. Today, there is one Digital Single-Lens­Reflex (DSLR) camera that meets these criteria as no other: the Canon EOS-1D Mark III.
Redesigned and re-engineered from the ground up, Canon’s newest flagship EOS is
destined to become the next "must have" DSLR for professionals.

At a blazing 10 frames per second (fps), the 10.1-megapixel Canon EOS-1D Mark III is
the world’s fastest DSLR camera (as of February 2007). It is nearly 20% faster than the

8.5 fps EOS-1D Mark II N that it replaces, and it is crushingly faster than anything else
with comparable resolution. While this speed will make great headlines, it is but a small
part of the repertoire of a stunning machine that sets new benchmarks in virtually every
category of professional DSLR performance and then creates new categories where pro
DSLR cameras have never gone. The sum is a camera that is the epitome of professional
excellence in every respect. It will go everywhere, do everything and appeal to (almost)
everyone.

The EOS-1D Mark III is the product of a “reset to zero” design program. As the newest
camera in Canon’s 1-series, it inherits a legacy of strength, reliability, control, flexibility
and image quality that is second to none in the world of photography. When planning
for it began, Canon was in the enviable position of being able to identify every possible
aspect of professional DSLR performance that could be improved in some way. They
relied on their legendary manufacturing expertise to bring the new ideas to fruition.

The EOS-1D Mark III uses a new, 10.1-megapixel image sensor, designed and manufactured
by Canon on semiconductor manufacturing equipment that is also designed, manufactured
and maintained by Canon. The sensor uses Canon’s proprietary CMOS technology with
several significant advances. Canon has managed to increase the proportion of each
pixel that is sensitive to light, called the fill factor. For any given pixel size, the greater
the fill factor, the more light each pixel can capture, resulting in better color and less noise.
Needless to say, this is not off-the-shelf technology.

I. OVERVIEW

I. OVERVIEW 5

Canon has also found a way to reconfigure the microlenses that distribute light to individual
pixels. The spaces between them are smaller and the way light strikes the sensor is more
intelligent. The result is that less light is lost, again improving image quality. Some of the
benefit of this sophistication can be found in the new ISO range of the EOS-1D Mark III,
100 to 3200 with extensions to 50 and 6400, the last figure unimaginable in a DSLR
until now. Photographers will be amazed when they discover the high quality and low
noise of ISOs 3200 and 6400 on the 1D Mark III.

The beautiful signal from the sensor is sent via a very fast 8-channel readout to two new
DIGIC III imaging engines. In the past, one such device has always sufficed, but with the
EOS-1D Mark III, there was to be no compromise of either speed or image quality. The
Dual DIGIC III Image Processors perform parallel processing, common nowadays in serious
computers but unique among cameras, to speed through information. Their workload is
increased by the fact that the new sensor captures 14-bit depth color rather than 12.
The result, particularly because the 1D Mark III has the horsepower to handle these files,
is exquisite gradation, 16,384 levels per color rather than 4,096 at 12 bits. Even when
JPEGs (at 8 bits) are created, they are made from a superior file and the difference can be
seen. Prints made from 1D Mark III files are spectacular.

The dual processors make themselves known, too, in the burst performance of the
EOS-1D Mark III. Large size JPEGs at compression level 8 (of 10) can be fired in barrages
of 110 frames (at 10 frames per second with 10.1-megapixel files). RAW images can be
shot in bursts of 30. Paparazzi of the world, your new camera has arrived.

Canon has been an acknowledged leader in autofocus technology for many years. The
EOS-1D Mark III project presented Canon engineers with the opportunity to perform a
complete reconsideration of professional autofocus. The result is an entirely new Area
AF sensor that has 19 high-precision, cross-type AF points and 26 assist AF points. The
cross-type points are spread out, reaching even the extreme edges of the Area AF coverage
area. The logic of AF point selection has been reconsidered, too. Any of the cross-type
points can be manually selected, and they can be sorted into an outer group and an
inner group so you don’t have to cycle through 45 AF points any more to get to the one
you want to use. Micro adjustment of autofocusing accuracy is now possible, something
many pros didn’t even know they could wish for, but which they will adopt with great
enthusiasm. Even focus-tracking sensitivity is now adjustable.

Have you ever put your camera in a spot where it was hard to look through the finder?
Too high? Too low? Edge of a precipice? In the rafters at Madison Square Garden or on the
inside railing at Churchill Downs? Canon has the answer: a professional Live View system,
usable with camera only (you can see what the lens sees on the new, large 3.0-inch LCD
monitor), or by remote control, either with a wire from the camera to a computer (in a
studio, perhaps) or wirelessly with the new WFT-E2A Dedicated Wireless File Transmitter.
When a computer is involved, the newly updated EOS Utility 2.0 software (included with
the camera) takes care of just about everything—virtually real-time viewing, focusing,
exposure, composition, firing—the lot.

I. OVERVIEW 6

There’s much, much more: a professional, fully-integrated cleaning system, a new shutter
rated at 300,000 cycles, highlight tone priority, safety shift, a completely revised and
simplified set of controls and menus, a new recording format, a silent mode, a new
magnesium alloy mirror box, an intelligent new lightweight and compact battery… and
that’s not all. And, we can’t forget to talk about the value propositions that the EOS-1D
Mark III represents. The text that follows will tell you all about them.

1

Actual selling prices are set by dealers and may vary.

II. SUMMARY OF NEW AND IMPROVED FEATURES 7

• World's fastest AF DSLR with approximately 10 fps continuous shooting in
One-Shot AF or AI Servo AF

• Maximum burst (JPEG Large, compression level 8) approximately 110 shots; RAW,
approximately 30 shots (based on Canon’s testing standards)

• Dual DIGIC III Image Processors for fine detail, natural color reproduction and
high-speed performance

• ISO 100-3200 with ISO speed extension, L = 50, H = 6400

• 14-bit A/D conversion for fine gradation

• Live View in camera and remote, wired and wireless

• New 45-point Area AF sensor with 19 high-precision, cross-type points
(f/2.8 compatible), 26 standard-precision Assist AF points

• New AF point selection methods

• AF micro-adjustment (fine adjustment of AF point of focus)

• Adjustable operation characteristics for AF point selection, shutter release priority
and focus-tracking sensitivity with AI Servo AF

• New methods of AF point expansion during manual AF point selection

• New 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, APS-H size

• Improved microlens array and pixel fill factor plus optimized photodiode structure
to increase light-reception efficiency

• Professional EOS Integrated Cleaning System with Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit,
Dust Delete Data acquisition

• RAW, sRAW (new Small RAW), RAW+JPEG, sRAW+JPEG, JPEG+JPEG simultaneous recording

• Increased shutter durability of approximately 300,000 cycles

• Large and bright 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels and wide viewing angle

• Five custom WB settings

• Selectable noise reduction for high ISO images, 50% less shadow noise for all images

• Selectable Highlight Tone Priority

• High-speed shutter with 1/8000 sec. maximum speed and high-speed X-sync at
1/300 sec. with EX Speedlites

• Startup time approx. 0.2 sec.

• Shutter release time lag approx. 55 ms. (approximately 40 ms. at maximum aperture
with C. Fn IV -13-1) and viewfinder blackout time 80 ms. at 1/250 or higher

• Compatible with SDHC (SD High-Capacity) memory cards as well as high capacity
CF cards

• Compatible with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed image transfer

• Faster writing to memory card

• High-magnification, wide-coverage viewfinder and improved focusing screen with
100% finder coverage

• 63-zone metering sensor for more stable exposure control with ambient light and flash

II. SUMMARY OF NEW AND

IMPROVED FEATURES

II. SUMMARY OF NEW AND IMPROVED FEATURES 8

• High-capacity, lightweight and compact lithium-ion battery with estimated
battery life display

• Enhanced recording options include automatic switching of recording media,
separate recordings to media and identical recordings to multiple media

• Silent mode for single images

• Image copying and backup to external media enabled

• ISO speed safety shift

• ISO speed and metering pattern always displayed in viewfinder and on top LCD
data panel

• New control layout with SET button, AF On button and Multi-Controller

• Displayable camera settings and better image information during playback

• Histogram display, jump display, error code display, and shooting settings display

• Chassis, mirror box, and exterior covers made of magnesium alloy

• Maintains water resistance with new 580EX II Speedlite

• Personal Functions consolidated with Custom Functions, resulting in 57 Custom
Functions in 4 groups

• Custom Function settings can be registered and called up

• Camera settings can be saved and read

• Camera's basic settings can be registered and applied

• New “My Menu” function can be registered and displayed at startup

• Camera direct printing (PictBridge) improved and DPOF print ordering provided

• Direct printing of RAW and sRAW images

• Direct image transfer

• Wireless/wired LAN for image transfers via new WFT-E2A dedicated Wireless
File Transmitter

• External USB recording media and GPS unit usable via the WFT-E2A

• Verification data can be generated, encrypted and appended to the image with new
Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3

• Compatible with original image verification system

• Speedlite Custom Functions settable with the camera when the 580EX II Speedlite
is attached

• New software package includes Digital Photo Professional 3.0 and EOS Utility 2.0

• New EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM lens features improved peripheral image quality

2

Actual price set by dealers and may vary.

III. IMAGE QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS 9

New 10.1 Megapixel

Sensor

Image quality improvements over the EOS-1D Mark II N are as follows:

• Higher resolution with 10.10 megapixels versus 8.2

• Improved gradation with 14-bit A/D conversion and DIGIC III

• ISO 3200 now within the standard ISO setting range, thanks to an improved sensor
signal-to-noise ratio and DIGIC III

• Noise reduction provided for high ISO speeds (C. Fn II -2-1)

• Noise prone to occur at high ISO speeds is reduced

• At low ISO speeds, noise in the shadow areas is further reduced

• Priority for highlight detail can be set (C. Fn II -3-1)

• Image detail from the grays to highlights is improved and loss of highlight detail
is reduced

The EOS-1D Mark III’s new, Canon-designed and
manufactured, APS-H-size, CMOS single-plate
sensor advances the state of the art in professional
DSLR sensor design. APS-H is the largest sensor
that can be imaged in one pass using cutting edge
semiconductor manufacturing technology. The
imaging area of the new CMOS sensor measures

28.1 x 18.7mm, appreciably larger than APS-C and

about the same size as the sensors in the
EOS-1D Mark II and Mark II N.
The lens magnification factor is 1.3x. Shadow noise at all comparable ISO speed settings
is 50% less than with the EOS-1D Mark II N. The sensor features high-speed signal reading
(approx. 10 fps), low power consumption, and Live View shooting.

III. IMAGE QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS

(Actual Size)

28.1mm

18.7mm

Combining the superb image capture capabilities of the new sensor with advanced Dual
DIGIC III Image Processors, the EOS-1D Mark III offers the widest ISO range of any DSLR in
the world (as of February 2007). The standard range of 100–3200 can be extended to a
remarkable 50–6400.* More important, the low-noise performance at high ISO settings
makes the entire range usable in real-world shooting situations.

* CIPA standard output sensitivity. Recommended exposure index.

The EOS-1D Mark III sensor has 10.1 effective megapixels, a 25% increase over the 8.2
megapixels of the EOS-1D Mark II. Individual pixel size on the 1D Mark III’s sensor is 7.2µm,
the same size as the pixels of the EOS-1Ds Mark II.

Although the pixel size of the 1D Mark III is 1 micron smaller than the pixel size of the
EOS-1D Mark II and Mark II N, the photodiode size of both sensors is the same, thanks to
the optimized photodiode construction and more sophisticated processing of the 1D Mark III.

By optimizing the gap between the on-chip microlenses and improving the fill factor
(photodiode area divided by total pixel size) of each pixel, light-gathering efficiency has
been improved. Also, by optimizing the photodiode's structure, light-reception efficiency
has been improved. Additionally, the second-generation, on-chip noise removal circuit and
the noise reduction technology explained below combine to remove noise effectively.
This has enabled the EOS-1D Mark III to be the first EOS DSLR camera to have ISO 3200
as part of its standard ISO speed range. Dynamic range at low ISO speeds is about the
same with the 1D Mark III as it is with the EOS-1D Mark II and Mark II N despite the
1D Mark III’s increased resolution.
A second-generation, on-chip, noise-reduction circuit is provided. To achieve even less

III. IMAGE QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS 10

Pixels Size and ISO Speed

Camera

EOS-1D Mark III
EOS-1D Mark II

N

8.2 x 8.2

EOS-1Ds Mark II

7.2 x 7.2

100-3200, L(50), H(6400)

100-1600, L(50), H(3200)

100-1600, L(50), H(3200)

100-1600, L(50), H(3200)

100-1600, H(3200)

100-1600

EOS 5D

8.2 x 8.2

EOS 30D

6.4 x 6.4

EOS Digital Rebel XTi

5.7 x 5.7

ISO Speed

7.2 x 7.2

Pixels Size

EOS-1D Mark III

EOS-1D Mark II N/1Ds Mark II/5D

Photo diode area

Gap between microlenses

Circuit area

Pixel Size

Pixel Size

Photo diode area Pixel pitch

EOS-1Ds Mark II (7.2 x 7.2mm)EOS-1D Mark III (7.2 x 7.2mm)

Photo diode

EOS-1D Mark III

(7.2 x 7.2mm)

EOS-1D Mark II N

(8.2 x 8.2mm)

III. IMAGE QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS 11

Dual DIGIC III Image

Processors

noise, the EOS-1D Mark III has a new feed-through output amp that attains both high
speed and low noise. Low noise is also achieved with an improved manufacturing process,
an optimized pixel amp and an optimized reading circuit.

As with the EOS-1D Mark II N, single-line, 8-channel reading is
employed. With a faster output amp and optimized read circuit,
a continuous shooting speed of approximately 10 fps is attained.

To minimize the higher power consumption required by the faster
signal reading, the output amp's power consumption has been reduced. Also, as in the
EOS-1D Mark II N, during long exposures, power to the output amp is turned off and the
standard current driving the circuit is also cut off to save power. In addition, during Live
View shooting, the power distribution for the signal-reading operation is optimized for
more pinpoint power-saving control.

Previously, in front of the sensor, there was an infrared-absorption glass integrated with
a three-layer, optical crystal plate for point image separation. However, for the Self
Cleaning Sensor Unit, the infrared-absorption glass is now separate from the three-layer,
optical crystal plate. This makes the dust-shaking plate lighter, saving power and
making it easier to control.

The infrared filter has a hybrid construction; it has an infrared­absorption glass with multiple coatings to reflect infrared and
ultraviolet rays, the same construction found in EOS-1D series
cameras. It effectively reduces red fringing and color casts caused
by reflections of the sensor surface. The low-pass filter for point
image separation has a phase plate (which converts linear polar­ization to circular polarization) sandwiched by two single crystal
plates. It is optimized for the sensor pitch so the light flux is
separated into the horizontal and vertical directions and the fine
horizontal- and vertical-line patterns are cleanly separated,
effectively reducing color artifacts such as moiré.

DIGIC II, a high-performance imaging engine that has been used since the EOS-1D Mark II
in 2004, has been a major feature of Canon digital cameras because of its very fine image
detail, natural color reproduction and high-speed signal processing. DIGIC III retains the
DIGIC II's basic concept and improves upon it with higher performance and faster speed.
To cope with the voluminous signal processing required by the EOS-1D Mark III’s 10.10
megapixels and top continuous shooting speed of 10 fps, Dual DIGIC III Image Processors
are incorporated for parallel signal processing. The CMOS sensor reads out to the dual
DIGIC III Image Processors simultaneously in 8 channels.

Dichroic mirror
(Reflects infrared rays)

Infrared-absorbing glass

CMOS
sensor

Low-pass filter
(Separates image in vertical direction)

Phaser layer
(Converts linear polarized
light into circular polarized light)

Low-pass filter
(Separates image in horizontal direction)

Time

III. IMAGE QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS 12

Noise Reduction

Hilight Tone Priority

By having 2 processors handle the workload, image processing is now approximately

1.5x faster; Compact Flash™ access speed is now 1.3x faster, and SD card access is

now 2x faster compared to the EOS-1D Mark II N. The extra power of Dual DIGIC III Image
Processors has also allowed analog-to-digital conversion to improve from 12 to 14 bits
per channel, meaning that tonal gradation for RAW images is now divided into 16,384
separate levels per channel rather than 4,096. When saved as a 16-bit TIFF image, the
image retains the full range of tones obtained with 14 bits. Also, JPEG images, at 8 bits
per color, are generated from the 14-bit data. Tonal skipping is thereby reduced
substantially, improving gradation and overall image quality.

Noise reduction for long exposures is equivalent to that on the EOS-1D Mark II N. When
[C. Fn II-1; 1: Auto] is set, 1 sec. and longer exposures will undergo noise reduction
automatically, depending on the amount of noise detected in the image data. If [C. Fn II-1;
2: On] is set, all 1 sec. and longer exposures will undergo noise reduction.

Now, noise reduction for pictures taken at a high ISO speed is provided via [C. Fn II-2].
Although this feature works at all ISO speeds, it is especially effective for high ISO speeds.
At low ISO speeds, noise reduction is not really necessary. However, applying noise
reduction can reduce noise within shadow areas taken under low light.

This new feature extends the dynamic range of highlights by about one stop and improves
gradation within highlight areas. By expanding the range from the correct exposure level
(18% gray) to the maximum allowable highlight level, the gradation from the grays to
the highlights becomes smoother and loss in highlight detail is minimized. If [C.Fn II-3;
1: Enable] is set, the settable ISO speed range will be ISO 200- 3200. The display will
show "2oo" with the zeros in smaller characters. Depending on shooting conditions,
noise in the shadow areas may increase slightly.

Highlight Tone Priority: OFF

Highlight Tone Priority: ON

Image-processing Sequence Diagram

10M

CMOS

14-bit A/D
conversion

Front-end

processing

circuit

DDR

SDRAM

Dual

"DIGIC III"

CF card
SD card

III. IMAGE QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS 13

New sRAW Image Size In addition to RAW, JPEG Large, Medium 1, Medium 2, and Small, the EOS-1D Mark III

features a new image size, sRAW or Small RAW. sRAW images have approximately
one-fourth the pixel count, 2.5 megapixels, and approximately half the file size of RAW
images. Just like regular RAW images, sRAW images can be adjusted and processed with
the provided software. The feature is expected to appeal to wedding photographers, for
example, who do not need full resolution for wedding candids but who do need the
postproduction control RAW offers.

Image-recording Pixels

Image-recording Quality

Large

Medium 1 3,456 x 2,304 approx. 8.0 Megapixels

Medium 2 2,816 x 1,880 approx. 5.3 Megapixels

JPEG

Small 1,936 x 1,288 approx. 2.5 Megapixels

RAW 3,888 x 2,592 approx. 10.1 Megapixels

sRAW 1,936 x 1,288 approx. 2.5 Megapixels

Lossle ss

RAW

Image Type

3,888 x 2,592 approx. 10.1 Megapixels

Pixels

The EOS-1D Mark III incorporates the EOS Integrated Sensor Cleaning System, which is
a complete anti-dust system. It suppresses dust generation and dust adhering to the
sensor, removes dust and makes any remaining dust less noticeable.

• The shutter has been improved to generate less dust

• The body cap has also been improved to generate less dust

• The low-pass filter's anti-static charge surface prevents
attracting dust due to static charge

• The sensor unit is self-cleaning

• Dust Delete Data is obtained and appended to images.

• Manual cleaning of the imaging sensor is still an option

The new, compact Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the APS-H size imaging sensor has been
designed for the EOS-1D Mark III and is different from the EOS Digital Rebel XTi/400D
Digital's unit. (The Dust Delete Data specifications are the same as with the EOS Digital
Rebel XTi/400D Digital.) On the front infrared-absorption glass, two thin, single-layer
piezo-electric elements are attached. By applying ultrasonic vibration to the infrared­absorption glass, the adhering dust is shaken off. The removed dust particles are stuck
onto absorbent material around the infrared-absorption glass. Also, to prevent dust
from entering the sensor unit, the assembly is secured with sealing material around the
perimeter. Another camera maker vibrates an extra glass plate dedicated to dust removal.
Because the EOS-1D Mark III vibrates the infrared-absorption glass directly, the optical
performance is not degraded by an extra layer of glass and the unit can be kept compact.
The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit can therefore be incorporated in a conventional size body.

Operation timing is either auto or manual. The default setting has the unit operating for
about 3.5 sec. whenever you turn the power switch ON or OFF. While the unit is operating,
the LCD monitor displays a logo indicating that sensor cleaning is being executed. If the
menu is set to [Auto cleaning: Disable], the auto cleaning is not executed.

IV. EOS INTEGRATED CLEANING SYSTEM 14

Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit

IV. EOS INTEGRATED CLEANING

SYSTEM

Sealing material

Infrared-absorption glass

CMOS sensor

Low-pass filter

Piezoelectric element

Support material

IV. EOS INTEGRATED CLEANING SYSTEM 15

Dust Delete Data

When the menu is set to [Clean now], you can clean the sensor whenever you wish.
It takes about 4 sec. During the cleaning, ultrasonic vibration is applied to the infrared­absorption glass and the shutter is cocked three times so that the dust falls off the
infrared-absorption glass and any dust resettling on the shutter curtains is also shaken
off. During sensor cleaning, whether started automatically or manually, pressing the
shutter button halfway or pressing the Menu button will immediately terminate the
cleaning and the camera will be ready to shoot. Because the unit has very low power
consumption, cleanings do not significantly affect the number of possible shots, even
if the default Auto setting is selected.

To prevent the piezo-electric elements from overheating and to ensure proper cleaning,
the unit cannot operate again within 3 sec. of finishing operation. Also, if the unit operates
five times successively at intervals shorter than 10 sec., it will not operate again for 10 sec.
During the stoppage, the [Clean now] menu option cannot be selected.

The position of dust particles adhering to the infrared absorption glass can be detected
and acquired as Dust Delete Data. This data is appended to the image data. The informa­tion is used by Digital Photo Professional (DPP) 3.0 to erase the dust spots on the image.
When you select the [Dust Delete Data] menu, the unit will first execute the cleaning
operation automatically. Then you can photograph a plain, white subject at infinity.
The Dust Delete Data will thereby be obtained. It is preferable that you shoot in the
aperture-priority AE mode at f/22. This same Dust Delete Data will then be appended
to images until it is updated again. If you change lenses, you should obtain the Dust
Delete Data again for best results. DPP erases the dust spots on the image by detecting
the position of the dust spots based on the appended Dust Delete Data. It will then
erase the dust spot only if it deems that doing so will be effective. If the [Clear all camera
settings] menu command is selected, all the camera settings will be cleared and the
Dust Delete Data will also be cleared.

V. INCOMPARABLE EOS AUTOFOCUS, NOW EVEN BETTER 16

AF System Canon EOS-1 series cameras are legendary for their superior autofocus ability. Many

professional photographers rate Canon’s autofocus as one of the main reasons that they
use Canon equipment. The new autofocus system of the EOS-1D Mark III represents a
complete reconsideration of professional autofocus. In addition to a new sensor chip,
sophisticated new manufacturing technologies have made it possible to reconfigure the
concave submirror and the very clever secondary image formation lens. The result is
greater sensitivity, easier and more logical navigation, higher precision and significantly
better real-world performance.

In the 45-point AF system used by such cameras as the EOS-1v, 1D, 1Ds, 1D Mark II,
1Ds Mark II and 1D Mark II N, there are 7 cross-type, high-precision sensors grouped
around the center of the frame. Any of the 45 points could be selected by navigating
around the frame. This is the configuration of the previous 45-point AF array:

Here is the new
AF point layout:

Note that the 19 high-precision, cross-type points are no longer clustered solely in the
center of the frame. The 26 Assist AF points are horizontal-line sensitive at f/5.6, are not
user selectable, and operate not only in AI Servo AF mode, but in One-Shot AF as well
(C. Fn III-8, 1/2). The Assist AF points achieving focus light up with the super-imposed
display (SI).

The EOS-1D Mark III features higher precision AF with the 19 user-selectable, cross-type
AF points and improved lowlight AF performance. Also, to attain AI Servo AF for 10 fps,
the focus computing is faster and an AF adjustment option function is provided. The AF
sensor, AF algorithm, and AF-related electronic circuitry have been newly designed
especially for the 1D Mark III. Because of improved computing performance and faster
reading from the sensor, the AF speed, predictive AF performance, and matching accuracy
of the target subject are all the same as with the EOS-1D Mark II N despite the 10 fps
continuous shooting speed of the 1D Mark III. Of course, at 8.5 fps, the 1D Mark II N
was no slouch itself.

V. INCOMPARABLE EOS AUTOFOCUS,

NOW EVEN BETTER

Previous 45-point sensor EOS-1D Mark III

: Cross-type AF points

: f/2.8 sensors (Center AF point is f/4)
: f/5.6 sensors

: Assist points

(Not user-selectable)

The 19 cross-type AF points take advantage of the following technologies:

• With finer processing steps, the peripheral circuit could be made smaller and the
f/2.8 AF sensor area could be expanded

• The secondary image-forming lens (see diagram) is glass mold. By incorporating a
newly-developed aspherical surface on the lens, the focusing area of the f/2.8 light
flux could be expanded

As with the EOS-1D Mark II N, the center AF point is a cross-type sensor. It is vertical-line
sensitive with maximum apertures as small as f/4, and horizontal-line sensitive with
maximum apertures as small as f/8. If the maximum aperture of the attached lens or
lens/extender combination is f/4 or faster, high-precision,
cross-type focusing is possible. If the maximum aperture
of the attached lens or lens/extender combination is f/8
or faster, horizontal-line sensitive AF is possible.
Compared with the other 18 cross-type AF points, the
center AF point's focusing line width is larger while the
fill factor for each pixel is larger (f/2.8 field of view).
Also, the number of focusing lines increases along with
the brightness (f/5.6 field of view) to attain higher
pre-cision. Gross defocus is also detected. The camera
can also detect a grossly defocused subject 1.8 times
better than with the EOS-1D Mark II N.

V. INCOMPARABLE EOS AUTOFOCUS, NOW EVEN BETTER 17

Sensor horizontal-line
sensitive at f/5.6

Sensor vertical-line
sensitive at f/2.8

Sensor vertical-line
sensitive at f/2.8

Sensor horizontal-line
sensitive at f/5.6

Previous 45-point sensor

EOS-1D Mark III

Prime lens

Subject

Focusing plane
(Image plane)

CMOS area sensor

Secondary image-forming lens

: Cross-type AF points

: f/2.8 sensors (Center AF point is f/4)
: f/5.6 sensors

2.25

: Assist points

(Not user-selectable)

3.00

6.6

7.50

4.5

4.00

2.00

V. INCOMPARABLE EOS AUTOFOCUS, NOW EVEN BETTER 18

AF Unit

The 18 cross-type AF points other than the center AF point detect vertical lines at f/2.8
and horizontal lines at f/5.6. If the maximum aperture of the lens or lens/extender
combination in use is f/2.8 or larger, high-precision, cross-type focusing is possible.
Also, if the maximum aperture of the lens or lens/extender combination in use is f/5.6
or larger, horizontal-line sensitive AF is possible.

The Assist AF sensors are horizontal-line sensitive at f/5.6.
They have the same focusing detection performance as the
EOS-1D Mark II's AF points (other than that camera’s seven
cross-type sensors). The EOS 5D's Assist AF points operate
only during AI Servo AF when the camera is set for automatic
AF point selection or the center AF point is manually selected and focusing point
expansion is activated. However, with the EOS-1D Mark III, the Assist AF points now also
operate during One-Shot AF when the camera is set for automatic AF point selection, or
when any cross-type focusing point is manually selected and focusing point expansion is
activated. The Assist AF points achieving focus also light up with the SI display. While
the high-precision, cross-type AF points have substantial coverage in the Area AF, the
center AF point can use cross-type focusing with f/4 and faster lenses and still can focus
with f/8 lenses. The AF operation certainly befits an EOS-1D series camera.

For lowlight focusing, to the EOS-1D Mark III is twice as sensitive as the EOS-1D Mark II N.
The CMOS AF sensor's pixel sensitivity has been improved, thanks to improved pixel
characteristics, an improved pixel fill factor due to finer semiconductor manufacturing
processes, and optimized pixel size. As a result, the 1D Mark III’s AF sensitivity has been
improved to EV -1 through EV 18 (at 23°C/73°F, ISO 100).

As with previous EOS cameras, the TTL-SIR (Through-the-Lens Secondary Image Registration)
focusing principle is employed. The light flux passes through the camera lens and passes
through the half mirror at the center of the main mirror. The light flux proceeds downward
by reflecting off the oblong, concave secondary mirror to a fully reflective mirror in the
base of the camera’s mirror chamber. Then it passes through an infrared- absorption
glass, a secondary image-forming lens, and a cover glass before reaching the AF sensor.
The AF unit uses materials having minimal swelling and moisture absorption characteris­tics, and the secondary image-forming lens is made of glass mold highly resistant to
changes in size due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. The AF unit is therefore
very stable.

AF Sensor

Main mirror

Main mirror

Oblong,
secondary mirror

Oblong,

Reflective
mirror

Secondary
image-forming lens

secondary mirror

AF sensor

Reflective
mirror

Infrared­absorption glass

Secondary
image-forming lens

Cover glass

AF sensor

V. INCOMPARABLE EOS AUTOFOCUS, NOW EVEN BETTER 19

AF Start Button

AF Point Selection

Focusing Computation

Also, the secondary image-forming lens is optimized for the f/5.6 and f/2.8 light flux by
having a different surface shape for the respective light flux entering the lens. The top and
bottom light flux is compatible with f/5.6, while the left and right light flux is compatible
with f/2.8. The rear side of the secondary image-forming lens features a newly-developed
aspherical surface compatible with f/2.8 lenses.

The EOS-1D Mark III has a new AF Start (AF-ON) button that
can be used to execute AF and metering. We know that many
pros using the EOS-1D series cameras have set C. Fn 04-1 to
use the AE lock button for AF. The technique is called
"autofocus with your thumb" or “back button focus.”
The 1D Mark III now provides a new AF start button dedicated to AF. Pressing the AF
start button executes AF and metering. C. Fn IV-1,3 (AE lock/metering + AF start) is
equivalent to C. Fn 04-1 in previous cameras.

The AF points can be put to work in several different ways. First, the AF points can be
automatically selected by the camera from among the 45 points. Second, any one of 19
can be selected manually by the user. With C. Fn III -9-1/2, the manually-selectable AF
points can be limited to 9 inner or outer AF points (including the center AF point). The AF
point selection procedure is the same in either case. Press the AF selection button, then
turn the Quick Control Dial or Main Dial to select the desired AF point. Pressing the
Multi-Controller will select the center AF point. With the center AF point selected, pressing
the Multi-Controller will set automatic AF point selection.

As with the EOS-1D Mark II N, two separate CPU processors are used, one for AF processing
(including lens driving) and one for the camera. To attain 10 fps with AI Servo AF, the AF
CPU and camera CPU are both the latest microcomputers (AF CPU: 48 MHz, 32-bit RISC;
Camera CPU: 40 MHz, 32-bit RISC). The computing speed is 3 times faster than the
1D Mark II N's CPUs.

C.Fn III -9-0: 19 points C.Fn III -9-1: 9 points (Inner) C.Fn III -9-2: 9 points (Outer)

Automatic selection

Main DialQuick Control Dial

Automatic selection

Automatic selection

Automatic selection

Automatic selection

Automatic selection