dehowie wrote:
What Pixel said..
The accuracy when shooting with a 1.2 lens at 1.2 is a marked noticeable improvement.
You may not notice it at 5.6/7.1 or 8 but shoot at 1.2 and tell me the Mk3 isnt light years ahead of the Mk2 for accuracy.
That alone stands them part by some distance.
The advances on the Mk3 to me relate to everything other than IQ and there is still a slight improvement to consider there.
Try taking a 50/1.2 on he street shooting moving targets at night with your Mk2..im sure you will get a few but i guarantee you will get a huge pile more with the Mk3....Show more →
It's not so shocking to me that Mk3 is substantially better. The good technology finally trickled down to non-1D bodies after long years. Canon had a great AF system that was better than 5D2 AF already a decade before 5D2 was marketed, but the market segmentation kept it away from anyone but 1D crowd.
Now, thanks to competition a mature AF crossed the 1D barbwire marketing fence.
form wrote:
I am finding only two decent benefits to the 5d3: The shutter has a quiet mode and the autofocus is generally more accurate with outer points as long as the light allows them to actually lock onto something. I suppose it may also lock center point in one-shot mode on slightly darker subjects than the 5d2, but this is debatable...
The focus system is NOT magically a lot better than the 5d2. It's better of course, with outer cross-type points, but it isn't worlds better. I remember reading some people calling it a "mature product" and I guess that could be said for it...mostly because it hasn't improved all that much on the last iteration.
Incidentally, this is coming from a wedding photographer. I've used it for two weddings now and it has been used for fairly high demand situations, e.g. nighttime reception outdoors with very little available light (had to use flash focus assist to lock onto anything), moving subjects, static subjects, daylight tracking and locking......Show more →
You must've fallen down, and hit your head.
5D3 is noticeably better. You can tell yourself whatever you have to, to justify you buying or not buying one, but it's a lot better.
It's better in good light for outer point accuracy...but I'm really not noticing much difference/improvement with center point in good light. In low light, it hunts in AI servo just like the 5d2, and it locks just the same with center point using a 580EX AF assist for One Shot...and somewhat better than 5d2 with outer points in the same situation. But the outer point hit rate is not 100% or close with the AF assist lamp by any means.
I never said the 5d3's AF was NO better at all. It is better, but the difference isn't that big. Somewhat incremental: I can use outer points for more situations now, but definitely not all situations I run into on a regular basis at weddings. Center point I can use similarly...but I didn't exactly buy the upgrade to use center point all the time.
As for the person who mentioned someone buying the 5d3 because it was the only current option reasonable for the purpose...that's why I bought it. I didn't buy it because I was impressed with the spec list, noise performance, or any other reason except that I wanted to have more AF usability of outer points and better tracking for moving subjects. Therefore, it's going to be the feature I'm pickiest about when I consider the camera's performance. Other stuff...to me, is about the same.
In fact, years of framing 5d2-style actually is leading me to tend to crop a little too tightly with the 5d3...since it's 100% VF coverage. I have to be careful of that.
form wrote:
It's better in good light for outer point accuracy...but I'm really not noticing much difference/improvement with center point in good light. In low light, it hunts in AI servo just like the 5d2, and it locks just the same with center point using a 580EX AF assist for One Shot...and somewhat better than 5d2 with outer points in the same situation. But the outer point hit rate is not 100% or close with the AF assist lamp by any means.
I never said the 5d3's AF was NO better at all. It is better, but the difference isn't that big. Somewhat incremental: I can use outer points for more situations now, but definitely not all situations I run into on a regular basis at weddings. Center point I can use similarly...but I didn't exactly buy the upgrade to use center point all the time....Show more →
But are you using it right to begin with? With the 5d3 I typically do one of two things, either zone focus on the face or if that fails, spot focus on the eye. Zone focus on the face is quick, it doesn't require lining anything up and works 80% of the time, or more. Spot focus over the eye generally takes no longer than using an outer point on the 5d2, only you have more points to choose from and it works much better (in this mode I will turn off the non-cross points).
I couldn't do either one of these with the 5d2, it didn't have zone focus or spot focus. Maybe the reason it's not much better than the 5d2 is because you're only trying to use it like the 5d2.
Also I've never had problems with focus in low light but then all my lenses are f/2.8 or better.
form wrote:
It's better in good light for outer point accuracy...but I'm really not noticing much difference/improvement with center point in good light. In low light, it hunts in AI servo just like the 5d2, and it locks just the same with center point using a 580EX AF assist for One Shot...and somewhat better than 5d2 with outer points in the same situation. But the outer point hit rate is not 100% or close with the AF assist lamp by any means.
I never said the 5d3's AF was NO better at all. It is better, but the difference isn't that big. Somewhat incremental: I can use outer points for more situations now, but definitely not all situations I run into on a regular basis at weddings. Center point I can use similarly...but I didn't exactly buy the upgrade to use center point all the time. ...Show more →
Something is wrong with your 5d3 or what you're doing. The outer cross type points are as accurate as the 5d2's centre point in good and poor light at weddings.
As noted, your experience is different to pretty much everyone elses. And no it's not perfect, but it's noticeably better than the 5d2 at nearly everything.
Anyway I'm going to leave it here 'cos 7 pages in we've not got anywhere. You're still making statements which contradict what everyone else knows to be the case and you still think you're right and everyone else is wrong. So it's a waste of time talking about it.
The 5d2 and 5d3 focus systems are not close. Period.
And no, Canon didn't give me any drugs. I'm just very pleased with the accuracy I've got. That said, my assistant got a lot of out of focus errors when he switched from Nikon to Canon. Maybe it really is that you're doing it wrong, as he was.
PhilDrinkwater wrote:
Something is wrong with your 5d3 or what you're doing. The outer cross type points are as accurate as the 5d2's centre point in good and poor light at weddings.
As noted, your experience is different to pretty much everyone elses. And no it's not perfect, but it's noticeably better than the 5d2 at nearly everything.
Anyway I'm going to leave it here 'cos 7 pages in we've not got anywhere. You're still making statements which contradict what everyone else knows to be the case and you still think you're right and everyone else is wrong. So it's a waste of time talking about it.
The 5d2 and 5d3 focus systems are not close. Period.
And no, Canon didn't give me any drugs. I'm just very pleased with the accuracy I've got. That said, my assistant got a lot of out of focus errors when he switched from Nikon to Canon. Maybe it really is that you're doing it wrong, as he was....Show more →
PhilDrinkwater wrote:
form wrote:
It's better in good light for outer point accuracy...but I'm really not noticing much difference/improvement with center point in good light. In low light, it hunts in AI servo just like the 5d2, and it locks just the same with center point using a 580EX AF assist for One Shot...and somewhat better than 5d2 with outer points in the same situation. But the outer point hit rate is not 100% or close with the AF assist lamp by any means.
I never said the 5d3's AF was NO better at all. It is better, but the difference isn't that big. Somewhat incremental: I can use outer points for more situations now, but definitely not all situations I run into on a regular basis at weddings. Center point I can use similarly...but I didn't exactly buy the upgrade to use center point all the time.
Something is wrong with your 5d3 or what you're doing. The outer cross type points are as accurate as the 5d2's centre point in good and poor light at weddings.
As noted, your experience is different to pretty much everyone elses. And no it's not perfect, but it's noticeably better than the 5d2 at nearly everything.
Anyway I'm going to leave it here 'cos 7 pages in we've not got anywhere. You're still making statements which contradict what everyone else knows to be the case and you still think you're right and everyone else is wrong. So it's a waste of time talking about it.
The 5d2 and 5d3 focus systems are not close. Period.
And no, Canon didn't give me any drugs. I'm just very pleased with the accuracy I've got. That said, my assistant got a lot of out of focus errors when he switched from Nikon to Canon. Maybe it really is that you're doing it wrong, as he was. ...Show more →
Adding my voice to the chorus in favor of the 5DIII AF being amazing. With the 24-70L II it's like magic. They've tightened up tolerances somehow with that lens (and probably other newer lenses too) to where it's super accurate on the 5DIII. But the 5DIII also focuses all of my other lenses better too. 35L, 85L II, 135L; center point, outer cross-type points... it's phenomenally accurate. That doesn't mean it never misses or never gets confused by strong backlighting, etc., but it's so much better than previous iterations it's not even funny. In low light the center point is a bit better but the outer points are worlds better--where they were previously unusable they are now very good if not quite up to the level of the center point. The center point has double cross-type AF so naturally it's the best.
If you're buying the 5DIII for its AF and are using it to its fullest (use only cross-type AF points) I can't see how you could possibly be disappointed in it unless the camera is defective or not calibrated. Its AF is astoundingly good. There are still differences in how the different AF modes behave so you have to get to know your camera and its capabilities, but once that's dialed in you're probably not going to find anything better than it on any make or model short of a 1DX.
form wrote:
It's better in good light for outer point accuracy...but I'm really not noticing much difference/improvement with center point in good light. In low light, it hunts in AI servo just like the 5d2, and it locks just the same with center point using a 580EX AF assist for One Shot...and somewhat better than 5d2 with outer points in the same situation. But the outer point hit rate is not 100% or close with the AF assist lamp by any means.
I never said the 5d3's AF was NO better at all. It is better, but the difference isn't that big. Somewhat incremental: I can use outer points for more situations now, but definitely not all situations I run into on a regular basis at weddings. Center point I can use similarly...but I didn't exactly buy the upgrade to use center point all the time.
As for the person who mentioned someone buying the 5d3 because it was the only current option reasonable for the purpose...that's why I bought it. I didn't buy it because I was impressed with the spec list, noise performance, or any other reason except that I wanted to have more AF usability of outer points and better tracking for moving subjects. Therefore, it's going to be the feature I'm pickiest about when I consider the camera's performance. Other stuff...to me, is about the same.
In fact, years of framing 5d2-style actually is leading me to tend to crop a little too tightly with the 5d3...since it's 100% VF coverage. I have to be careful of that....Show more →
I think you need to start from scratch to make the most of the features the 5D3 offers (customize it to suit your particular style). It seems you're thinking about the 5D2 while you're using it and that's not the fault of the 5D3. There are dozens of people on this forum who all agree the 5D2 centre AF af point is pretty decent. Its the outer points that might as well not be there. The 5D3 outer points are very accurate if used as intended. My 5D3 needed just +1 MA (using Dot Tune) for all my lenses. I agree with Phil when he says your 5D3 might need to be looked at. Comparing its initial lock and tracking to a 1D4 the 5D3 it's noticeably better and the 1D4 is good. I wish there was a way Canon could provide FW that upgraded the 1D4 AF with all the features the 5D3 has.
form wrote:
...
In fact, years of framing 5d2-style actually is leading me to tend to crop a little too tightly with the 5d3...since it's 100% VF coverage. I have to be careful of that.
Critical comment to follow...
This statement alone pretty much sums up your inexperience, any REAL effort using the 5D3. You just haven't spent enough of your 'precious' time with your 'new-to-you' 5D3 to really make an informed comment.
Clearly ignorance is not bliss, nothing is ever perfect, even an original post the was born from lack of experience.
Hope you find all you need with the 5D3, that it helps you make lots of PAID clients very happy. If not, perhaps save for a 1DX and a workshop on how to fully exploit such a fine bit of design/craftsmanship...like the 5D3 is!
Yohan Pamudji wrote:
Adding my voice to the chorus in favor of the 5DIII AF being amazing. With the 24-70L II it's like magic. They've tightened up tolerances somehow with that lens (and probably other newer lenses too) to where it's super accurate on the 5DIII.
Yeah the 24-70 II has the new ultra-precision AF rotation sensor inside of it that the 5D3 and 1DX can take advantage of so it definitely has some pretty amazing precision. I hit 100 shots in a row in focus a few months ago during a quick test, indoors, at f/2.8 with the combo (center point).
tuantran wrote:
I didn't need all the other features except the new AF system. I thought this was an extremely overpriced camera and I wouldn't pay $3500 for it.
That said, I paid $3500 for it and would not go back. I still think it's extremely overpriced.
Well I guess that goes to prove that Canon's marketing department knows what they are doing.
People keep forgetting: Attack the post, not the poster. It's a pack mentality. People smell blood and circle in for the kill - for fun I suppose. I have to keep reminding myself, everyone has an opinion.
I struggled with the decision whether to buy the 5D3 or not. I had the money - but early reports of problems made me more cautious and ultimately ended up buying a 6d instead.
I don't regret the decision. The 6D complements my 1Ds2 and 1D3 nicely.
I haven't held a 5D3 in my hands yet.
I'm afraid that if I hold one, that I will end up wanting to buy one.
^ah yes, but your 1Ds2 is the most useless brick ever made by Canon Form is either really unlucky in the bodies he buys, he has unrealistic expectations on body performance or his technique is lacking (unlikely tbh). My money is on unrealistic expectations
Oddly the 5D3 doesnt support replacement matte like the 5D2's EG-S. Sensor is disappointing given what Sony/Nikon have on offer. AF is a big step up but as a manual shooter it doesnt matter to me (though I keep a set of L zooms for versatility). Anything else is tiny gradual evolution for what I do, and the missing matte a show-stopper.
For me, and IMO, they are worlds apart. I feel like I now have the camera I was looking for to replace my 1v, which I still have. It feels solid, and functions as I need and want. Excellent camera and so much better in all areas, IMO, than the 5D2.
I shoot in quiet mode most of the time, what great addition. And this is the only camera that has made me feel like I would like to buy a second one. The files are large enough, the resolution is a different type/feel for me compared to the 5DII. Still isn't film but film isn't digital either so there are tradeoffs and a learning curve.
wfrank wrote:
Oddly the 5D3 doesnt support replacement matte like the 5D2's EG-S. Sensor is disappointing given what Sony/Nikon have on offer. AF is a big step up but as a manual shooter it doesnt matter to me (though I keep a set of L zooms for versatility). Anything else is tiny gradual evolution for what I do, and the missing matte a show-stopper.
Well, there are other. If Im correct its S-type converted to 5DMK3. Replacing 5DMK3 is possible, tho given accuracy of MF help in it, not sure its really needed. Not sure if reports were true or not, but most said its MF help is really what its supposed to be.
Archive 2013 · 5d3...not much better than 5d2.
Form is either really unlucky in the bodies he buys, he has unrealistic expectations on body performance or his technique is lacking (unlikely tbh). My money is on unrealistic expectations 