Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
Announced January 6, 2020
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III stands as a premier professional DSLR, delivering class-leading autofocus, rapid burst speeds, and robust build quality for sports and wildlife photographers. That said, its reliance on traditional DSLR mechanics and lack of modern mirrorless features like IBIS or an articulating screen may limit its appeal for some video-focused users.
Weighted from 26 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional autofocus performance with deep learning subject tracking
- High-speed burst shooting and virtually unlimited buffer
- Robust, weather-sealed magnesium alloy construction
- Advanced video capabilities including 5.5K internal RAW recording
- Innovative Smart Controller and intuitive button layout
Cons
- Absence of in-body image stabilization
- Fixed rear LCD screen lacks articulation
- Heavy physical weight and high price point
- Autofocus limitations in certain high-frame-rate video modes
- Complex menu system and workflow challenges with newer file formats
- Launch price $6,499 (USD)
- Sensor 20.1MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 4K 59.94p
What the Reviewers Say
All 26 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 92/100
Canon's EOS-1D X Mark III is currently the camera to beat in its class. It churns out great images right out of the camera, has class-leading dynamic range and makes for a powerful video camera.
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In terms of video, the 1Dx Mark III also becomes Canon's most capable model below the Cinema series, making it an extremely flexible camera for stills and movies.
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Meet your dream sports and action camera. The Canon EOS 1D X Mark III is arguably the ultimate professional (and serious amateur) camera for sports, wildlife, media, and other critical events.
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Honestly, in my opinion, this is the hybrid content creator's dream, okay? Meaning if you are a still photographer, you do a lot of action, a lot of sports, but you also are creating a good amount of content for whatever medium you might need it for.
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The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is designed for the professional sports and wildlife photographer.
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[F]or those for whom the Canon EOS-1DX Mark III fits like a glove, it is, as expected, a supremely capable tool that should last you years of usage.
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I do want to finish this up and tell you that this is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, DSLRs ever made, and it's going to have a short life, and this will be the last of the greatest DSLRs. What they did with this camera is fantastic.
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The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is every bit the professional powerhouse camera you would expect it to be.
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Put simply, there is nothing this camera doesn’t do well and it’s this reliability – the assurance that you’re going to get exactly what you want every time you press the shutter – that extends its desirability well beyond photographers with a specific need for speed.
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It’s not perfect, but it’s quite close.
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The Canon 1D X Mark III definitely proved that it could lock focus even in low light, and wrote to the two CFExpress cards faster than my flash units could keep up.
- Photo Review 92%
The EOS-1D X Mark III enables Canon to remain at the cutting edge of digital SLR technology and is a worthy successor to the Mark II model. The introduction of the HEIF file format and RAW video recording will help it to maintain this position.
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So that is it for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III; it is a beast of a camera, tons to unpack here that we didn't even get a chance to do today. I had a blast using it and I'm sure this is gonna make a lot of sports photographers very happy.
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At the end of the day, this isn’t just another camera; it’s a masterpiece of engineering that empowers professionals to push their creative limits. Whether you’re capturing fleeting moments or crafting cinematic stories, this powerhouse delivers results that inspire.
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All together, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is a ruthless machine. Ergonomics, image quality, and focusing are perfect.
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Genuinely, genuinely I'm quite overwhelmed with this camera. I'm really excited about this.
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I believe it's one of the best bang for buck cameras you can buy right now for what you get at the size and price. It's really hard to beat.
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The 1DX III is the world's top pro camera. Overall, it's the best for a lot of good reasons, like speed and ergonomics and picture quality and flexibility and durability.
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Besides that guys, if you have the means and if you're thinking is the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III a relevant upgrade, yes it is. In terms of photography you will see a difference, this will last you for years, it's robust, it's a beast, it's fast.
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At the end of the day, this camera is fantastic in what it offers. While prosumers and photography enthusiasts may look at the EOS-1D X with desire, the price tag really means it’s really only going to appeal to professionals who can leverage it for regular paid work.
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I really liked it and I think like it probably is the best DSLR, it's the best DSLR I've ever picked up, so that's awesome.
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It is the best DSLR ever made. Nikon D6 does not touch it.
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The Canon 1D X Mark III (Amazon, B&H) is, in my opinion, the greatest DSLR ever made for video, and it gives mirrorless cameras a run for its money.
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[T]his is probably one of the best autofocus systems all round that I've used in a camera [...] it is astounded works exactly as you'd want it to.
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The Canon 1DX Mark III is more than a worthy successor to the 1D badge. If you are a sports photographer you will love this camera.
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[T]he Canon EOS R5 might just be a tad better for you.
