Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Announced March 2, 2012
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 5D Mark III is a robust, well-rounded full-frame DSLR that significantly improves upon its predecessor with a sophisticated 61-point autofocus system and excellent high-ISO performance. While it remains a powerful tool for stills and video, its lack of modern conveniences like a flip-out screen or clean HDMI output makes it feel dated compared to newer mirrorless alternatives.
Weighted from 28 reviewer scores
Pros
- Highly capable 61-point autofocus system inherited from professional models
- Excellent image quality and noise performance at high ISO sensitivities
- Durable, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body construction
- Versatile video features including headphone monitoring and manual audio control
- Efficient operation with dual memory card slots and customizable controls
Cons
- Lacks modern video features like clean HDMI output, focus peaking, and high frame rates
- Slow and unreliable contrast-based autofocus during live view and video recording
- High launch price relative to predecessor and competitive offerings
- Rear LCD screen lacks touchscreen functionality and articulation
- Heavy and bulky design compared to newer camera systems
- Launch price $3,499 (USD)
- Sensor 22.3MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 1080p 30p UHD 0p
- Stabilization None
- Burst 6 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 28 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 82/100
The 5D Mark III is in almost every aspect a better camera than its predecessor and an extremely enjoyable photographic tool.
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For any photographer, especially photographers who are paid to capture critical, fleeting moments, the Canon 5D Mark III is a powerful tool, and a significant upgrade to its predecessor, yet priced affordably when compared to the Canon 1D-series cameras.
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Built on the success of its predecessor and featuring the most advanced autofocus system Canon has released to date from its EOS-1D X line, the Canon 5D Mark III is a rather promising upgrade to the 5D line.
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It was always going to be a challenge to replace the EOS 5D Mark II. Thankfully, Canon has been sensible with its upgrade, choosing to focus on improving its weaker areas.
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This technology is not changing that fast – and Canon didn’t release any disruptive technology in this case. Still, better than what was excellent before is positive.
- WIRED 9/10
If you photograph weddings, parties, or people in general, this is the camera for you. The 5D III's six-frames-per-second continuous shooting and improved durability with weather resistance are a step up from the previous model.
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The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is an excellent camera, capable of taking stunning photos in a wide variety of situations and has a wealth of lenses available to go with it.
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The Canon EOS 5D Mark III builds on the success of its popular predecessor with a series of improvements that add up to a much better all-round camera for stills and video alike.
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The Canon EOS 5D Mark III looks a lot like its predecessor on the outside, but offers plenty of improvements under the hood.
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It may have been replaced by the Mark IV, but the Mark III is still a great choice for those after a feature-packed full-frame DSLR.
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Superb imaging and fleshed out audio control makes the 5D Mark III a worthy successor to the camera that forever changed the landscape of video production.
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[F]or most people, I recommend getting a used 5D Mark II.
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All the weak areas that the MkII suffered from have been ironed out with the MkIII, and there’s now very little to fault it on, and the more you shoot with it, the more you realise what a complete and capable camera the MkIII is.
- CNET 8.7/10
Packed full of improvements for photographers, Canon has proved that you can improve on an already-strong formula with the 5D Mark III.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
Given the success of its predecessor, the 5D III enters the market with an advantage, which it builds on by adding features that are genuinely useful to photographers as well as radically improving existing functions.
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A brilliant camera that offers both superb stills and fantastic video. It's ideal for people looking to get a video-capable SLR, but owners of the 5D II might want to keep their existing gear and wait for the next update.
- Reviewed 7.73/10
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III sits among the best DSLRs we've ever tested.
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For photography, the 5D Mark III is an absolute triumph. It’s fast, its controls are comprehensive and efficient and its image quality is truly breathtaking.
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The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the world's best digital SLR because it easily lets us create smooth, clean, beautiful and colorful images in any sort of light.
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This baby will shoot top TV and stills industry gold standards.
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To make a long story short, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a tool that sits close to the top of the Canon offerings. It's a fantastic camera, but it needs investment from the user to really show its best side.
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The 5D Mark III is still a great camera but it just hasn’t really moved on from 4 years ago and that is unacceptable.
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The combination of AF, frame rate, and buffer make the 5D mark III a reasonable all around camera capable of being used for moderately demanding action as well as more static landscape and architectural work.
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[T]he Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a high-end enthusiast and professional camera aimed at photographers looking for a competitive all-rounded still shooter. Aged quite gracefully, it remains a powerful tool in one's arsenal.
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[G]iven how cheap these cameras have now become, I do genuinely think that it's a great option for beginners, provided that you can tolerate the weight and the size of it.
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Now in terms of its kind of basic overall use, I think that it's probably about as good a camera as you could find at the moment for the money if you've only got that much money.
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Holy heck, it's a really awesome camera.
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[T]he Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a beast of a camera even by today's standards, and [...] the Canon EOS 5D Mark III still stands out [...]
