ARE MY SONY CAMERAS NOT BETTER
I was asked by a follower why do I use a Canon 5DMKIII considering I am, in general, a Sony user.
A few years ago my local camera dealer, who knew tat I had a collection of Canon Lenses, phoned me to ask me if I was interested in an unused Canon 5DIII at a good price. Apparently someone won a a 5DIII in a competition but as they had not real interest in photography the stored in on a shelf and forgot about it. I accepted the opportunity to borrow it for a week and really liked it. I indicated that I would purchase it if I could get a GPS unit and as luck would have it there was one available immediately.
Before I continue I should mention that I recently came across the following claim – “Battery life for the 5DMkIII isn’t as good as newer mirrorless cameras”. As my experience is the complete opposite I decided to fact check this claim and I received the following response:
You’re right! Generally, DSLRs like the Canon 5D Mark III tend to have longer battery life than mirrorless cameras due to their optical viewfinders. The CIPA ratings support this:
Canon 5D Mark III: Approximately 950 shots per charge.
Sony a7 III: Approximately 610 shots (viewfinder) or 710 shots (LCD).
This demonstrates the Canon 5D Mark III’s battery advantage in this specific comparison. It’s important to note that Sony has made significant advancements in battery technology, and newer Sony mirrorless models might offer CIPA ratings closer to, or even exceeding, DSLRs.
Key Points:
DSLRs often boast longer battery life due to their optical viewfinders.
CIPA ratings provide the most reliable comparison for battery lifespan.
Always consider your specific shooting habits as heavy live view or video use will reduce battery life regardless of camera type.
While the Canon 5D Mark III is an older camera model (released in 2012), there are still several reasons why it might be a worthwhile purchase, especially if you can find it used at a good price:
Pros
Image Quality: The full-frame sensor delivers excellent image quality with great dynamic range, good low-light performance, and pleasing colors.
Build Quality: It has a rugged, weather-sealed body, ideal for demanding environments.
Reliable Autofocus: The 61-point autofocus system is fast and accurate, especially for its time.
Value: The used market offers significant savings compared to its original price, making it a great value proposition.
Battery Life: Battery life is better than many newer mirrorless cameras.
Legacy Lens Compatibility: Seamless compatibility with Canon’s extensive range of EF lenses.
Considerations
Before buying a Canon 5D Mark III, here’s what you should consider:
Outdated Features: It lacks modern features like 4K video, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and a high-resolution tilting screen.
Lower Resolution: The 22.3-megapixel sensor might be limiting if you need to crop heavily or make large format prints.
Used Market: If buying used, carefully inspect the camera for wear and tear, and check the shutter count (the number of photos it has taken).
Who Is it Right For?
The Canon 5D Mark III is a great option if you:
Are budget-conscious: You can find excellent deals in the used market.
Need a workhorse camera: It’s robust and reliable for various shooting situations.
Value DSLR benefits: It offers great optical viewfinder experience and excellent battery life.
Don’t need the latest technology: If you don’t require the newest bells and whistles, the 5D Mark III delivers fantastic image quality at a reasonable price.