1Ds Mk III finally reviewed by DPReview

Oh, well, pixel peeping aside, I totally agree with some exceptions:

ability to select more than 19 AF points
Not really needed in the curent layout of the AF points. Yeah, should the AF points become more spread out across the viewfinder (something that I would NOT like to see, BTW) that would be kinda useful but as it is now, I'm perfectly happy with 19 points plus visible assist.

images need more sharpening than you might expect
My concusions are totally opposite UNLESS the images is cropped to less than 30-40% of the frame (in which case the sharpening issue becomes "duh!"); from the full/lightly cropped frame, the images are awesome and require less invasive sharpening than from all other cameras I know of (including MF backs.) In fact, 1Ds3 - like many MF backs - requires a very balanced sharpening approach especially for printed output, as it is very easy to oversharpen and get a very unnatural look on paper... In general, I don't understand the whole "less low pass/less anti-aliasing filtration" attitude: both are good to have - the users fighting moire and edge artifacts in weak/no filter systems hate them wholeheartedly.

Edge softness / chromatic aberrations with wide angle lenses
Well, duh! Both were present in film cameras but "silver halide crystal peeping" wasn't nearly as popular as pixel peeping. Still, an average L lens, such as 24-105/4 which practically lives on my 1Ds3 full time, displays a tollerable and easily correctable level of CA.

And yes, I too hope that AF in live view wil be aded in the next round of firmware updates (even though I don't find this feature particualarly useful on 40D) and that 1Ds4 will have wireles flash control and geotagging built-in. CF/SD card use is fine with me (I just buy a set of 2 instead of single cards.)

I agree that placing the "you need the best glass" in the CONS column doesn't make sense. The observation should be made only in reference of the higher resolution showing lens deficiencies but, not as a con.

By the same token, since DPR lists the MKIII price as a con (arguable, though I do NOT agree with that either) it should follow that anyone buying that camera WILL indeed have the cash to spend on top of the line glass.

I know pixel-peeping is of limited value in the real world, but geez, those portraits, when viewed at 100%, contain a stunning amount of detail!

Sure, I want one. But the one "con" that matters is price...

"it should follow that anyone buying that camera WILL indeed have the cash to spend on top of the line glass"

Unless they've blown all their money on the camera. Some people have been known to do that. Maybe they should sell it with a "kit" lens...

Maybe they should sell it with a "kit" lens...

But the 18-55 won't fit. And a nice body like this deserves something better than the old 28-90. Hey, I know! The 28-200 covers all the bases with its huge zoom range. And it has USM! Perfect.

People who buy 24-105s with their 5Ds shouldn't throw stones...

Well, there are "kit" lenses and then there are KIT lenses.

The old 28-135IS would make a good "kit" lens for the 1Ds MkIII, Hell, at the price of the body, Canon could just throw one in for free!

Yeah, you're right Bob, and they should also give away a lens hood with _all_ their lenses, not just the L ones.

I don't see either happening very soon. :(

I just bought a 1Ds Mark III based on the review. Could someone please tell me what lens I should buy? I like to shoot everything and wanted a single zoom lens as I have heard the weight of the 1D mark III makes carrying a second lens difficult. I have a budget of $150 but I could possibly stretch it to $200 is the lens is really good.

Ha, ha, Geoff.

On a more serious note, the idea of built-in flash transmitter is intriguing. Not optical, radio! But whether Canon would consider that phase shift is a big question. The ST-E2 is a little long in the tooth, and it is time for a more professional, reliable upgrade. If Canon were to add reliable radiotriggering, with ETTL, they would have a lot more bites for their top line equipment. It could be an add-on, or built in to their pro gear. Just have a look at the number of group members on the str obist list at fl ickr, currently 32,000+, and growing by about 1000 every couple months. Radiotriggering would help to bring Canon back into top line compared to their competition.

I still own my Canon shares, but I'm getting a little frustrated that they aren't keeping up.

Dave

Geoff, I have a 35-80mm f/4-5.6 USM you can buy for $175

It's USM, so it must be good.