Quote:
Originally Posted by Octane
The fact that Canon has produced the 1D-X (the flagship product) in an 18 megapixel format, as opposed to leapfrogging the current flagship 1Ds Mark III at 21 megapixels, says something about what they feel is the right step to take in terms of pixel density and noise characteristics.
Still, it remains to be seen what will happen with the 5D Mark III.
I guess that they're trying to target particular market segments; the 1D-X is aimed at sports photographers and photojournalists whereas the current 1Ds Mark III is an all-round system, suitable for studio, sports, photojournalism (particularly the 1D Mark III) as well as landscape work, and, the 5D Mark II geared for studio/portraiture and landscape. I guess they learnt from the 5D Mark II cannibalising 1Ds Mark III sales with the same resolution sensor, but, smaller body. The fact that the 5D Mark II had a much slower frame rate didn't deter people. If the 5D Mark III comes out as a resolution monster, it will reveal a lot about Canon's strategy in terms of cornering market segments.
This is all conjecture on my part. I just make pictures.
H
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I think the 5DMkIII will be similar specs to the fabled D800, just as the 1D-X & D4 will have similar specs. It comes down to the requirements of the different types of shots. Photojournalism is all about speed and hand-held low light performance - so less resolution, better high ISO performance (from those larger pixels) and smaller file sizes that can be processed in camera faster for a higher frame rate. Landscape & studio photography demand finer resolution with more megapixels, but the inevietable smaller pixels will limit the high ISO performance.
As for new vs old sensors. I don't discount you are getting great shots with a 6yo 5D, but suspect that if you push the envelope and up the ISO, the newer sensors will win hands down. I have been seeing this with some low-light work I've been doing recently of my kids on stage. The quality I'm achieving with the newer sensor in a D7000 at 1600-3200ISO is astounding. It's the reason why I haven't bought a D700 and am waiting desperately for the D800 - I want full frame, but am not willing to buy a 3yo sensor.
DT