Canon 5D Mark iii Replacement
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So, you're considering Canon 5D Mark III replacement, but you're not sure which alternative is best for your situation. This updated post will help you make the right choice when choosing a successor for your 5D M3.
If you are looking for a Mark III alternative, the newer model, the 5D Mark IV was an intriguing possibility for you to consider, particularly if you're a video shooter. The 5D Mark III was released in 2012 and the 5D Mark IV was released 4 years later in 2016. A lot of improvement can happen within 4 years.
If you were considering a shutter replacement on your 5D Mark III it'll cost over $1000, so it makes more sense not to follow that path. Use the comparison table below of 3 cameras to consider for replacing your old 5D Mark III.
| CAMERA | RELASE DATE | USED PRICE | NEW PRICE |
| Canon 5D Mark III | 2012 | $700-$1500 | Was $2300 Check Price |
| Canon 5D Mark IV | 2016 | $1500-$2200 | Was $2700 Check Price |
| Canon EOS R | 2018 | $1450-$1520 | Was $1600 Check Price |
| Canon EOS R5 | 2020 | $2595-2999 | Was $3900 Check Price |
| Canon EOS R6 Mark II | 2022 | $1900-$1999 | Was $2500 Check Price |
Without reservation, I buy my used camera gear from KEH.
The question was whether it was enough of an upgrade to go from the 5D M3 to the 5D M4.. I had patiently anticipated the release of the Mark III, after using my first venture into full-frame DSLR photography. The original 5D (Mark I) was my main workhorse camera for several years before I picke a successor, the 5D mark III.
The 5D Mark III did not disappointed me at all. Almost a decade later-that's forever in digital photography time-it was still my camera of choice for shooting portraits. Now I have a love affair with my mirrorless R6 Mark II.
Canon 5D Mark III Replacement - Video
The Mark III shoots HD video at 1920 x 1080. The Mark IV shoots 4k video at 4096 x 2160.
Canon EOS 1D CThe other Canon camera that shoots 4k video from that earlier time frame is the Canon EOS 1D C camera pictured here. The C in the name stands for cinema and it was Canon's entrance into the world of 4k video.
The next likely step would be to add 4k video in one of the full-sized sensor DSLR bodies without the extended battery grip body like the 1D series of camera. The 1D series is pure overkill now that Canon full frame mirrorless cameras have matured.
As the Canon Camera Geek, it's always fun to predict Canon's next move and try and predict what direction they will take.
EOS R As A 5D Mark III Replacement
In the recent past I've used my Canon 90D as my Canon 5D Mark III back up when I'm shooting an event, but that will change to the full frame EOS R as the 5D M3 replacement and the 5D M3 will become the back-up.
Canon EOS R As a replacementFull frame, more megapixels, better focusing
superior video, articulating LCD screen. CHEAPER PRICE
With the exception of getting accustomed to the new menu system and the use of an electronic viewfinder, the EOS R is a much superior replacement for the 5D Mark III than the 5D Mark IV. It's an easy matter to get yourself one of the EF-EOS R adapters to make all of your EF and EF-S lenses work perfectly on the more compact EOS R camera body.
If you're shooting sports, birds in flight or other wildlife, know that none of these cameras are speed burners. That's one of the reasons I upgrade from my 5D M3 to an R6 Mark II.
The R6 M2 shoots at 12 fps and 40 fps using its electronic shutter mode. The 5D Mark III has a maximum burst rate of 5 frames-per-second (fps), the 5D Mark IV's maximum is 7 fps, and the EOS R is 8 with one shot autofocus and only 5 fps with servo focusing enabled.
Point and Shoot 5D Mark III Replacement
Want a smaller replacement for your 5D M3? When I don't want to carry a camera or a camera backpack I use my G1X Mark II. It's got a 1.5 inch sensor and fits in my pocket. The upgrade from the G1X mark II is the far superior G1X Mark III.
Whether it's bushwhacking through some dense forest or climbing rocks, I like combination of the G1X Mark II's size and it's much-larger-than-a-cell-phone sensor. The 1.5 inch sensor is almost as big as the APS-C sensors that are so popular throughout the line of Canon cameras.
5D Mark III Replacment summary
There are many good replacement strategies for upgrading from the workhorse Canon 5D Mark III. With the discontinuance of regular Canon DSLRs and the emergence of superior technology with Canon's mirrorless systems the time is now right for going mirrorless.
The line of choices has matured to a great extent and you have the option of using either EF or RF lenses on your new Canon mirrorless camera body.
Have a blast! Shoot a Canon
Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.
View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram and Flickr. Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.
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