Some updates

• 28.1MP full frame CMOS image sensor
• Up to 30fps still shooting
• Dual DIGIC 9
• IBIS
• New and larger rear LCD, little brighter
• February 2020 announcement
• New battery
• Optical viewfinder with additional info
• 61 autofocus points, all cross-type with larger spread
• Top-down LCD to the EOS R

PR

Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc. is developing the highly anticipated Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Camera -- the successor to the world-renowned and award-winning EOS-1D X Mark II. Ideal for sports and wildlife, the flagship DSLR is being engineered and designed using feedback from the worldwide community of EOS-1D X and EOS-1D X Mark II photographers. Continuing Canon's rich heritage of creating first-rate optical products, the EOS-1D X Mark III offers an enhanced autofocus system, with dramatically improved still and video image quality and communication. When using this camera, professionals will have the confidence they will get 'the shot' and can deliver it at a competitive speed -- faster than ever before -- ideal for the increasingly fast-paced industry.

"The innovations put forth by the new EOS-1D X Mark III will set the new standard for professional DSLR cameras and further cement Canon's commitment to its professional photographers," said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "In developing the new camera, Canon listened to extensive user-feedback from professionals out in the field. The result is a camera that has evolved from its predecessor and maintained the overall quality that professional photographers have come to expect from the Canon EOS-1D series."

Need for Speed

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III will be blisteringly fast - offering exceptional precision, reliability, high-performance autofocus and subject tracking -- providing photographers with a tool that will help to capture the shot they are chasing. The camera's new autofocus algorithm will improve stability and tracking when using both the Optical Viewfinder and in Live View shooting mode, using Deep Learning Technology and adapting to help facilitate accurate focus tracking for every shot.

When using the optical viewfinder the camera will use a new autofocus sensor, with approximately 28 times the resolution in the center of the EOS-1D X Mark II. Offering the ability to autofocus in even brighter and darker situations than before and with greater precision, the camera will have a range of autofocus capabilities, which will enable the photographer to get their shot. In Live View mode, users will be able to make use of 525 AF areas using the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system will cover approximately 90x100 percent of the image sensor. The camera will support significantly faster frame rates with full AF and AE, using either the optical viewfinder (up to approximately 16fps mechanical shutter) or Live View (up to approximately 20fps mechanical or electronic shutter). Additionally, the camera's dual CFexpress card slots will enable more than five times the RAW burst depth of its predecessor.

Powered to Dominate

The development of EOS-1D X Mark III is a clear example of Canon's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovative imaging products featuring optically excellent technology. The camera will support an all new, Canon-developed, CMOS sensor and DIGIC processor, that will deliver greater image quality, at even higher ISOs, with the ability to capture stills in 10-bit using the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) file format. HEIF produces wider dynamic range and greater color representation compared to JPEG. The power of 4K resolution brings stories to life -- shoot 4K videos including 4K60p with 10-bit 4:2:2 Canon Log internal recording.

Conveniently Connected

For professionals, content delivery is just as important as image capture -- the EOS-1D X Mark III will make it easy, featuring built-in Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® low-energy connectivity in addition to GPS technology. To keep pace with ever-shortening deadlines, the camera will transfer data at more than twice the speed of the EOS-1D X Mark II when using the built-in Ethernet connection, or the new optional wireless file transmitter -- the WFT-E9, which is also compatible with Canon's recently launched Cinema EOS C500 Mark II camera. Coupled with simpler network set-up the camera will greatly enhance the professional workflow.

A Familiar Feel with Improved Attributes

Existing EOS-1D series users will be familiar and comfortable handling the EOS-1D X Mark III allowing seamless navigation with trusted ergonomics -- whilst the magnesium alloy body will offer the durability expected from Canon's EOS-1D cameras. Professional photographers can trust the same impressive build-quality as the EOS-1D X Mark II -- with phenomenal weather-sealing, standing up to harsh conditions, including wind, rain and humidity. With incredible low-light shooting capabilities, the camera will now feature select illuminated buttons that allow for precision operation in challenging, dark and dimly lit conditions.

The camera will also offer a new additional control for selecting AF points, built into the AF-ON button, allowing photographers to change AF points on-the-fly for the best composition -- further helping to simplify their work. In addition, dramatically improved battery life -- with the same LP-E19 -- will allow professionals to shoot for longer periods of time, without having to change batteries, helping reduce the chance of missing a shot.

Our video

From Canonrumors:

• The battery life is nothing short of amazing, much better than the 1DX Mark II.
• The silent shutter mode in liveview is absolutely silent.
• The eye AF works incredibly well
• The AF-ON trackpad is so innovative, works fast and it very precise. In the source’s words, “it’s a real revolution. * Nobody will be using the old joystick”

@hardimpact

This camera is clearly not made just for raw video recording. :-)

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III - key specifications

• All-new CMOS sensor
• Dual-pixel 525-point CMOS AF with 90/100% coverage horizontally and vertically
• New Digic Processor
• 10-bit HEIF file capture (in addition to JPEG and Raw)
• Max 16fps capture via viewfinder, and 20fps in live view (with AF)
• Dual CF Express card slots
• 10-bit, 4:2:2 4K/60 video with C-Log
• Backlit buttons

Interview

How did you decide which features to update compared to the EOS-1D X Mark II?

There were a variety of factors. We get a lot of requests from our professional users, and we're always listening to what they need. Their demands are sometimes very detailed! But we have to listen to their requests. In addition, we have to look at our technology - what kind of technology can meet those demands.

We then integrate [those pieces of information] and decide internally what we should include in the next model. In this new camera we've improved performance [in several areas], such as autofocus, networking and so on, which we'll explain later in detail.

What were the main requests from users of the 1D X and 1D X II?

One important thing was the weight of the camera, and second, autofocus performance. We made sure there is no compromise in the AF performance of the new camera. And number three is network performance, which is very important [for wire services] - how fast you can put images into publication. We thought that there was room for improvement in that aspect of the camera's performance. Lastly, image quality is of course a big thing. We worked on noise reduction, as well as high sensitivity image performance.

Also keep in mind that we have put a lot of effort into improving movie shooting performance as well as stills.

https://www.dpreview.com/interviews/6888036612/canon-interview-eos-1d-x-mark-iii-2019

Rumors updates on video

• Will record no-crop 4K with dual-pixel AF at up to 60fos
• Will record 6K RAW video over HDMI (will need Atomos recorder, can be paid option).

1DX Mark III will be available for inspection at a major dealer in Australia in February, with a release in April. This would have Canon doing an official announcement sometime in February, before CP+.

@endotoxic

It is just because Canon can't no longer make LSI for top cameras. So they use that they have (even if lot of RAM and in overclocked state).

Backlit buttons