[Dave]

This is an impressive D-SLR that shoots at a staggering 10 frames per second with a full
resolution of 10MP. It also offers an 1 9 - p o i n t autofocus system, a weather-sealed body, a triple mode sensor cleaning system, a permanent Live View mode and a full complement of user-defined custom functions. All this adds up to greater control and enhanced creativity for the working photographer, making the Canon EOS-1D Mark III the ideal tool for professional sport,
action and wildlife photography.

[Sonsey]

I would just love one of these!!!

[John F]

Dave, do you know the smallest aperture at which it will auto focus? Thank you.

John

[VikingPhotography]

John;

It'll most likely be like other Canon pro bodies - f/5.6.

On a sidenote; I find it somewhat ironic that the 2007 award has gone to a camera that only just became available at retail two days ago; not the the Mk III isn't deserving of it but hey - almost no-one has had the real-world chance to agree with the judging panel

[Sonsey]

Originally Posted by John F

do you know the smallest aperture at which it will auto focus? Thank you.

Originally Posted by VikingPhotography

It'll most likely be like other Canon pro bodies - f/5.6.

Sorry VP I believe this is incorrect, all the Pro 1 series bodies (EOS 1D, 1Ds, 1DMkII, 1DMkIIN, 1Ds MkII) can autofocus at f/8, the new 1D mk.III will most likely be able to do the same.

All the other EOS bodies require f.5.6 to autofocus (D30, D60, 10D, 300D, 350D, 400D, 20D, 30D, and 5D).

[VikingPhotography]

Sonsey,

I stand corrected - I knew that a good many of the EOS range didn't AF past f/5.6 and simply thought that applied to the 1 series as well.

In real terms it's not really an issue that many folk will run into, since most glass these days is at least f/5.6 or brighter. The only instances I can think of is folk looking to use teleconverters.

[John F]

Sonsey and Viking, thank you for your replies. My reason for asking was that I use a Canon 100 mm f5.6 with a 1.4X converter on my 20D (+ 5D) and it will not auto focus properly. If the 1D.Mk3 will focus quickly I will seriously consider it. My main interest is bird photography and as you know, as soon as the lens is pointed at them they are off: so rapid focus capability is more than a whim.