Day 15: August 7, 2007
Test Your Canon 1D MKIII
Follow these 3 simple steps to test your camera. The entire process from watching the tutorial video to downloading and coding your results should take you well under two hours.
1) Adjust Camera Settings:
1) Turn on your MKIII. Go into the menu and click "Clear All Camera Settings" and "Clear All Custom Functions."
2) Select AI Servo focus Mode and 45pt. Autofocus Point Selection (Ring of Fire).
3) Set your camera to "AV" and select an aperture of f/2.8
4) Select High Speed Shutter (The three little boxes with a small H next to them).
2) Watch the 2 Minute Video:
Now watch the 2 minute
streaming video or download the high-res video
here. Caution, the download is over 150mb.
3) Code Your 5 Test Trial Runs:
After doing your five trial runs you will want to reference these
two pages for guidance on how we decide whether the image is in focus or not. You do not have to code exactly as we would to get accurate results, just within the same ballpark. There is a bit of wiggle room in the percentage ratings below. You are also welcome to upload some of your trials for a basic assessment.
Count the number of out of focus images in each trial and get the percentage of out of focus shots for each trial. To do this simply divide the number of out of focus images by the total number of images in the sequence. Take all 5 trial averages and then add them together and divide by 5 to get your overall average.
When you have these numbers, come back to the website and compare your results to the numbers below to determine whether to pack up your camera and send it off to repair, or rest easy knowing your camera is whole through and through.
"Good" Autofocus Range: 0-30% Out of Focus across 5 trials.
(I would do a dance and get crackin' taking more amazing photos. Do not return to this thread or any other regarding Autofocus problems.)
"Marginal" Autofocus Range: 30-40% Out of Focus across 5 trials.
(I would be concerned, but before sending it off I would ask a few questions here and consider doing a few more trial runs before getting too excited.)
"Poor" Autofocus Range: 40% or more Out of Focus across 5 trials.
(I would get out that box and start packing it up.)
If sending off to repair please feel free to provide this link to Canon service so they may easily replicate your study. Please also provide your trial results good or bad and serial number here in this thread (the first 4 numbers).
Additional Notes:
The lens you use will impact performance to some extent. However, at the end of the day, it should not materially impact your results. Unless your lens is broken, of course. Any Canon fast telephoto lens is preferable, but we have also tested with an 85mm f/1.8 just for fun. If the lens in use has IS you may want to turn it off. It is preferable to keep your shutter speed above 1500 and below 8000 throughout your run. Adjust your ISO setting up or down to get within this range.
Another Note to those who question the video and the tripod?
We are pros, we personally have a bogen to mount the camera on. Even, if we didn't, do you really think that if we are shooting with a $4,500 camera and a $7,000 lens we could not somehow acquire a $200- $300 tripod. For crying out loud! A cheap tripod is used intentionally to illustrate that anyone can do this test. This test has been kept as simple as possible throughout. If you wish to delve into all the nuances of the findings and results read them on the other pages.
In addition,
the "Good" MKIII was also shot on the same ultra cheap pod.
Again, quit wasting your time posting on forums and
DO THE TEST!
I now see clearly why Canon is taking the approach they are taking. Because there is absolutely no need to do anything more. They are wiser than I. They have been around long enough to know that all people want to do is talk.
Where's the action? Got an opinion. Do the test and back up your comments. To navigate this review use the arrows at the bottom of each page and/or the content box at the top right of this article.
The difference between us and the masses is that we ARE expected to come back with 'the' shot EVERY time. I can hear it now..... Lets just go into the church's basement for your portraits, it's too hot and bright out here. MY batting average HAS to be better than .500, it darn well be better than .750 or I can trade all my gear in for a mini van and start shuttling kids off to soccer practice.
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