Canon 1D MKIII Autofocus- Interactive Review

Canon 1D MKIII Autofocus Problems- Interactive Review

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I updated to the 1.1.0 firmware today, and tested the camera with moving cars in AI Servo mode...I don't know that I see much of a difference, ALTHOUGH I did notice this, and I don't know if Drew mentioned this directly or not: When focusing in bright light, high contrast situations, we all know the AF on some bodies is less effective, but I noticed today that attempting to focus on numerous white vehicles, the AF stopped...the LED in the viewfinder would blink (indicating focus loss), but the lens would not hunt. If I moved to something that was reflecting less light, the focus light would go out, and AF operation would resume...

Drew,

Are there plans to do further testing?

Marc Schoenholz

I primarily shoot surfing photography, both from the land and water. I shoot in manual mode and prefocus when I shoot from the water, so I don't think that the autofocus would present a problem. However, when I shoot from the shore, I shoot in auto-focus and AI servo mode. I shoot under clear sunny skies, and waves and sky as a background. Considering these conditions, would you think that I would experience the auto-focus problems with the Mark III?

Larry

http://www.PointBreakPhoto.Com
MySpace.com - www.myspace.com/surfshots_biz
Canon Mark II N & 20D
Canon Lenses: 600mm f/4L, 15mm Fisheye, 70-200mm F/2.8L, 24-70mm F/2.8L, 16-35mm f/2.8L II, 24mm, 50mm, 85mm, Sigma 10-20mm

Hi Marc,

Yes. More testing has been done. It will take a little time to post up the results.

Drew

I have been following this thread and the Autofocus issues with great interest - good work Drew!

Personally, I have found no significant differences compared to my older 1DMkII when shooting the usual stuff I do - so far, 6000-odd horse images, but they are almost 90% lateral movement. I have had to slow down the AI Servo speed, as the default was lightning quick to focus on other things. All in all, going well!

On the overexposed issue - not seen it in 6500 images so far.

I've been talking to Canon since I updated my firmware to 1.1.0, asking for some help with getting another body. The customer service department personnel I talked to are under the mistaken impression that Canon Professional Services loans out equipment when yours is down. I say that because the customer service guys told me to call the Irvine repair center, and ask them about a loaner while my body (508XXX) is in their facility. Canon refused to allow me to return the camera to them, and suggested that I talk to the retailer I got it from. Luckily, the retailer is giving me an RMA (even though they have no Mark IIIs in stock right now AND I've had mine since late May), so I will get a new one. I will be shooting some baseball this afternoon in a good situation to test the AF again...

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