Canon 1D MKIII vs. Nikon D3 Sports Autofocus Showdown

Canon 1D MKIII vs. Nikon D3
Sports Autofocus Showdown

There has been a lot written about the autofocus performance of these two class leading cameras. But, as far as we know, no scientific tests have been conducted comparing them head to head in the toughest autofocus test around.

Canon 1D MKIII
First, a little history, the Canon 1D MKIII has been plagued with autofocus issues throughout its release. We reported extensively on these issues here across 5 months last year. In case you missed the whole episode, basically, Canon produced some bodies with hardware defects. We proposed as much on July 16, 2007.

"The data strongly suggest:
There are bad focusing Canon 1D MKIII bodies in circulation and there are good focusing Canon 1D MKIII bodies in circulation.

We just finished putting a newer 1D MKIII body through the rigors of the running test, and it performed as well as the 1D MKII. "

These defects were repaired by Canon at no charge. But only after much hand wringing and testing by independent photographers and websites. Canon has extended the warranty for those cameras needing the sub-mirror repair. There are still reports from a few sources suggesting that the hardware repair was not sufficient. We have loaded up the latest firmware v1.2.3 on the prior "good" body that has been through all Canon sub-mirror repairs.

Canon 1D MKIII Results
300mm f/2.8 lens at f/2.8, AI Servo, Center Point Only
latest firmware v1.2.3, sub-mirror fix performed

We ran a number of test trials with this newly refreshed camera. Here are the results across 5 test trials.

Running Test Trial #1:
21 out of 59 Out of Focus (36% Out of focus)

Running Test Trial #2:
17 out of 70 Out of Focus (24% Out of Focus)

Running Test Trial #3:
19 out of 48 Out of Focus (40% Out of Focus)

Running Test Trial #4:
16 out of 55 Out of Focus (29% Out of Focus)

Running Test Trial #5:
12 out of 46 Out of Focus (26% Out of Focus)

Canon 1D MKIII Overall Average:
31% Out of Focus


Click the image above to see all full size files for test run #4
(29% Out of Focus)


Nikon D3
300mm f/2.8 lens at f/2.8, C-Focus, Center Point Only
latest firmware v1.11
We ran a number of test trials with this new camera. Here are the results across 5 test trials.

Running Test Trial #1:
14 out of 40 Out of Focus (35% Out of focus)

Running Test Trial #2:
19 out of 42 Out of Focus (45% Out of Focus)

Running Test Trial #3:
17 out of 40 Out of Focus (43% Out of Focus)

Running Test Trial #4:
24 out of 36 Out of Focus (67% Out of Focus)

Running Test Trial #5:
21 out of 41 Out of Focus (51% Out of Focus)

Nikon D3 Overall Average:
48% Out of Focus


Click the image above to see all full size files for test run #
(43% Out of Focus)


And the winner is...

Canon 1D MKIII with only 31% Out of Focus

Conclusion
As we mentioned earlier, there has been a lot of talk about the Autofocus weaknesses of the Canon 1D MKIII. A lot of this talk is quite frankly, undeserved. We have never been able to replicate the seemingly impeccable performance of the Canon 1D MKII as observed by other parties.

I highly doubt many current gear purchasers are willing to go back in time to purchase what is now an ancient camera, in terms of overall design and features.

Hence our test of the current crop of viable options. The Canon is again the clear winner in this category. We also did this same test with one generation earlier firmware and the results were very similar. This earlier report was never published, because we just did not have the time.

Does this mean that the Canon 1D MKIII is the clear choice for overall autofocus?

No. It simply means that it performs better under this rigorous test.

Firmware improvements with Canon 1D MKIII?
Many will want to know if the firmware and sub-mirror fix improved the marks of the Canon 1D MKIII. Yes. But only somewhat. Overall we show an improvement of 9%. The prior average was 40% Out of Focus for this test. A number that is still better than the Nikon D3 received under either round of tests and firmware.

Does this mean that overall I like Canon 1D MKIII better than Nikon D3?
No. It simply means that Canon still outperforms Nikon in this autofocus category. The Canon 1D MKIII is a great camera. However, my time with the D3 has led me to seriously question whether I would stick with Canon in the future. I really like the Nikon D3. Some advantages of the Nikon D3 over the Canon 1D MKIII for my type of photography are the increased iso range, the increased resolution of the lcd screen, and the ease of setting custom white balance.