Upgrade Guide

Canon EOS-1D Mark III→Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Canon

EOS-1D Mark III

£102 used

2007

→

Upgrade to

Canon

EOS 5D Mark III

£146 used (+£43)

2012

✅

Strong upgrade

The EOS 5D Mark III improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most EOS-1D Mark III owners will notice the difference.

What's new in the EOS 5D Mark III

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	EOS-1D Mark III	EOS 5D Mark III
Price	£102 used	£146 used
Released	2007	2012	↑
Sensor	10.1MP APS-H CMOS	22.3MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution	10MP	22MP	↑
Video	No video	Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60
Autofocus	45-point phase-detect (19 cross-type + 26 assist) via viewfinder	61-point phase-detect (41 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face detection in live view
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	10fps	6fps	↓
Battery Life	~2200 shots (CIPA)	~950 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1155g (body only)	950g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Yes	↑
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.76x	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.71x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 230k dots	3.2" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots
Mount	Canon EF	Canon EF
Memory Cards	Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD	Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD

Compare side-by-side

See EOS-1D Mark III and EOS 5D Mark III next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the EOS 5D Mark III against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the EOS-1D Mark III

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