First Impression of 5D MKIII

[dbvirago]

It's big. And heavy. And I love it.

Seriously, after putting on the battery grip, this thing is massive compared to my 40D without grip. No more putting on the nifty fifty and being unobtrusive.

Question on the battery grip - Do you leave it on all the time? I had decided when I got this camera I was going with a grip, mainly for the shutter button so I'm not in an awkward position shooting verticals, and assumed it would just become part of the camera. Now with the extra weight, I'm wondering if there will be times when I take it off and shoot normal.

Anyway, only on page 40 of the manual - sure I'll have more questions. Waiting for the sun so I can go out and play

 

[Buckster]

I personally leave my grips on my cameras all the time.

 

[EIngerson]

Glad to hear you like the 5D MK III, mines on its way. I leave my grip on my 7D always. I like the feel better.

 

[dbvirago]

Yeah, I'm sure I'll get used to it. First thing I need to do is swap out the strap. Don't know why I wasted time putting on the stock strap. I have a smugmug strap I'll use temporarily as it is neoprene and more comfortable, but I can see a new strap in my near future. I have a few upcoming trips where this thing will be hanging from my shoulder all day.

 

[EIngerson]

I'm a big fan of the wrist strap.

 

[ronlane]

You'll get used to the weight. As for straps, I absolutely love my black rapid. I've went several places and walked around with it by my hip and loved it even with a speedlight attached to the camera.

 

[dbvirago]

Definitely looking at the black rapid. Anyone have experience with the Matin or the Ds-Slim? Both are similar to the BR, but slightly different features.

 

[O'Rork]

Ditto on the Black Rapid. Have you downloaded the manual (camera) to your computer? I don't like those little manuals that come in the box.

 

[dbvirago]

Yeah, downloaded that about a month ago LOL. I like the paper one as I sit there and go through it page by page. The computer version will be for reference

 

[dbvirago]

Not sure how new it is, as my last camera was the 40D, but the quick control screen is a nice touch. Changing white balance was always a challenge for me choosing between one tiny dot and the tiny dot next to it.

 

[Derrel]

Yeah...the grip...I think removing the accessory grip, and thus shooting with a so-called "half-height body", can pay dividends in social photography situations. The 5D series bodies, when shot without the accessory grip, look quite "consumer" to the average person, and thus a bit less-threatening. There are situations where a "big, black camera" draws unwanted attention. Removing the grip also makes the camera carry a bit better in an under-the-shoulder location on a strap...it's just...well, smaller, and lighter!!! Congratulations of the new camera!!!! The 5D-III is a pretty sweet machine.

 

[Robin_Usagani]

Personal choice really. I stopped using grip eversince i start hauling 2 cameras at weddings. If I only shoot with one body all the time, I probably want the grip. My mk3 will be here monday! Cant wait.

 

[dbvirago]

Yeah...the grip...I think removing the accessory grip, and thus shooting with a so-called "half-height body", can pay dividends in social photography situations. The 5D series bodies, when shot without the accessory grip, look quite "consumer" to the average person, and thus a bit less-threatening. There are situations where a "big, black camera" draws unwanted attention. Removing the grip also makes the camera carry a bit better in an under-the-shoulder location on a strap...it's just...well, smaller, and lighter!!! Congratulations of the new camera!!!! The 5D-III is a pretty sweet machine.

Thanks, Derrel. Having fun learning a new toy. Going from the 20D to 40D was pretty much a non-event. Yeah, I used to put on the nifty fifty when I wanted to go in stealth mode. Now with this body and the grip, that ain't happening. Might as well throw on the 70-200, add the flash, maybe attach the L-bracket, then stick a flashing light to the whole thing.

Re under the shoulder, what strap do you use? I'm going to try a BlackRapid or similar next week or so, but not sure on the hanging by the tripod mount thing.

Just downloading a bunch of frames to look at the field of view, noise, and hand held shutter speed thing. (I got the 24-105 with it) Already impressed with what I can pull out in extremely low light, but didn't really look at the noise aspect yet.

 

[dbvirago]

Very impressed with the noise handling, but as always you really have to nail the exposure. Half a stop under and it's not much better than the 40D.

Also forgot to mention, first thing that blew me away was the view finder. Big and bright. Love it

 

[Derrel]

I like OpTech's neoprene straps for heavy cameras. Although I am also perfectly fine with "stock" straps from Canon or Nikon if the weight of the camera is reasonable.