Reasons to choose EOS-1Ds Mark III
Released in 2007, EOS-1Ds Mark III has about 864 mm² of sensor area, 21.1 MP effective resolution, and a 1,385 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
vs Canon EOS 5D
VS
Sensor area
864 mm²
EOS-1Ds Mark III852 mm²
EOS 5D- Area ratio
- 1.01:1
- Absolute difference
- 12 mm²
- Relative difference
- 1.4%
The EOS-1Ds Mark III has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
EOS-1Ds Mark IIIMetricEOS 5D
21.1 MPEffective pixels12.7 MP
36 × 24Sensor35.8 × 23.8
6.4 µmPixel pitch8.19 µm
40.95 µm²Pixel area67.09 µm²
2.44 MP/cm²Pixel density1.49 MP/cm²
1Crop factor1.01
—Maximum video—
1,385 gWeight895 g
CompactFlash type I, CompactFlash type II, Microdrive, SDHC Secure DigitalStorageCompactFlash type I, CompactFlash type II, Microdrive
Lithium-Ion LP-E4 rechargeable battery Li-ion batteryBatteryLithium-Ion BP-511A rechargeable battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The EOS-1Ds Mark III has the larger sensor area. The EOS 5D has the lighter body. The EOS-1Ds Mark III has the higher effective resolution. The EOS-1Ds Mark III is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose EOS 5D
Released in 2005, EOS 5D has about 852 mm² of sensor area, 12.7 MP effective resolution, and a 895 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.