Canon says EOS-1D Mark III AF issues fixed, now leave us alone

Canon just updated the official status on the auto-focus issue plaguing the EOS-1D Mark III. According to Canon USA, "After the AF mirror Adjustment, including the updated firmware version 1.1.3, the EOS-1D Mark III AF function performed better in our tests than all previous EOS camera models." Unfortunately, they made no comment about those other fixes supposedly in the works. Sounds like Canon is washing their hands of the topic at least until they make the jump to the next EOS-1D product iteration.

[Via DigitalCameraInfo]

[GORE @ Mar 6th 2008 5:50AM]

Haha...

[torqueo @ Mar 6th 2008 6:27AM]

Fascinating insight, GORE!

[GORE @ Mar 6th 2008 9:37AM]

may be...

[torqueo @ Mar 6th 2008 6:30AM]

Despite this whole fiasco being rather embarrassing for Canon, I doubt it'll scare Canon users away from the 1d.. and they seem to have handled the situation well (working on it until fixed, supporting their consumers like they ought to, etc).

[BigDaddyM @ Mar 6th 2008 7:38AM]

Sadly, it is not fixed yet. This is just a PR release to increase sales.

I am a Canon users and I understand mistakes by companies, but this is insulting. I felt better when they were at least saying they were working on it. Give me at least hope.
M

[Jay @ Mar 6th 2008 8:34AM]

"This is just a PR release to increase sales"

Hardly, because Canon hasn't been shipping any of the Mk IIIs. We've had one on order from Calumet for several months (already paid for) .

[David Vogt @ Mar 6th 2008 6:51AM]

Thank goodness for Nikon.

[Homer J @ Mar 6th 2008 2:08PM]

Amen. I switched from Canon to Nikon when I when digital, and don't have any regrets. About the only complaint I have is that I wish Nikon would provide a decent lens to compete with the Canon 100-400 - the 80-400 just doesn't cut it. My 70-200 f/2.8 with a 1.7x TC (119 - 340)is not a bad option but something with a bit more range would be nice

[ryanraphael @ Mar 6th 2008 8:55AM]

""We are aware that some customers have raised questions about the performance of the EOS-1D Mark III AF system under certain conditions. We will continue to investigate, and look for opportunities to improve, the performance of the AF system to ensure the satisfaction of all of our customers""

Read everywords before going for the conclusion.
Actually, Chuck Westfall has claimed that in Canon's tets 1DmkIII's AF system is the best - talking about all situations not only some.

[Stephan @ Mar 6th 2008 9:38AM]

I agree with the Nikon guy
Go Nikon

[basroil @ Mar 6th 2008 9:45AM]

How many posters here, including yourself actually have an MKIII?

My MKIII has been working great, yes, it's a different beast from the MKII(n), but that doesn't mean it doesn't perform better. During the average sports event, 85F, sunny 16 applying, my average out-of-focus rate was less than 10%. Of those, only about 3% could not be explained by user error. Obviously some people had AF systems that didn't work as well, but that is not to say it's not just a tolerances issue that has already been solved in the bluedot cameras.

[Scott @ Mar 6th 2008 10:10AM]

Sadly, if Canon keeps to their historical timeline for new cameras, a 1D mk IIIn is on schedule for August (18 months after announcement, or halfway through the 3 year cycle of the camera.)

If they introduce this camera though, everyone is going to cry that they are just screwing mk III owners.

[Jordan @ Mar 6th 2008 10:49AM]

There are certainly exceptions to the 18-month rule, look at the 5D Mark II. Oh wait, we can't look at it yet.. ;)

What am I talking about, I switched back to Nikon when the D3/D300 came out (and have been much happier since). I miss the Canon stuff sometimes, but I have not had any issues with the Nikons yet!

[Scott @ Mar 6th 2008 11:01AM]

Re-read the post. Historically, Canon has had a product cycle of THREE years for professional cameras like the 1D/1Ds, and presumably the 5D series. The 1D Mk II got a facelift at the 18-month mark, which was the 1D Mk IIn. If Canon stays with this timeline, you can expect a 5D mk II in August, and possibly a 1D Mk IIIn, if they decide to make one. Canon's consumer cameras, the XXD and the XXXD models have an 18-month upgrade cycle.

Nikon has a four year product cycle. So you can be looking for your D4/D400 sometime in the summer of 2011.

[Chris @ Mar 6th 2008 11:59AM]

Obviously there is a bit of PR spin here, but I wouldn't say "Canon is washing their hands of the topic at least until they make the jump to the next EOS-1D product iteration".
The release does say in the end, "We will continue to investigate, and look for opportunities to improve, the performance of the AF system to ensure the satisfaction of all of our customers". Now, I wouldn't call that a solid gold promise, but it does hint that this isn't the end of it all.
As an existing 1DM3 owner I can't comment specifically about the AF issue as I haven't experienced it yet - though that's not surprising since I do most of my shooting in One Shot mode, rather than AI Servo. It's just too bad Canon got themselves into this mess in the first place since they should have known how high the expectations would have been for a pro body.