I have owned the 1Ds, 1DsM2, and have a XT that I use as a backup. When I found out that Canon was going to release a DsM3, I sold my M2 on eBay. In the interim, Nikon of course released an awesome camera, the D3. I looked long and hard at both cameras.

Build; improved ergonomics; ability to configure settings to personal needs; great viewfinder; live view; good 3" LCD - great compared to anything previous; amazing resolution at 21.1 megapixels; fast fps ability at such high resolution

cost; could use AF in live view

Like other professional DSLRs, notably previous EOS 1Ds models and Nikon's D2x/D3, the EOS 1Ds Mk III is much taller than the average digital SLR. A big, fat battery housing sits in the base of the body, and this also allows space for an additional, vertical shutter release.

Long-time Canon fans will love the 1Ds because it handles like other Canons and has the colour and tonal reproduction they're used to. Impressive as it is, though, the 1Ds has shortcomings that Nikon's D3 has illuminated very clearly.

When a digital SLR camera has a price tag of $11,999 - and that's just for the body - you know it's not something that everyday folk will appreciate. Instead it's likely it will only appeal to professionals who make a living from photography.

Excellent low-light performance; huge resolution; dual memory slot types (CF and SD); built-in dust reduction

Manual aperture control is not intuitive; autofocusing results did not show during Live View mode

Only 1D family having camera body build as a tank. I will recommended this camera if you are as wildlife and sport photographers or when you need a speed and accuracy.

Easy to use; Build quality; Battery life; Screen size