Canon's Mark II users have been waiting three years for the third 5D in the series, and it's been well worth the wait - the camera has been vastly improved in nearly every aspect. Read on to discover how and why it's our Editor's Choice winner.

Excellent image quality; Improved handling; More responsive 61-point AF system; Fast six-frames per second shooting speed

Video not much improved out of camera; No non-compressed video thru HDMI; Video rolling shutter effect still visible

There is 5D Mark 4 and 6D Mark 2, but 5D Mark 3 is the best one. 5D Mark 4 is just minor update from 5Dmk3. 6Dmk2 has many features, but it can't bit 5Dmk3's outcome. I love 5Dmk3 :)

This camera in one word...WOW. Upgraded form the mark 2 as they were getting very old for shooting weddings and the first time i picked up the mark 3 it was great. Focus was the biggest difference it is far better than the Mark 2.

Reliable; Superior build quality; Easy to use

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III SLR is finally a complete and very powerful. Difficult to find a weak point. After a short period of adaptation becomes an extension of the arm of the photographer.

Image quality; Completeness and customizability of commands; Silent shutter mode

Lack of a flasher incorporated; Tendency to underexposure

With a camera of such pedigree, there are naturally high expectations. Find out how good it is in the What Digital Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark III review

Excellent set of features; build-quality is much better than MkII; AF system and overall performance

Expensive compared to some rivals

Fast forward to the 2nd March 2012 and Canon announce the 5D Mk III. With 7 years of history behind this single unit the announcement came on the back of a 25th anniversary for Canon's first camera in the EOS series, the film-based EOS 650.

When Canon introduced the highly anticipated 5D Mark III to the market, the photography community and many Canon fans felt underwhelmed by its specifications, especially after the big shock wave left by the Nikon D800.

Canon's EOS 5D Mark III has a lot to live up to. For a start, the original Canon EOS 5D was the first DSLR to really bring full-frame digital photography within the reach of enthusiast photographers.

I cannot speak high enough of this camera. The AF system is amazing. The features are daunting to say the least but worth every penny. I cannot think of a shooting situation that cannot be covered with this camera. The build of the camera feels great so I don't feel like I am holding an egg.

Canon's EOS 5D Mark III has a lot to live up to. For a start, the original Canon EOS 5D was the first DSLR to really bring full-frame digital photography within the reach of enthusiast photographers.