Some of the camera's features are great, like the level, while others seem to be designed to address shortcomings in the imaging technology, such as in-camera HDR to compensate for lack of dynamic range. The new menus are much cleaner, but there quite a few options to dig into, and less custom functions.
Is there a lack of dynamic range relative to other cameras? Dynamic range limitations relative to quality film are one of the biggest "problems" Digital cameras have. If all cameras can benefit from a certain feature does this make it compensation to have that feature, or just a feature?
According to the manual I believe their are only a few more custom functions than the 5d2, but it sure seems like the new functions are extremely functional, unlike many of the old functions. I especially like the ability to unlock ISO if you want. Combined with the big increase in high ISO useability this should make those settings a much more viable option. No more being tied to ISO 400.
Have you tested non-centerpoint focus on the 5d2 against similar points on the 5d3 in low light? I would be curious to know if that is just a little better or a lot better in your estimation.... Because I know with my 5d2 I don't even bother using anything but center point focus for low light situations since the keeper rate is just too low.
With the already great image quality of the 5d2 and the minimal increase in pixels on the 5d3 I wasn't expecting any real low-ISO IQ improvement. What I am hoping for when I get mine is massive high-ISO IQ improvement. All testing I have seen indicates this should be the case. The benefit of a broader useable ISO range is obviously a massive increase in flexibility. Being able to shoot at 12800 indoors without a flash instead of 3200 translates to more depth of field and/or faster shutter speed. Given that I often shoot my very active 3-year-old in the house I will take a full stop of both please!
