Building on the success of the R-series, and most recently the Canon EOS R5, Canon has officially announced the long-awaited Canon EOS R3. Leveraging on some of the technology advancements from previous EOS models, the EOS R3 combines the best of both the Canon EOS R5 and EOS 1D X Mark III while bringing brand new innovations to this pro tier camera.
For those wondering where the Canon EOS R3 falls in the EOS lineup, it sits in between the EOS R5 and 1D X Mark III. Canon still holds that the 1D X Mark III is their flagship camera, but now, those professional sports and wildlife photographers who demand the most performance, and rugged reliability, have a mirrorless option to match their tried and true DSLRs.
Back-Illuminated Stacked Sensor
One of the biggest advancement to note is a brand new back-illuminated stacked full-frame CMOS sensor. This new, fully redesigned 24.1 megapixel sensor, will increase overall image quality, and has a higher resolving power than the 5D Mark IV. In addition to increased detail, it's paired with the DIGIC X image processor, providing an ISO range of 100-102400; expandable to 204800.
The new sensor and DIGIC X image processor allows for a higher speed readout. Users will be able to get 14-bit RAW high speed continuous shooting black-out free at up to 30 fps with the electronic shutter and up to 12 fps with the mechanical shutter.
Improved AF Tracking
Even with the impressive autofocus capabilities in the Canon EOS R6 and EOS R5, Canon's EOS R3 takes it a step further. Now with improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF and 1,053 AF points, it features vehicle detection in addition to eye, face, head, and animal detection. AF tracking is available at a constant 60 fps.
It is also the first EOS digital camera with Eye Control autofocus. Previously, Eye Control was included in the older EOS 3 film cameras. This feature requires eye calibration and can be calibrated to up to six users. The more calibrations the better performance. For fast moving subjects, wherever you look and half press down on the shutter, the AF tracking will lock on.
The Canon EOS R3 has new AF EOS iTR X Intelligence, which is when an AF point is close to a subject the focus box will automatically jump to the subject's head. There is also animal, people and vehicle priority mode so when multiple subjects are in frame, it will prioritize the type selected before anything else.
Shot on Canon EOS R3 Preproduction Model
Face-tracking has been replaced with the new EOS iTR X intelligence tracking. There are AF modes like Single, Spot, Flexible Zone and Entire AF. When on Spot AF and people priority, when tracking a race car, the AF will automatically lock on to the driver's head to guarantee sharp focus.
6K RAW Shooting
The Canon EOS R3 is capable of recording 6K 60P RAW or 4K 120p 10-bit (uncropped) video in Canon Log 3. With the new AF system, full autofocus functionality is also available in video recording modes. Designed with a larger body than the R5 and more efficient heat sinks, heat dispersion is maximized extending record times and optimal performance.
Improved Ergonomics and Operating Controls
The EOS Canon R3 doesn't lack in the customization and functionality department. In fact, it's improved quite a bit. For instance, it has a new 5.76-million-dot, 120fps blackout-free EVF with quick response and of course a vari-angle touchscreen.
For users looking for high-capacity storage, it comes with dual card slots for both CFexpress and UHS-II SD cards. Now, on the camera itself, is a custom lens control ring which makes up for the lack of control ring on the new RF400 and RF600 lenses.
New to the Canon EOS R3 is a next generation multi-function shoe with Speedlite EL-1 synchronization. Connectivity is faster and easier than ever with the capability to send photos with metadata to 5G smartphone devices on the app without WFT.
In regards to weather sealing, the EOS R3 has dust and drip resistance equal to the EOS 1D series. In fact, it's equipped with the same magnesium alloy bulid as the IDX Mark III. It also requires the same LP-E19 battery as 1DX Mark III and comes with an integrated vertical grip, including major interface buttons to maintain familiarity and fast shooting speeds.
The new Canon EOS R3 weighs approximately 1.8lbs—71% lighter than 1DX Mark III.
New Canon EOS R3 Availabilty
Price: $5,999 Body Only. Shipping availability: 11/30/21
New Canon RF Lenses
Canon also announce two new affordable RF lenses. These lenses were designed to be paired with cameras like the Canon EOS R, RP, or Canon EOS R6 cameras. These lenses include an RF 16mm F2.8 and RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 USM. The RF 16mm lens is practically the same size as the RF nifty fifty and has a minimum focus distance of 5.1 inches. The price for the RF 16mm STM lens is $299.
Shot on Canon EOS R6 with RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM lens
The RF 100-400mm USM lens has 5.5 stops of image stabilization and up to 6 stops when paired with the R6 or R5. It is also compatible with the RF 1.4x and 2x extenders. It has a lighter and smaller build weighing only 2.8lbs when combined with the EOS R6. In terms of image quality, it's comparable to the EF 70-300mm lens. The RF 100-400mm USM lens will be available for $649.99.