Canon announced EOS R3 – Redefining Speed and Performance

Canon recently announced the launch of EOS R3 – Redefining Speed and Performance, their most advanced and capable full-frame mirrorless camera to date in their EOS R lineup of full-frame mirrorless cameras. The new Canon EOS R3 features a newly developed (approximately 24.1-megapixels) back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor.   

“The EOS R3 is a testament to our ceaseless pursuit of pushing our technological boundaries to create cameras that offer fast performance, precision, and reliability,” said Mr. Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “As Canon’s finest mirrorless camera to date, the EOS R3 will strengthen our EOS R system lineup, complementing other mirrorless cameras such as the EOS R5 and EOS R6. Its addition will bolster our offerings to help cater to the different needs of each type of photographer.”

Back-illuminated Stacked CMOS Sensor with DIGIC X

The Canon EOS R3 has a newly developed 24.1-megapixels back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, combined with DIGIC X image processor, powering the EOS R3 to a number of ground breaking features that makes it the finest full-frame mirrorless camera in the EOS R system line-up. This EOS R3 camera is built primarily for speed, it also strikes a perfect balance between precision, performance and image quality.

At approximately 24.1-megapixels, the EOS R3 has approximately 20% more pixels as compared to the EOS-1D X Mark III and EOS R6. However, its resolution performance exceeds even the much higher 30.4-megapixels EOS 5D Mark IV.

High Speed Performance

For photographers in the sports, action, wildlife and press sectors that require high speed performance on their cameras, the EOS R3 is the camera for you. The EOS R3 electronic shutter can reach up to 30 fps while its mechanical shutter can reach up to 12 fps with AF/AE tracking. It’s also possible to achieve a shutter speed of up to 1/64,000 sec with the electronic shutter, this would allow photographers to capture ultra-fast subjects or using large aperture lenses under bright environments.

The Canon EOS R3 is equipped with dual card slots for CFexpress (Type-B) card that boasts ultra-fast read/write speeds and a SD (UHS-II) card, allowing for fast and reliable recording of image data. Thanks to DIGIC X’s incredibly high-speed processing capability, it’s possible to navigate menus and change settings while data is being written on a memory card.

Superior Image and Video Quality

For still photography, the EOS R3 has a native ISO range of 100 to 102.400 (expandable to 204,800). For videography, the range goes from 100 to 25,600 (expandable to 102,400). Due to the increased readout speed by the stacked CMOS sensor, rolling shutter distortion has been reduced to a minimum, which is particularly useful when shooting fast action sports or rapid panning action.

10-bit HEIF file format is also available in the EOSR3. HDR-PQ-like JPEG images with improved highlight gradations can be converted from HEIF files in-camera. With the HDR mode, users can achieve a single high dynamic range HEIF file from 3 HEIF composites automatically in as quickly as 0.02 seconds, making handheld HDR shooting an absolute breeze.

Like the EOS R5 and R6, the EOS R3 comes with In-Body Image Stabilisation(In-Body IS) of up to 5.5 stops. When paired with compatible RF lenses, the effectiveness can go up to 8 stops ,making long exposure shooting without a tripod a cinch.

To meet movie production needs, the EOS R3 is capable of recording 6K 60p RAW or 4K 120p 10-bit movie at the full-frame angle of field. High quality 4K 60p(oversampling from 6K) is also available for those who demand the very best quality. Canon Log 3 and HDR PQ are available, providing flexibility to match various postproduction workflows.

Intelligent and Precise Focus

The EOS R3 is featuring the game-changing Eye Control AF function for the first time since the EOS 7s (released in 2004). This allows users to select a focus point by purely using the movement of the eye. Multiple LEDs and sensors inside the newly developed EVF detect eye movement quickly, allowing photographers to instantly shit between different subjects without the need to fiddle around with buttons and controls. This helps them to quickly shift between AF targets, particularly when photographing motorsports and fast-moving subjects.

Eye Detection AF on the EOS R3 has been enhanced further with deep-learning technology. The camera is now able to focus on the eye if the face is partially covered or masked. Head Detection AF has also improved further, even when the athletes are wearing helmets or goggles, stable focusing can still be achieved in high-speed sports photography.

A newly added Vehicle Priority AF will also excite motorsport photographers. The AF can now detect automobiles and motorcycles with great precision. It can even detect the helmets of drivers when Spot Detection is enabled.

Another benefit from the high readout speed of the new sensor, combined with the processing power of DIGIC X, is the enhanced tracking accuracy. The EOS R3 can perform up to 60fps of AF calculation and tracking. This is three times of what the EOS-1 DX Mark III and EOS R5 can achieve, making it a breeze to track subjects that turn and change directions rapidly, such as ski racers or motorsport athletes.

With its low-luminance AF limit of EV-7.5, the EOS R3 can focus on subjects in an environment so dark that it is almost pitch black to the human eyes.

Seamless Connectivity for Swift Transfer

The EOS R3 has some of the best connectivity features in any Canon camera. Featuring Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS as standard modes, a dual band Wi-Fi that supports FTP and FTPS are also available, along with WPA3 for added security. For press photographers, wired LAN connectivity offers blazing fast transfer of files to remote FTP, FTPS or SFTP servers. All these are achieved without the need of any additional accessories.

For high-speed transfer, Mobile File Transfer allows the camera to transfer files quickly to a smartphone via a USB cable. By utilizing the ultra-fast 5G mobile network, the files can be transferred to remote servers swiftly.

Durability and Operability

As a professional grade mirrorless camera, the EOS R3 shares the same dust and drip resistance performance and shutter durability as the EOS-1D X Mark III.

The camera is equipped with a 3.2-inch (3:2) Vari-angle LCD touchscreen, a first for a professional body. It also boasts a resolution of approximately 4.15-million-dots, the highest ever in any Canon camera.

Canon has also developed a new 5.76-million-dot OLED EVF for the EOS R3. With a refresh rate of up to 120fps, the highly responsive EVF not only make spanning comfortable on the eye, but it also reduces time lag during continuous shooting. Featuring the same SmartController which first debuted on the EOS-1D X Mark III, it allows the user to quickly move the AF position around and double up as an AF-ON button.

Compatible with the proven LP-E19 high-capacity battery pack, photographers can be assured of a full day of shooting on a single charge. When the need arises, the battery can be charged using a mobile battery that supports Power Delivery(PD)via a compatible USB-C cable.

Despite its imposing look, the EOS R3 is 15% shorter than the EOS-1D X Mark III and weighs 30% lighter (CIPA standard). At822g (body only), the EOS R3 is also lighter than the EOS 5DS.

New Multi-function Shoe and Accessories

The EOS R3’s next generation Multi-function shoe adds functionalities beyond flash photography, with a series of new accessories designed to work with it.

The Multi-Function Shoe Directional Stereo Microphone DM-E1D is a full digital microphone that inherits most of the features from its analogue sibling, DM-E1. Other than being able to record digital audio directly, it adopts a battery-less and cable-less design. The Multi-function shoe can transmit audio data as well as supply power from the camera.The Menu button on the microphone allows quick access to the settings inside the camera menu for convenience.

Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 is a new radio-enabled speedlite transmitter that works similarly to the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT. It has the same battery-less design and quick menu access buttons as the DM-E1D. Most notably, the ST-E10’s ultra-compact design sports a 56% reduction in weight compared to the ST-E3-RT.

The Multi-Function Shoe Adapter AD-E1 is designed to allow existing speedlites that has dust and drip resistance design to be used on the EOS R3. Examples of such speedlites are the EL-1 and 600EX series. Speedlites without dust & drip resistance design such as the 430EX and 270EX series, however, can be mounted directly on the EOSR3.

Multi-Function Shoe Adapter for Smartphone Link AD-P1 is an accessory for mounting a smartphone on to the EOS R3’s Multi-function shoe. A dedicated USB cable allows fast transfer of images and videos from the camera to the smartphone. With the Mobile File Transfer smartphone app, photographers can send these hi-res images to a remote FTP server via 5G mobile network.This workflow will significantly enhance photographers’ efficiency in the field.

Pricing and Availability

The EOS R3 will be available in November 2021, with pricing to be advised at a later date.

Canon EOS R3 Product Specifications 

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and GLOO *