Topping its full-frame mirrorless lineup, Canon has just announced the development of the forthcoming EOS R3 mirrorless camera. Canon describes this camera as holding a new position within the EOS R ecosystem, “squarely between the EOS R5 and EOS-1D X Mark III cameras.” More specifically, Canon seems to be emphasizing autofocus performance and speed with this new high-end model, along with the durable design professionals expect from a top-tier camera.
Canon has yet to release full details on the EOS R3, but here’s what we know so far:
Update: June 2, 2021
In a nice summer surprise, Canon has teased out even more details (and pictures!) of the upcoming EOS R3. This pro-oriented camera was assumed to be packing some of Canon’s latest and greatest imaging technology and it doesn’t sound like it is going to disappoint.
First, we should recap the previously revealed information:
- Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Sensor
- 30 fps Continuous Shooting with AF/AE
- Revamped AF System with Deep Learning
- Eye Control AF
- Integrated Vertical Grip
- Rugged, Weather-Resistant Construction
This wasn’t a ton of information, but it was enough to whet one’s appetite for more. Today is the day where we get to enjoy a few more morsels.
Diving deeper into this sensor we see some huge improvements to low-light operation. This new sensor can apparently autofocus in as low as -7 EV. Autofocus is expected to be among Canon’s best, and the use of deep learning technology will improve the tracking performance. Specifically, the R3 now supports tracking motorsports like cars and bikes in addition to people and animals.
We now know that the R3 will definitely have in-body sensor-shift stabilization. When Coordinated IS with both sensor and lens stabilization this can achieve stabilization of up to 8 stops.
That up to 30 fps continuous shooting figure is confirmed to work with raw formats. An interesting tidbit has to do with flash. This upgraded stacked sensor will now permit shooting with flash while using an electronic shutter. Canon specifies this function will work with their Speedlites.
Video is an increasingly important spec and we finally have some information on this aspect of the R3. It will record oversampled 4K, offer Canon Log 3, and record in raw. Also, that AF system will track people, animals, and motorsports while shooting video. Not a ton of information still, so a lot more to learn.
Body design is what you would expect from a camera of this caliber. It has a magnesium alloy construction, has wired LAN, 5GHz Wi-Fi, and takes the large LP-E19 Battery Pack. Completely new is the hot shoe, which is now being referred to as an accessory shoe thanks to a new data and power transmission capability. This will support some all new accessories.
Some nice to know features include 1 Series operation blended with modern R5 design. You can see a multi controller, the smart controller with touch support, and a large vari-angle screen. Plus, you have three dials for intuitive control over your essential settings. Finally, the R3 will have a dual media setup with both CFexpress and SD slots.
Original Article Below: April 14, 2021
New Sensor
It makes sense that a new camera of this magnitude would feature an all-new sensor, and Canon is saying the R3 will be the company's first model to feature a full-frame stacked CMOS sensor with a back-illuminated design. This means faster readout speeds, greatly reduced rolling shutter, and impressive noise performance. The sensor’s design will also benefit electronic shutter performance, specifically by offering a top continuous shooting rate of 30 fps with full AF and AE.
Faster and More Precise AF
Canon has placed a great deal of emphasis on AF with the EOS R3—it’s taking the best focusing capabilities of the R5 and R6 cameras and improving on them for even greater speed and accuracy. Deep Learning technology will be used again to enhance eye and body detection, which suits portraiture and sports shooting, and subject detection and tracking should be improved as well for working in various lighting conditions.
Even better than just improved AF performance, Canon is also introducing Eye Control AF for the first time in the digital era. In short, this mode lets photographers select the initial AF area simply by looking at the area through the viewfinder. The EVF will recognize where the photographer is looking, move the AF area to that region in the frame, and then tracking AF will handle maintained focus from there.
Rugged Body
What’s a professional camera without a rugged design? Modeled after the EOS 1D series, the R3 will sport an integrated vertical grip along with a weather-sealed design that matches the flagship DSLRs, too. This means you’ll be able to shoot for longer durations and work more comfortably and confidently in different shooting orientations and with longer lenses.
We’ll keep you updated on any further details Canon releases between now and the formal launch. I think it’s safe to say that Canon is definitely looking to make a strong move in the professional end of the mirrorless market with the EOS R3. Let us know your thoughts on this forthcoming model in the Comments section, below, and please sign up to be notified for more information.
