Breaking News: Canon Announces EOS R3 Specs and Price
Watch out! Canon is on the verge of releasing its much-anticipated EOS R3. And, the specs are looking good. Let’s check it out . . .
Compared to previous years, it feels like the number of camera releases have started to slow down. Although, given the rampant growth in camera technology over the last five years, I guess it’s only natural that we’ll begin to see a decline in new cameras until the next advancement is implemented.
Today, however, we’re back with a doozy.
In June, I reported that Canon was gearing up to announce the Canon R3, officially. And, at the time, they had only shared a few details. From the initial information, along with the design of the camera (built-in battery grip), it appeared as if this was going to be the mirrorless R version of Canon’s 1D series, a range that caters explicitly to pro sports and news photographers.
Today, we can see that’s pretty much the case.
Before we jump into the specs, it should be noted that the EOS R3 is the first “3” series camera from Canon since the EOS-3 film camera was launched in 1998. And, as pointed out in the initial write-up of this camera, as a previous owner of the EOS-3 (awesome 35mm camera), the R3 also houses the same feature.
The EOS R3 allows photographers to select the initial area for AF tracking by simply looking directly at the viewfinder location for where they want to begin AF. When I initially used the EOS-3, I didn’t realize how amazing that feature was, and also how it hasn’t really been incorporated into a camera since.
Core Features
The EOS R3 has a 24.1-megapixel back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor. Canon says the sensor is the first of its kind from them.
When combined with the DIGIC X processor, the EOS R3 will deliver a high-speed readout allowing for continuous blackout-free shooting at up to 30fps in electronic shutter mode and up to 12fps in mechanical shutter. This is with minimum rolling electronic shutter distortion.
Canon also says:
The combination also increases the high sensitivity, light-capturing efficiency of a native ISO range of 100-102,400, expandable up to 204,800 for still images. Like the EOS R5 and R6, the camera features the improved dual pixel CMOS AF II with 1,053 AF points and evolved EOS iTR tracking down to EV -7.5 for subjects such as eye, face, head, animals, and select cars and motorcycles. In addition, the camera features up to 8-stops of in-body image stabilized (IBIS) shake correction.
– Canon
For sports photographers, these are some insane specs.
Likewise, the R3 will use deep-learning technology to enhance eye and body detection, further aiding action-type shooting. The camera has a new 5.76-million-dot and 120fps blackout-free, electronic viewfinder. When the Face Detect + Tracking is live, the camera will continue to follow moving subjects around the entire active AF area.
Filmmaking Information
Given the additional size and price ($5,999), I’m not sure how many people will be clamoring for this camera when it comes to filmmaking. After all, for the same price, you could get a designated film tool like the C70.
With that in mind, however, the EOS R3 does have impressive filmmaking specs for a designated photography tool.
It can record 6K 60p RAW (Canon RAW light) and 4K 120p 10-bit uncropped video with Canon Log 3 support. The 4K uncropped support is notable, as we’ve seen a recent trend of 6K cameras only housing 4K when cropped.
Canon also says,
In addition to the possibility for oversampled 4K and RAW movie internal recording, Canon Log 3, which is frequently used in cinema production, helps to reduce the possibility of highlight blowouts.
What’s more, the features—such as industry standard BT.709, BT.2020 color gamuts, and cinema gamut—help to maintain color and tonal consistency. Coordinated 5-axis IBIS helps to correct operator motion or shaking, providing dependent video capturing even when using a lens without built-in Optical IS.
– Canon
Additional Specs from the Press Release
- Canon’s next-generation Multi-Function Shoe is compatible with a variety of accessories, including the Speedlite EL-1, and new accessories such as the ST-E10 Speedlite Transmitter, external mic, and smartphone link adapter
- One-piece magnesium alloy design, integrating the body with a vertical grip section
- Weather and dust resistance equivalent to EOS-1D camera models.
- Mobile file transmitter application for iOS® and Android® devices allows photographers to transfer their images quickly and easily, without the need for wired LAN equipment
- Built-in Wired LAN, 5GHz Wi-Fi®, USB and Bluetooth® technology
- Dual-card slots, supporting one CF express and one UHS-II SD
Looking back on this write-up, there’s an element where I feel like it’s quite sparse of typical features we’d be gawking at regarding filmmaking. And, I guess that’s the thing—this is a photography-first camera with tidy video specs to boot. I don’t really foresee this being used over the C70.
The Canon EOS R3 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera is scheduled to be available in November 2021, for a suggested retail price of $5999.99.
A few more camera reviews, tips, and advice for you:
- Breaking News: RED Announces New 8K Camera V-RAPTOR ST
- The 6 Best Filmmaking Cameras Under $1,000
- Your Canon Camera Just Became the Best Webcam You Own
- Hands-on Review: the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
- High-Speed Cameras for Indie Filmmakers in 2021
Cover image via Canon.
