More details have been revealed today about the up-coming EOS R3 camera, confirming its main target market is sports, wildlife and news photographers.


The Canon EOS R3 camera with the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens fitted. (Source: Canon.)

Following the April development announcement, Canon has released new specifications for the camera. At the heart of the EOS R3 lies a brand-new back illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, which works with Canon’s high-performance DIGIC X image processor. Fast processing enables the new camera to capture RAW files at up to 30fps with full AF/AE tracking. Flash sync is now possible with the electronic shutter when used with external Speedlites, and rolling shutter distortion when shooting fast-moving subjects has been reduced.

Professionals following moving objects will benefit from Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, which maintains sharp focus, even when shooting RAW at 30fps. Proprietary Eye Control AF technology will allow users to select the AF point with only their eye, enabling quick reactions to subject motion. The new camera will include Auto Focus (AF) tracking for motorsports involving racing cars and motorbikes. The AF system also includes the people and animal (including birds) AF tracking technology found in the EOS R5 and EOS R6 and the new camera will be able to focus in light levels of -7EV or lower. In low light, the EOS R3 offers up to 8-stops of protection against camera shake with Canon’s combined Image Stabiliser (IS) technology, where the camera’s sensor-shift IS works in tandem with the optical IS built into many RF Mount lenses.

In addition, the EOS R3 can record oversampled 4K video and users can record RAW footage internally. Canon Log 3 is also available to provide professionals with greater dynamic range and colour grading possibilities. The same object recognition is available to stills photographers is also available to videographers, so filmmakers can track fast-moving objects around the frame, keeping them in sharp focus.

Built to withstand the rigours of day-to-day professional use, the EOS R3 will have a tough, magnesium-alloy body featuring dust and weather resistance to the same level as Canon’s legendary EOS-1D X series. Dual card slots allow image files to be written to SD or CFexpress memory cards. The camera is powered by a high-capacity LP-E19 battery – the same as the one found in Canon’s EOS-1D X Mark III cameras. The camera will also offer a choice of controls with both multi controller and smart controller plus three customisable dials on the body and a Lens Control ring on each RF Mount lens. The EOS R3 is also equipped with a Vari-Angle screen letting professionals compose easily from creative perspectives.

A built in Wired LAN socket and 5GHz Wi-Fi allow communication with computer networks, laptops and mobile devices. As previously announced, the EOS R3 is also compatible with the Canon Mobile File Transfer app. A new accessory shoe will provide data communication and power for new accessories when attached to the camera. Users can keep up-to-date on the latest EOS R3 news by signing up to Canon’s email list.

In summary, here is the information Canon released today:

  • Autofocus working down to -7.0 EV
  • In Body Image Stabilisation plus lens-based stabilisation deliver up to 8 EV of shake correction
  • Head and eye detection have been improved
  • Autofocus detects eye, head and body
  • Autofous recognizes and tracks cars and motorcycles
  • Enhanced tracking for portrait and sports photography
  • Dual slots for CFexpress and SD cards
  • 4K Log 3 and 4K oversampling
  • RAW video internal recording
  • Video autofocus follows people, eyes, animals, and motorsports
  • Magnesium alloy body with weather sealing comparable to EOS-1D X series
  • 5Ghz WiFi
  • LP-E19 battery
  • New accessory shoe for communication and power
  • File transfer supported via LAN and wireless

We have still to receive details of the sensor resolution, likely release date  and product pricing. But with the Tokyo Olympics approaching we may not have long to wait.