Last week, Canon launched its EOS R3, a sports-centric mirrorless model billed as “the company’s most technologically advanced full-frame mirrorless camera.”
The EOS R3 has generated plenty of hubbub, and rightfully so; on spec sheets, it outclasses the (already formidable) action capabilities of the EOS R5 and the EOS R6. The EOS R3 should even give Canon’s flagship DSLR, the 1D X Mark III, a run for its money, though Canon has deliberately refrained from naming the EOS R3 as the 1D X Mark III’s mirrorless twin. Instead, the company claims that the EOS R3 “bridges the gap between the immensely popular EOS R5 and the world-renowned Canon flagship EOS-1D X line,” which leaves open a spot for Canon’s true mirrorless flagship, the (presumed) EOS R1.
Of course, the EOS R1 won’t debut until 2022 at the earliest, and in many ways, the capabilities of the EOS R3 make you wonder why an action-ready EOS R1 is even necessary; if the EOS R1 sits above the EOS R3, what could it possibly offer beyond the R3’s standout features?
And indeed, the EOS R3 is a standout. You get the expected professional features: top-notch weather sealing (“equivalent to EOS-1D camera models,” according to Canon), an in-built body grip, and dual card slots, perfect for sports and other action shoots. Thanks to Canon’s new 24 MP backside illuminated sensor, you’ll see improved high-ISO performance, perhaps even a stop or two better than the EOS R6, Canon’s most impressive low-light performer to date.
But you also get additional class-leading features. Autofocus is outstanding, bolstered by a whopping 1053 AF points plus a newly developed automobile and motorcycle AF. Then there’s the much-talked-about Eye Control AF, which is simply cool, no matter its final performance; look toward the rightmost subject and your camera will focus right, look toward the leftmost subject and your camera will focus left. There’s even a fully articulating screen, which allows for the low-angle compositions and smooth video monitoring appreciated by professionals.
Action photographers will love the 30 frames-per-second continuous shooting (via the electronic shutter), and the 5.5 stops of in-body image stabilization will improve handheld photography (Canon promises “the world’s most effective image stabilization”).
While the Canon EOS R3 has been teased as a powerful stills camera, its video capabilities are certainly impressive. You get 6K/60p and 4K/120p shooting, along with all the standard video features (e.g., Canon Log, focus peaking, etc.).
Is the Canon EOS R3 the best mirrorless camera currently available? That’s tough to say, especially when faced with more detail-focused cameras such as the Sony a7R IV, the Sony a1, and the Nikon Z7/Z7 II. But it’s certainly impressive, and if you can afford the $6000 USD cost, the EOS R3 is currently available for preorder.
The cameras will begin shipping in November, so if you’re after one of the best action models on the market, then take a look!
Now over to you:
What do you think about the Canon EOS R3? Is it everything you hoped for? Is it missing any features you would’ve appreciated? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
