Back-illuminated Stacked CMOS Sensor with DIGIC X
The newly developed 24.1-megapixel back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, combined with the DIGIC X image processor, powers the Canon EOS R3 with a host of ground-breaking features that makes it the finest mirrorless camera in the EOS R system line-up. A camera built primarily for speed, the Canon EOS R3 strikes a perfect balance between precision, performance, and image quality.
At approximately 24.1-megapixels, the Canon EOS R3 has approximately 20% more pixels compared to the EOS-1DX Mark III and EOS R6. However, its resolution performance exceeds even the much higher 30.4-megapixel EOS 5D Mark IV.
High Speed Performance
The electronic shutter and mechanical shutter of the Canon EOS R3 can reach up to 30 fps and 12 fps respectively with AF/AE tracking. It is also possible to achieve a shutter speed of up to 1/64,000 sec with the electronic shutter, allowing capturing of ultra-fast subjects or using large aperture lenses under bright environments.
The Canon EOS R3 is equipped with dual card slots for a 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 is possible to navigate menus and change settings while data is being written on a memory card.
Superior Image and Video Quality
For still photos, the Canon EOS R3 has a native ISO range of 100 to 102,400 (expandable to 204,800). For videos, the range goes from 100 to 25,600 (expandable to 102,400). Due to the increased readout speed achieved by the stacked CMOS sensor, rolling shutter distortion has been reduced to a minimum, which is particularly useful when shooting fast action sports or panning rapidly.
10-bit HEIF file format is also available in the Canon EOS R3. 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 Canon 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 Canon 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 post-production workflows.
Intelligent and Precise Focus
For the first time since the EOS 7s (released in 2004), the Canon EOS R3 features the game-changing Eye Control AF function, which 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 shift 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 Canon EOS R3 has been enhanced further with deep-learning technology. The camera is now able to focus on the eye even if the face is partially covered or masked. Head Detection AF has also improved further; even when 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 Canon EOS R3 can perform up to 60 fps of AF calculation and tracking. This is three times what the EOS-1DX 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 motor sport athletes.
With its low-luminance AF limit of EV-7.5, the Canon EOS R3 can focus on subjects in an environment so dark that it is almost pitch black to the human eye.
Seamless Connectivity for Swift Transfer
The Canon 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 Canon EOS R3 shares the same dust and drip resistance performance and shutter durability as the EOS-1DX Mark III. It is equipped with a 3.2-inch (3:2) Vari-angle LCD touch screen, 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 Canon EOS R3. With a refresh rate of up to 120 fps, the highly responsive EVF not only makes panning comfortable on the eye, but it also reduces time lag during continuous shooting. Featuring the same Smart Controller which first debuted on the EOS-1DX 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 Canon EOS R3 is 15% shorter than the EOS-1DX Mark III and weighs 30% lighter (CIPA standard). At 822g (body only), the Canon EOS R3 is also lighter than the EOS 5DS.
Expanding Creative Possibilities with New RF Lenses
Joining alongside the new Canon EOS R3, Canon also unveiled the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM and RF16mm f/2.8 STM lenses, expanding creative options for photography enthusiasts using the EOS R system at affordable prices.
Both lenses take advantage of the large diameter and short back focus of the RF mount that the EOS R system is renowned for, which results in both a compact optical system and excellent quality across the entire image, from edge to edge.
The RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM offers telephoto capability of up to 400mm zoom, yet retains its compactness at less than 170mm in length, making it easily portable for users. At approximately 635g, the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is an affordable and lightweight telephoto lens option. It is also lighter than the RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM.
This lens is comparable in size to the EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM but features an additional 100mm to the telephoto end of the focal length.
With Nano USM, the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM enables quick and smooth focusing throughout the entire zoom range, regardless of stills or videos. This makes the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM a great starter lens for those who are interested in bird and wildlife photography without the bulk.
It is also compatible with the Extender RF1.4x/2x, which increases focal length to 1.4x/2x - users can easily enjoy shooting with an ultra-telephoto range of up to 800mm. When combined with Canon’s lightweight mirrorless cameras, users can trek long distances with it or shoot handheld comfortably without much difficulty.
Traditionally, an ultra-wide-angle lens with a large f/2.8 aperture would cost a substantial amount to own. However, the RF16 f/2.8 STM managed to overcome the price barrier, making this a lens at an accessible price point. Another outstanding feature of the RF16mm f/2.8 STM is its ultra-compact design. At just 40.2mm tall and weighing approximately 165g, it barely occupies any space in the camera bag. In fact, one can easily mistake it for the RF 50mm f1.8 STM lens, given that both share an almost identical form factor.
With a minimum focusing distance of just 1.05m (at 400mm), a maximum magnification of 0.41x can be achieved. Thus, the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM comes in handy when shooting small flowers and creatures, bringing out the best of the lens compression effect and bokeh of telephoto lenses.
The lens comes with a native 5.5 stops image stabilization. However, when paired with a camera that has In-Body Image Stabilisation (In-Body IS), IS effectiveness goes up to 6 stops. This greatly reduces camera shake and ensures sharp images even at the 400mm telephoto end.
With the RF16mm f/2.8 STM, users can take powerful photos by adjusting perspectives to capture larger images of nearby objects or smaller images of faraway ones. The distortion effect of the ultra-wide-angle lens when the user gets closer to a subject (such as animals and children) creates a warped look, resulting in adorable photos.
The ultra-wide angle of the RF16mm f/2.8 STM covers a 110-degree diagonal field of view. This makes it convenient for taking selfies with large groups, shooting video for social media, and taking photos in tight spaces. In addition, its large f2.8 aperture not only creates pleasing bokeh, but when combined with the wide field of view, it can become an excellent lens for astrophotography as well.
New Multi-function Shoe and Accessories
The Canon 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 Speedlite Transmitter 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 have dust and drip resistance design to be used on the Canon EOS R3, such as 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 Canon EOS R3.
Multi-Function Shoe Adapter for Smartphone Link AD-P1 is an accessory for mounting a smartphone onto the Canon 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.
The Canon EOS R3 as well as new RF lenses will be available in Malaysia from November 2021. For full details of the Canon EOS R3, download the interactive brochure. Stay tuned to further announcements on Canon Malaysia’s Facebook page and follow Canon Malaysia’s Instagram page (@canonmalaysia).
