Canon Reveals EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera in Development

SHAWN C. STEINER / APRIL 14, 2021

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:

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.