MELVILLE, NY (September 14, 2021)  Building on the success of the EOS R camera series, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the next leap forward in full-frame mirrorless cameras – the professional-grade Canon EOS R3. The new camera leverages the advancements in technology that Canon has developed since the original EOS R launch in 2018 and bridges the gap between the immensely popular EOS R5 and the world-renowned Canon flagship EOS-1D X line. The EOS R3 is the first ‘3’ series camera from Canon since the widely used EOS-3 film camera was launched in 1998.

The EOS R3 camera’s features greatly emphasize superb AF performance and speed with fast-moving subjects. It was designed to meet the reliability and durability demands of professionals, even when working in some extremely challenging conditions.

‘The launch of the EOS R3 sets a new benchmark for the Canon EOS R camera system. Canon listened carefully to the voices of professionals when developing a camera to meet their standards,’ said Tatsuro ‘Tony’ Kano, executive vice president, and general manager of Canon U.S.A.’s Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. ‘The EOS R3 is a monumental evolution in digital imaging technology. I look forward to seeing the camera in action on the sidelines of sporting events and in the hands of nature and wildlife photographers across the globe.’

The core of the EOS R3 features a Canon designed and manufactured 24.1-megapixel back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor. The sensor is the first of its kind from Canon, and when combined with the DIGIC X processor, delivers a high-speed readout allowing for continuous blackout-free shooting1 at up to 30 fps in electronic (silent) shutter mode and up to 12 fps in the mechanical shutter, with minimum rolling electronic shutter distortion. The combination also increases the high sensitivity, light-capturing efficiency of a native ISO range of 100-102400, 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, animals2, and select cars and motorcycles. In addition, the camera features up to 8 stops3 of in-body image stabilized (IBIS) shake correction.

Leveraging technology and performance feedback from the popular EOS R5 and EOS R6 cameras, the EOS R3 uses Deep-Learning technology to further enhance eye and body detection for even better performance during portrait and action-type shooting. Featuring a new 5.76-million-dot and 120fps blackout-free1 Electronic Viewfinder, the EOS R3 camera will provide photographers with the ability to select the initial area for AF tracking by simply looking directly at the viewfinder location where they want to begin AF. With Eye input AF2 and Servo AF activated, the camera will focus on and track moving subjects at that location in the frame. When Face Detect + Tracking is active, the camera will continue to follow moving subjects around the entire active AF area.

The EOS R3 camera doesn’t just capture spectacular still images, it also packs impressive video specs as well. The camera is capable of shooting 6K 60p RAW and 4K 120p 10-bit uncropped video with Canon Log 3 support, 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.

Additional features of the EOS R3 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera include:

  • Canon’s next-generation Multi-Function Shoe that 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
    The Canon EOS R3 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera is scheduled to be available in November 2021 for a suggested retail price of $5999.99*. For more information, please visit usa.canon.com

† Based on weekly patent counts issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

* Specifications, availability, and price are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

  1. Blackout(s) may occur in some cases; such as when the built-in memory is full or when the flash battery is fully recharged after the battery ran out during continuous shooting.
  2. Effectiveness varies depending on the subject. In some cases, dogs, cats or birds may not be detected, while some animals other than dogs, cats or birds may be detected.
  3. When combined with certain IS lenses such as the RF24-105mm F4 IS L USM, or when used with certain non-IS lenses as well. See the individual lens product page for more information.
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245 comments

  1. Reading that press release has left me underwhelmed. I'll be eager to see all the coverage and vids tomorrow, but for a $6K body following the R5, on paper it sounds kinda blah TO ME. Maybe I'd be more excited if I were in the intended target for this camera.
  2. While I'm totally happy with my R5, this is a fun announcement. Can't wait to see what the new sensor can do!

    PS: I was expecting a price closer to USD $5,500, but given the particularly high inflation in the US this year, the announced price doesn't shock me...

    PPS: I'm thrilled to see an articulating screen on a 1D-level body. I feel a wee bit vindicated after praising all of the Canon articulating screens I've used over the years* while others insisted it would NEVER be added to a pro body. :)

    *A80, G12, 70D, R5...
  3. Sadly no resolution trick, no surprise features, no pixel shift, no GPS, no higher MP viewfinder, etc.
    But... improved AF for animals will make my happy, assuming it is a significant/noticeable improvement. Also, looking forward to really clean files in low light! And best mirrorless ergonomics! And amazing speed! And improved battery life! Woo hoo!

    Did everyone else already know that the hotshoe would not be backwards-compatible? You will need an adapter to use your existing hotshoe accessories, but that adapter will not be released until four months after the R3?

    AD-E1
    For a seamless transition from your current hot shoe accessories to the multi-function shoe, the
    Multi-Function Shoe Adapter AD-E1 is the answer. The Multi-Function Shoe Adapter AD-E1 provides a
    reliable connection for dust and drip proof Speedlite accessories that you may already own such as the
    Speedlite EL-1, Speedlite 600EX II-RT, Speedlite 600EX-RT, Speedlite 580EX II, ST-E3-RT or OC-E3 flash

    cord. The shoe adapter will also hold current accessories such as shotgun mics and on-camera LED panels
    securely to the camera body with dual locking pins on the multi-function shoe side.
  4. Sounds like a great camera! I'm looking forward to holding one to see what I think, since I've always preferred a smaller camera and never had one with a dual grip. I'm fine with the 24MP (I'm used to the R5's 45MP) and think the BSI design and user-eye tracking will (hopefully) be a major step towards getting the most superb photos. This is probably the body that a lot of well paid professionals have been finally waiting for! I hope Canon comes out soon with similar technology (and hopefully QP) in future bodies, including R5-like sized ones.
  5. $6k LOL! This makes the a9II look like an absolute steal at $4500! Get ready to pay $8k for the R1 :ROFLMAO: Cant wait to see what new $3k RF lenses are coming next! Canon has lost their minds
  6. So, the R3 is nearly a flagship but doesn’t quite reach the dizzy heights of the 1DX III

    I beg to differ… But we will soon see...
    Yes and no. I would say it is absolutely a mirrorless version of a 1D series but that canon is adding a definition of a 'flagship' camera and that what that is will be is the camera with EVERYTHING instead of different cameras to fill different niches.
  7. The announcement implies the AF is on par with the R5. Unless the AF is a huge jump up, this camera may be a very hard sell. Same Digic X processor as the R5. With half the MP of the Sony A1 and half the VF resolution of the Sony A1, it faces tough competition.
  8. Yes and no. I would say it is absolutely a mirrorless version of a 1D series but that canon is adding a definition of a 'flagship' camera and that what that is will be is the camera with EVERYTHING instead of different cameras to fill different niches.
    This ^ I fully expect the R1 to have the resolution of the R5 (at least) with the speed and all the perks of the R3. More of an OP A1.
  9. The announcement implies the AF is on par with the R5. Unless the AF is a huge jump up, this camera may be a very hard sell. Same Digic X processor as the R5. With half the MP of the Sony A1 and half the VF resolution of the Sony A1, it faces tough competition.
    Not to mention the a1 can shoot 8K 30p and 4K 120p Video in 10-Bit
  10. $6k LOL! This makes the a9II look like an absolute steal at $4500! Get ready to pay $8k for the R1 :ROFLMAO: Cant wait to see what new $3k RF lenses are coming next! Canon has lost their minds
    If I click your name will it take me to a website to buy the a9?
    Just wondering where to go to get one of these. That is why I follow Canon sites.
  11. With half the MP of the Sony A1 and half the VF resolution of the Sony A1, it faces tough competition.
    People here have been claiming Canon will have a tough time competing with Sony for a decade. Why hasn’t Canon lost market share to them?

    It’s ok…you keep irrelevantly complaining, Canon will keep selling cameras, and you’ll both be happy.
  12. People here have been claiming Canon will have a tough time competing with Sony for a decade. Why hasn’t Canon lost market share to them?

    It’s ok…you keep irrelevantly complaining, Canon will keep selling cameras, and you’ll both be happy.
    One company is actually transparent with their camera sales and earnings, one is not. That's all we need to know.
  13. This is the part I love...

    * Specifications, availability, and price are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

    You think???

    IOW - You'll be lucky to get one at "List" price when they first become available as Canon is allowing dealers to set their own pricing - assuming it's NOT less that $5999.99
  14. This is the part I love...

    * Specifications, availability, and price are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

    You think???

    IOW - You'll be lucky to get one at "List" price when they first become available as Canon is allowing dealers to set their own pricing - assuming it's NOT less that $5999.99
    An authorized Canon retailer cannot go above the MSRP. They can go below MSRP in-store only.

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