TOKYO, August 20, 2021—As a Gold Partner (Still Camera and Desktop Printer) of the Tokyo 2020 Games, Canon helped support professional photographers through the establishment of a camera service booth inside the Main Press Center so they were in the best condition possible to capture photos of athletes engaged in high-level competition during the Opening Ceremonies, Closing Ceremonies and competition events of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Canon is active behind the scenes at a wide variety of sporting events, aiming to achieve “zero downtime” for professional photographers so they are never forced to stop and miss definitive moments of these intense competitions. For decades, the Company has built a reliable reputation and helped support journalists on the front lines through a wide range of services.

In addition to such products as the company's professional flagship camera, the EOS-1D X Mark III, used by a large number of photographers thanks to its high reliability and ease of use, Canon provided on-site support during the eight competition events1 of the Tokyo 2020 Games. Canon achieved the top share, approximately 55%, of cameras used by professional press photographers at the event.

Alongside the EOS-1D X Mark III, Canon's EOS R5 and EOS R6 mirrorless cameras were widely used. What's more, test units of the in-development EOS R3—with high performance and high reliability designed to meet the needs of professional and enthusiast users—were used by a limited number of professional photographers, who gave the camera high praise.

Comment from EOS R3 test user Patrick Smith of Getty Images, the official photo agency of the Tokyo 2020 Games

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to test EOS R3 at the world's largest sporting event. Thanks to the camera's incredibly fast AF and lightweight, I had a much easier time holding and operating the camera for long periods of time. The 30 frames-per-second high-speed continuous shooting also proved excellent. I believe this camera will show us what next-generation performance is like.”

Canon's Robotic Camera System CR-S700R, which enables image capture from a variety of viewpoints and angles, was also installed in multiple locations, contributing to the creation of innovative new ways to capture photos.

Canon will continue striving to create competitive, highly reliable products and, through such on-site support of journalists as equipment maintenance, contribute to the further advancement of photographic and videographic expression.

  1. Athletics (Men's/Women's 100m Final, Men's/Women's 4 x 100m Relay Final), Swimming (Men's/Women's 4 x 100m Medley Relay Final, Mixed 4 x 100m Medley Relay Final), Basketball (Men's/Women's Gold Medal Game), Gymnastics (Men's/Women's Team Final), Baseball (Final), Soccer (Men's/Women's Final), Tennis (Men's/Women's Final), Golf (Men's/Women's Final, 4th Round)
  2. Average calculated from the events described above. Based on Canon research.
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43 comments

  1. The whole, entire internet knows that. Nikon and Sony have or will have 50 MP 30 fps cameras, how can the pathetic putative 24 MP R3 possibly compete. Canon is d00med.
    And since when has the entire internet been right about anything? :P We know the R3 was never designed to go up against Sony and Nikon's flagship cameras. Canon still has the upcoming R1.
  2. It's funny how CR is so split/flip-flopping over whether high-res high-speed is irrelevant or wrong because of the R3, and Canon being the best at it eventually because of the R1.
  3. It's funny how CR is so split/flip-flopping over whether high-res high-speed is irrelevant or wrong because of the R3, and Canon being the best at it eventually because of the R1.
    It's not irrelevant, its just not something everyone needs. The R3 and R1 both look to be a revivals to the 1D and 1Ds cameras of the past, with the R3 filling in the roll of the 1D (lower resolution, high burst rate shooting) and R1 filling in the roll of the 1Ds (high resolution, lower high burst rate shooting).
  4. I think he/she was being sarcastic because of all the complaints about how 24MP is not enough on the R3.

    All the photos taken during the Olympics won't even be a rounding error in the number of professional photos taken in the course of a year, so I don't think you can extrapolate from that sample.


    Besides, it's not like the CPS-affiliated shooters had much choice. Hire the low-res R3 or the slow-shooting R5 or bring your own kit.
  5. It would be interesting if Canon came out with an R3 with a choice of sensors of 24 or 45 MP at the same price and see whether the majority would prefer the lower MP camera.
    There really would be no point in getting the lower res version, because users of the 45MP version could simply select a lower resolution mode.

    They'd have all the potential advantages of lower resolution (faster fps, small file sizes, quicker transmission) AND the advantages of hi-res (primarily greater cropping ability).
  6. Continue reading...
    Can you change the file dimensions EXIF to be 1000X1500 and show some pictures that describe the text? for example, a series of 30fps shots and how many of them were AF accurate (in a tough gymnastic environment, like the artist-gymnastics where they jump and use objects)

    AF accuracy is very big deal with the R3
  7. It's good to know that Canon are in such a strong position. I don't particularly like Sony cameras, but I'm glad that they are also doing well, pushing the envelope, and providing people with more choices. It does sadden me that Nikon are dropping behind in sales, as they make superb cameras and really deserve a higher market share.

    Panasonic, IMO are unlikely to increase market share unless they produce more compact successors to the S1 and S1R tanks, and they really do need to improve their AF and offer some unique features, to stand any chance of competing with the current market leaders. Olympus make incredibly durable cameras and offer great portability, but are held back by the resolution limitations of M43 - and now that they've been taken over by JIP, I fear their future is very insecure.

    Ooops, forgot to mention Fujifilm's beautiful cameras! .... and of course lovely Leicas.

    Anyway, I wish good fortune to ALL of them - competition is good for all of us, and the closer that competition, the better.
  8. It's good to know that Canon are in such a strong position. I don't particularly like Sony cameras, but I'm glad that they are also doing well, pushing the envelope, and providing people with more choices. It does sadden me that Nikon are dropping behind in sales, as they make superb cameras and really deserve a higher market share.

    If Sony hadn't got in the game we would all still be shooting DSLRs. I'm not a Sony fan boy but I am glad some one is putting pressure on Canon. Nikon has had a very rough last few years, but I think they are turning the corner. I hope they do well.
  9. If Sony hadn't got in the game we would all still be shooting DSLRs.
    The entry of Sony into the camera business has certainly been highly beneficial to all of us, as they've been very innovative and have pushed sensor technology forward. Sony definitely hastened the switchover to mirrorless too. They have been the catalyst that has forced Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Fujifilm and everyone else to entirely rethink their approach to cameras.

    I'm not so sure that Nikon is turning a corner - they've always been at the forefront technologically - the D850 was a long way ahead of the 5DS and 5DMkiv, and is still IMO by far the best DSLR yet made. The Z9 looks very promising and could easily prove to be the "best" sports/reportage MILC, but unfortunately Nikon just doesn't have the marketing prowess of Canon or Sony. It's no use making the best camera, if you don't know how to promote it successfully.
  10. If Sony hadn't got in the game we would all still be shooting DSLRs.
    I don’t think so. Look how long ago Canon announced dual pixel, never mind when the started to develop it. Once that was on the cards it was clear where it was leading.

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