In a recent interview by DPReview with Canon folks at CP+ last month, they touch on all things Canon mirrorless and a few tidbits of what's coming in the future.
One of the more interesting bits of information is in regards to eye-controlled autofocus that we have in the Canon EOS R3. According to Canon, they plan to add it to more existing EOS R cameras in the future.
It's our mission as a camera manufacturer to figure out ways to make any camera system easier and more comfortable to operate. So, in terms of the eye control system, or eye-controlled focus, we intend to deploy this to various other models as well. At the same time, we’d like to improve the performance and usability.
However, the eye control system is something that takes a long time to develop. It’s also a costly device to develop and manufacture, so we don’t wish for customers to have overexcited expectations for immediate deployment to other models.
https://www.dpreview.com/interviews/4917931387/cp-2023-canon-interview-it-s-our-mission-to-make-any-camera-system-easier-operate
One of the big questions with Canon's RF mount is in regards to third-party lenses. Canon obviously has a strategy on how to address this concern with customers, but they continue to keep it fairly close to the chest.
Whenever a third party presents a request to us, we’ll consider it, based on our business strategy. In fact, we have been communicating with some outside companies, and you may already be aware that here at CP+, Cosina has announced that they will be creating RF lenses of their own.
https://www.dpreview.com/interviews/4917931387/cp-2023-canon-interview-it-s-our-mission-to-make-any-camera-system-easier-operate
Be sure to check out the whole interview at DPReview.
But from what I've heard, it must be cool.
It would be great to see this coming to lower end camera bodies.
Especially if the "sensor" seems to be implemented already and if it is just a" firmware switch on".
Often I don't look at the subject but at the edge of the picture to make a good frame, or what's happening around the subject then it shouldn't focus.
It could be tricky to make it work correctly depending on the correction and form factor of your glasses, and it could be more felt as a distraction than a real help.
So, unless they really make it much better for this use case, it may not be a part of a buying decision for many.
However, I've no doubt Canon will keep on improving their AF system itself, even though it is already very efficient in most of the situations.
Thumb activated focus-point definition doesn't work for me, thumb, index and middle finger "suffer" from a reduced sensitivity after spinal hernia. And, since I'm a left-eye shooter, I can't easily use back-screen for focusing.
So, eye-control warmly welcome!
Actually kind of wonder now how much cheaper an R3 would have been without it.
It only makes sense that the R3 would have it to garner the name.