My first impressions of the Canon EOS R3
I am using Prograde Cobalt cards for CF Express and SD slots in the camera and using ES only.
Buffer Depth:
30 fps: RAW to CFE only is ~130 to 150 shots depending on the ISO. Buffer clears exceptionally quickly so if you shoot in 2-3 sec burst there will be no issues. If writing RAW to CFE and JPG to SD buffer is essentially the same, but clearing the buffer takes about 4 sec. I did try RAW to both, but this takes much longer to clear the buffer due to the slower SD card. IMO RAW to both cards is not practical. This camera should have two CFE slots given the target audience and the price. With the current limitations, I plan to record to CFE slot and copy images to the SD as a backup. This is not ideal, but the best solution I can think of. With that said, glad the camera records full 14 bit RAWs at 30 fps speed that was one of the key reason for the purchase.
15 fps: RAW to CFE I was able to record 500+ images without hitting the buffer. This is good news because I can see myself using this mode most of the time. I did not test other configurations.
I have never owned a camera with identical cards slots, but for critical assignments I now understand why this is so important. I expect matched slots on a future R1 camera.
Eye Control AF:
I was able to get it to calibrate quite easily and I wear glasses and have hazel eye color. Honestly, I am still getting used to the system, but when I point the camera at a picture of two people I was able to switch between the two just by moving my eye. Seems to work, but will require extensive field testing.
Smart Controller:
This is amazing. Took me awhile to realize how to activate it in the menu system, but a great way to move focusing points. I doubt I will ever use a multi-controller for moving focusing points ever again. Note, I never owned a 1Dx Mk3 so this is my first camera with this feature. Love it.
Overall Ergonomics:
Reminds me a lot of my 1Dx Mk2 that I once owned. Better ergonomics that the R5, the smart controller on the vertical grip is located in a very natural location (i.e., where the thumb rest).
Other Random Thoughts:
1) Because I do not shoot movies, I really like that one can reconfigure the movie switch and movie record button in still modes to other functions. I really like being able to switch into silent mode with a flip of a switch.
2) The lighter weight of the camera is a godsend. I really hope when Canon designs the R1 that that keep the mass to a minimum. I realize that it might be a bit larger than the R3 to accommodate two CFE slots.
This weekend I hope to do some field testing with some native RF lenses, but weather is below 40 F so might be limited to birds on a feeder. I will keep you posted.
I am using Prograde Cobalt cards for CF Express and SD slots in the camera and using ES only.
Buffer Depth:
30 fps: RAW to CFE only is ~130 to 150 shots depending on the ISO. Buffer clears exceptionally quickly so if you shoot in 2-3 sec burst there will be no issues. If writing RAW to CFE and JPG to SD buffer is essentially the same, but clearing the buffer takes about 4 sec. I did try RAW to both, but this takes much longer to clear the buffer due to the slower SD card. IMO RAW to both cards is not practical. This camera should have two CFE slots given the target audience and the price. With the current limitations, I plan to record to CFE slot and copy images to the SD as a backup. This is not ideal, but the best solution I can think of. With that said, glad the camera records full 14 bit RAWs at 30 fps speed that was one of the key reason for the purchase.
15 fps: RAW to CFE I was able to record 500+ images without hitting the buffer. This is good news because I can see myself using this mode most of the time. I did not test other configurations.
I have never owned a camera with identical cards slots, but for critical assignments I now understand why this is so important. I expect matched slots on a future R1 camera.
Eye Control AF:
I was able to get it to calibrate quite easily and I wear glasses and have hazel eye color. Honestly, I am still getting used to the system, but when I point the camera at a picture of two people I was able to switch between the two just by moving my eye. Seems to work, but will require extensive field testing.
Smart Controller:
This is amazing. Took me awhile to realize how to activate it in the menu system, but a great way to move focusing points. I doubt I will ever use a multi-controller for moving focusing points ever again. Note, I never owned a 1Dx Mk3 so this is my first camera with this feature. Love it.
Overall Ergonomics:
Reminds me a lot of my 1Dx Mk2 that I once owned. Better ergonomics that the R5, the smart controller on the vertical grip is located in a very natural location (i.e., where the thumb rest).
Other Random Thoughts:
1) Because I do not shoot movies, I really like that one can reconfigure the movie switch and movie record button in still modes to other functions. I really like being able to switch into silent mode with a flip of a switch.
2) The lighter weight of the camera is a godsend. I really hope when Canon designs the R1 that that keep the mass to a minimum. I realize that it might be a bit larger than the R3 to accommodate two CFE slots.
This weekend I hope to do some field testing with some native RF lenses, but weather is below 40 F so might be limited to birds on a feeder. I will keep you posted.
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