Canon launches long-awaited high-speed camera for reportage and sports shooting

Canon launches long-awaited EOS R3 sports and reportage camera. Designed in response to feedback from one of the most demanding user groups – professional photojournalists and sports photographers. In total, the EOS R3 has more than 100 improvements over Canon SLR and mirror-less cameras. Newly developed, substantially faster, more responsive and easier to operate: owners will definitely appreciate the new level of interaction with the equipment. A completely redesigned, innovative sensor delivers the optimal balance of performance, resolution and speed to ensure that sports and photojournalism shots will exceed the photographers’ wildest expectations.

The future lies in speed

The EOS R3 features a revolutionary 24.1 Megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, which enables blazing-fast shooting and exceptional responsiveness. The high-performance image sensor is virtually free of rolling shutter effect, and a shutter speed range of 30 seconds to 1/64,000 second1 enables sports photographers to capture the fast-moving action.

With the electronic shutter, you can shoot at up to 30 frames per second with auto exposure and tracking autofocus, even in RAW format. Also available at 15 and 3 frames per second. And, for the first time, electronic shutters can be used with both Canon and non-Canon flashes. Canon has overcome the traditional shortcomings of electronic shutters with this camera’s flicker detection function and high-frequency flicker correction mode, which detects and corrects flicker light sources, and prevents flicker, color and exposure problems.

The high speed of the EOS R3 refers not only to the number of frames per second, but also to the focus. Capable of focusing in 0.03 seconds, the EOS R3 is by far the fastest camera in the EOS R series.2 Ideal for capturing unpredictable behavior in sports and reportage photography. Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology with advanced deep learning algorithm supports autofocus with eye, body or face tracking eye, body or head tracking and head detection in stills and movies.

Since it was designed with automotive and motorcycle racing photographers in mind, it introduces, for the first time, vehicle tracking for sports cars, rally cars, open cabin and GT-class competition cars. Focus can be locked on either the car or the rider’s helmet. Eye, Face, Head and Body Detection is available in all AF modes, plus the new Flexible Zone function lets you choose the size and shape of area in AF-area autofocus. The EOS R3 sets a new standard for focusing in low-light conditions down to -7.5 EV3 and is one of the leaders in this parameter.

For ultimate AF control, the EOS R3 offers three ways to select AF point: fast smart controller, precise multi controller and gaze control. The latter option provides the most intuitive operation: the focus point moves where the photographer looks. When events unfold rapidly, this approach will produce the fastest response.

Five-axis IS system built-in for advanced handheld shooting and stable movies on the move. Combined with selected usa lenses and optical stabilisation, the new EOS R3 compensates for up to 8 stops of exposure – the best rate currently available.

Stay ahead of the curve

In the world of reportage photography, it’s not just about capturing the defining moment, it’s about getting your footage out there quickly for publication. With a host of professional connectivity options, including built-in Bluetooth 5.0 and 5GHz Wi-Fi4, the EOS R3 makes it easy to work and upload files wirelessly to a smartphone or other device. Built-in Gigabit Ethernet connectivity provides even faster connectivity, often ideal for stadium shooting. And when minutes count, it’s easy to send images directly to customers via FTP. Additionally, if you already have the EOS R55 and EOS-1D X Mark III in your arsenal, all three models can share network settings.

The camera supports remote control from a mobile device via the Canon Camera Connect app, or in the case of an Ethernet connection, via the Browser Remote interface in the browser. This popular feature, familiar to EOS-1D X Mark III owners, also lets you remotely change metadata, view and download images. Users will also have access to Canon’s Mobile File Transfer MFT 6, a mobile app for professional photographers that allows them to transfer photos via their mobile device to an FTP/FTPS/SFTP server.

Future improvements to the app will also convert voice memos into text, making life easier for professional photographers. The new Smartphone Link AD-P1 smartphone holder lets you mount your iOS or Android device to a multi-function adapter and makes it even easier to transfer photos with the new MFT7 app. Through Canon’s Camera Connect app, the EOS R3’s firmware can now be updated directly from your smartphone, a feature previously not supported by any other EOS camera.

Amazing video capabilities

The new EOS R3, following the EOS R5, takes Canon’s hybrid approach to a new level, capable of taking high-quality stills and capturing equally impressive HD movies. The camera is capable of recording RAW video at 6K 60p resolution, which captures 50% more detail than 4K. With RAW files at 6K resolution CRM format , you can adjust exposure and white balance in post-processing for more impressive stills. 4K video at up to 60p is created by over-sampling the 6K image, ensuring unparalleled 4K quality. The EOS R3 can record 4K video at 120p. This frame rate allows the use of slow motion photography, which is effective in coverage of fast-moving, high-speed sports. The new camera records up to six hours of normal video or up to an hour and a half of high frame rate 119.88/100p video.8

The EOS R3 is aimed at photographers and cameramen who want to rise above their professional peers. To reduce video file size and simplify post-processing, CRM Light or MP4 video can be saved with ALL-I, IPB, or IPB Light compression, allowing you to choose the appropriate digital bit rate for the task at hand and the space available. With two card slots – UHS-II SD and ultra-fast CFexpress – you can shoot 6K RAW video and record it on both cards in MP49 format for back-up of critical material.

Canon’s acclaimed LOG 3 range enables internal 10-bit, high dynamic range recording, as well as 10-bit HDR PQ recording, reducing the need for post-processing editing and color correction. The EOS R3 features a new multi-functional accessory port, especially appreciated by on-the-go reporters. It’s compatible with the recently released DM-E1D directional stereo microphone with camera power and digital signal processing, as well as the TEAC Tascam CA-XLR2d-C XLR adapter for dual-channel audio recording with professional XLR microphones.

Intuitive operation

The new mirror-less camera offers the speed and familiar performance of the EOS-1 series, with our own high-quality 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder – with no blackout effect. It has minimal lag and refresh rates of up to 120 fps at full resolution, equal to an optical viewfinder in terms of comfort. Enhanced with the introduction of View Assist, a new feature that simulates the optical viewfinder, the new electronic viewfinder delivers richer colors and greater dynamic range. Shutter lag can be reduced to as little as 20 ms, less than half that of standard cameras.

Capturing frames almost instantly as soon as you press the shutter button. New 4.1-megapixel tilt-resolution touch screen captures more detail than any previous model. Wide range of tilt and swivel positions gives you more angle options. The EOS R3 combines the familiar ergonomics of the EOS family with new controls and customization options, including the choice of shutter release sound type and volume. To save time adjusting settings when changing cameras, photographers can easily copy their personalized settings to the memory card. EOS R3 uses the same LP-E19 battery as EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-1D X Mark III – it not only provides longer periods of photography without recharging, but also raises compatibility with existing fleet of DSLR cameras.

The EOS R3’s new lightweight, dust- and waterproof magnesium-alloy body is designed for the harshest of environments. Weather protection is maintained even when a Speedlite flash is attached to the camera, with the announced AD-E1 multifunction adaptor. The EOS R3 multifunction mount can also be attached to the new compact Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 for remote radio control of multiple Speedlite flashes.

Fast, high-sensitivity EOS R3 gives sports photographers and reporters the performance they need to get the best shots.