Canon news roundup: the EOS R3, new lenses, and more officially announced

Back in June we reported on hints from Canon about an intriguing camera soon to occupy the top of their mirrorless line. Today, we’ve received the official announcement of the EOS R3, and boy are we excited! This is the first Canon “3 series” camera since 1998’s EOS-3 film camera, and it seems to be a blend of the best you’ll find in the EOS R5 and the EOS-1DX Mark III. In addition, Canon announced two more RF lenses and two accessories for the new multifunction shoe. Read on for all the details you desire…

The star of the show: EOS R3

Here’s what we knew to expect previously:

• Canon’s first back-side illuminated stacked CMOS sensor
• DIGIC X processor
• 30 fps blackout-free still recording with full AF/AE tracking, even when saving RAW image files.
• Log3 color
• Internal recording of both oversampled 4K and RAW video
• Vehicle tracking
• Eye-controlled AF point selection
• Dust- and water-resistance at the same level as the EOS-1D series
• Magnesium construction
• Integrated vertical grip
• A new multifunction accessory shoe

Canon’s official announcement confirms those details and clarifies the rest. First and foremost, the new sensor’s resolution will be 24.1 MP. Its native max ISO is, like the 1DX Mark III, 102,400, expandable to 204,800—not too shabby! Max video quality will be 6K 60p RAW or 4K 120p 10-bit MP4. Canon also claims to have further reduced rolling shutter distortion when capturing fast-moving subjects. In-body image stabilization will help capture great images of those fast-moving subjects as well, with up to 8 stops of shake correction when combined with the OIS found in several RF lenses.

The autofocus system has been significantly revamped, and the R3‘s 1,053-point “Dual Pixel CMOS AF II” promises to track people, animals, cars, and motorcycles effectively in light as low as EV -7.5. Eye Control AF is a standout feature, and it will be very interesting to see how it impacts the way photographers and videographers interact with their gear in years to come.

Thankfully, Canon supported that feature by sparing no expense on the EVF. Running at 120fps and 5.76 million dot resolution, it should be a joy to use. Of course, the 3.15″ Vari-Angle touchscreen will provide an equally enjoyable means of interaction and review.

Recordings will be stored via CFexpress and UHS-II SD memory slots; as for connectivity, the EOS R3 sports a wired LAN port, GPS, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth—the whole gamut!

The new multifunction shoe will allow more compact accessories as it will alleviate the need for external power/batteries in things like flash transmitters and microphones (see below, with more accessories sure to follow).

A promising new contender in the professional market this EOS R3 looks to be. If you agree, you’ll want to get your order in ASAP! Stop in at your favorite Mike’s Camera store or click the banner below to get one step closer to your next favorite camera.

Sample images

Impressive coverage from far to wide: two new lenses

RF16mm f/2.8 STM

Here it is: Canon’s first ultra wide angle prime for the mirrorless RF mount. This particular type of lens—tiny, wide, fast, and affordable—is a super useful addition to any photographer’s kit.

Landscapes? Check. Starscapes? Check. Tight interior spaces? No problem at all. This lens will even focus at less than a foot away, though it retains a great deal of the background so this is more useful from a vlogging perspective than from a macro photography one. At only 1.6″ long and weighing 5.8 oz, it’s certainly not a lens you would mind carrying around all day, exploring new places and sharing your discoveries.

Speaking of video, the comfortably wide field of view and fast aperture make this lens a great and inexpensive choice for livestreaming or webcam usage, paired with the EOS Webcam Utility. The stepping motor driving the AF system will keep intrusive noises out and your subject in… focus, that is. Click here to order.

Minimum focusing distance: 5.11″
Maximum magnification: 0.26x

RF100–400mm f/5.6–8 IS USM

Wildlife and sports photography are tricky. To get great photos in those categories, you need to somehow simultaneously get right in the middle of the action and stay, physically, some distance away. It’s a super-telephoto lens or nothin’, baby!

Much to the delight of photographers enthusiastic about these kind of subjects, Canon is bringing new reach to their mirrorless zoom lenses with the RF100–400mm. Roughly the same size as the EF 70–300mm f/4.5–5.6 IS II USM, this is a long lens designed for small bags. (It’s actually a little lighter than the EF 70–300mm!) The lens is compatible with the RF1.4x and RF2x extenders as well, for an impressive maximum reach of 800mm.

When used with a compatible R Series camera, up to 6 stops of coordinated image stabilization should allow for an impressive degree of hand-holdability. Fast ‘n’ accurate Nano UltraSonic Moter focusing and the signature Control Ring found on all RF lenses will help with that effortless usage as well. Click here to order.

Minimum focusing distance: 2.89′ at 200mm
Maximum magnification: 0.41x at 400mm

More accessories round out the RF system

DM-E1D Stereo Microphone

Compatible with any EOS camera sporting a multifunction shoe, the DM-E1D is a great option for anyone seeking better audio than the built-in microphone can record (please do this if you are capturing video!) but not wanting a complicated setup. Drawing power from the camera and syncing audio directly to the video file, an on-camera mic like this is the “no muss, no fuss” solution.

The DM-E1D features different levels of directionality, from Shotgun mode for super-focused audio recording to 90° and 120° stereo sound modes when a little more ambience is required. The mode can be quickly and easily changed in-camera, and a protective windscreen is included. Click here to order.

ST-E10 Speedlite Transmitter

Another addition to the roster of useful functions provided by the EOS multifunction shoe, this transmitter is 30% smaller and 50% lighter than the comparable Canon ST-E3-RT II. Since it draws power directly from the camera, no batteries are needed!

The ST-E10 is capable of controlling up to 5 independent group of up to 15 Speedlites. Full flash control is at your fingertips, through the in-camera menu system or using the Canon Camera Connect app. Click here to order.