An Action Photographer's Dream Come True
It's official - the Canon EOS R3, touted by the company as the "Most Advanced" full-frame mirrorless hardware to date, will be in the hands of eager creatives this fall.
The unveiling of Canon's latest camera this past Spring has caused quite a stir in the photography community. Its analog predecessor, the EOS-3, made its debut in 1998. And, for a good reason - The EOS R3 is the first 3-Series camera from Canon since the late '90s.
New gear on the way means an opportunity to either add or upgrade one's inventory. With more bodies featuring portable designs and impressive specs lists, one could assume that just about any camera these days could get the job done. But, as professional photographers know, not all cameras are made equal. The challenge that today's market presents is finding the right technology that not only elevates one's craft; but meets the everyday demands of busy, working photographers.
As stated on the company's website, "the Canon EOS R3 will be designed to satisfy the most demanding expectations in a professional camera — emphasizing speed, performance, and reliability." With that in mind, this camera is sure to be a favorite in pro circles - especially among serious wildlife, action, and sports photographers.
Before we jump in, here's the Canon EOS R3 at a glance:
- CMOS image sensor
- Auto-Focus & Stabilization
- Shutter Speed
- Memory Card Slots
- Rugged Design
- Other Highlights
- Compatible Lenses
If you are looking to capture career-defining images, here are five reasons why you'll never miss a shot with the EOS R3.
It's All About the Sensor
This latest addition to the Canon EOS R series is making history with the company's first full-frame, back-illuminated stacked CMOS image sensor. Future R3 users will have considerably faster read-out speeds and lower "rolling shutter" distortions than users of previous EOS models. Its 24.1-megapixel resolution will also allow photographers to work in challenging environments, including low-light conditions.
Recently, Samy's Oscar Alcala and Automotive Photographer Stan Kaplan took the R3 to Willow Springs International Speedway.
Check out Stan's first impressions and see firsthand the power of Canon mirrorless.
Two Words: Eye Control
The EOS R3 also marks the reintroduction of Canon's popular Eye Control auto-focus system. Paired with the camera's impressive sensor, eye control AF aims to be extremely valuable amongst all action photography professionals.
One of the advantages of this feature is that it allows one to initiate where the focus point is simply by looking through the electronic viewfinder. With the help of subject tracking and detection, the camera ensures that the sighted subject remains in sharp focus.
The Need for Speed
When it comes to freezing action, there is one thing that matters above all else: speed. There is no doubt that the EOS R3 offers this in abundance.
The high-speed continuous shooting mode of the R3 will enable you to capture moments that would, otherwise, go unseen. A silent electronic shutter allows the camera to shoot up to 30 frames per second in full auto mode. With its mechanical shutter, this camera is capable of capturing up to 12 frames per second.
Double the Space
And by space, we mean digital space.
The EOS R3 comes equipped with not one but two memory card slots to increase productivity and ensure file-saving flexibility. For HD video recording and continuous shooting, the CFexpress Type B slot is ideal. As an alternative to the main memory card, the UHS-II SD card slot serves as a backup.
Built to Last
Durable and lightweight? The R3 makes it possible.
How is this seemingly contradicting achievement possible? The answer lies in the magnesium alloy body. In addition, the camera's design is reminiscent of two previous models. It boasts a vertical grip and weather-proofing usually reserved for the top-tier 1D series.
Honorable Mentions
The features mentioned above are just the beginning. Inside and out, the R3 packs quite the specs punch at a prosumer price point.
Other components worth noting include:
- Wired LAN, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi Connectivity
- 6K Raw Video Recording
- UHD 4K Video Recording
- 5.76m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- Built-in GPS
Don't Forget About the Glass
Now that the body is covered let's talk lenses.
When it comes to photography, camera bodies are just one part of the gear equation. Lens selection can make or break a shoot. Therefore, it's imperative to choose a lens that is compatible and will serve one best in the field.
For action photographers, getting up close and personal isn't always an option. For sports and wildlife photography, keeping one's distance isn't just about not disturbing the subject; it's also a matter of safety. When it comes to lenses, action photographers often have to go long.
If you're in the market for an EOS R3, consider the following lenses that are sure to be essential additions to your gear bag.
Canon RF Telephoto Lens
Canon's RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens helps create ultra-sharp, high-quality shots that are sharp to the smallest detail. The top-of-the-line stabilization system provides up to 5.5 stops of shake correction - enables wildlife and sports photographers to get the best shots, whether they work hand-held or on a tripod. Additionally, it offers bokeh at lower apertures thanks to its circular nine-blade aperture.
Canon RF Ultra-Telephoto Lens
For several reasons, creative photographers, especially those specializing in wildlife, motorsports, and sports, should consider this super-telephoto lens. It's easy to get close to the action with the RF 600mm f/4L IS USM Lens. Aside from its excellent image quality, the camera also has 5.5 stops of shake correction and customizable manual focus.
Final Thoughts
As perfectly stated by Canon Europe Ambassador and Formula One Photographer Vladimir Rys, "We need speed. We need to outpace and outperform. That's why we use this camera."
Source: Canon EuropeTake advantage of a genuinely intuitive and customizable experience that will keep you ahead of your competitors. With the launch of the EOS R3, the next chapter in EOS begins.
The R3 is now available for pre-order, with the first shipments expected in late November.