Canon announces development of the EOS R3, launches three new RF lenses

Canon announced the development of its new EOS R3 full-frame mirrorless camera along with three new RF lenses.

As per Canon, the EOS R3 full-frame mirrorless camera is based on the concept of high speed, high sensitivity, and high reliability. It will be introduced in Canon’s camera lineup that includes EOS-1D X Mark III Flagship DLSR Camera and the EOS 5 series, which includes the EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera.

The EOS R3 is the first of the EOS series to be equipped with Canon’s newly developed 35mm full-frame backlit stacked CMOS sensor that makes possible high-speed readout. The camera also features a DIGIC X image process for high-speed image processing that realizes high-speed continuous shooting of up to 30 frames-per-second with AF/AE tracking when using the electronic shutter. Additionally, the camera reduces image warping which is a common challenge with electronic shutters, and according to Canon, it is capable of capturing moving subjects with reduced noise in low-light environments like indoor areas or nighttime scenes.

Aside from Dual Pixel CMOF AF technology—by which each pixel on the image sensor possesses both image capture and phase-detect AF functionality—the EOS R3 uses an algorithm that employs deep learning technology that enables improved head, eye, and its new torso detection for human subjects. Due to this, the camera’s autofocus system is said to provide high-performance subject tracking in situations where the subject is constantly moving. The company also revealed that development is also underway to enable the detection of additional subject types.

Moreover, Canon mentioned that the EOS R3 is the brand’s first digital camera to feature Eye Control AF functionality. Shooting still images and looking through the viewfinder will allow the AF Frame to adjust according to the detected movement of the user’s eye, making a smoother shooting experience with quick focus when transitioning between subjects.

The EOS R3 will also be geared with dust and water resistance developed with each iteration of the EOS-1 series, body design with integrated vertical hand-grip, reliability, and ease of use, as well as compatibility with Canon’s Mobile File transfer.

Along with the EOS R3 announcement, Canon has launched its three brand new RF lenses, the RF100mm f/2.8L IS USM, RF400mm f/2.8L IS USM; RF600mm f/4L IS USM.

According to Canon, the RF100mm f/2.8L IS USM is the world’s first, medium telephoto macro lens with a maximum shooting magnification of 1.4x. The RF400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF600mm f/4L IS USM super telephoto lenses are native to the RF mount, which provide professional and advanced amateurs with extra reach that comes with a high level of image quality, reliability, and durability.

RF lenses have the rear element of the lens closer to the image sensor, which allows a new floating method that enables the RF100mm f/2.8L IS USM to have a maximum shooting magnification of 1.4x.

The RF100mm f/2.8L IS USM is equipped with a spherical aberration (SA) control ring, that allows users the ability to toggle between soft or hard depictions of bokeh by turning the SA control ring. The SA control ring works by employing electronic cams and two Nano USMs, which makes it possible to drive the focus lens group and floating lens group independently.

The RF100mm f/2.8L IS USM features an improved optical IS when compared to the 4-stop IS capability of its EF equivalent lens, the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM. When attached to an EOS R system camera that does not have in-body IS, the RF100mm f/2.8L IS USM provides up to 5 stops of IS. The RF100mm f/2.8L IS USM can achieve up to 8 stops of IS through the coordinated IS feature when attached to an EOS R system camera that has in-body IS. The high speed and accurate AF allow quick and agile focusing of moving subjects for still images, while the smoothness of the AF makes the RF100mm f/2.8L IS USM suitable for shooting movies as well according to Canon.

On the other hand, The RF400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF600mm f/4L IS USM provide native super-telephoto capabilities to the RF system, allowing users to reach 400mm and 600mm respectively. The RF400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF600mm f/4L IS USM inherit the optics and deliver the same high image quality found in all Canon L lenses, while offering the advantages of the RF mount.

The RF400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF600mm f/4L IS USM both come with three Image Stabilization (IS) modes: IS mode 1, 2, and 3. IS mode 1 is for stationary subjects, IS mode 2 is for panning shots, while IS mode 3 is for subjects with irregular movements.

Check out the Product Specifications below:

The pricing and availability of the EOS R3 and the three RF lenses have yet to be stated. Stick around for more updates on this!