Canon has set a November release and price of $6,000 for its highly anticipated EOS R3 mirrorless camera. The pro-series device features a 24.1-megapixel back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, combined with Canon’s DIGIC X processor allowing 14-bit RAW files at an impressive 30 frames per second, video capability of up to 6K 60p RAW (4K 120p 10-bit) and ISO range of 100-102400 (expandable to 204800) for still images. Machine learning for eye- and body detection are among the features prompting Canon to call the EOS R3 a “monumental evolution” in digital imaging.

It’s “all about high speed, fast AF performance, and low light capability,” summarizes The Verge. The EOS R3 has auto focus that can lock-in at a mere 0.03-millisecond, and touts intelligent algorithms for tracking things like eyes, animals and vehicles, among others.

The camera “can also apparently track your own eye movements when using the viewfinder and can focus on whatever interesting point you happen to look at,” reports CNET, noting the “incredible speed” is the R3’s main draw in what is essentially a replacement for Canon’s EOS-1D X Mark III. Canon designed and manufactured the unique sensor that is the heart of this new system.

On the video side, the camera is capable of shooting 6K 60p RAW and 4K 120p 10-bit uncropped video utilizing Canon’s Log 3, a logarithmic gamma curve. Dubbed “the GoldiLog” (by New York-based equipment supplier AbelCine) for its ability to find the “just right” dynamic range to avoid blowouts, Log 3 has found favor among professional cinematographers.

CNET highlights built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet for “instant” transfer back to logging stations, redundant storage or news desks. The Canon press release lists the following additional features:

• Canon’s next-generation Multi-Function Shoe that is compatible with a variety of accessories including the Speedlite EL-1, and new accessories such as the ST-E10 Speedlite Transmitter, External Mic and Smartphone Link Adapter
• One-piece magnesium alloy design, integrating the body with a vertical grip section
• Weather and dust resistance equivalent to EOS-1D camera models.
• Mobile File Transmitter application for iOS and Android devices allows photographers to transfer their images quickly and easily without the need for wired LAN equipment
• Built-in Wired LAN, 5GHz Wi-Fi, USB and Bluetooth technology
• Dual-card slots, supporting one CF express and one UHS-II SD

The new camera bridges the gap between the popular EOS R5 and the Canon flagship EOS-1D X line. The EOS R3 is the first “3” series camera from Canon since the widely used EOS-3 film camera launched in 1998.

The EOS R3 is scheduled to launch in November. Next month, Canon will release two new EOS R series lenses: a 16mm f/2.8 compact ultra-wide prime ($299.99) and a 100-400mm f/5.6-8 telephoto zoom ($649.99).

Related:
Canon EOS R3 Hands-On: 10 Things You Need to Know, PetaPixel, 9/17/21
Canon EOS R3 vs Canon EOS R5: 9 Key Differences Between the Mirrorless Beasts, TechRadar, 9/18/21