When the Canon EOS R3 was launched, it floored us with its powerhouse performance. The full frame camera was a flagship in every way, but the company created it as an in-between device between their other cameras and the true R1 series. Now that the R1 has been introduced (and also had its fair share of feedback), the question looms: Will Canon create a successor to the Canon R3?
According to Canon Rumors, there have been talks about a successor to the camera. However, most of these were revealed via YouTube influencers, which casts long shadows of doubt about their origins. The Canon R3 featured a grip, much like the Canon’s 1D series, which has become popular among professionals. However, with the R1, they tried to achieve the same, which did not really lead to the hype the company had hoped for.
The only other camera that offers a higher megapixel count than the R3 and the R1 (both of which are 24MP) is the R5 Mk II, which features a 45MP sensor. With a camera that offers resolution in place now, the question arises whether the R3 Mk II will make sense for users. However, according to the report, many sources have mentioned the R3 Mk II, but, although anonymous, it is difficult to confirm or deny these reports. In fact, the camera is also said to feature “more pixels” than the R5 Mk II.
The latest mention of the camera was reportedly for the Milan Olympics, which are scheduled to take place in February. The company is known to make announcements close to summer or winter, and we have seen that with the R1 development, which was announced before the summer Olympics in Paris.
At the same time, Digi Camera Info has also revealed that E8M_8888, a user who frequently reveals upcoming products on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, has announced that Canon will launch three cameras. One of them is the Canon Wi-Fi 6 flagship, which could feature models such as R5C II, R3 II, or, unlikely, R7 II. The other two models could be either a cinema camera or models such as R7 II, EOS R6V, or a retro EOS RF camera.
Since R1 has a lower resolution, it allows a much faster readout speed of 40fps, while the R5 II offers 30fps. However, there is also a group of photographers who want higher resolution without sacrificing frame rate. Perhaps another grip body like the 1D X could be of help. But there are also many who do not see the R3 Mk II as a replacement for the R1.
It is possible that Canon launches another device instead of a flagship. But that remains to be seen once the Milan Olympics come closer.