In an interview with DPReview, Canon Chief Executive of the Image Communication Business Operations admitted, that the anticipated EOS R3, has the potential of being the company’s new flagship, taking over the EOS-1D X Mark III. Let’s read between the lines.
The EOS R3 from Canon’s view
DPReview has held a very intriguing interview with Go Tokura, who is Chief Executive of the Image Communication Business Operations at Canon. In the interview, Tokura sheds a bit of light on the forthcoming EOS R3, and where it’s going to stand, compared to other Canon professional products. The interview was conducted by journalist Barney Britton who has respectfully tried to get more details, mainly specs, regarding the EOS R3. At first sight, it seems that Tokura hasn’t elaborated more than what we already know. Nevertheless, between the lines, a very interesting statement was revealed.
A new flagship in town(?)
Tokura said to Britton, that Canon still considers the EOS-1D X Mark III to be THE flagship professional camera due to the extreme reliability and confidence it delivers in the hands of professionals. Does it mean that the forthcoming EOS R3 won’t be reliable as the 1D X Mark III? Will it have a recording limitation due to heat consumption just like the mighty R5 (which considered a mirrorless flagship). Tokura also said that it is true that the EOS R3 exceeds the EOS-1D X Mark III in some specifications, to the extent which, by the conventional definition, you could consider it a flagship camera. If so, the EOS R3 can be defined as Canon’s new flagship “by the conventional definition”. It’s an interesting debate regarding the price of the cameras as well. Should we be prepared for the price reduction of the EOS-1D X Mark III? Also, in what “some specifications” the EOS R3 exceeds its DSLR twin? Moreover, Canon stated many times that the R3 will stand under the R5, and this camera is a hybridization between the 1D X Mark III and R5. But now, as we read between the lines, the EOS R3 might be the new king.
Topics of innovation
Here’re the major technology points, which are defined as high priority regarding R&D, and which Canon intends to invest in (according to DPReview interview):
- Rolling shutter: Reducing rolling shutter artifacts by enabling stacked CMOS sensors in future cameras.
- Sharpening specs: Improving key specs such as Resolution, Sensitivity, and Dynamic range.
- 8K: Developing compact devices supporting 8K. It appears that Canon is really into that bizarre pursuit for the 8K imagery.
- Software: Cloud technologies and applications.
Final insights
Rumors suggested that the Canon EOS R3 was supposed to be launched today. However, today is not going to happen, obviously. The main battle is between the EOS R3 and the good old 1D X Mark III. Will the R3 cannibalize its DSLR analog? And why should users purchase the 1D X Mark III over the R3? Will the 1D X Mark III get a price drop? Time will tell. Meanwhile, let’s wait for the official announcement. Stay tuned.
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- Canon EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR Camera
- Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Digital Camera
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