Big test
PERFORMANCE: ISO
At ISO 2000 and 3200, viewed on-screen at 200%, digital noise is evident in the areas of even tone. Some impact on the shadows is visible if you look hard enough. I think image quality is still very good at ISO 6400, even though detail looks less well-defined, and big prints would still look great. In sum, the EOS R3 delivers excellent quality at its medium to fast speeds, and even does a fine job if you need to venture into the higher echelons of its ISO range.
off and no NR was applied during processing in Adobe Lightroom. It’s probably no surprise, with the EOS R3 having just 24 megapixels in its full-frame, back-side illuminated sensor, that ISO performance rates very highly – and this is before any noise reduction in post.
The EOS R3’s native ISO range is 100 to 102,400. I shot ISO sets of a range of low-light scenes, including this one of Ely Cathedral with the floodlit Octagon Tower, using the RF 24-105mm f/4 lens. The ISO 100 shot was exposed at 4secs at f/9. In-camera NR was switched
KEEPING IT SIMPLE Clean design promotes intuitive handling – and the EOS R3 certainly delivers on that front
100
feature. I found the AF target went roughly where I was looking in the EVF, so I knew calibration was pretty accurate. But pushing the AF-ON button didn’t engage the focus point. More time with the camera is needed to get to grips with this, although I’m not sure I’d use it. But that’s to do with what I shoot, rather than the feature itself. WC
ideally be done at the shooting venue, and you can save six calibrations – saving or loading them to and from a memory card. The process doesn’t take long, and there are pointer options to make life easier when using the feature, colouring the focus target orange, white or purple. On my camera sample (and my eye!), I had limited success with this
800
1600
3200
Final word
Verdict The EOS R3 is a top-of-the-range camera and priced accordingly. Existing Canon users desiring a deep-bodied pro machine need look no further, unless you want more megapixels. In that case, you may have to wait for the EOS R1, so start saving now. For habitual switchers and those uncommitted to a pro system, both the Nikon Z 9 and Sony A1 offer more in the resolution department – and the former is £600 cheaper, while the latter is a normal-sized camera. All three models have their pros and cons; for those shopping in this rarefied sector of the market, we’re talking big money, and you’re not going to make any snap decisions. But there’s absolutely no doubt that the EOS R3 is a remarkable, very capable camera that deserves serious consideration. If you’ve placed a pre-order, let’s hope you don’t have a long wait. 24 /25 FEATURES Richly endowed, but not with megapixels 24 /25 HANDLING Excellent, with great control layout and custom options; the EVF is a pleasure
6400
12,800
25,600
51,200
102,400
204,800
24 /25 PERFORMANCE
Exposure and focus skills top-drawer, and nothing wrong with image quality either
22 /25 VALUE FOR MONEY
However you cut it, the EOS R3 is close to £6k; but it’s probably worth it
94 /100 OVERALL
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO MAKE GOOD USE
There’s no denying the camera’s credentials and potential, nor its serious price tag
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PROS Great handling, very impressive AF, fast shooting speeds, high ISO performance, lovely EVF CONS Only 24 megapixels, no high-res mode
Photography News | Issue 98
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