Canon Announces Third-Generation R6 Mirrorless

2025.11.06

Today, Canon announced their first third-generation RF-system camera. The EOS R6 Mark III is a Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera which brings a number of advancements to the system. It finds itself as intermediate professional model, below the high-resolution Canon EOS R5 Mark II, action-centric R3 and flagship R1. When Canon originally launched their RF-system, the R5 was significantly ahead of the competition which has since passed them. The new R6 Mark III is here to narrow the gap.

A clear continuation of the lineup, the R6 boasts a new sensor and image-stabilization system. It also inherits the Digic X processor from the flagship model to boasts its performance. The Canon EOS R6 is built around a new 32 megapixels Full-Frame Dual-Pixel AF II CMOS sensor. The Dual-Pixel nature of this sensor, an exclusivity to Canon, allows their camera to measure phase at every pixel, presented as a virtual 1053-Point AF system.

The new 5-axis IBIS mechanism can compensate for 8½-stops of shake and is among the most effective on the market. Using its fast CMOS sensor and processor, this mirrorless can capture full-resolution images at 40 FPS. A deep buffer and dual asymmetric memory card slots make it possible to capture over 1000 JPEG images per burst or 150 RAW files when stored on a CFExpress Type B card. A new electronic shutter model doubles the fastest shutter-speed of the R6 Mark III to 1/16,000s, compared to previous models.

The headline features of the new R6 Mark III though are its new video capabilities. Although it does not have the resolution required for 8K video capture, like the R5 series, it gets pretty close with 7K video modes. Using the entire sensor, it can record 7K video at 30 FPS or 17:9 area at 60 FPS. At the standard Ultra HD and Cinema 4K resolutions, it reaches a fast 120 FPS. As for Cinema HD and Full HD, the frame-rate reaches 180 FPS. There is a typical stereo microphone and double 3.5mm mini-jack connects for external input and output. Additionally, a digital connector built into the hot-shoe, supports 4 channel audio capture.

This new mirrorless seems highly capable and equally usable for photography or videography. It boats a large 0.5" EVF with 3.7 megapixels showing 100% coverage at 0.76X magnification and paired with an essential Eye-Start Sensor. There are triple control-dials on this camera which is weatherproof. It is packed with features that are expected from this level of professional digital camera.

Along with the release of the R6 Mark III, Canon announced a surprisingly compact ultra-bright RF-mount lens. The new Canon RF 45mm F/1.2 STM is a normal prime lens with an extremely bright aperture. Its focal-length is designed to capture a very natural perspective. This is commonly used for lifestyle photography plus is suited for group and environmental portraits. With such a bright aperture, this lens can render a razor-thin depth-of-field.

It is the first time an F/1.2 aperture is available on a compact lens which would otherwise be entry-level. The new lens sports a customizable control-ring, wide focus-ring and simple focus switch. The front of the lens accepts 67mm filters and a lens hood. This lens is not weatherproof which allowed Canon to make to weigh just 346g.

Canon expected to ship the new R6 Mark III this month and follow with the RF 45mm F/1.2 next month. The new camera carries a listing price of $2900 USD or $3500 CAD, while the new lens is being launched for $470 USD or $570 CAD.

• Digital Camera
• Lens