Canon has unveiled its latest mid‑range full‑frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R6 Mark III, alongside a surprisingly affordable fast prime, the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM. The camera lifts resolution and video capability for enthusiast hybrid shooters while Canon’s new lens brings f/1.2 shallow‑depth rendering to a much broader audience.
What Canon announced
The EOS R6 Mark III moves Canon’s popular R6 line forward with a 32.5‑megapixel full‑frame sensor, updated autofocus and expanded video specs that include up to 7K RAW capture. Canon is positioning the R6 Mark III as a jack‑of‑all‑trades body for stills and video: it offers 40 fps burst shooting with the electronic shutter (12 fps with mechanical), 4K/120p, and 7K/60p RAW options, plus Canon’s Log 2 and Log 3 picture profiles for post production.
Canon will sell the R6 Mark III body‑only for $2,799. Kit configurations that pair the camera with either the RF 24‑105mm STM or the RF 24‑105mm f/4 L are also offered; Canon set availability for late November (manufacturers’ dates vary by market).
Alongside the body, Canon introduced the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM, a compact 45mm prime with an f/1.2 maximum aperture priced at $469.99 and expected to ship in December. The lens is lightweight (346 g), accepts 67mm filters and uses a cost‑saving PMo (plastic‑molded) aspherical element and an STM focus drive.
Key features and practical tradeoffs
- Sensor and speed: The 32.5MP sensor is a substantial jump from the previous R6 model’s 24MP chip, offering higher resolution for cropping and large prints. Canon quotes 40 fps electronic burst performance and a 20‑frame pre‑shoot buffer to help capture split‑second action.
- Video: The R6 Mark III supports an array of codecs and formats, including 7K RAW capture, 7K open‑gate recording and 4K up to 120p. Canon has also added professional‑level functions such as waveform monitoring, C‑Log2/3, and a tally lamp for run‑and‑gun video work.
- Autofocus and stabilization: The camera relies on Canon’s Dual Pixel AF with updated AI tracking algorithms and “Register People Priority,” a feature that remembers and prioritizes specific subjects. In‑body image stabilization is rated up to 8.5 stops.
- Build and connections: The R6 Mark III keeps a familiar Canon ergonomics recipe — pronounced front grip, multiple top dials and a fully articulated rear screen — and adds a full‑size HDMI port, mic and headphone jacks, and high‑speed USB‑C. The viewfinder is 3.69 million dots.
- Cards and workflow: Canon moved to an asymmetrical dual‑card design: one CFexpress Type B slot and one SD UHS‑II slot. CFexpress Type B enables longer RAW video recording and faster sustained writes, but the choice will be divisive; CFexpress media is more expensive and managing two card formats can complicate workflows.
- Pricing and battery: The camera uses the same battery as the EOS R5 II, with Canon’s CIPA rating around 390 shots with the EVF active. Body‑only pricing is $2,799, with kit options raising the price depending on included glass.
- 75 mm length, 346 g weight, 67 mm filter thread
- Nine elements in seven groups, including one PMo aspherical element
- Gear‑type STM autofocus (quieter options are available in Canon’s pricier glass)
- Relies on in‑body and in‑camera corrections for some aberration control
Where the R6 Mark III sits in Canon’s lineup (and against rivals)
Canon is following its usual trickle‑down strategy: many features introduced in pro models eventually make their way to enthusiast bodies. The R6 Mark III sits below the flagship R5 II in price and feature set, but picks up several high‑end tools — especially on the video side — that narrow the gap.
Compared with competitors, the R6 Mark III’s 32.5MP sensor is close to Sony’s A7 IV (≈33MP) and higher than some rivals that still use 24MP chips. Unlike a few competitors, Canon did not opt for a stacked or partially stacked sensor here, a design choice that can affect rolling‑shutter performance and readout speeds. Nikon, Panasonic and Sony each take slightly different approaches in this segment: buyers will need to weigh resolution, video features, card formats and price when choosing between systems.
The RF 45mm f/1.2: fast aperture, small price
The RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is notable for one headline figure: $469.99 for an f/1.2 optic. Canon’s new prime is not marketed as an L‑series professional lens — Canon warns it relies on in‑camera correction and trades some optical refinement for size and cost savings — but it brings very shallow depth of field and a compact form factor to shooters who previously could not justify $1,500–$2,500 f/1.2 lenses.
Specifications and characteristics:
The lens expands the RF ecosystem toward mid‑range enthusiasts and could spark interest in more affordable, personality‑driven optics.
Teasers and expectations before the reveal
In the days before Canon announced the R6 Mark III, the company teased a shadowy camera with the tagline “Elevate Your Image” and a follow‑up image that revealed a front‑angled view. Observers noted the presence of a 24–105mm zoom in the photo — likely the RF 24‑105mm f/4 L — suggesting Canon intended to showcase a new body rather than new glass. The teasers emphasized a substantial grip, a tall viewfinder hump and a dense top‑deck of controls, hints that proved consistent with the announced body.
What to watch next
Early buyers and reviewers will zero in on autofocus reliability in real‑world tracking, rolling‑shutter behavior at high frame rates, heat management during long RAW clips and the practicality of the CFexpress + SD workflow. For many shooters, the R6 Mark III’s combination of higher resolution, pro‑grade video options and Canon’s reliable AF will make it a compelling hybrid camera — while the inexpensive RF 45mm f/1.2 offers a new, affordable route to classic shallow‑depth‑of‑field looks.
As always, system decisions hinge on lenses and long‑term investment. Canon’s latest moves show it is continuing to refine the middle of its mirrorless lineup and broaden access to fast glass — a strategy likely to keep the brand competitive in the hybrid era.