A first for EOS cameras, the R3 features a stacked sensor design that promotes impressively fast read-out speeds that greatly reduces rolling shutter distortion and enables faster shooting performance. This 24.1MP full-frame CMOS chip also has a back-illuminated design that is more efficient at gathering light, which leads to reduced noise, higher clarity, and smoother color rendering, particularly when working in low-light conditions.

An updated DIGIC X complements the new sensor design with capable processing and the ability to perform simultaneous high-speed tasks, such as 30 fps high-speed shooting while performing AF and AE readings before each frame. The processor also helps to realize a broad sensitivity range from ISO 100-102400, which is expandable to ISO 50-204800, for working in a broad variety of lighting conditions.

A main benefit of the stacked sensor design is a highly usable electronic shutter function that is able to shooting continuously at up to 30 fps, for up to 150 raw frames, with virtually no rolling shutter distortion. When working in manual or shutter-priority modes, the top shutter speed is 1/64,000 sec and flash sync is even possible with an electronic shutter, up to 1/180 sec. This versatile shutter function is inherently silent, but can be paired with a choice of audible shutter noises to go along with each shutter click to make it easier for subjects to recognize when a photo has been taken.

A manual shutter is also available, and offers a top continuous shooting speed of 12 fps, with a buffer of more than 1000 frames, along with a top flash sync speed of 1/250 sec.

Also contributing to notable video performance, the 24MP full-frame sensor offers high-res 6K raw 12-bit internal recording and uncropped 4K 120p 10-bit recording with Canon Log 3. Both 6K and 5.6K recording areas can also be used for oversampled DCI and UHD 4K shooting with improved sharpness, reduced moiré, and lower noise. HDR-PQ recording is possible, too, for in-camera HDR production and external recording, via the HDMI port supports a clean 4K output at up to 60 fps. All-I, IPB, and IPB Light compression options are available, along with the ability to use Dual Pixel CMOS AF II when shooting at up to 6K raw. Unlimited recording times are possible, too, and the R3 features both mic and headphone ports, as well as a micro-HDMI Type-D port for clean output to an external recorder.

New to EOS digital cameras, Canon is re-introducing Eye Control AF with the R3. This popular feature from the film era has now been refined and tuned to work in conjunction with Dual Pixel CMOS AF's intelligent focusing capabilities. Eye Control AF essentially allows shooters to use their eye to initiate where the focus point is simply by looking through the electronic viewfinder, and then the camera will take control using subject tracking and detection to keep the sighted subject in sharp focus.

An In-Body Image Stabilizer (IBIS) corrects unwanted camera shake when shooting handheld, helping to shoot handheld in low-light conditions and reduce shake when recording videos. This 5-axis system can be also used in conjunction with lenses featuring optical image stabilization to compensate for up to 8 stops of camera shake depending on the specific lens in use.

An impressive 5.76m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder is featured for clear, high-resolution eye-level viewing. This 0.76x-magnification finder is benefitted by the stacked sensor design, too, and affords blackout free viewing when working with an electronic shutter and supports a 120-fps refresh rate for realistic motion portrayal. The large area of the viewfinder also permits displaying a extensive shooting information, if desired, and the information display rotates with the camera for more natural viewing.

In addition to the EVF, a 3.2" vari-angle LCD is also available and benefits working high, low, and front-facing angles. The flexible position is complemented by a touchscreen interface and the impressive 4.15m-dot resolution allows for vivid playback and live view monitoring.

Taking after flagship DSLR designs, the R3 sports a robust and ergonomic body design fit with an integrated vertical grip for improved comfort when working in either horizontal or vertical shooting orientations. The R3 features both the smart controller and multi-controller from previous EOS cameras, making for an intuitive handling experience, and it has a similar rear layout to the 1D X Mark III and R5 bodies. This larger body design also makes room for the high-capacity LP-E19 battery for extended shooting sessions and is built to the same weather-sealed specifications as the flagship EOS-1D X Mark III.

Extensive wired and wireless connectivity options are available, allowing for multiple methods of transferring photos, videos, and voice memo data. Physically, the camera features a 1000BASE-T Ethernet interface and RJ-45 port for a fast and secure hardwired connection. When transferring wirelessly, 5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is available for transferring and remote camera control. Users of select smartphones can also make use of their device's mobile data for sharing files directly from the camera over 5G networks when the device is connected to the R3 via USB.

There is also a built-in GPS module, which is compatible with GLONASS and QZSS, for in-camera location tagging to help streamline any geotagging and timestamp needs.

An update to a conventional hot shoe, the Multi-Function Shoe adds a row of pins at the front of the design to permit greater accessory functionality as well as provide power to select accessory types that traditionally rely on separate batteries. This updated shoe is compatible with select accessories, including the ST-E10 Speedlite Transmitter, DM-E1D Stereo Microphone, and AD-P1 Smartphone Link Adapter, as well as the AD-E1 Multi-Function Shoe Adapter to provide compatibility with legacy shoe-mounted accessories.