Canon EOS R3 and Canon EOS R5

Canon R3 vs. R5: What's the Difference?

Annika Jansen

What is the difference between the Canon R3 and R5?

Looking for an advanced mirrorless camera for professional photography or video projects? You will quickly come across the Canon EOS R3 and the Canon EOS R5. Both models belong to Canon's high-end EOS R series and are popular among serious photographers and video creators who want to get the maximum out of their equipment.

Here we put the specifications, performance and use cases of the Canon R3 and R5 side by side, so you can easily see which camera best suits your way of working.

What are the key differences between the Canon R3 and Canon R5?

Specification Canon EOS R3 Canon EOS R5
Model Canon EOS R3 Canon EOS R5
Sensor 24 MP full-frame stacked BSI CMOS 45 MP full-frame CMOS
Processor DIGIC X DIGIC X
ISO range 100–102,400 (expandable to 204,800) 100–51,200 (expandable to 102,400)
Autofocus Dual Pixel CMOS AF II + Eye Control AF Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
AF sensitivity Up to -7.5 EV Up to -6 EV
Image stabilisation (IBIS) Yes, up to 8 stops Yes, up to 8 stops
Burst shooting (electronic) 30 fps (up to 195 fps in high-speed mode) 20 fps
Burst shooting (mechanical) 12 fps 12 fps
Video resolution 6K 60p RAW, 4K 120p 8K 30p RAW, 4K 120p
Max. video recording time Longer duration with improved cooling Limited to 29 min 59 sec (heat limited)
Viewfinder (EVF) 5.76 million dots OLED 5.76 million dots OLED
Screen 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen
Dual card slot Yes, CFexpress + SD UHS-II Yes, CFexpress + SD UHS-II
Battery LP-E19 (approx. 860 shots) LP-E6NH (approx. 490 shots)
Weight (incl. battery) 1,015 g 738 g
Dimensions 150 × 142.6 × 87.2 mm 138.5 × 97.5 × 88 mm
Recommended price (body) €5,799 €3,349
Year introduced 2021 2020

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon EOS R3?

Advantages

  • 24-megapixel stacked BSI sensor with extremely fast readout, ideal for action and sports photography
  • Electronic burst up to 30 fps and high-speed mode up to 195 fps for capturing fast moments
  • Eye Control AF: focus with your eye for intuitive and accurate autofocus
  • Robust body with integrated vertical grip, designed for professional use and long sessions
  • Excellent low-light performance thanks to high ISO sensitivity (expandable to 204,800)
  • Long battery life: up to approx. 860 shots on a single charge
  • Reliable video recording in 6K RAW without overheating, even during long takes

Disadvantages

  • Lower resolution than the R5 (24 MP vs 45 MP), less suitable for large prints or heavy cropping
  • Larger and heavier: less practical for travel or casual use
  • No 8K video, which may be a drawback for those seeking maximum video quality
  • Higher price than the R5, which for some users may not justify the extra features

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon EOS R5?

Advantages

  • 45-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers razor-sharp images with great detail, ideal for landscape, studio and commercial photography
  • Supports 8K 30p RAW video and 4K 120p: perfect for high-end video productions and creative slow-motion
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with eye and face detection works fast and accurately, for both photo and video
  • Compact and relatively lightweight design, handy for travel or long shooting days
  • In-body image stabilisation (IBIS) up to 8 stops, for sharp handheld shots
  • Dual card slot (CFexpress + SD UHS-II) for flexible storage options and backup
  • Excellent compatibility with Canon RF lenses and accessories

Disadvantages

  • Video recording limited to approx. 30 minutes due to heat build-up, especially at 8K
  • No Eye Control AF or integrated grip as found on the R3
  • Battery life is shorter (approx. 490 shots), making extra batteries necessary for long sessions
  • Rolling shutter visible during fast movement, particularly with the electronic shutter

What are the specification differences between the Canon R3 and the Canon R5?

Specification Canon EOS R3 Canon EOS R5
Model Canon EOS R3 Canon EOS R5
Sensor type Full-frame stacked BSI CMOS Full-frame CMOS
Resolution 24.1-megapixel 45-megapixel
ISO range 100–102,400 (expandable to 204,800) 100–51,200 (expandable to 102,400)
Processor DIGIC X DIGIC X
Image stabilisation In-body (up to 8 stops) In-body (up to 8 stops)
Max. video resolution 6K (60 fps) RAW internal 8K (30 fps) RAW internal
Max. fps in 4K 120 fps 120 fps
Max. fps in Full HD 240 fps 120 fps
Max. burst rate (electronic) 30 fps (up to 195 fps in high-speed mode) 20 fps
Burst shooting (mechanical) 12 fps 12 fps
Autofocus system Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with Eye Control AF Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
AF sensitivity -7.5 EV -6 EV
Viewfinder (EVF) 5.76 million dots OLED 5.76 million dots OLED
Screen 3.2" tilt & swivel touchscreen, 4.15M dots 3.2" tilt & swivel touchscreen, 2.1M dots
Dual card slot Yes (CFexpress + SD UHS-II) Yes (CFexpress + SD UHS-II)
Battery LP-E19 (approx. 860 shots) LP-E6NH (approx. 490 shots)
USB charging Yes Yes
Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Built-in flash No No
Dimensions (W×H×D) 150 × 142.6 × 87.2 mm 138.5 × 97.5 × 88 mm
Weight (incl. battery) 1,015 g 738 g
Lens mount Canon RF Canon RF
Recommended price (body) €5,799 €3,349
Year introduced 2021 2020

Which Canon camera is best for your type of photography?

Both the Canon EOS R3 and the EOS R5 are advanced full-frame mirrorless cameras in the professional Canon EOS R range, but they are designed for different users. If you are looking for maximum speed, reliability, a robust body and optimum performance in challenging conditions, the EOS R3 is the right choice. This camera is ideal for sports, wildlife and reportage photography, where every fraction of a second counts.

If, on the other hand, you primarily want the highest resolution, impressive video quality up to 8K and a lighter body for all-round use, the EOS R5 is an excellent companion. This camera is aimed at photographers and video creators looking for maximum image quality and creative flexibility in a more compact design.