Canon EOS R6 III: 32.5MP, 40fps burst and 7K RAW — a hybrid powerhouse

Canon has expanded its mid‑range full‑frame lineup with the EOS R6 III, a significant upgrade over the R6 II thanks to a higher‑resolution 32.5MP sensor, much faster burst rates and substantially improved video specs. The camera targets hybrid shooters who need both fast stills and pro‑grade video.

The R6 III delivers up to 40 fps burst with the electronic shutter (12 fps mechanical), supports 20 frames of pre‑shooting, and brings Canon’s proven Dual Pixel AF with updated AI tracking. It claims reliable low‑light AF down to -6 EV and includes subject detection for people, animals and vehicles.

Main specs & highlights

• Sensor: 32.5MP full‑frame (higher resolution than R6 II).
• Shooting speed: 40 fps (electronic), 12 fps (mechanical/first‑curtain), 20 frames of pre‑shoot buffer.
• Video: 7K 60 fps RAW Light, 7K 30 fps “open gate”, 4K up to 120 fps; C‑Log2/C‑Log3, HEVC/RAW formats.
• Autofocus: Dual Pixel AF with new AI tracking and Register People Priority feature.
• Storage & power: CFexpress + SD UHS‑II slots; battery compatible with EOS R5 II (≈390 shots CIPA with EVF).
• Price & availability: Arrives later this month — $2,899 (body only) or $4,049 with RF24‑105 F4 L IS USM.

Design and usability

The R6 III keeps Canon’s familiar ergonomics: dual top dials, rear dial, joystick, mode selector and plenty of programmable buttons. The rear display fully articulates for vlogging, though it doesn’t tilt in the same way as some rivals, which may limit certain low‑angle setups. Inputs include mic and headphone jacks, USB‑C and full‑size HDMI; waveform monitoring will please video professionals.

Video capabilities

This model’s standout is video: support for up to 7K RAW Light and 4K/120 opens creative options for filmmakers who want high‑resolution oversampling and slow‑motion. Canon’s strong video AF and cinema‑derived focus behavior make it a compelling choice for content creators.

Lenses and accessories

Canon also introduced the RF45mm F1.2 STM — a compact, lightweight f/1.2 optic (≈346 g) that brings shallow depth of field at a fraction of the size and cost of Canon’s heavier 50mm f/1.2L. It’s priced accessibly at around $470, making it an attractive pairing for the R6 III.

How it stacks up

• Nikon Z6 III: lower‑res 24MP sensor with a partially stacked design, priced around $2,500.
• Sony A7 IV: similar ~33MP sensor but lacks the R6 III’s advanced RAW video options.
• Panasonic Lumix S1 II: partially stacked 24MP sensor, up to 70 fps, priced around $3,200 — excels in raw speed but differs in video feature set.

The R6 III positions itself as a hybrid workhorse: higher resolution for stills, extreme burst speeds for action, and a very rich video spec sheet. The lack of a stacked sensor may concern some speed‑focused shooters, but Canon compensates with CFexpress support, advanced AF and cinematic video capabilities.

Who should consider the R6 III?

Hybrid shooters — wedding photographers who also shoot video, documentary makers, wildlife and sports shooters who need edge‑case pre‑shoot buffers and fast AF — will find the R6 III compelling. If you prioritize the absolute fastest sensor readout, some competitors with stacked sensors remain attractive alternatives.

For Canon’s official product info (opens in a new tab): Canon. For the original coverage and hands‑on impressions, see tech reporting (opens in a new tab): Engadget.

Discussion: Does the R6 III’s blend of higher resolution, 40fps burst and advanced RAW video justify its price — or would you pick a stacked‑sensor competitor for ultimate speed? Which feature matters most to your workflow?