The Canon EOS R3’s Megapixel Count Revealed By EXIF Data

For months, Canon has teased the upcoming EOS R3 and its groundbreaking features, but – as with the release of the EOS R5 and R6 last summer – the company has remained silent regarding the R3’s resolution. 

Speculation and rumors have abounded, at times suggesting a 30-megapixel sensor like the Canon EOS R or a 45-megapixel sensor to match the EOS R5. But thanks to Canon Rumors, we now have what appears to be a definitive answer:

The Canon EOS R3 will be 24 megapixels.

This specification is backed by significant evidence, all coming out of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, where the Canon EOS R3 has made several appearances. First, Canon Rumors reported “multiple mentions, likely from people in and around the Tokyo games, that the resolution is ‘closer to’ or ‘around’ 24 MP.” This 24 MP rumor was followed by an EXIF data report, showing 6000px by 4000px on EOS R3 Olympic images.

Yes, it falls short of the lofty resolutions suggested above and will slot in behind several of Canon’s top mirrorless cameras, but it’s certainly respectable and hardly unprecedented. After all, the EOS R3’s closest DSLR sibling is the Canon 1D X Mark III, Canon’s flagship DSLR, which features a “mere” 20 MP. And “fast processing, low megapixels” has long been the name of the game for sports-focused mirrorless models, where higher-resolution sensors threaten continuous shooting speeds, camera buffer depths, and more.

A 24 MP sensor also assures superior noise performance over higher-resolution models like the EOS R5; the low megapixel count (and consequently large pixel size) combined with Canon’s new backside illuminated sensor technology should be a sight to behold.

At present, here’s what you can expect from the EOS R3:

• A fully-articulating touchscreen
• 30 frames per second shooting (using the electronic shutter)
• In-body image stabilization
• 4K video (oversampled)
• Eye Control AF
• Top-notch weather sealing
• Dual card slots

While pricing information is yet to be released, don’t be surprised if the EOS R3 surpasses even the Canon 1D X Mark III, which debuted at a whopping $6500 USD.

Fortunately, you won’t have long to wait; Canon Rumors promises an official announcement in September, and I’d wager that the camera itself will begin to ship before 2021 is out, if not significantly sooner.

Now over to you:

What do you think of a 24 MP EOS R3 sensor? Is it disappointingly low resolution? Is it just right? Too high? Share your thoughts in the comments below!