GEAR TESTS: Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Underwater Camera Review

Thomas Anderson Sales

The Canon R3 is Canon's first pro-body full frame mirrorless and is the successor to the popular and well-regarded 1DX series of cameras. The R3 did not disappoint in performance, with excellent autofocus tracking, great battery life, and the best electronic viewfinder I have experienced. When placed in OVF Mode (Optical Viewfinder Simulation Mode) the EVF is the next best thing to an optical viewfinder, with great detail and dynamic range making shooting high contrast scenes, such as sunballs, a breeze. Despite the extra heft in travel, I love how pro-body cameras handle in the water. The extra air space helps to trim them out, creating a more balanced, steady shooting platform. The Nauticam NA-R3 Housing was extremely comfortable and ergonomic to use, and thanks to the excellent EVF, the 0.8:1 Viewfinder felt right at home with this system. If it weren't for the image review through the EVF, I may have forgotten I was shooting mirrorless camera entirely. With 24 megapixels, the Canon R3 may seem like it lacks image quality when compared to the Canon R5 or the Sony A1. This is not the case thanks to the excellent dynamic range as well as the lowlight possibilities for shooting video. This commands respect in a field crowded with higher megapixel systems. I shot the R3 with the EF Mount Converter and 8-15 fisheye. This setup focused fast and was perfect for shooting close focus and the wreck of the Tibbetts. The image quality was clean, with no noticeable noise when shooting with natural light as well. All in all, the R3 left me wanting more time in the water with this fantastic system.

Hergen Spalink Nauticam Ambassador

TODD WINNER Nauticam Ambassador

View our images shot with the Canon R3 Mirrorless Camera.