Canon EOS R3 vs Canon EOS R5 Mark II
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Canon EOS R5 Mark II (2024) moves ahead on resolution (45MP vs 24.1MP) and 8K video. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Canon EOS R3 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Canon EOS R3 if…
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (102,400) gives it the edge after dark.
- ✓You shoot long days on one charge — rated 620 shots per battery vs 340.
Choose the Canon EOS R5 Mark II if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 60p).
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 45MP resolves noticeably more than 24.1MP and gives more cropping latitude.
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $4,299, about $1,700 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You value portability — at 670g (1.48 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 1015g (2.24 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is the stronger video tool — 8K, 4K up to 120p and 10-bit internal.
- ›Price: the Canon EOS R5 Mark II launched at $4,299, $1,700 under the Canon EOS R3 — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Resolution: 45MP on the Canon EOS R5 Mark II vs 24.1MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
- ›Weight: the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is 670g (1.48 lb) vs 1015g (2.24 lb) — 345g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon EOS R3 or the Canon EOS R5 Mark II better?
Same line, different generation: the Canon EOS R5 Mark II (2024) moves ahead on resolution (45MP vs 24.1MP) and 8K video. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Canon EOS R3 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Canon EOS R3?
Choose the Canon EOS R3 if you shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (102,400) gives it the edge after dark. Choose it if you shoot long days on one charge — rated 620 shots per battery vs 340.
Who should choose the Canon EOS R5 Mark II?
Choose the Canon EOS R5 Mark II if you shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 60p). Choose it if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 45MP resolves noticeably more than 24.1MP and gives more cropping latitude. Choose it if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $4,299, about $1,700 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you value portability — at 670g (1.48 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 1015g (2.24 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Canon EOS R3 and the Canon EOS R5 Mark II?
Video: the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is the stronger video tool — 8K, 4K up to 120p and 10-bit internal.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI Stacked CMOS | BSI Stacked CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | DIGIC X | DIGIC X + DIGIC Accelerator |
| Effective Resolution | 24.1 MP | 45 MP |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 102400 | 100 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 204800 | 50 – 102400 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/64000 | 1/32000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/180 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 6K | 8K |
| 8K Recording | − | Up to 60p |
| 4K Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 120p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 240p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | C-Log 3 / HDR-PQ | C-Log 2 / C-Log 3 / HLG / HDR-PQ |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Mono |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Full-size (Type A) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 1,053 | 1,053 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -7.5 EV | -7.5 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 5.76M dots | 5.76M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.76x | 0.76x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 4.15M dots | 2.10M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | v5 | v5 |
| USB | USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II | 1x CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $5,999 | $4,299 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 150×142.6×87.2 mm | 138.4×98.3×88.4 mm |
| Weight | 1015g (2.24 lb) | 670g (1.48 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 620 shots | 340 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 860 shots | 490 shots |
| Battery Type | LP-E19 | LP-E6P |
