With newer Canon cameras like the R5 Mark II, R6 Mark II, and the long-awaited R1 on the horizon, it might seem strange to hear a working photographer say, “I still love my Canon R3.” But after years of photographing weddings and events across Ontario, the Canon R3 continues to be the camera I trust most — and here’s why.
✅ It Just Works – Every Time
When you're photographing a once-in-a-lifetime moment — like the first kiss, or a parent seeing their child in a wedding dress — you don’t get a second chance. The Canon R3 delivers fast, reliable autofocus and tracking that simply works. The eye detection is on point, even in tricky lighting, and I never have to worry about the camera keeping up with me.
💪 Built Like a Tank for Long Days
Wedding days are long. I’m often on my feet for 10+ hours, carrying multiple lenses, moving from indoor ceremonies to outdoor portraits. The built-in grip on the R3 makes it easier to hold throughout the day, and it balances beautifully with heavier lenses like my Sigma 85mm f/1.4 and even my 120-300mm for larger ceremonies. Plus, it’s weather-sealed — a must-have when you're shooting in unpredictable Canadian weather.
🔋 Battery Life You Can Rely On
One of the standout features of the Canon R3 is its incredible battery life. I can easily go a full wedding day on a single charge, which gives me one less thing to worry about when I’m focused on my couples and their moments.
🔄 Consistency Across the Day
Earlier in my career, I shot with the Canon 5D Mark III. Then I moved to the R5, which is a brilliant camera, but I quickly realized that having two different bodies made editing and muscle memory more complicated. When I added the R3 to my kit, I immediately wished I’d bought two of them. The consistency in file type, button layout, and overall feel just makes shooting smoother and faster.
🔧 Perfect Compatibility with EF Lenses
Even though the R3 uses the RF mount, I still use many of my EF lenses with Canon’s adapter — and the results are flawless. It means I get the best of both worlds: the power of mirrorless with the glass I’ve trusted for years.
🎯 Final Thoughts
The Canon R3 isn’t the newest camera anymore, but that doesn’t matter to me. What matters is how it performs in the real world, and for me — as a full-time wedding photographer — the R3 is still a workhorse. It’s fast, reliable, and built for professionals who care more about results than spec sheets.
If you're a wedding photographer or event shooter wondering if the R3 is still worth it in 2025, my answer is simple: absolutely.
📸 Want to See It in Action?
Check out my full video review on YouTube where I walk through my real-world use of the R3, with wedding-day examples and behind-the-scenes footage.