Canon R3 Review: 10 Things I Love/Hate

[@Aaron-Almquist]

Hey Gerald. CLOG2 is available with the R3. You can see a clear difference in your video in the expansion of the shadow section on the waveform. The reason that there is no change between CLOG2 and CLOG1 in Davinci is because Canon no longer uses CLOG1 in the R3 and Davinci isn't doing a proper interpretation of the raw footage when CLOG1 is selected.

[@geraldundone]

Hmm. I'll test it again and see if I can generate a higher score. Do you know if this was also the case with the R5? The R5 performed the same way as the R3 seems to in Resolve, but the R5 definitely had Canon Log and not Canon Log 2. Resolve's response seems identical to the R5 and R3, but I no longer have an R5 to confirm.

[@Aaron-Almquist]

@@geraldundone The R5 does have Clog1 for non-raw recording. For both the R5 & R3 you can't transform the RAW footage into Clog1 inside Davinci or Cinema Raw Development. If you open up R5 or R3 raw footage with Canon's Cinema Raw Development software you'll see that Clog1 is not an available Gamma.

[@geraldundone]

The info about Canon's tool is very interesting. I'm almost positive when I did my initial R5 review, I shot a clip in Canon Log 1 then compared it to the raw development in Resolve to see if it matched the Log 1 or Log 2 in that panel and it matched Log 1. But I don't have the assets to check. Bah! Am I going to have to get an R5 again?! Ha. And the R3 doesn't have Canon Log 1 to do the same test. This is interesting though and worth pinning to the top of the comments. There's another good insight in these comments about this from Adrian Bacon who said: "Unless the R3 does 14 bit ADC (instead of 12 bit ADC) in video mode, CLOG 2 won't give much as the camera will never capture more than 12 stops anyway"

[@thatcherfreeman]

@@geraldundone My understanding is that clog1 and clog3 have the same black point, whereas clog2 is flatter and has a darker black point. As a result, it would seem that around 9 minutes into your video, the R3 is indeed decoding into clog2 for both of the clog1/2 options, if we assume it's correctly decoding into clog3 when you select clog3.

[@KevKlopper]

That develops like a true crime story for tech nerds

[@pauldigiacomo134]

You do the best camera reviews on KZbin. By far. I know others will do it, but I’d love to see a comparison video by you between the Nikon Z9, canon R3 and Sony A1. Your opinion is worth more to me than others.

[@DavidsPredatorfiske]

Really appreciate how you talk about pros and cons that are different than the obvious ones you get from other reviews! Despite having watched a few videos on this camera before, I learned a lot about it in this video and that’s the same for all of your content. Great job!

[@mateowalschburger3893]

If I'm not mistaken the only other camera with those video specs is the new Nikon Z9, would be great to see your review of that camera!

[@photogenic2010]

Have you tried the Gh5 mk2? The Gh5s also outputs RAW. and the Gh6 has even better specs.

[@DavidsPredatorfiske]

@@photogenic2010 It’s micro 4/3 with bad autofocus so that’s where they differ

[@raredreamfootage]

Z9 > R3

[@truthkeeperfilms]

Z9 has more video options but it’s cheaper.

[@j.kimmer1509]

i sold my sony a1 and bought the Canon R3..... it's an amazing camera...LOVE IT~!~!

[@leventebaumann6001]

It's a great camera like a1:)

[@leventebaumann6001]

What is your PRO/CONS?

[@Noojtxeeg]

Some of these downsides are forgivable. But for the price they are charging, it's a little frustrating that Canon is still crippling features such as white balance and hdmi.

[@chudopalov1977]

because its the CANON!))

[@NeonShores]

The Canon Cripple Hammer never sleeps.

[@TomasRamoska]

They need to sell cinema cameras this is understandable if not they will end up like Olympus.

[@chudopalov1977]

@@TomasRamoska and what about Nikon? They don’t have cinema line. They could make great camera. But…

[@DavidsPredatorfiske]

The WB thing is probably not a crippled thing, hopefully they have implemented it for stills for now and will make it for video in the future!

[@jaekimchi]

With the R5c being announced in January, I think that'll be a good barometer of how Canon is going to treat hybrid cameras in regards to video.

[@rileyschannel]

If they make the R5c basically a baby R3 they will have a smash hit on their hands.

[@miltontan]

@@rileyschannel If the R5C has the same dynamic range as the R5, it'll be unfortunate. The R5/R6 has the worst video dynamic range of any recent full frame cameras out there

[@maiigophotography]

@@miltontan people have been making beautiful images with canon's lack of DR since the begining of time. Canon is always last when it comes to DR. What did you expect? the DR is still the best in any canon compact body to date at it's release.

[@DADVNTRS]

Amazing video as always. Only thing I’d say is I think you’re overlooking how savage Nikon’s Z9 video capabilities are with 8K 60 in Q1 2022 firmware update. Picking mine up tomorrow as the embargo in Canada is up then. 🙏🏻🤘🏼

[@baredesigns1]

Congratulations However Z9 AF Tracking is not as good as Canon R3 or Sony A1. Also Eye/Face AF on the Z9 is bad in low light/under exposed scenes. Whereas the R3 nails it.

[@troy5568]

@@mainmain5303 Not him, but somebody else did. Jared Polin used it and showed to us the EVF recording, and it is apparent that the tracking is not as sticky as the Canon and Sony, in that it can easily get confused when something moves in front of the subject that it is tracking.

[@FantabMedia]

@@baredesigns1 It also has lower DR than most of the other bodies out there.

[@michaelblack4803]

@Isaac, you're speaking from experience? @Kris... 1/3 of a stop less, which is imperceptible. But still awesome.

[@EliasLopez]

I have just got my R3 and after shooting some RAW footage it seems that in Final Cut Pro it actually gives you C-Log 2 I could see the difference between the 3 C-log flavors and when you select C-Log 2 it looks amazing! Dynamic range seems better on the R3 than on my C70 after a test.

[@charlesjones5210]

At what frame rates and codec can you use c log 2 in the r3 ?

[@ItsBourbonNight]

"Let's get Undone"? I miss it and the theme song! "He's cra-zy".

[@tombuck]

I never intended to get the R3, but the Micro HDMI port on a camera that size showed me how Canon really feels about their hybrid video users and was the final thing that pushed me to Sony, and after using Sony for a while now, I'm very grateful to the R3 for the push 😁

[@marcgilles4520]

@ Tom Buck have you officially switched to Sony? If so please make a video about it.

[@RamblingOn]

Weird.. I literally just clicked on your channel to see if I had missed your latest upload. Saw that I hadn't and the instant that I clicked off I'm notified you uploaded this video 😄 love the channel. Happy Christmas to you and yours 🎅 Have a good one

[@apexyao8931]

My go-to guy for any camera tech reviews! 😍

[@3akoscielski]

Nikon Z9 next woohoo! Also I'd love a comparison between the A1, R3 and Z9, but we shall see!

[@GriffinConway]

Nice video Gerald. Really enjoyed hearing your take on the R3. Have you tried interpreting the raw footage as clog2 in premiere pro? The log curve looks almost identical to the c70 clog2. I show this in my R3 vs C70 video. (edit) just saw the comment section on the video and you addressed this. Thanks for sharing your testing.

[@leventebaumann6001]

i have bouth. C70 has more dynamis range.

[@poondawg]

Yea I found out the auto switch limitation during a project, I also hope they fix this issue

[@REMY.C.]

Hope you saw it immediately and didn't lose too much before switching.

[@AdrianBacon]

Unless the R3 does 14 bit ADC (instead of 12 bit ADC) in video mode, CLOG 2 won't give much as the camera will never capture more than 12 stops anyway (as you've seen, due to 12 bit ADC, the same as 12-bit when in fully electronic stills mode). The fact that its noise performance is generally less than 1/3rd of a stop is excellent, everything else considered.

[@geraldundone]

Interesting insight. I'm pinning a comment about this discussion and will mention this point in there. Cheers!

[@M3llawi]

Where is the intro? I was waiting for that!

[@andreasbrand3191]

great review, as always. remark regarding IBIS 'wobble issues'. There is no physical way for the wobble not to occur, at least I don't see one. One can either correct the camera translation and rotation by shifting the sensor or not but it always will result in the change of perspective which for wide angle lenses causes the unfavorable 'wobble' distortion. Maybe other manufacturers prevent their cams from 'wobbling' by accepting more shake, but other than that, there is no physical way to make it wobble less while correcting for displacement and rotation. Therefore I find it puzzling how people are saying canon is worse at it, I suppose this would mean that they're better at stabilizing? I'm happy to learn what I don't know about it, optically, I see no way around it - could one prevent the wobble via software, sure, but the most robust in-cam stabilization is and always will be... shifting a cropped image. I think Sony's approach with the accelerometer/gyro data is the best approach for non-action cams outside of gimbals. regards - photonics/optics physicist

[@Mike0193Azul]

Thank you for mentioning that auto switch card thing where it still shops recording. I thought I was going crazy when I happened to me lol I was under the impression it would keep recording. Can't remember which of my Canon cameras it did it on. Which means it's the same way on all their cameras 🤔 And the ibis wobble with wide angle lenses drives me nuts on my R5

[@navjyothkumar6754]

Would love it if you could do one on the Nikon Z9!

[@FuzTim]

Love your review! please consider make Nikon Z9 review

[@REMY.C.]

I cracked immediately after those 3 words "download stock footage". Well done sir Undone.

[@PyroKalfje]

Can we ger also z9 camera content like a review

[@winngh]

Waiting for z9 review ☺!

[@AndyLSB]

I missed the intro :( you're crazy for not putting it anymore :(

[@kasekuchenmitsahne9568]

If the Sony a9III gets the same video features, it‘s the perfect camera for me

[@mindseyeproductions8798]

I miss the Intro theme music.

[@0nizukaS]

I like that canon cameras shut off when you open the card door. saved me from corrupting data so many times because I keep forgetting to turn cameras off and they go to sleep by themselves.

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

Hi Gerald, loved your review. We’ve had this camera for about a month and believe from a image quality standpoint this might be the best hybrid currently available today. We were skeptical of the DXOMark’s claims that the R3 was the new “Low-Light King”, but after some testing (see our latest video) we have concluded that their assertions were indeed valid. Dynamic range is excellent, especially when considering the readout speed. I believe the Canon Eos R3 might just be the sleeper of the year. Again, great review… keep it up!

[@fredguerin2674]

Hi Gerald, About White Balance. I tested the new firmware on R6, and IT works in Video! The procedure is a little bit strange, you have to adjust White Balance with the new Live tool in Photo Mode and after that switch to Video mode. And your custom white balance is transfered to video mode. So It's not perfect but It's a big improvement compare to that we get before on Canon Cameras. The new white balance live tool allows you to to custom the white balance targetting a small area in the frame.

[@whatwelearned]

Er okay I'll say it: let's get Undone!

[@shem44]

Not providing full HDMI port is an unforgivable sin in 2021/2022. It is not just about convenience but when you break the micro hdmi port, there is a high chance u have to change the whole motherboard and that is going to cost an arm and leg.

[@andreimicle]

Thank you Gerald. You and Dustin are line a 1-2 punch…I come here for video and I go to Dustin for camera’s photo reviews :D. I keep watching you guy’s reviews like I’m watching Netflix :)).

[@63MacGuy]

I missed, let’s get Undone😢

[@MultiAmruth]

Can't wait for Z9 review!

[@marcofcat]

Yours are hands down the best reviews on the web. Always. Can't wait for your R5c review.👏👏👏

[@ByStephenJones]

I’ve always found doing full stop jumps with ISO on any of my canon cameras had best performance.

[@alexgpanda2012]

I'm just happy to know you're alive and well. Happy holidays, Gerald ❤

[@joe_y.]

The storyblocks Jebait was glorious

[@TamarackFilmCo]

Best R3 review I’ve seen. Covered all the bases I needed to know in one concise and fair overview.

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

The review we've all been waiting for

[@basdenchris]

I clicked the "thumbs up" when you did your ad read. Thanks for making ads not only bearable, but actually entertaining

[@ivanhendricks1412]

Thanks Gerald. I appreciate my R3’s video capabilities more now 👍🏼

[@elmaldonado]

Hi Gerald. I have the R3 and R5C. I am trying to figure out which one to keep. I used the R3 all weekend and LOVE the battery life and how fast it is. I do prefer the R5C for the Cinema menu and tools since I do use it for filming. Your dynamic range does show 1 stop less in the R3 v the R5C (by the way, I think YOUR test v CineD was more accurate for everyday users). Is that still the case? Thanks much!

[@LeeandroNoray]

Plz test the Nikon Z9

[@leventebaumann6001]

Hey Gerald, you can charge R3 with usb-c. I do it every day.

[@ttian2]

Just unboxed our R3 about 30minutes ago. I had no issue charging the R3 with USB-PD when camera is off. Update: it was charging fine at 5V 3A USB-PD 15W when off. WHen camera is on, there is almost no charging current.

[@nomad0714]

Hi Gerald, @3:50, Re: relay recording. If you put a small grommet inside the tiny hole where the memory card door latches onto to let the camera know it is opened or closed. Then you can trick the camera to think that it is always closed. If it works, then I would hope that you could hot swap memory cards but I wonder if it will keep recording to.the next available card. And if the grommet is thin enough, you can still close the memory card door shut when you don’t need to swap cards. If you still have the R3, maybe give it a try.

[@silklion7375]

Please make another 35mm lens review for Sony Full Frame

[@alexbormanbou]

Glad about the rolling shutter. I find hard to praise 12 stops DR in a 2021 6000 dollars camera. Great review.

[@rgsauve]

Count yourself lucky that you didn't drop a deposit a few months back on a Z9 that has 1 to 1.5 stops less like this guy.

[@Dean_WeAreTheShow]

@Ryan the z9 has less dynamic range? I thought the z9 had 14 bit recording though I may also have my cameras confused..

[@TechnoBabble]

@@rgsauve What? CineD's test shows the Z9 in N-Log getting essentially identical dynamic range to the R3.

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

All the top tier cameras are stuck in the 12 stop range. Even the Red Komodo 6K is 12.5. That said I’ve tested the R3 back to back against the Komodo, and I believe the Canon offers more latitude. People are hyped about the Nikon, but I believe it will fall short in a number of key areas.

[@Dean_WeAreTheShow]

I have all canon apsc cameras (60d. 70d and 90d) currently and I saw some videos on adapting ef glass to the z9 with the fringer adapter. I want to take the leap to something full frame soon now that these bsi sensors, ibis and better autofocus systems and dual card redundant recording (knock on wood I haven’t had a card kill a project yet but it’s practically a phobia of mine, I’ve even had nightmares about it😂) seem to be becoming standard. I think the r3 looks incredible but I’m tempted to go with a higher mp option especially given the prices. All these “flagships” seem to have their own major annoyance.. for the a1 it’s the lack of screen angles and questionable performance with adapted ef glass, for the r3 it’s the megapixel count and that warpy business with the ibis (noticed it being visibly distracting in peter mckinnon’s vid) .. for the z9 only having h.265 for 10 bit 422 rather than the option of h.264 was my only nitpick based on the reviews I’ve seen so far but what other areas should I be concerned with?

[@Graeme.Meiklejohn]

I have had the R3 for a week now and have used it essentially everyday. A.) Can't find a way to make the slo mo record in a 24p base also B.) One thing to note on the crop mode is that is works for all the 4k modes... including 120p. This is a first for any camera that I know of that can record 4k 120p in both full frame and S35 C.) Doing the old resolve trick of colour space transforming from C-Log3 to Linear and then to Arri Log-c it seems pretty apparent that there is more range in that sensor than what CLog3 can hold (In the raw mode). Maybe, just maybe, we get a video feed out of the digital hot shoe to get around the mini HDMI...

[@mdrewpix1]

Just checked and the R5 also records 4k in crop mode including 120

[@maxmeier532]

Unless you explicitly need one device, wouldnt you be better off spending the same amount of money on one dedicated stills camera and one dedicated video camera? Or, spend a little more but get 2 cameras that are better at their specific job? I feel like even just the pixel count is somewhat limiting (general detail, cropping options) considering you're spending big cash.

[@Lifetogo]

Hello Gerald. Thank you for the video. Has Canon fixed the issues that you talked about within the last year by firmware updates or are all cons the same?

[@wilkbor]

This has to be the best channel on the internet for analysis of the pros and cons of different video and stills cameras.

[@AWilliamsfilm]

Hello, i was hoping to get your opinion about the 6K video of the R3 ? How did you find it?

[@AlCaldejon]

The unlimited recording and no overheating alone are HUGE for video! Amazing video again Gerald! 🙌🏼 Merry Christmas!

[@YanniVelez]

This is literally the video I've been waiting for on the Canon R3 - Only Gerald Undone CAN GET IT DONE!

[@csound55]

The new white balance reading that is available in stills mode is maintained when switching back to video mode. With enough requests hopefully Canon will update to work directly in video mode.

[@EastonParkhurst]

Love this review Gerald. Thanks for making me laugh with your Storyblocks transition.

[@Universeal13]

3:48 I thing there is a bug because sometimes it does work when the card it full it auto switch without stopping the recording but it's on rare occasions. I think it's a canon thing because this in on multiple cameras. Also one time of my old 550d just once the assist beam did fire, on more than 5 years it didn't fire once and one time randomly it did.

[@djc24]

Gerald…. You mentioned ‘I’m done’ at the end of the review….but where was your amazingly catchy ‘Gerald Undone’ theme intro that stars your face on the purple background???

[@jacobnathanielzpayag3885]

The "card door shuts off the camera" is because of a switch in the card slot assembly that must be pressed down. I don't know if the switch is wired to physically cut power to be board or if it only sends a signal that the door has been opened and the camera needs to shut down.

[@touchtennis]

Where’s the intro jingle?!!!

[@waynosfotoscameras]

I bought two of these cameras for video. It as you said is a dream to shoot with. Maybe not a C70 image but that camera has comprises and is dearer with the speed booster.

[@swcblad]

my gone 1d mk4 still produced some memorable video from my recomlection.

[@joenicklo]

I like this love/hate format. 👌🏻 this camera has my attention. Thanks Gerald.

[@TJ-po9ol]

You're wrong on the Resolve thing. It defaults it to a clog2 gamma; if you change it to clog, it doesn't do anything, still sits on clog2 gamma. If you change from clog or clog2 over to clog3, then it changes out of the clog2 gamma. I compared with my c70 in tests, which was in clog2. Thanks though.

[@geraldundone]

Yep. See pinned comment.

[@robchristeson]

Awesome! I really started to fall for the "R3 downloads from Storyblocks" angle. I appreciate how thorough you are with the video features and the relevant comparisons to photo use. Even though I'm not in the target audience for those top end cameras, it's great to see how they perform and get a preview for what will be trickling down. Plus it's fun to think, "what if?"

[@royalduke294]

Hi Gerald！I’m a videogragher from China. Do you have interest on GFX100S’ video capability？There is no test on youtube about its dynamic range，rolling shutter or comparison of resulution between internal and external recording，etc.

[@PischkePerformance]

The card door shutting off the camera is annoying, but also there to prevent someone from ejecting a card that is in use and corrupting the files. So yes annoying, but also a good feature to have because mistakes happen and this can save someone from loosing photos or footage.

[@DragRacingTV]

why is it so hard to find actual tested rolling shutter numbers for video, on this r3? i don't see it in this video either.

[@mikeyfl]

Would love to see an R3 vs A1 comparison!

[@vizualsbynick]

Wait, you said that there is a full readout of the sensor in 4K in all of the frame rates, but I remember someone saying that there is only a partial 4K read out when shooting in 120 fps. Do you know anything about that?

[@moistgooseberry]

merry christmas gerald!!

[@dinoschachten]

Wow. First: Great rundown (as always!). Second: 4K120p and that menu for choosing video recording modes are awesome.

[@djc24]

Hi Gerald, what video aspect ratio do you recommend uploading to KZbin? Why do you choose 16:9 rather than a 2:1 ratio that many KZbinrs use to fill more of the screen space?

[@Josko19]

Interface for choosing frame rates and crop is even simpler on Nikon Z series.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I just wish Canon would stop making you dive back into the menu for 120p. That should be on the same screen as all the other video quality selections. What's up with that? Also, is video metering still evaluative only? Is there subject-priority metering like Panasonic et al have?

[@JustinVandergaast]

Great video Gerald, as usual. Thank you for the time and effort you put into it!

[@JoATTech]

Not sure why I watched it. I do not plan to buy any Canon cameras soon. Guess because Gerald got the best reviews :).

[@take22-amediaproductionpod48]

The absolute best look at this camera I've seen.

[@ak_hoops]

It's funny ow many complaints are software related because I have similar gripes to my R6. Granted overall I LOVE it, it's annoying when things are limiting because of software (mainly UI) decisions!

[@danivar86]

Thanks great review! I've been waiting for this one. Can you still only get 10-bit video when filming in log or also when recording in rec709?

[@Gloomwithaview]

10bit only if you use log. If you use standard picture profile its only 8bit sadly.(not like Sony and other cameras) I was disappointed when I found this out. Not specified in Canons specifications

[@salamjum86]

Gerald forgot to review the eye aim focus

[@kelb89]

Eye control is only available for photo.

[@themediocrehomestead]

The end 😂 “Alright. Im done”

[@Soul_Visuals_Photography]

If this is the R3 then I’m pumped for the R1

[@jambononi]

But again with Canon, it's all this stuff that should be in the camera anyway. They make great cameras and just make it really awkward, and clearly deliberately. It's so painful! The Sony A7iv can be forgiven for having a crop considering they decided to go 33mp (I wish they went 24mp again and didn't have the crop) but for a lower price, less features makes sense. The R6 has 20mp and so 60p no crop works, but then they have record limits, overheating, terrible ibis and just bizarre choices. And the cine upgrade path doesn't make sense because the c70 has worse auto focus and a s35 sensor (and is apparently built really badly) so there's just this awkward no man's land where you just buy a Sony instead.

[@marcgilles4520]

I really wish Gerald shot the video with the Canon R3 instead of the Sony A1. Kind of seems like a waste of an opportunity. I'd love to see what the camera looks like in action in the studio. Colors, skin tones, lighting, etc... Great video.

[@geraldundone]

But then I can't interact with the camera while presenting, which helps me a lot. I'd need two cameras! And it's hard enough to get one. :)

[@marcgilles4520]

@@geraldundone I apologize , always forget how difficult these videos can be to produce. I really appreciate the response, your amazing as always!

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

I think Gerald’s reviews tend to focus more on the technical side of the cameras. I really enjoy them. If you are interested in seeing some footage, I have a lot of footage from this cameras uploaded in HDR. Feel free to check it out.

[@honestnerd]

Beast of a camera but it must be quite uncomfortable to carry around all day. Reminds me of a 1DX almost.

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

Not at all, as a former 1DXMK2 owner ( had it for 3 years) I can tell you after owning the R3 for about a month, the R3 feels much smaller in hand. And the weight difference is night and day. Canon nailed it with the size/weight of the R3. It’s large enough so that lenses balance nicely, while still feeling small enough to carry regularly. Perfect!

[@HeroGambit]

Waiting for a Z9 review to see what complaints are there :))

[@DavidsPredatorfiske]

Nice to see a review of a Canon from you again!

[@REMY.C.]

Some will still say he's a Sony fan.

[@arielespiro]

How this slow mo condensed in 30 p file affects the editing in scenarios like speed ramps? It does the same thing with the 1080p slow mo?

[@ShervinShares]

How does actual Dynamic Range compare to Sony Fx3 A7S3 in your tests?

[@ljs2274]

Great camera for what it’s made for. Camera !

[@PIPERBOYWILLIAMS]

This guy should get I million views a video

[@TizOnly1]

Hold on... so... CLog 2 on Canon Raw workflows is fake?

[@geraldundone]

Yes. Unless you're using a camera that has Canon Log 2 built in--but I think that's only the cine cameras.

[@TizOnly1]

@@geraldundone damn.. I already knew I didn't REALLY understand Raw, but I guess this confirms it. I thought shooting Raw video meant you were getting the raw sensor data, meaning you were unlocking the full dynamic range of the camera, then choosing a color space and gamma curve in post. So shooting raw doesn't give me the full DR of the camera, and I still need Canon to play along and give me C Log 2 in firmware? 😫😫😫

[@geraldundone]

Turns out I think I was mistaken about this. Check the pinned comment. 🤓👍

[@ParsclickTV]

thanks Gerald the best camera reviewer.

[@keithmyers6277]

Are you planning on doing an exhaustive long format review of this camera in the future?

[@austinlindsay]

Great video! Very informative.