Canon has dropped a big surprise: the EOS R3, a full-frame mirrorless camera that tracks and focuses your line of sight and shoots at an astounding 30 fps.

The R3 is still in development, but Canon has already revealed some fascinating details ahead of a full-fledged launch. From what we know so far, it will likely go head-to-head with the new Sony A1 and the upcoming Nikon Z9 in the battle for the hearts and wallets of professional-level sports photographers.

The Canon EOS R3 can shoot in bursts at an astounding 30 fps when using the electronic shutter, while still allowing full AF in all modes.

This is comparable to the performance of the Sony Alpha 1 while being much faster than previous Canon cameras.

This speed is made possible by the R3's new back-illuminated stacked CMOS image sensor, a first for Canon, which allows for faster readout speeds and reduced "rolling shutter" distortion, a problem that has traditionally plagued electronic shutters

Autophotos.

Autofocus is another area where the Canon R3 really seems to shine: according to Canon, it uses deep learning technology to enhance autofocus and subject tracking.

Additionally, the R3 can use its eyes to set the focus point, simply by looking through the viewfinder. This "eye control function," which works only with still images and electronic shutter, promises remarkably quick focus changes. With this feature, one need only look at a particular person or object and the camera will instantly focus on it.

Canon has used a similar system before, but one that is probably far less technologically advanced, given that it was available on the EOS-5 and EOS-3 in the 1990s. It is interesting that it has been resurrected here and offers the R3 something that other mirrorless cameras do not.

We also know that the R3 will have a sturdy, weather-resistant body, which Canon claims will be as durable as the 1D X Mark III that professionals love to use.

Of course, there is still much for Canon to reveal about the R3, especially the price and release date. As for the former, you'd better start saving your money now. For example, the Sony Alpha 1 costs $6500, and the R3 is not going to be much cheaper.

On the latter point, it would make sense to have the R3 in stores in time for the Tokyo Olympics in July, but that seems impossible given that Canon says it is still in development. At the same time, it seems unlikely that Canon would reveal so much detail if the R3 were to be released too far in advance, so we can assume that it will appear in late 2021.