The Canon EOS R3 was an impressive camera and represented a new camera line for the company, as Canon was abundantly clear that the R3 was not a replacement for a flagship EOS R1. As such, many people wondered if the EOS R3 would be a one-and-done camera meant as a stop-gap until the arrival of the EOS R1 or if Canon would release a second-generation model. It seems the latter is the case, with an EOS R3 Mark II planned for 2025.
Canon Rumors is reporting that Canon plans to release an EOS R3 Mark II in 2025. The original EOS R3 was a capable and well-received model, though it was in a bit of an odd spot in the lineup. Canon had not had a "3" model since the EOS 3 film SLR camera, as their DSLR models jumped from the 5D series to the flagship 1D line. The EOS R3 offered the sort of sports and photojournalism capabilities expected of a body that sat above the EOS R5, making many question if it was meant to be the company's flagship. However, Canon was quick to assert that the EOS R3 was not that camera and that the EOS R1 would eventually hit the market (the timing of that announcement is looking more and more to be in early 2024). Given the EOS R3's high level of capabilities, it will be quite interesting to see how Canon differentiates a second version from the forthcoming EOS R1. Hopefully, we'll hear more about both cameras soon!
Looks like the original R3 was supposed to be the R1, but when it didn't match up MP wise to the flagship Sony A1 and Nikon Z9 cameras, the R1 designation was withheld. The R3 MkII likely was then supposed to be the R1, but has been upstaged before its release by the Sony A9 Mk 3 with its global shutter. Canon looks like it is caught up in a box of its own making in playing a game technological catch up. Having delayed the introduction of the R1 for so long, Canon needs the R1 to be an incredible tour de force that exceeds its potential competitors from Sony and Nikon. However, Sony (with its A9 Mk III) and Nikon (with the ever expanding capabilities of the Z9 with extensive firmware updates) keep surging ahead and moving the goal posts forward for what Canon needs to meet or exceed. Hence the ongoing delays in introducing the R1. To introduce a R1 camera that doesn't quite match up to the latest and greatest from Sony and Nikon after such a long delay would be essentially an admission that the cutting edge Canon tech doesn't quite match up, especially since the R1 is supposed to be their flagship in the cost be damned category. However, the longer the delay drags on, the stakes only become higher and higher and any failure to match or exceed the competition would only be more devastating publicity/reputation wise.
The a9III is a real disappointment.
Very poor DR, noisy files, no low ISO, low resolution etc.
Canon has nothing to worry about the a9III.
As to the R1 changing to the R3 we all know that's a sad rumor put out by Nikon and Sony fanboys. Compar the R5 to the Z9, Z8 and a1 they barely squeak by it in most categories and behind the R5 in DR and noise.
Canon has a habit of not rushing out garbage but doing it right from the start.
Note the EOS system in 1987 made Nikon look like it was in the stone age and Nikon took 20 years to get where Canon was 20 years before.
The R system is the same, Sony kept producing crappy focusing mirrorless while Canon was perfecting it starting with the 70D so when the R cameras came out both Sony and Nikon were and still are catching up with AF.
I could go on as the list is long.
The R3 is the replacement for the 1D series. It is a dedicated sports camera which means that fast focusing combined with fast data processing to achieve a very high frame rate. The 1D was only ever a 20 megapixel camera. The R3 was never meant to be a high resolution camera. It's not a compromise because Canon screwed something up.
And who says that the mythical R1 is delayed? You make it sound like Canon is confused and scrambling but can't get their stuff together. Maybe the R1 will be an APS-C sports camera. Maybe it will be a medium format camera or a 100 megapixel full frame to compete with the Fuji medium format system, which uses a Sony sensor.
Whichever it is, I think that it's likely not at all related to the R3.
The R3 is the reason I moved to Nikon.... not exactly but is the truth is not far from this, after 20 years of Canon i need somthing more than a camera that can't focus as i need, the final decision was the change of the CPS system in a pay for nothing, well with all the possible cons i can say that at the moment I'm happy