Does the Canon EOS R3 Overheat Like the EOS R5?

One of the Canon EOS R5's headline features was its 8K raw video capabilities, but with all that video horsepower came the caveat of issues with overheating, some of which could be a hindrance in professional environments. So, has the EOS R3 solved those issues, or will filmmakers need to tailor the workflows around keeping the camera cool? This great video puts the new camera through a stress test to find out. 

Coming to you from CineD, this excellent video puts the new Canon EOS R3 through a video stress test to examine its ability to shoot for long periods of time. While the EOS R5 had no issues with short takes and clips, many filmmakers found that in long-form situations, such as interviews, overheating could be a real hindrance that caused serious difficulties. Thankfully, it appears Canon has made major strides with the EOS R3. Shooting in 6K raw, the camera has no issues recording until the battery runs out (almost two hours), then continuing on with a new battery, dissipating the heat so well that it feels comfortable to touch even after the long session. No doubt, we will need to see more shooting scenarios (such as working outside in the sun), but this is absolutely a significant improvement and a good sign for any filmmakers thinking of picking up the new camera. Check out the video above to see the full test. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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7 Comments

Gordon Laing recorded for over 2 hours with no issues.

No overheating on R5 or R3 if you record to external SSD or external monitor like the Atomos Ninja V. If you got the money to buy those cameras you got the money to buy external recording set up. Anyone that records for over 30 mins straight is using a tripod so no excuse to not use it, unless you just enjoy complaining lol

Or just use a proper video camera such as the C70 that has internal ND filters, two dedicated audio channels, no record limits at all, can dual-slot record video properly, never overheats and is small and lightweight enough to put on a gimbal. Will run all day on one Canon BP-A60 battery as well. FAR less hassle than using an R5 or R3 with an external monitor.

It's cheaper than the R3 as well, and slightly cheaper than an R5 + Ninja V. I have no idea why someone would buy the R3 just to shoot video, it's a poor choice imo, except maybe for 6K RAW (for 25 mins before it overheats). If you are shooting stills though it looks like great camera.

The reason is that this camera is for Hybrid shooters like myself who shoot long-form video and an equal amount of photography.

The real question should be directed at people who buy the A7SIII for video exclusively and not a proper video camera. ,

Canon is very clearly positioning the R3 as a sports/action stills camera and appears to have learned their lesson from the R5 marketing fiasco. If hybrid shooter and need to question if R3 is right for you, then R6 beckons if looking to stay in Canon ecosystem. For anybody shooting hours of video, I agree with Don Julio ... do yourself a favor and get a real cinecam. That said, my guess is Canon will underpromise and overdeliver with the R3 and overheating will not be an issue of practical concern.

Oh, multimedia! Okay...

If you watch DPReview's initial review video with Chris and Jordan, towards the end, Chris does mention it overheated on him during video, but as it's a pre-production unit, this is still way up in the air if it'll happen on production models...

https://youtu.be/oYFLrRj8ODE