Rumored Canon EOS R6 Mark III could be announced in 2024, ready to take on the Nikon Z6 III

It feels too soon, but also Canon cannot afford to wait

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Canonmight not be done for 2024 just yet. Following the double launch of theEOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark IIin July, there are now suggestions that it has a thirdfull-frame mirrorless cameraon the cards this year, the EOS R6 Mark III.

Speculation has been shared onCanon Rumorsthat the latest mid-range model with full-frame sensor could even hit the shelves at the very end of 2024, along with a list of expected specifications.

We must point out that the camera, announcement dates and specs are all based on rumors, though the timeline would tally with Canon’s two-year cycle for the EOS R6 series so far, following the EOS R6 of 2020 and theEOS R6 Mark IIthat was launched at the end of 2022.

For a camera at this level, a two-year product cycle feels shorter than most, but with Nikon recently announced the excellentZ6 IIIthat, in many ways, outguns the EOS R6 Mark II, Canon might not be able to afford to sit on this one.

The compelling Canon Nikon rivalry is set to continue

Canon Rumors says its sources have told them the EOS R6 Mark III is “pretty much ready to go”, along with a list of expected specs.

Apparently the sensor will once again be a 24MP one, but that it is ‘related’ to the stackedEOS R3sensor, which is a much pricier and former flagship used by pro sports and wildlife photographers. There’s no mention of burst shooting speeds, though we’d expect them to be faster if the stacked sensor rumor is true, plus there to be a better handle on rolling shutter distortion.

The Nikon Z6 III was the first camera of its kind to feature a ‘partially’ stacked sensor that has a faster readout speed than the Canon EOS R6 II’s, and so an even quicker stacked sensor in a potential EOS R6 Mark III would be an obvious way for Canon to strike back.

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.

Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.

The EOS R6 Mark III can’t tread too much on the toes of theEOS R5 Mark II, however, plus Canon needs to keep it to a sensible price: the EOS R6 Mark II was launched at approxaimtely $2,500 / £2,700 / AU$4,500, the same price as the new Nikon 6 III, and it can’t go much higher than that with a successor.

To that extent, it’s believed the processor will be an improved DIGIC X, but there won’t be the DIGIC Accelerator that boosts performance in the EOS R5 Mark II andEOS R1. It should also feature the same EVF as the EOS R5 and not the one in the Mark II version that features Canon’s neat Eye-control AF.

There are a few more specs listed in the rumor, many of which tally with the Z6 III. If Canon were to launch the EOS R6 Mark III later this year, it’ll form a compelling contest with the Z6 III for the crown of thebest mirrorless cameraoverall, and that’s a battle we’re all for.

You might also like

Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.

Nikon reveals the Z50 II – a modest update of its hobbyist mirrorless camera with an identity crisis

The Nikon Z6 III is our best-rated camera of 2024 - and it just got its first price cut

England vs Australia live stream: how to watch 2024 rugby union Autumn International online from anywhere