Sigh. The Canon R3 is Now Just an Annoying Camera

We’ve updated our Canon R3 review, again. For the past year or so, I’ve mostly sworn off of using Canon cameras simply because I’ve felt the performance for photography and photographers just really isn’t there. This is especially the case if you work with people of color in low light — which is taboo to say these days. But isn’t journalism supposed to challenge society? And now, the Canon R3 is a very annoying camera after the latest firmware update.

Below is the updated text from our review. To see more, check out the full Canon R3 review here.

Ease of Use Update September 2025

Canon did an odd thing with the latest firmware update for 1.9.0. Essentially, it’s mostly a security update to make it more compliant with new European data laws.

Firmware Version 1.9.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Improves security features. A password must be set initially.
   a. Adds the ability to review the history of any changes made to the password, network information, or other settings.
   b. *For more information, please refer to the ‘Setting a Password’ section in the Advanced User Guide on cam.start.canon.
2. Enables firmware updates to be performed when the camera is connected to the internet and new firmware is made available on Canon servers.
3. Adds a function that simultaneously protects images when they are rated.
4. Adds the ability to use up to 8TB of CFexpress cards.
   a. Note:
       i. Cards larger than 8TB require low-level formatting by the camera.
       ii. Cards larger than 8TB are treated as 8TB cards.
       iii. Cards larger than 2TB cannot be used for firmware updating.
5. Adds to lower the image capture frame rate to help prevent overheating when connected to CR-A100 in extended remote shooting.
6. When transferring images with voice memos via FTP, the transfer order priority has now changed with voice memo (Wav) file being sent first followed by image file.
   a. If a voice memo is added to an image queued for transfer, the image and voice memo are now sent last.
7. Improves AF tracking performance during zooming in still photo shooting with compatible lenses.
   a. *Compatible lenses (as of July 16, 2025):
       i. RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z (ver.1.1.0 or later)
       ii. RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z
       iii. RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM (ver.1.0.8 or later)
8. Adds the ability to enable [Exposure Simulation] when a flash unit is attached.
9. Fixes an issue in which Err70 may occur during Bluetooth communication due to interference from other Bluetooth devices.
10. Fixes an issue in which Err70 may occur when repeatedly shooting in the “High-speed continuous shooting +” mode.
11. Fixes an issue in which image stabilization may stop working when using an EF lens.
12. Fixes an issue in which HDMI output may momentarily stop when [Screen Off] is activated in the Power Saving settings.

If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.9.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Every time I turn the Canon R3 on, I now have to enter a password. The process is nowhere as intuitive or as simple as it is with a phone. With my iPhone, I can wake it up and then type in the password. With the Canon R3, I need to tap the text area, type in the number code, confirm, then confirm again. It’s annoying. Of course, you can set it up so that it doesn’t require this at all. Canon could’ve fixed this with an interface that’s more iPhone or Android like. You can also completely turn off the feature.

Something else that the camera added was flash exposure simulations, none of which worked with Profoto lights. In fact, the Phoblographer has an open email thread with Profoto’s reps talking about several issues we have with their lights. However, I’ll say this off the bat: this is a Canon problem. Canon always prioritizes their own flashes first and foremost all while making zero to little effort on pushing the sales of them.

Something that I was annoyed about is the lack of RAW when shooting in multiple exposure mode. I didn’t realize that this has been an issue since 2021, but it surely has. Canon has seemingly removed it from all their current cameras. So if you own a Canon R5 or a Canon EOS R, make sure that you really hold onto them and take care of them. Otherwise, the newest LUMIX cameras are the only ones that can do multiple exposure RAW.

One of the nice additions is making images that are rated also protected. I rate all the time on my cameras before uploading to my computer as it speeds up my workflow.