Canon To Unveil EOS R6 Mark III And RF 45mm f/1.2 STM (December 2025) Guide

Canon is set to make waves in the photography world with two major product launches on November 6, 2025. The company has confirmed via social media teasers that they’ll unveil the EOS R6 Mark III camera alongside the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM lens, bringing cinema-grade sensor technology to a mainstream mirrorless camera body.

The Canon EOS R6 Mark III is the most significant upgrade in the R6 line, featuring a 34.2MP full-frame sensor borrowed from Canon’s Cinema EOS C50, marking a major leap forward for hybrid shooters who demand both professional photo and video capabilities in a single package.

This announcement comes at a crucial time as Canon faces increasing competition from Sony and Nikon in the full-frame mirrorless market. The R6 Mark III’s specifications suggest Canon is positioning this camera as the ultimate tool for content creators, wedding photographers, and advanced enthusiasts who need maximum versatility without investing in cinema cameras.

Based on multiple industry sources with proven track records, we’ve compiled all the confirmed specifications, pricing details, and market insights you need to know ahead of the official announcement.

Official Announcement Timeline and Details

Canon USA has confirmed the announcement date through their official social media channels. The event will take place on November 6, 2025, at 1:00 AM EDT, which aligns with a coordinated global release strategy.

The timing aligns with the expiration of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) that Canon has with major retailers and media outlets, suggesting full specifications and pricing will be available immediately without embargoes.

Shipping is expected to begin just two weeks after the announcement, on November 20, 2025. This quick turnaround indicates Canon has already ramped up production and is confident in their supply chain, avoiding the delays that plagued earlier camera releases.

The RF 45mm f/1.2 STM lens will be announced alongside the camera body, with Canon reportedly planning bundle deals that combine both at a competitive price point. This strategy mirrors successful launches from previous years where lens bundles accounted for over 40% of initial sales.

Canon EOS R6 Mark III: Complete Specifications Breakdown

The R6 Mark III represents a significant technical achievement for Canon, essentially bringing Cinema EOS technology into a still-focused camera body. Here are the confirmed specifications:

1. 34.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor – Shared with Cinema EOS C50, offering 42% more resolution than the R6 Mark II’s 24MP sensor
2. Dual Pixel CMOS AF II – Advanced autofocus with multi-subject detection, eye tracking for humans and animals, and vehicle detection
3. 6.5-Stop In-Body Image Stabilization – Enhanced IBIS system with coordinated control when using IS-enabled lenses
4. 40fps Electronic Shutter – Three times faster than R6 Mark II’s mechanical burst rate, perfect for action photography
5. 12fps Mechanical Shutter – Improved from R6 Mark II’s 12fps with better buffer management
6. 7K Open Gate Video Recording – Cinema-quality video using the full sensor width for maximum post-production flexibility
7. ISO Range 100-64000 – Expandable to 50-204800, with improved low-light performance over previous models
8. 5.76M-Dot Electronic Viewfinder – Significant upgrade from R6 Mark II’s 3.69M-dot EVF
9. Dual UHS-II SD Card Slots – Professional reliability with backup and overflow options
10. Full-Size HDMI Port – Upgrade from micro-HDMI, addressing a common complaint from R6 Mark II users

The sensor technology is particularly noteworthy. By using the Cinema EOS C50 sensor, Canon is essentially bringing cinema-grade image quality to a $2,899 camera body. This sensor features a new color filter array and improved processing that delivers both exceptional still images and professional video quality.

The 40fps electronic shutter capability is another major leap forward. While electronic shutters typically suffer from rolling shutter distortion, Canon has reportedly implemented a new sensor readout method that minimizes these artifacts, making the 40fps mode genuinely usable for sports and wildlife photography.

For video creators, the 7K open gate capability means they can shoot in 7K resolution using the full sensor width, then crop and reframe in post-production while still delivering 4K final output. This flexibility is typically found in cameras costing twice as much.

RF 45mm f/1.2 STM: Affordable Premium Optics

The RF 45mm f/1.2 STM represents Canon’s strategy to make premium optics more accessible to enthusiasts. At an estimated price of $599, it will be the most affordable f/1.2 lens in Canon’s RF lineup.

Key specifications for the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM include:

• Focal Length: 45mm (full-frame equivalent)
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Filter Size: 58mm
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.85 ft (0.26m)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.25x
• Weight: Approximately 300g
• Construction: 8 elements in 7 groups

This lens addresses a major gap in Canon’s lineup – affordable high-aperture primes. While Canon’s RF 50mm f/1.2L USM costs $2,299, the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM delivers similar light-gathering capability at less than a third of the price, making it perfect for portrait photographers and low-light shooters on a budget.

The STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus system, while not as fast as USM in some situations, is perfect for still photography and video work, providing smooth, silent focusing that’s ideal for content creators and vloggers.

R6 Mark III vs R6 Mark II: Key Upgrades at a Glance

Specification	R6 Mark III	R6 Mark II	Improvement
Sensor Resolution	34.2MP	24MP	+42% more pixels
Max Burst Rate	40fps (e-shutter)	20fps (e-shutter)	+100% faster
Autofocus System	Dual Pixel AF II	Dual Pixel AF	Advanced AI detection
EVF Resolution	5.76M dots	3.69M dots	+56% sharper
HDMI Port	Full-size	Micro HDMI	Professional connectivity
Video Capability	7K open gate	4K 60p (cropped)	+75% resolution

Pricing, Pre-orders, and Availability

Canon has strategically priced the R6 Mark III at $2,899 USD / €2,899, positioning it approximately $400 above the launch price of the R6 Mark II. This premium is justified by the significant specification upgrades, particularly the 34.2MP cinema-grade sensor and advanced autofocus system.

Pre-orders are expected to open immediately following the November 6 announcement, with Canon’s authorized retailers offering various bundle options:

• Body Only: $2,899
• With RF 45mm f/1.2 STM: $3,399 (estimated)
• Professional Kit: $3,999 (includes extra battery, grip, and warranty extension)

Early pre-order customers will receive priority shipping, with the first units expected to arrive on November 20, 2025. Canon typically limits initial quantities to create buzz, so interested buyers should order quickly to secure their place in the first shipment wave.

Regional pricing shows minimal variation, with the EUR price matching the USD, suggesting Canon has optimized their supply chain to minimize currency exchange impacts. This is good news for international buyers who often face significant price premiums.

Market Impact and Competitive Positioning (2025)

The R6 Mark III enters a highly competitive market segment, directly challenging Sony’s A7 IV ($2,498) and Nikon’s Z6 II ($1,997). However, Canon’s strategy of using a cinema-grade sensor differentiates it from competitors, essentially creating a new category of hybrid cameras.

For hybrid shooters – those who shoot both stills and video professionally – the R6 Mark III offers compelling value. The ability to shoot 7K video using the full sensor width, combined with 34.2MP stills resolution, means one camera can handle professional assignments across both mediums without compromise.

The wedding photography market, in particular, stands to benefit significantly. The improved resolution allows for substantial cropping in post-production while maintaining print quality, while the advanced autofocus system ensures critical focus during fast-paced ceremonies and receptions.

Canon’s RF 45mm f/1.2 STM lens strategy is equally noteworthy. By offering an f/1.2 aperture at under $600, Canon is dramatically lowering the barrier to entry for premium low-light photography. This could attract budget-conscious enthusiasts who previously couldn’t justify the $2,299 price tag of Canon’s L-series 50mm f/1.2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

The Canon EOS R6 Mark III represents a significant milestone in the evolution of hybrid cameras. By bringing cinema-grade sensor technology to a mainstream mirrorless body, Canon is addressing the growing segment of content creators who refuse to compromise between still photography and videography.

The $2,899 price point positions it firmly in the professional enthusiast category, making it an attractive upgrade option for R6 Mark II owners and a compelling alternative for Sony A7 series users considering a switch. The combination of 34.2MP resolution, 40fps burst capability, and 7K video recording makes it perhaps the most versatile camera in its class.

While the conservative design approach may disappoint some who hoped for a revolutionary body redesign, the focus on internal upgrades makes sense. Most photographers value performance over aesthetics, and the R6 Mark III delivers substantial improvements where they matter most.

As we approach the November 6 announcement, our recommendation is to prepare your pre-order strategy if you’re in the market for a new camera. Based on the specifications we’ve verified, the R6 Mark III will likely sell out quickly, particularly the early production runs. The combination of professional features at a relatively reasonable price point creates compelling value that should drive strong demand.

“The R6 Mark III’s cinema sensor in a still camera body is exactly what hybrid shooters have been waiting for. It bridges the gap between photography and videography without forcing professionals to choose one or the other.”

– Professional Camera Reviewer