Upgrade Guide
Canon EOS R1→Canon EOS M3
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
→
Skip it
The EOS M3 offers little measurable spec improvement over the EOS R1. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
-
ResolutionSimilar (24MP)
-
Weather sealingNot present in new body
-
StabilisationIBIS not present in new body
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | EOS R1 | EOS M3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -2.7 | ||
| Street | +1.2 | ||
| Travel | +0.7 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -4.4 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | -0.5 | ||
| Filmmaking | — | ||
| Documentary | -3.7 | ||
| Sports & Action | -4.9 | ||
| Landscape | -1.6 | ||
| Wildlife | -4.5 | ||
| Casual | +0.1 | ||
| Food | -2.1 | ||
| Macro | -3.8 | ||
| Architecture | -1.9 | ||
| Astrophotography | -2.6 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | EOS R1 | EOS M3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £5,999 | £150 | |
| Released | 2024 | 2015 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame Stacked CMOS | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS | |
| Resolution | 24MP | 24MP | |
| Video | 6K RAW/60p, 4K/120p, 1080p/240p | 1080p/30p | |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF III — 100% coverage, deep learning subject detection | Hybrid CMOS AF III (phase-detect + contrast-detect) | |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 8 stops combined | — | |
| Burst Rate | 40fps electronic, 12fps mechanical | 4.2fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~530 shots (CIPA) | ~250 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 920g (body only) | 366g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Not weather sealed | ↓ |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 9.44M dots, 0.90× magnification | None (optional EVF-DC1 accessory) | |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 1.04M dots | |
| Mount | Canon RF mount | Canon EF-M mount | |
| Memory Cards | Dual CFexpress Type B | Single SD UHS-I slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See EOS R1 and EOS M3 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the EOS M3 against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the EOS R1
Related buying guides
Camera family history