Questions about EOS R3 shutter modes

hatanmaek — Thu, 14 May 2026 13:42:51 GMT

Hi all, I usually shoot electronic shutter, just because it's easy, fast and quiet. I didn't realise there is a difference in dynamic range between the different shutter modes. Obviously I understand rolling shutter and vibration, but I'd like to ask anyone with real experience who manages this setting on a regular basis for their opinion between Electronic / Electronic First Curtain / Mechanical.

Re: Canon R3 shutter modes

johnrmoyer — Thu, 14 May 2026 09:32:26 GMT

My own preference is usually electronic first curtain.

If you are processing the raw data, then sometimes 2 extra bits will make a small difference in recovering some highlights and shadows. Often, depending upon ISO, those 2 bits will have no useful information.

This web page lists the advantages and disadvantages for each shutter mode.

https://www.canon-europe.com/pro/infobank/electronic-vs-mechanical-shutter/

It's also worth noting that, on all Canon EOS DSLRs and mirrorless cameras except for the EOS R3, the maximum bit depth drops from 14-bit with mechanical shutter to 12-bit with electronic shutter – meaning that when you shoot RAW using the electronic shutter, the camera is saving images with a slightly narrower range of colours and tones. This doesn't apply when you shoot JPEGs or HEIF files, because these file types already have a lower bit depth.

https://cam.start.canon/en/C010/manual/html/UG-03_Shooting-1_0310.html

topic Re: Canon R3 shutter modes in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Questions about EOS R3 shutter modes

Re: Canon R3 shutter modes