The Canon EOS 3 is a camera from Canon. It is an SLR camera for professional users from the late 1990s. The new price for the housing was 185,000 Yen at that time. It is the successor of the Canon EOS 5.
The lenses of the Canon EOS 3 are interchangeable. It comes with an EF bayonet. Most of the time you will meet the 35mm camera with the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. The focusing of the lens is done by a built-in autofocus system. There are 45 autofocus points for this. It can also be controlled with the eye.
The Canon EOS 3 is equipped with a built-in light meter. It is designed for an ISO range from 6 to 6400. The film speed is determined by the DX code on the film cartridge. However, only films between ISO 25 and ISO 5000 are supported.
Exposure settings are determined automatically by the camera. Various exposure modes are available for this purpose. The exposure time and aperture can be freely selected in manual mode.
The fastest shutter speed is 1/8000 second. There is a bulb mode for long exposures. An external flash can be fired via the built-in hot shoe. The shortest flash sync speed is 1/200 second. The self-timer has a lead time of two or ten seconds.
The dimensions of the 35mm camera are 16.1 x 11.9 x 7 cm. It weighs 780 grams without batteries. The required power for the camera comes from a 6V 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Canon EOS 3
In the Canon EOS 3 cartridges with 35mm film are exposed. 35mm film is still produced today and is quite easy to get. One possibility for color pictures is the Agfaphoto Vista 400* and the Kodak T-Max 100* for black and white photos.
Colour negative film is developed in the C-41 development process. The C-41 process is offered by almost every photo lab.
With this exposure range, a film (135-36) usually holds at least 36 photos. The film is automatically transported further by the camera. The camera can take up to four pictures per second. The film is automatically rewound at the end of the film. Quiet rewinding is possible.
The Canon EOS 3 can only be found used. The value of a used copy is mainly measured by its condition and functionality. It is still in great demand today.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF mount |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/8000 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 6 to 6400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 3EV (0,33EV to) |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/200 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 1x 2CR5 battery |
| Size | 16,1 x 11,9 x 7 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 6.34 x 4.69 x 2.76 inches |
| Weight | 780 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 183,24 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 100 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 134,14 Euro (145.04 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 108,63 Euro (116.90 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 166,63 Euro (179.68 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Canon EOS 3
Is the Canon EOS 3 a simple camera to use, or is it more for advanced photographers?
The Canon EOS 3 is a professional-level SLR camera from the late 1990s. While it has automatic modes, its numerous features and manual controls make it best suited for experienced photographers.
What kind of film does this camera use?
The Canon EOS 3 uses 35mm film. You can find both color and black and white films readily available. It automatically advances the film after each shot.
How many pictures can I take with one roll of film?
A standard 36-exposure 35mm film roll will usually allow you to take 36 photos. The camera automatically transports the film and rewinds it at the end.
How fast does the camera focus and shoot?
The camera has a fast autofocus system with 45 points. It can shoot up to four frames per second, allowing for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, the Canon EOS 3 has a hot shoe for connecting an external flash. The shortest flash sync speed is 1/200th of a second.