Or, as I speculate that if Canon got caught flat-footed, we will see the introduction of R3 II instead of R1.
Bad news already that the supposed R1 won't have quad pixel AF. If they do not come out with global shutter or at least a stacked sensor so fast that it can compete with Sony, then Canon will really start to heavily cede the pro sports marketshare.
Credit given when it's due, the A9 III really seems like a game changer.
I think we are jumping to conclusion too quickly. a9iii CF A bottleneck is foreseeable, the DR and mid-high ISO performance is yet to review.
R3 was bashed and trash talked for low MP. Yet for those who are actually using it, they love the cam as it it has superior ergonomics over a1, lighter than Z9, editing 6K RAW is easier than 8K while maintain decent resolution for cropping. 24MP at 30fps with no hidden lens limitations(other than card speeds) is nice.
R3 was 4999USD. And if R3ii willing to price 4500USD instead. The "lack" of performance is easily justified.
IMHO R3ii without using global shutter but managed to achieve 1/500~1/600 flash sync speed will be enough to not favor global shutter.
The key is starting to cede its sports dominance. No doubt each news agency/freelancer is somewhat entrenched in their respective camera systems; however, this may be the camera to give them pause and consider alternatives to the usual in their upgrade cycle. $14500 for a new R3 + 100-300mm or $14800 for a A9iii + 70-200 + 300mm. The former has a bit more convenience on one lens range while latter has weight advantage. Also latter has 120fps precapture, no flicker, no bat/club wobbles, and essentially unlimited flash sync. Of course, it will all boil down to what Canon has in store for us as the ball has been hit hard now in team red's court.
Yeah, it's always about the overall system and how the pairing works. However I do think flash sync usage is overexaggerated by Sony promoters with the a9iii launch.