I absolutely love my R5 C ... especially with the LP-E6P batteries and the 24-105 + 70-200 "Z" lenses. Being able to travel light with just one body that can do almost anything at a high level is fantastic. I really hope there is a successor at a similar or even higher level. The C80 of course has the benefit of the internal NDs ... but then lacks the stills functionality and an EVF. In particular, the lack of an EVF (even an external one which could attach via the hot shoe) really leaves that body design in no-man's land – from my pov, it is awkward when rigged but would be great hand-held up to the face (eye looking through an evf) like a stills camera.
I think there could be an interesting argument to be made for an R3 Mark II C along these lines:
- Global shutter, allowing for internal ND system (in place of the mechanical shutter mechanism)
- Separate Photo & Cinema OS
- Larger integrated grip style body would also be necessary for internal ND and would also allow for better power + cooling + I/O vs the R5 C
With the mature R1 and R5 II, Canon probably has some room to once again use the R3 line for experimentation ... especially for release of a Global Electronic Shutter based camera. While a GES sensor will most likely have tradeoffs vs its Mechanical Shutter peers, given its pronounced advantages in video capture (as well as the space for an internal ND mechanism afforded by the removal of the mechanical shutter), I think leaning into the video sides as a true hybrid like the R5 C could make such a camera much more attractive than if it was just a stills-first camera like the existing R3.