Canon introduced two new mirrorless cameras and two new lenses on February 8, 2023: the Canon EOS R8 and Canon EOS R50, together with the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 and RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1.
In September 2023, Canon’s EOS R system celebrates its five-year anniversary. The vary already boasts a few of at present’s finest mirrorless cameras, particularly in its full-frame lineup, which the Canon EOS R8 enters, sitting between the EOS R6 II and the entry-level EOS RP.
We had a sneak preview at Canon UK’s HQ forward of launch and have written a hands-on evaluation, and whereas the digicam impressed us in some areas, we have nonetheless acquired some burning questions – listed here are our early ideas.
1. The EOS R8 is full body
Shocked that the Canon EOS R8 isn’t APS-C? We wouldn’t blame you. Canon has thrown a bit of confusion into its lineup by means of the Canon EOS R8’s title.
The Canon EOS R3 is the present mirrorless full-frame flagship, adopted by the EOS R5 and R5C, then the EOS R6 and EOS R6 II (plus the EOS RP and EOS R). Crop-sensor APS-C mirrorless cameras are the Canon EOS R7, EOS R10 (and now the EOS R50). The place does the full-frame EOS R8 pop up? Inside the APS-C nomenclature.
Canon is to be counseled for filling its EOS R system digicam and lens vary so shortly, given it is not even 5 years since launch. There’s a grand whole of 13 cameras and 33 Canon RF/RF-S lenses. However now issues are beginning to get complicated, particularly almost about the EOS R7 and EOS R8.
Maybe, although, sensor format is changing into much less related, and it’s extra about what a digicam can do. The EOS R7 might need a smaller APS-C sensor, but it surely has 32.5MP (vs 24MP within the EOS R8), a superior battery and IBIS (in-body picture stabilization), so may be seen as extra succesful than the EOS R8. Determine that one out.
2. The EOS R8 is Canon’s lightest full-frame digicam
Regardless of taking a lot of the tech from the Canon EOS R6 II, together with the 24.2MP full-frame sensor, the EOS R8 has the identical kind issue because the entry-level EOS RP. It even manages to shed an extra few grams, too. The EOS RP weighs 485g whereas the EOS R8 is 461g, and that’s with the battery and reminiscence card inserted.
Complementing the EOS R8 is the brand new RF 24-50mm f/5-6.3 lens, which is obtainable in a package with the brand new digicam. On paper, this new lens hardly excites, however at 210g and with a collapsible design, it’s a logical pairing with such a light-weight digicam.
The EOS R8 and RF 24-50mm f/5-6.3 lens mixture weighs lower than 700g – that’s fairly an achievement for a full-frame digicam with a viewfinder, and lighter than many full-frame cameras body-only.
3. It has some spectacular video chops
Hybrid is a buzzword for Canon proper now, and it’s rolling out better video versatility in its newest RF-mount mirrorless cameras to enhance highly effective picture efficiency. We’re seeing the 30-minute video-record limits axed and, identical to the EOS R6 II, the EOS R8 can – in concept – shoot for an infinite time, though 4K/60p oversampled from 6K would possibly push the digicam’s precise functionality to maintain rolling.
Canon’s hottest log profile – Canon Log 3 – is included. Extra merely often known as C Log 3, this video shade profile allows a fast turnaround in manufacturing, with plenty of management over distinction and shade. Our ears perked up at listening to of the inclusion of false shade, too. It’s a supremely useful software that filmmakers use for checking publicity ranges, though you’ll should dig into the menu to search out it.
A mic enter and headphone jack are additionally squeezed into this tiny digicam, which packs a vari-angle display and a devoted picture/video swap. All in all, the EOS R8 appears equally adept for picture and video.
4. You continue to pay a premium
Canon cameras virtually at all times carry a better price ticket than the direct competitors from the likes of Nikon, Fujifilm, Sony, and Panasonic. So to have a digicam with a lot the identical oomph because the EOS R6 II, however extra affordably priced, is welcome, and the EOS R8 is a really succesful shooter.
There’s an enormous ‘however’ although, and it is one of many the explanation why the EOS R8 is cheaper than the EOS R6 II – it’s in an entry-level physique, with entry-level stamina. Sure, you get related taking pictures options and efficiency as within the EOS R6 II, however you don’t get the identical design. So is it actually a better-value digicam? Does it fare higher towards the options?
We expect Canon superfans will welcome the EOS R8 warmly, and it may very well be a compelling alternative for upgraders, or these switching from a Canon DSLR. However for the neutral, or for these trying to go mirrorless for the primary time, most different manufacturers (excepting maybe Sony) nonetheless signify higher worth.
5. We’re probably not certain who it’s for
For those who’re a glass-half-full type of individual, then the EOS R8 is a digicam that packs a a lot greater punch than its exterior lets on. A full-frame 24MP sensor, viewfinder, and vari-angle display, 4K/60p video with Canon C-Log 3… heck, there’s even false shade.
However if you happen to’re of a glass-half-empty mindset, you will be questioning whether or not the target market for this digicam would even be capable to make use of those options. The management structure is tremendous easy; too easy actually to simply make the most of a number of the finest options. If you are going to get essentially the most out of the EOS R8, navigating the in-camera menu might want to develop into a well-known expertise – as an illustration, the 30fps Uncooked Burst mode isn’t on the taking pictures mode dial. And never all photographers and filmmakers are that affected person with menus.
It’s additionally a digicam that is positioned between inexpensive entry-level full-frame cameras just like the EOS RP and Nikon Z5, which boast sensor format as their massive promoting level over a options checklist that is longer than your arm, and mid-level full-frame cameras that ship higher construct high quality, longer battery life and a beneficiant array of bodily controls.
So the true query we maintain coming again to is, “who’s the EOS R8 for?”