Canon EOS R8: Five things you need to know

Canon EOS R8: Five things you need to know

Canon announced two new mirrorless cameras and two new lenses on February 8, 2023: the Canon EOS R8 and Canon EOS R50, along with the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 and RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1.

In September 2023, the Canon EOS R system will celebrate its fifth anniversary. The range already includes some of the The best mirrorless camerasparticularly in the full-frame lineup, which the Canon EOS R8 enters, which sits between EOS R6 II and beginners EOS RP Camera.

We did a sneak preview at Canon UK HQ ahead of launch and wrote a hands-on review, and while the camera impressed us in some areas, we still have some burning questions – here are our early thoughts.

(Image credit: Future)

1. The EOS R8 is a full frame camera

Surprised that the Canon EOS R8 is not APS-C? We won’t blame you. Canon has thrown some confusion into its lineup by naming it the Canon EOS R8.

The current flagship full-frame mirrorless model is the Canon EOS R3, followed by the EOS R5 and R5C, then the EOS R6 and EOS R6 II (plus the EOS RP and EOS R). The crop sensor APS-C mirrorless cameras are the Canon EOS R7 and EOS R10 (and now the EOS R50). Where does the EOS R8 full frame camera come from? under the APS-C designation.

Canon is advised to fill up their EOS R system camera and lens range pretty quickly, since it’s not even been five years at all. There is a grand total of 13 Canon RF/RF-S cameras and 33 lenses. But now things are starting to get confusing, especially with regards to the EOS R7 and EOS R8.

Perhaps, though, sensor format has become less important, and it’s more about what the camera can do. The EOS R7 may have a smaller APS-C sensor, but it has 32.5MP (vs. 24MP in the EOS R8), a superior battery and IBIS (in-body image stabilization), so it can be seen as more capable than the EOS R8. Find out.

Canon EOS R8 in hand with vari-angle screen upside down and photographer looking at screen

(Image credit: Future)

2. The EOS R8 is Canon’s lightest full-frame camera

Despite taking a lot of the technology from the Canon EOS R6 II, including a full-frame 24.2MP sensor, the EOS R8 has the same form factor as the entry-level EOS RP. She even managed to shed a few more grams, too. The EOS RP weighs 485g while the EOS R8 weighs 461g, with the battery and memory card inserted.

Complementing the EOS R8 is the new RF 24-50mm f/5-6.3 lens, which comes bundled with the new camera. On paper, this new lens is hardly exciting, but at 210g and with a foldable design, it’s a logical pairing with such a lightweight camera.

The EOS R8 and RF 24-50mm f/5-6.3 lens combination weighs less than 700g – quite an achievement for a full-frame camera with a viewfinder, and lighter than many body-only full-frame cameras.

Canon EOS R8 camera on a table close up of the video image key

(Image credit: Future)

3. It has some great videos

Hybrid is Canon’s buzzword at the moment, and it brings even greater video versatility in its latest RF-mount mirrorless cameras to complement its strong photo performance. We’re seeing the 30-minute video recording limit rescinded, and as with the EOS R6 II, the EOS R8 can – in theory – shoot for an unlimited amount of time, although 4K/60p oversampling from 6K may push the camera’s actual capacity to keep it spinning.

Canon’s most popular log profile included – Canon Log 3. Known more simply as C Log 3, this video color profile enables fast turnaround in production, with plenty of control over contrast and color. Our ears perked up at the fake color’s presence, too. It’s a very handy tool that filmmakers use to check exposure levels, although you’ll have to dig through the menu to find it.

A microphone input and headphone jack are also squeezed into this tiny camera, which has a vari-angle screen and a dedicated photo/video switch. Overall, the EOS R8 looks equally adept at taking photos and videos.

Canon EOS R8 on an upside-down table with the battery door open and the battery on the table

(Image credit: Future)

4. You’re still paying a premium

Canon cameras often carry a higher price tag than direct competition from the likes of Nikon, Fujifilm, Sony, and Panasonic. So having a camera with the same oomph as the EOS R6 II, but at an affordable price, is welcome, and the EOS R8 is a very capable shooter.

There’s a big plus but, and that’s one of the reasons the EOS R8 is cheaper than the EOS R6 II — it’s in an entry-level body, with entry-level endurance. Yes, you get similar features and shooting performance in the EOS R6 II, but you don’t get the same design. Is it really a better value camera? Is it better versus the alternatives?

We think discerning Canon fans will welcome the EOS R8 warmly, and it could be a compelling option for upgraders, or those transitioning from a Canon DSLR. But for neutrals, or those looking to go mirrorless for the first time, most other brands (except perhaps Sony) are still better value.

Canon EOS R8 in hand

(Image credit: Future)

5. We’re not really sure who he is

If you’re a glass-half-full person, the EOS R8 is a camera that packs a lot more punch than its exterior allows. 24MP full frame sensor, viewfinder, vari-angle monitor, 4K / 60p video with Canon C-Log 3 … check for false colors.

But if you’re of the glass half empty mentality, you’ll wonder if the target audience for this camera will be able to take advantage of these features. The control layout is very simple; Really very simple to easily make use of some of the best features. If you’re going to get the most out of the EOS R8, navigating the in-camera menu will need to become a familiar experience – for example, the 30fps Raw Burst mode isn’t on the shooting mode dial. And not all photographers and directors are patient with menus.

It’s also a camera sandwiched between less expensive full-frame cameras like the EOS RP and Nikon Z5, which has the sensor format as a big selling point on a feature list that’s longer than your arm, mid-level full-frame cameras that offer better build quality, longer battery life, and a wealth of features. physical controls.

So the real question we keep asking is, “Who is the EOS R8 camera for? “

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