Canon announced two new mirrorless cameras and two new lenses on February 8, 2023: Canon EOS R8 and Canon EOS R50, and 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 series already has some of today’s The best mirrorless cameraespecially in the full-frame lineup that Canon entered with the EOS R8, sits EOS R6II and entry-level EOS points.
We previewed it at Canon’s UK headquarters and wrote a hands-on review ahead of launch, and while we were impressed with the camera in some ways, we still had some pressing questions – this was our early idea.
1. EOS R8 is full frame
Surprised that the Canon EOS R8 isn’t APS-C? We won’t blame you. Canon has created some confusion in its lineup with the name Canon EOS R8.
Canon’s EOS R3 is the current mirrorless full-frame flagship, followed by the EOS R5 and R5C, and then the EOS R6 and EOS R6 II (plus the EOS RP and EOS R). The crop sensor APS-C mirrorless cameras are Canon EOS R7, EOS R10 (and now EOS R50). Where is the full-frame EOS R8? In APS-C nomenclature.
Canon has been commended for launching the EOS R system camera and lens line so quickly, given that it has been less than five years since its introduction. In total there are 13 cameras and 33 Canon RF/RF-S lenses. But now things are starting to get confusing, especially with regards to the EOS R7 and EOS R8.
Maybe, though, the sensor format becomes less important and more about what the camera can do. The EOS R7 may have a smaller APS-C sensor, but it has 32.5MP (compared to 24MP for the EOS R8), premium battery, and IBIS (in-body image stabilization), so it can be considered more powerful than the EOS R8. Figure out that .
2. The EOS R8 is Canon’s lightest full-frame camera
Despite incorporating most of the tech from the Canon EOS R6 II, including the 24.2MP full-frame sensor, the EOS R8 has the same form factor as the entry-level EOS RP. It even managed to lose a few grams. The EOS RP weighs 485 grams, while the EOS R8 weighs 461 grams with the battery and memory card inserted.
Complementing the EOS R8 is the new RF 24-50mm f/5-6.3 lens, which ships with the new camera. On paper, this new lens is hardly exciting, but at 210 grams and a foldable design, it’s a logical pairing with such a lightweight camera.
The combined weight of the EOS R8 and RF 24-50mm f/5-6.3 lens is less than 700g – a remarkable achievement for a full-frame camera with a viewfinder, and lighter than many full-frame camera bodies.
3. It has some impressive video chops
Hybrid is the buzzword at Canon right now, and it’s rolling out more video versatility in its latest RF-mount mirrorless camera to complement the strong photo performance. We’re seeing the 30-minute video recording limit lifted, and like the EOS R6 II, the EOS R8 can theoretically shoot infinitely, though oversampling from 6K to 4K/60p would likely push the camera’s actual capabilities to keep rolling.
Includes Canon’s most popular log profile – Canon Log 3. More simply known as C Log 3, this video color profile allows for a quick turnaround in production and a great deal of control over contrast and color. Our ears perk up when we hear news that includes false colors. It’s an extremely handy tool for filmmakers to check exposure levels, though you’ll have to dig into the menus to find it.
Mic input and headphone jacks are also squeezed into this tiny camera, which houses a vari-angle screen and a dedicated photo/video switch. All in all, the EOS R8 seems to work equally well for photos and videos.
4. You still pay a premium
Canon cameras are almost always priced higher than their direct competitors from the likes of Nikon, Fuji, Sony, and Panasonic. So welcome to a camera with the same allure as the EOS R6 II but at a more affordable price, and the EOS R8 is a very capable shooter.
There’s a big “but,” though, and it’s one of the reasons the EOS R8 is cheaper than the EOS R6 II — it’s got entry-level stamina in an entry-level body. Yes, you get similar shooting features and performance to the EOS R6 II, but you don’t have the same design. So is it really a better value for money camera? Is it better than other options?
We think Canon superfans will warmly welcome the EOS R8, and it could be a compelling option for upgraders or those switching from a Canon DSLR. But for the unbiased, or for those looking to use mirrorless for the first time, most other brands (with the possible exception of Sony) still represent better value.
5. We’re not sure who it’s for
If you’re a half-full, the EOS R8 is a more powerful camera than it looks. Full-frame 24MP sensor, viewfinder and vari-angle screen, 4K/60p video with Canon C-Log 3…heck, there’s even false color.
But if your mind is half-empty, you’re questioning whether this camera’s target audience will be able to use these features. The control layout is super simple; really too simple to take advantage of some of the best features easily. Navigating through the in-camera menus needs to become a familiar experience if you want to get the most out of the EOS R8 — the 30fps Raw Burst mode isn’t on the shooting mode dial, for example. Not all photographers and filmmakers have patience with menus.
It’s also a camera that sits between less expensive entry-level full-frame cameras like the EOS RP and the Nikon Z5, which tout the sensor format as their biggest selling point, feature lists longer than your arm, and mid-level full-frame The camera offers better build quality, longer battery life, and a camera with plenty of physical controls.
So the real question we keep coming back to is, “Who is the EOS R8 suitable for? “
