Canon has launched the EOS R8, combining the affordable and small design of the EOS RP with the power of the EOS R6 Mark II. Who knows, we might be looking at the best full-frame entry-level mirrorless camera?
The EOS R8 has a large full-frame sensor and is intended for novice and beginning photographer and filmmakers. The camera is compact, light, full of power and is already the 13th camera in the EOS R camera series.
Similarities with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II
The EOS R8 resembles the Canon EOS R6 Mark II in some ways. So, the R8 has a 24.2MP full frame sensor, a 40fps photo burst (electronic shutter) and Native ISO of 100-102,400.
Canon EOS R8
The camera also uses Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, which according to Canon focuses in 0.3 seconds. The autofocus recognizes faces, eyes, heads, bodies, animals, and vehicles. An extra on the EOS R8 is that it also recognizes horses, trains, and planes down to -6.5EV.
Similarities with the Canon EOS RP
The compact body that does not weigh much and makes it very portable, the EOS R8 takes over from the Canon EOS RP. Good for travelers and vloggers. The EOS R8 is even lighter than the EOS RP with battery and memory card.
However, that low weight does come with a price. For example, the internal image stabilization has been omitted, and you have to absorb shocks by using one of the RF lenses. There is a Movie Digital IS mode available, which crops the images by about 10% and stabilizes them digitally. Where the EOS R6 Mark II has dual card slots, the EOS R8 only has one. The battery capacity is lower than that of the EOS R6 Mark II and corresponds to the EOS RP. It also uses the LP-E17 battery.
Canon EOS R8
Hybrid camera
Canon has marketed the EOS R8 as a hybrid camera, which allows you to switch between both photo and film. There is a physical and dedicated button that toggles between video and photography. There is also a headphone, microphone, micro HDMI and USB-C ports. On top of the camera is a multi-function accessory shoe, which transmits power and information to the accessories and the camera.
Video capabilities
In terms of film, you can make films from oversampled 6K material, which leads to 4K 60fps images. Each clip has a maximum length of 29.59 minutes, which is less ideal for the interviewers among us. C-Log 3 is present to record flat image and increase dynamic range. In Full HD (1080P) you can shoot up to 180fps of slow-motion images. Three or five second pre-recording ensures you never miss a moment. But, of course, the camera must already be focused on the subject.
Canon EOS R8
Electronic viewfinder
The electronic viewfinder has a fast 120fps refresh rate and also has Optical Viewfinder Assist (OVF), which simulates an optical viewfinder. This is done by showing HDR images, allowing you to see more details from the shadows and highlights.
Other functions
Furthermore, the EOS R8 has 2.4GHz WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2 and UVC for streaming. A RAW Burst mode is available, which can record up to half a second before the shutter is pressed.
Price and availability Canon EOS R8
The Canon EOS R8 will be available from April 2023. The body will cost $1499, and you pay $1699 for the body plus the RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM. Below you will find the shops that sell the EOS R8. Click on the tabs to see the different versions.
Adorama
B&H Photo Video
Amazon.com
Yoreh
Yoreh Schipper started his film career in 2009, shooting a documentary in India. After that, he rolled into the documentary and commercially filmmaking. He got his bachelor degree in Communication & Multimedia Design in 2012 and hasn't left the film and photo industry since. Now, he strives to build an international Camera Deals Online network, with reviews, news, rumors, top-lists and blogs!
