EOSTEST
Remarkably light and powerful full-framer, the R8 tries to balance the latest technology with some ergonomic compromises, says DCW reviews editor Gareth Bevan
Canon has come a long way since launching the original Canon EOS R nearly four years ago. At the end of 2022, the R series was up to 11 camera bodies and 31 lenses, and after producing some of the best Canon cameras to date, from the flagship EOS R3 to the entry-level EOS R10, Canon is not slowing down with another two cameras (the R8 and R50) and two lenses added to the roster.
The latest EOS R camera from Canon is the EOS R8, which despite being named one numerical value above the APS-C-equipped Canon EOS R7, the R8 is actually sporting a full-frame sensor. Canon says the EOS R8 sits in its line-up between the Canon EOS RP, its entry-level full-frame camera, and the EOS R6 Mark II, for serious enthusiasts and professionals. And you can see how they have got there, the EOS R8 is a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster of the two, whether it is an upgraded Canon EOS RP, or it is a compromised EOS R6 Mark II.
In Canon’s DSLR system, the full-frame range doesn’t go any lower than the EOS 6D. However, Canon is showing a keenness with their mirrorless range to hit every form factor at a much wider range of price points. Originally causing some surprise with the announcement in 2019 of the EOS RP, undercutting rivals on price, although with some fairly significant concessions.
The Canon EOS R8 sits in the middle between the RP, which remains in the lineup for now, and the EOS R6 Mark II, offering some significant savings over the more advanced model.
Specs update
The EOS R8 uses the same 24.2MP sensor from the R6 Mark II, that also offers the same ISO which is expandable up to a whopping 102,400. The R8 can also expose down to -6.5EV.
The R8 also takes the incredible electronic shutter burst from the R6, with a blazing fast 40 frames per second, which makes it one of Canon’s fastest cameras and a real contender for sports and wildlife photography. However, you might still be best served by the Canon EOS R7 and its 1.6x crop sensor and IBIS. The EOS R8 does not feature a mechanical shutter at all, instead using a 6fps first curtain electronic shutter, which will reduce rolling shutter effects. The electronic viewfinder on the R8 has a 120fps refresh rate and comes with Canon’s OVF assist, which is meant to mimic the look of optical viewfinders to make the transition from DSLR cameras that little bit easier for new enthusiasts.
There are a number of connectivity methods, including WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, Apple MFI, image.canon, UVC and the multifunction smart hotshoe – as well as HDMI, a 3.5mm microphone jack
