Canon has not only gone mirrorless, but also offers full-frame photography with its new EOS R camera system designed to deliver DSLR-style quality.

This isn’t Canon’s first attempt at mirrorless cameras, as several models have already been released to date. But it does mark the first time the company is putting in a full-frame image sensor into the body. That sensor happens to be the same one in Canon’s 5D Mark IV DSLR.

The EOS R system

Having such a large sensor means you’re shooting the equivalent of 35mm film. Photographers know that all too well, but if you consider yourself an amateur, it’s a good point to know. The 30.3-megapixel sensor comes with Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor, along with the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus (AF) system with 5,655 AF points.

The ISO range is 100-40,000, though you can go higher, up to 50-102,400. You can always manually select manual any AF points, and the shooting rate is 8fps, or 5fps with AF enabled.

There is an electronic viewfinder (EVF) made up of an OLED display that covers 100 per cent of the frame. Alternatively, the 3.15-inch LCD touchscreen serves as the other method to frame and snap images. It does flip and rotate, making it easier to position for selfies and video.

Equally handy is the handiness itself, as it relates to the grip. Canon has made the EOS R with a heftier grip more in line with professional models. If you want, you can attach a battery grip to double both the battery output and get an even tighter feel for the camera.

The RF mount and lenses

In addition to the camera itself, Canon also unveiled four new RF-mount lenses. They are as follows: 28-70mm f/2, 24-105mm f/4, 50mm f/1.2 and 35mm f/1.8 Macro. Not all of them have image stabilization built-in, but do use an ultrasonic motor or stepper motor to focus faster and smoother when shooting.

Each lens will have its own control ring to adjust f-stop, shutter speed and other settings from there instead of the camera body. Note that the EOS R doesn’t use the same EF mount of Canon’s DSLRs. To make those lenses work with this camera, you will need the EF adapter. But the good news is that a lot of Canon lenses will work on the EOS R, with most of their features intact, be it image stabilization or autofocus.

Video

Canon didn’t push the envelope too much on the video front, but still has respectable specs. You can shoot in 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps and 720p at 120fps. Framerates also vary beyond that, including 24fps if you want the softer motion picture look. The internal recording format is H.264 MP4, but compression is up to you under settings, letting you choose between higher quality or saving space on your memory card. Note also that there is a 1.7x crop factor when shooting in 4K, cutting down the angle on any lens you attach.

The EOS R does have a jack for headphones or microphones, so you can rely on better equipment to capture voices and sound than the camera’s own built-in mic. Canon also says it supports HDMI output at 10-bit 4:2:2, which delivers better colour tones and more flexibility in post-production. Plus, you may have an easier time if you use green screen effects.

Connectivity

Canon included both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth into the EOS R, but neither NFC nor GPS. Wired ports include the 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks, a USB-C port, Mini HDMI Type C jack and remote release jack. The camera also works with SD cards, but they should ideally be of the faster variety: SDHC, SDXC and UHS-II.

Canon’s Camera Connect app will work with the EOS R to remotely control the camera and receive captured images. The EOS Utility app for Windows PC and MacOS can also receive files wirelessly, so you don’t have to plug in all the time.

Canon rates battery life at 350 shots with the EVF and 370 shots with the LCD on. You can go higher if you turn both off. Or you can go with the power saving mode that manages to squeeze out dozens more shots.

Get it now from Best Buy Canada

The Canon EOS R is now available at Best Buy.

Check out the latest Canon cameras currently available.

Ted Kritsonis
Ted Kritsonis
Editor Cellular/Mobile Technology
I’m a fortunate man in being able to do the fun job of following and reporting on one of the most exciting industries in the world today. In my time covering consumer tech, I’ve written for a number of publications, including the Globe and Mail, Yahoo! Canada, CBC.ca, Canoe, Digital Trends, MobileSyrup, G4 Tech, PC World, Faze and AppStorm. I’ve also appeared on TV as a tech expert for Global, CTV and the Shopping Channel.
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15 COMMENTS

  1. Hello
    Is Bestbuy going to sell the EOS R Camera Body only or it is available only from the Market Sellers?
    As of now I see only the Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera with 24-105mm IS USM Lens Kit available from BestBuy.

  4. Hello! Any idea when this is going up for pre-order through Best Buy? It’s available everywhere else, but I’d rather buy through Best Buy. Thanks!

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