Canon made a big announcement that includes two brand new mirrorless cameras, along with two lenses for its RF and RF-S lineups. This marks a significant push for the company toward its mirrorless cameras through the EOS R8 and EOS R50. The EOS R8 is a full-frame model, while the R50 has an APS-C sensor.
Both fit the bill for amateur photographers looking to get into mirrorless shooting, or seeking to graduate beyond a smartphone. The RF-mount lenses will be compatible with all of Canon’s mirrorless cameras, which you can expect to expand further given the company’s plans.
Canon EOS R8 details
This full-frame camera bears many similarities to the Canon R6 Mark II. The EOS R8 has the same 24-megapixel sensor, Dual Pixel autofocus, DIGIC X processor, and AI-based subject recognition.
While much is the same, the R8 is lighter (461 grams) and more compact and makes some concessions to get to a lower cost of entry. For example, there is no joystick and fewer buttons in back, along with a lack of mechanical shutter. It also has no in-body image stabilization, so you would have to get that from lenses supporting optical image stabilization. With a smaller battery inside, you may not be able to shoot as many still photos and video per charge.
Despite that, there are some other features to note. The EOS R8 can shoot 6fps in burst, and the autofocus pretty much covers the entire screen, so you can stay locked onto a subject within any of the 1,053 AF points. This includes eye detection for people and animals, making portraits even easier. The 3-inch LCD touchscreen tilts and flips out, where it’s easy to tap to focus, browse the menu or even snap a shot.
Canon includes features with some automation to them, like HDR (high dynamic range) for moving subjects, night shots, panoramic and backlit scenes. It’s even possible to do focus stacking when you take multiple photos of the same scene to keep everything sharp.
Speaking of focus, Canon also positions the camera as ideal for videography and content creation. It can record in 4K resolution at 60fps for up to 30 minutes, plus slow-motion clips at 180fps in 1080p. As for other options, you get uncropped 4K at 30fps and 1080p 30p for two hours.
Canon EOS R50 details
This camera follows many of the design principles of the previous Canon M50 and M50 Mark II. It’s otherwise a mix of specs and features. The 24.2MP APS-C sensor is the same as that of the EOS R8, just like the AI-based subject detection is the same as that in the R8 and previous R6 Mark II. That includes the new DIGIC X processor and Dual Pixel autofocus.
It also falls right in line with the lack of in-body image stabilization, no mechanical shutter, and the 3-inch touchscreen LCD that flips out. It can shoot up to 12fps in burst, and comes with the same HDR modes the R8 does. Moreover, the onscreen interface pops up explanations for the various features and settings available, helping you learn as you go when trying to get better.
With video, many of the same features apply. It records in 4K at up to 30fps, with slow-motion clips up to 120fps in 1080p. Given it’s even smaller and lighter than the R50, it should work fairly well for vlogging and creating content in the field.
Where the new lenses come in
First up, Canon’s new RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is a standard zoom lens for its full-frame EOS R cameras, including the EOS R8. At its focal range, you get pretty wide shots, along with prime range for portraits. Ideal when you want to take a camera with you while travelling. It appears Canon may offer it as part of a bundle with the R8. Note that if you do use the RF 24-50mm on one of Canon’s APS-C cameras, the lens is equivalent to a range of 38-80mm based on 35mm full-frame lenses.
The new RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM lens is a telephoto zoom optimized for APS-C sensor size cameras. This is an 88-336mm equivalent based on 35mm full-frame lenses. That kind of focal range covers a wider set of subjects from varying distances, especially when it comes to getting close to a subject. Great for street photography or capturing. kids and animals candidly from a reasonable distance.
Coming soon
The Canon EOS R8 and EOS R50 will come out in the spring, along with both lenses, which are also set to release at the same time. You can check out all the latest Canon cameras and gear available now.
