Canon has announced the launch of two mirrorless cameras, the EOS R8 and EOS R50. These EOS R-Series models will be some of Canon’s lightest and more compact models, both featuring a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC X Image Processor. The EOS R50 (APS-C) and R8 (full-frame) cameras aim to attract new photographers, as well as existing photographers looking to make the switch into mirrorless photography.
Canon EOS R50 Camera
- 24.2 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS Image sensor
- DIGIC X image processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
- 12 frames per second continuous shooting
- 15 frames per second with Electronic Shutter mode
- Advanced A+ Assist
- 6K–oversampled uncropped 4K movie
The Canon EOS R50 Camera is a great entry-level option for those who are interested in getting into photography, without breaking the bank. If you find yourself constantly shooting with your smartphone and really want to step your photo game up, this lightweight RF mount camera is for you. It’s hard to miss a shot with a 12 fps electronic first curtain and 15 fps with an electronic shutter. Plus, it has auto subject detection and tracking of people, animals, and vehicles. In addition, it’s advanced A+ Assist (auto mode) makes it easy to take great shots in difficult settings. It allows beginners to use the camera easily, without feeling intimidated while adjusting settings.
If you’re into creating videos, the R50 camera offers 4k uncropped video at up to 30 fps. This is oversampled from 6k, which allows for more detailed footage. You can also film slow motion at a high frame rate of 120 fps in full HD. There are different modes that make filming much easier — such as the close-up demo mode — which seamlessly switches focus when a product is brought close to the camera.
My favorite thing about the R50 is how user friendly it is. Any time you adjust a setting, there’s an explanation as to what you are doing. The camera truly acts like a learning tool that will excite beginners to learn more about photography. It’ll also allow them to feel more comfortable when exploring new settings in time.
Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens
The R8 will pair nicely with the all-new Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens, which is great for photographers who are looking for reach, yet still want to travel light. I find it perfect for candid street photography, as the shooter can be undetected while taking photos. For a long-ranged lens, I couldn’t believe how lightweight it was. The lens is compatible with all Canon RF mount mirrorless cameras.
Canon EOS R8 Camera
- 24.2 Megapixel CMOS image sensor
- DIGIC X Image Processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
- 1,053 automatically-selected AF zones
- 6K-oversampled uncropped 4K movie
- Movie Digital IS 5-axis image stabilization
The Canon EOS R8 Camera is an amazing option for those looking to purchase their first full-frame mirrorless camera. Whether you’re a hobbyist or someone looking to make photography a full-time career, this camera has all the right specs at an affordable price. Its compact design makes it the lightest Canon full-frame camera. This will allow you to travel with ease while capturing those special moments.
The autofocus covers up to 100% of the screen, allowing automatic subject detection of people, animals, and vehicles with 1,053 AF zones. There are many different in-camera functionalities that users can explore. This includes a few compositing modes like moving subject HDR, depth compositing, panoramic S HDR night scene, and HDR Backlight control. You can also edit your images in camera and seamlessly transfer your photos to a smart device wirelessly or USB-c cable.
For cinematographers, you can record 4k video at up to 60 fps — oversampled from 6K and 180 fps in full HD — with Canon Log 3 and HDR PQ. You can easily switch photo to video mode on the R8 as it has its own separate dial.
I absolutely love how rapid and precise the autofocusing is on the R8 camera. Regardless of whether I’m shooting stills or video, this camera allows me to track my subject smoothly. The automatic subject detection does all the work for me. If there are multiple subjects in my shot, I have complete control over which to focus on. When shooting portraits, I can even program the camera to focus on a specific eye.
Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens
The R8 can be nicely paired with the all-new Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens. This lens is perfect for the creator who is looking for a versatile lens that’s light and compact. It would be great for landscape, cityscape, wide street photography, or even environmental portraits. My favorite thing about this lens is how sharp it is for its size and weight. The lens is compatible with all Canon RF mount cameras.
Final Thoughts
After test-shooting both models, there is no wrong way to go. Both cameras achieve high image quality, have amazing video specs, and operate using an RF mount. This means you have access to all the RF lenses Canon has to offer. If you ever decide to upgrade your mirrorless camera, you’ll still be able to use the RF lenses you acquired along the way.
The R50 reminds me of my very first Canon DSLR camera, which was gifted to me. That gift changed my entire life. I went from working in finance to becoming a full-time photographer for almost a decade now. Photography has brought so much happiness into my life and, with cameras like these, it can do the same for you.
Learn more about these cameras at the AdoramaTV video below: Canon EOS R8, R50 and RF Lenses | Street Photography with Misshattan
