Canon launched a pair of new R series mirrorless cameras earlier today and with them a pair of lenses. The first is the R8 – a relatively basic Full Frame camera but with some advanced features from the R6 II that was launched a few months ago and the second – the R50, is an APS-C camera designed to be a replacement for the M50 (from the mirrorless series that Canon canceled last year ). In addition, two new kit lenses were launched (one for the R8 and one for the R50) – RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM and RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM.
R8 – background and positioning
Canon’s entry-level R-series camera (with FF sensor) is the RP launched in 2019 and is still the cheapest FF camera on the market. At the end of 2022, Canon launched the R6 II advanced basic/general FF model but at a much higher price. Now the company is launching an intermediate product – the R8 which uses the structure of the RP but with some of the new technologies from the more advanced R6 II camera.
The R8 between the R6 II and the RP
R8 – key features
As mentioned, the R8 has a body very similar to the original RP model and is very small and compact. The main disadvantage is that the control is a little lacking and it does not include a joystick that allows changing focus points like in more advanced and larger Canon models (focus control is done from the rear screen).
In terms of the sensor – Canon chose the new sensor of the R6 II with a resolution of 24 megapixels together with a fast DIGIC X processor. Among the advantages of this combination is the ability to shoot a very fast sequence and also much better video capabilities than older models such as the RP.
The focus system is also similar to the one found in the R6 II and includes 1053 points in Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology and should recognize a wide variety of objects (people, animals, vehicles, etc.) and is sensitive down to a low light level of minus 6.5EV.
The R8 has the option of shooting a sequence of up to 6 frames per second (with a mechanical shutter applied in the camera in a fairly basic version by the way – half of the R6 II) but if you choose an electronic shutter you can achieve a short and fast sequence of up to 40 frames per second (including a useful option of pre- shooting). Unlike the R6 II, the R8 does not have a stabilizer on the sensor and the stabilization is digital only (in video only).
The viewfinder is another difference from the R6 II and has a resolution of 2.3 million points (compared to 3.7 million in the R6 II). Both cameras have a 3-inch flip-up touch screen with a resolution of 1.62.
articulated screen
In terms of video capabilities, the camera has a longitudinal shooting mode, a connection to headphones and a microphone, and the ability to shoot for up to two hours in a row. It includes support for recording up to 4 audio channels (with an optional external XLR adapter) in 10-bit C-Log3 recording and of course 4K video recording (from a 6K sensor capture) up to 60 frames per second without cropping (just like the R6 II). Definitely impressive for a camera in its category and price level.
As mentioned, the camera is small and very light (only 461 grams, over 200 grams lighter than the R6 II) but this comes at the expense of several things, chief among them the number of memory cards (only one compared to 2 in the R6 II) and the small battery (LP-E17) which officially provides about 290 photos between the charges – exactly half of the battery in the R6 II.
R50 – key features
The R50 is largely a continuation of the M50 II model and is especially designed for content creators looking for a compact product that is light, simple and easy to use. The camera has a 24 megapixel APS-C sensor, the camera is capable of shooting up to 12 frames per second (or 15 with an electronic shutter).
The camera shoots video up to 4K at 30 frames per second (60 frames per second is only available in the more advanced R7/10 models) at 10 bit, but it does use Canon’s advanced AF technology (Dual Pixel CMOS AF II) with Identification and tracking of a variety of objects.
Like the R8, it also has a viewfinder with a resolution of 2.3 million dots and a 3-inch flip-up touch screen with a resolution of 1.62. Note that the camera does not have a stabilizer (therefore it is advisable to purchase lenses with a stabilizer).
The camera has a variety of automatic auxiliary modes such as Creative Assist and Creative Bracketing which should help beginning photographers and it allows (similar to the R8 by the way) a digital audio connection using a microphone or an external recording device such as Tascam’s CA-XLR2d.
The camera is very light – only 375 grams and its battery life stands at 370 photos between charges officially (also here it is the small LP-E17 battery).
The new R50 – pay attention to the size of the sensor in relation to the lens mount
lenses
Canon has also launched a pair of kit lenses for the two new cameras. The first is the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens that will be sold as the kit lens for the R8. It includes a 4.5-stop stabilizer (or up to 7 stops in video with the R8 and active digital stabilization) and it includes a linear focus motor. The lens is lengthened (maximum length 8.6 cm) and includes screw-on filters with a diameter of 58 mm. It weighs 210 grams making it the lightest zoom lens for RF (FF) cameras.
The second kit lens designed for the R50 with APS-C coverage (but will also work with the R7/R10 if you want) is the RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM. Here, too, we are talking about a compact zoom lens, but for the telephoto range – 55-210 mm. Here, too, it is a super light lens weighing 290 grams with an STM motor and stabilization.
Prices and availability
The R8 camera will be sold for 1500 dollars “in the spring of 2023” (or with the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens for 1700 dollars abroad).
The R50 camera will sell for about $680 (body only, or $800 with the RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens).
The RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens will be sold for about $300 separately (or as mentioned as a kit with the R8).
The RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens will sell for $350 separately (or as a kit with the R50).
Videos from around the web
Several videos and reviews about the cameras and lenses have already been published online, and we bring some of them to you here:
DPR’s Chris and Jordan test the R8 in the US
Dan Watson with the R8
B&H video about the R8 and R50
Gordon Liang with the R8
Chris and Jordan with the R50
Vistek’s review of the R50
Ido GnotIdo Gnot is the editor and founder of the Megapixel photography website. He has been covering technology news since the late 1990s and has written and edited for a number of leading international magazines. He has been involved in the field of photography since 2009. Ido is also a co-founder of the production company Shooteat.co.il which is engaged in creating visual content for commercial companies.