MORE THAN ONE ‘R’ IN THE MONTH, SAYS CANON

Noting that its mirrorless EOS R system will already be five years old this September, the manufacturer is expanding it further, promising a total availability of 13 bodies and 34 directly compatible lenses for 2023. Tell your customers the new Canon EOS R8 is currently the lightest full frame camera it offers (the R7 possessing an APS-C sensor). Positioning wise, the R8 sits above the EOS RP yet below the recent EOS R6 II (see review, page 19). In terms of intended audience, the new camera targets existing mirrorless or DSLR users, including those who own the EOS RP (from which it’s inherited operational aspects). It will also suit students looking for an affordable entry point into the system, and, of course, ‘content creators’. An external microphone can be attached to the 24.2 megapixel camera, which inherits the R6 II’s sensor and processor, while its light sensitivity range is similarly extendable to ISO102,400 and top shooting speed is 40fps if using the electronic shutter. At 461g it’s lighter than the existing RP, while featuring a Guided User Interface for those photographers/videographers still learning.

This being a Canon camera we get Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, with subject detection now including horses, trains and aircraft, plus focusing down to -6.5 EV. Flexible AF further features, which Canon explains as being able to increase or decrease the size of the AF zones. There’s no in-body IS, but a digital stabilisation feature is available in movie mode. Here we get 4K-resolution video up to 60fps, or Full HD up to 180fps, with the ability to record video for longer than 30 minutes. Interestingly, while the R8 features an electronic viewfinder, its maker has provided a ‘OVF assist’ feature for those who prefer the look of a traditional optional viewfinder, a simulation we’re told works using HDR. Further features for the enthusiasts include Raw burst mode, plus focus bracketing with incamera compositing. SRP is £1699.99 body only, or £1899.99 with 24-50mm lens.

The second new model is the 24.2 megapixel Canon EOS R50 (above), which targets users of its own EOS M50 II, in being a new entry-level APS-C sensor camera with a similar design and button layout. The R50 also now becomes the smallest and lightest camera within the EOS R system at 375g. Using the same sensor and processor as the R10 – yet differing from that model, we’re told, in this one being “less enthusiast targeted” – the R50 features a multi function shoe, allows for the attachment of an external microphone, plus has the ability to shoot at 15fps with electronic shutter. Further features worth trumpeting include 4K resolution video at 30fps, Full HD clips up to 120fps, vari-angle screen and again digital image stabilisation in movie mode, with a vertical orientation option for shooting video no doubt pleasing those more used to capturing clips on a smartphone. Finally, a creative bracketing mode sees the camera take four images and give each a different creative treatment. SRP is £789.99 body only or £899.99 with 18-45mm lens. Unusually, a white kit is available alongside regular black, which again is £899.99 with 18-45mm lens.

As hinted above, two new Canon lenses (right) have been announced alongside the two new camera bodies. These are the RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 at £379.99 SRP, which is described as compact for travelling with and is also the kit lens option with the R8. The second new lens is the RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1, described as an ‘affordable’ APS-C sensor compatible lens at £429.99. It offers a 4.5 stop equivalent image stabilizer and is being pitched as great for use as a second lens alongside the likes of an 18.55mm. www.canon.co.uk