Canon completes its range of full-frame sensor cameras with the EOS R8, its most accessible full-frame mirrorless body to date.
If hybrid devices with full-frame photo sensors have something to dream about, they are often unaffordable for the general public, with entry-level prices for new boxes at 2100 euros. In order to develop the offer and offer more accessible devices, the Japanese manufacturer Canon has therefore decided to go a little further and offer a full frame hybrid camera under the 2000 euro mark, the Canon EOS R8.
In Canon’s range, the higher the number, the more accessible the camera. Logically, the Canon EOS R3 is therefore the top-of-the-range model, followed by the EOS R5, the EOS R6 and the EOS R6 II. However, the Canon EOS R6 II, launched last November, is still offered at a naked price of 2900 euros which will essentially limit it to enthusiasts or professionals. It is precisely in this context that the Japanese firm unveiled its EOS R8, the cheapest full-frame sensor hybrid camera on the market.
Great performances in photo and video
If the EOS R8 is a more accessible camera than its competitors, Canon has not skimped on its characteristics. It thus embeds the same 24 x 36 mm full frame sensor as the Canon EOS R6 II with a definition of 24.2 million pixels. The sensor is also capable of climbing up to a sensitivity of 102,400 ISO. The manufacturer also indicates that it has integrated a higher sensor reading speed, which reduces the rolling shutter and avoids distortion on rapid movements. We will also find the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus as on the high-end EOS R3, with detection of faces, eyes, dogs, cats, birds, horses, cars, motorcycles, trains or planes.
For the photo burst, Canon announces up to 40 shots per second. A 30fps RAW burst mode is also offered, allowing you to record the half-second before the trigger. A handy feature for sports and wildlife photographers.
For video, if the Canon EOS R8 does not allow recording in RAW, it is however capable of recording sequences in 4K 60p oversampled, that is to say using the entire sensor. In Full HD, the box can go up to 180p this time. Canon also offers several advanced video functions such as CLog3 in 4:2:2 10 bits, zebra display and focus peaking.
A compact box, but without a stabilized sensor
Besides its price, the Canon EOS R3 also stands out for its compactness with a weight of 461 grams with SD card and battery. Note however that the manufacturer has integrated only one memory card slot. The device also features a screen on a ball joint, a photo / video switch, a microphone input, a headphone output, a remote control socket, a USB-C port and a micro-HDMI output. On the side of the viewfinder, the Japanese firm has integrated an Oled panel of 120 frames per second with a definition of 2.35 million points.
Obviously, to contain its price, the Canon EOS R8 makes a size compromise, namely the absence of mechanical stabilization of the sensor. To stabilize photos and videos, you will therefore necessarily have to go through the optical stabilization integrated into the photo lens. For videos, Canon also offers digital stabilization, which will necessarily be done with a slight crop.
The Canon EOS R8 will be available at the end of April 2023. The device will be offered naked, without lens, at a price of 1799 euros. For comparison, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II is displayed at 2199 euros. Note, however, that Nikon still offers its Z5, released in 2020 at 1899 euros. Replaced by the Sony A7 IV, the Sony A7 III is also still available, at 1999 euros, against 2300 euros at launch. The Canon EOS R8 will also be offered as a kit at 1999 euros with a 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 lens worth 399 euros.
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