Canon EOS R8: New full-frame camera for professionals unveiled

Canon is starting the 2023 model year with a new full-frame DSLM camera. After the EOS R6 Mark II in November 2022, they now introduced the new Canon EOS R8. It builds on the technology of the R6 II and relies on a compact body like the EOS RP.

The Canon EOS R8 in detail

With the new Canon EOS R8, the manufacturer has introduced a professional DSLM camera that aims to meet demanding photo and video tasks. The camera features a full-frame CMOS sensor with 24.2 megapixels, high ISO sensitivity and a wide dynamic range, making it ideal for ambitious portrait, event and landscape photography.

The sensor allows continuous shooting of up to 40 frames per second and should enable particularly low-noise images. If desired, it can even go up to ISO 102,400, but Canon does not reveal how good the pictures still look.

However, a particularly high dynamic range with natural colors is promised, which should offer more possibilities for post-processing.

With a weight of only about 461 g (with memory card and battery), the Canon EOS R8 is the lightest full-frame camera of the EOS R system so far. Measuring 132.5 x 86.1 x 70 mm, the camera has similar dimensions to the EOS RP, but offers more professional features.

For example, the EOS R8 supports extra-fast UHS-II SD cards and features a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million pixels that updates at up to 120 fps.

Dynamic video

The new Canon EOS R8 also wants to score in the professional video sector. Offered are 4K recordings at 60 fps, which are supposed to offer a higher level of detail via oversampling from a 6K resolution. Videos in Full HD with up to 180 frames per second are also possible for impressive slow-motion videos.

With 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 H.265, a wider dynamic range is also available thanks to Canon Log 3, offering more flexibility in post-processing. Alternatively, HDR PQ and HDR Movie modes can be selected for HDR workflows.

Also exciting for video professionals is a special function that is supposed to counteract the well-known problem of focus breathing. Here, angles of view are compensated when the focus distance is changed. In addition, the EOS R8 is said to allow recordings of up to two hours.

Intelligent Focus

Equipped with the proven Deep Learning algorithms of the EOS R5 and EOS R6 Mark II, the EOS R8 focuses in just 0.03 seconds – even at 40 fps with an electronic shutter. The intelligent autofocus can recognize various subjects, including animals, vehicles and people, for example, and even head, face or eyes in detail for the latter.

With the help of the automatic setting, the Canon EOS R8 is also said to be able to intelligently recognize the subject and thus the focus point, even in low light of up to -6.5 EV.

Thanks to the integrated 2.4 GHz WLAN and Bluetooth connectivity, the shots can be easily shared with others via the Camera Connect app. On the iPhone, it’s even iOS MFI-certified, making it possible to download and operate in connection directly without any detours. In addition, the EOS R8 can also be connected and used as a webcam via USB on a PC, for example.

Lightweight lens: Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM launches

To match the compact EOS R8, Canon is also launching a new compact and lightweight standard zoom lens, the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM. As always with Canon, the image stabilizer within the lens works in conjunction with the one in the camera (IBIS) to provide up to seven stops of stabilization.

The lens’ focal length range turns out to be pleasantly versatile, while the STM motor inside ensures smooth and quiet autofocus. With a length of 69.6 cm and a weight of 210 grams, the lens is also pleasantly compact and ideal for travel.

EOS R8 – Key Performance Features.

• 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor
• 4K 60p video recording from oversampling of full-width 6K sensor data and full HD recording up to 180 fps
• High-resolution EVF with 2.36 million pixels and a maximum frame rate of 120 fps
• Intelligent scene detection for animals, vehicles and people
• WLAN and Bluetooth support for constant pairing between mobile device and camera

RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM – Key Features

• 2X standard zoom lens for a wide-angle range from 24mm
• Optical image stabilization up to 4.5 stops
• Up to 7 stops with coordinated control of OIS x IBIS
• STM with lead screw for smooth AF when shooting video
• Compact, lightweight and user-friendly

Prices and availability

The new Canon EOS R8, just like the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, is expected to make its way to retail in April 2023. The MSRP for the camera is €1,799, while the lens costs €399. Alternatively, secure the duo as a kit and pay just €1,999.00 in total. More details about the camera can be found on the official Canon product website.