I own this camera and I use it for 6 months yet, and I love it. Yes, will be always someone complaining about some features, but I did compare prices, image quality etc etc before buying it. I think this camera remains a best buy for full-frame. First of all, I'm not a professional photographer, I don't earn from photography. I'm not a beginner either. But I started 3 years ago, I used on long term: Nikon D5300, Nikon Z50, for short term: Sony A7III, Nikon Z6 II. This Canon R8 if far from these. Before buying it, I had the chance to rent it and use it for 2 small events (parties). Paired with Canon RF 24-70 F2.8, Canon RF 50mm f1.8. I absolutely loved it from the begging (I owned on the same time my Nikon Z50). When bf started, in autumn of 2023, I immediately bought it. Meanwhile, I used it paired with Canon RF70-200mm f4, Canon RF70-200mm f2.8. Fantastic lenses. I have now the Canon EF 70-200mm f4, with adaptor. Very good also. And yes, since I use this Canon R8, I discovered I love portraits (for my family mainly). The focus is so good, the low light capabilities are so good, dynamic range, it is like an invitation to try all kind of photography (I was on landscape all the time 😁 ). Yes, battery is small, yes, it has no inbody stabilization, but I'm sure, in my humble opinion, you can do professional work with this camera, not problem at all.
Hoping to see more Canon gear reviews! This is really what drew many us to your channel. Great review as always. I am curious: did you end up acquiring the 28mm F2.8 pancake lens?
It's been a struggle to get loaners. I'm not sure what has happened to the marketing department of Canon Canada post COVID. They don't seem to exist anymore. And yes, I did buy the 28mm F2.8 around Christmas.
@DustinAbbottTWI I bought it too not too long ago at tour recommendation and I absolutely love it! I end up bringing it with me as my only lens when I'm just strolling in town for casual shooting.
I know you weren't a huge fan of the RF 85mm f/2, but that along with the 35mm f/1.8 are great budget options, since both have built-in IS. The RF 14-35 f/4 and 24-105 balance really nicely as well, particularly with the EG-E1 extension grip. As a travel camera, it's a fantastic option.
Great review, thanks Dustin! I currently own a 6D mk1, which I will keep for landscape photo hikes with a rucksack. However, the 6D is quite a lump to carry around all day for travel and street photography. I love the 6D sensor quality, and I remember that you used the 6D for several years. Would you consider the R8 to be the best second Canon camera choice for someone primarily concerned with sensor rendering quality but who needs a second, lightweight and compact full frame? I would be using one RF prime as an ultra compact setup for all day carry in conjunction with my EF lenses.
Every new camera is... perfect. AF is no longer an issue for any brand (except Pentax). Great sensors, perfect AF. The choice is between personal preference - ergonomics and lens selection.
I really don't think the Fuji X series has nailed AF, nor OMS. When AF, particularly children and adult IAF is critical, I simply turn to my 2nd hand a6400 and Sigma 56 1.4- problem solved.
@@robertcudlipp3426 It also depends on the lens you use. Fuji and Olympus are both atleast as good as an A7III which is practically perfect compared to the old days. We are really spoiled nowadays.
The R8 is amazing. I've had many Canon cameras T3i, 6D, SL2, SL3, RP, R10 and now R8. The 6D was my favorite upgrade until this R8. Everything felt like little little step-ups except these two cameras that felt like leaps to me. I basically use budget gear because I'm poor, lol. But this camera does not feel as budget as others and the image quality is superb. I do Landscape, Wildlife and now video. This camera is awesome at it all. I've been shooting shorting a western genre short film over the last couple months and it looks GOOD!!!
Thanks as always for confirming that the Samyang RF 85mm f1.4 still works with the R8. I've been using the RP for 5 years now and still absolutely love it, but is it worth upgrading to the R8?
Great review! I love my R8! I've had it since it was released. Two firsts for me...first mirrorless camera and first full-frame camera. I'm very impressed with its capabilities.
The R7 will overheat less and the battery will last longer. It also has IBIS, which is very helpful for longer focal lengths (50mm or longer), but the IBIS will hurt for wider focal lengths due to the wobble that comes with it. The R8 will be smaller, lighter, perform better in low light, provide a shallower DOF. If you need to shoot longer format videos or require IBIS, R7 will probably be better. If you shoot in shorter bursts (1-5 minutes at a time) and you require better ISO capabilities, R8 will be better. I actually chose the R8 because I didn’t like the wobble that comes with my RF 15-35 lens, and it’s nice to have a slightly smaller and significantly lighter camera.
Great review as always!! If you wanted a full frame camera system would you still buy a canon r6mkii or go with Nikon or Sony because canon’s non third party lens availability?
Thanks for the quality content Dustin! You keep delivering year after year! As for the camera, for pure photo work 5DSr still rocks, these new cameras have many nice-to-haves but hardly anything I would call a breakthrough. In the situations where you have to bracket, you still have to bracket. A well calibrated DSLR hits the focus well especially microadjusted. For video work - yeah mirrorless!
@@DustinAbbottTWI I just watched your video about the tripod. Do you think that this tripod would support my r8 and rf85 1.2 in vertical/portrait mode? Thanks
Great review! I have an R7 and a set of RF mount lenses, among them the 100-400mm 5.6-8. The RF 70-200 F4 has been on my wish list for some time. But then I got the idea that maybe geting an R8 as a second body would give similar results. Meaning a new R8 with my existing 100-400 gives more or less same results as my existing R7 with a new 70-200. At least in PhotoPills it looks like the DOF will be about the same at both ends for the two different options. It would also give the option of having a better lowlight sensor and double the effective focal lengths with my lenses. It would be great to hear anyone other's thoughts on the topic. Maybe some has both sets and could do a comparison also...
Good review as always, i had the chance to play with my friend's R8 last weekend, I have to say this really don't feel like the Canon I used to shot with, the AF-On back button is in a such weird location I found hard to reach, and without the joy stick but forced to use the touch screen is another issue I have, in 2023/2024, a camera without IBIS? that's pretty crazy. I think Canon did a great job again separate the R8 from their high end model. and the card slot is in the worst place they can find in the whole camera, reminds me those Sony A6000 stuff. basically Canon did everything possible to show they are still the expert for product differentiation.
There's some truth to this, but I did find that the more that I used the R8, the more that I came to appreciate it. It's a camera I could have a lot of fun with it.
Hi nice review. I've had the R8 for two weeks with the RF 50/1.8. Unfortunately, AF does not provide such good tracking results - I have the current firmware version 1.3. Is it a slow lens? It seems lazy and very noisy to me. I am considering replacing it with the RF 24-105 f4 L IS USM.
Great review. I'll be getting an R8 in a few weeks (currently still shooting with my 12 year old 6D). IBIS is not a big deal for me as I'm a photographer who doesn't shoot video and I mainly shoot landscapes and portraits. I will be getting the EF to R adapter so I can still use my current glass and at £120 it really ain't a big expense, plus used EF lenses will be cheaper to buy now we have RF glass :) The big upgrades for me will be the af and noise control. The 6D only has one card slot so that won't be any different to what I'm used to. I can also buy a pair of third party batteries complete with a charger, from Amazon for £24....
I have not moved to mirrorless yet, but i do have an Eos 6D and i find the sensor cannot compete with Nikon cameras. Even my D7200 crop sensor is better at iso's over 1600, and my D610 really blows it away. That being said i have gotten some nice photos with the 6D, mostly with a manual focus pentax super takumar attatched. Not sure if Canon sensors have improved since the mirrorless age or not?
Anything after the RP and 6D mk2 have much better dynamic range, which was as bad as the 2008 5D Mk2 still. Mk4 and R were much better and the next gen RF cameras all do jjst as good or better than nikon and sony for dynamic range now. That being said, I still use an RP, because you can only see 6 stops on a screen or print to begin with. I dont care to heavy hand edit - contrast is good and even better is getting good light that hardly or doesn't need editing at all.
I hear you- again, + almost the balance of the photographic world, myself included, being "less than impressed" with Canon curiously refusing to open the RF system . Whilst remaining very happy with my 6D Mk 2, and a variety of L & Sigma EF glass that I simply cannot afford to duplicate in the RF mount, the stellar AF system really does appeal. I am prepared to accept compromises, and will never be a 500 times cropping pixel peeper. With those "caveats" (1 of your favourite words, however one I happened upon frequently in my working life-past- as a divorce lawyer) are there any significant downsides to purchasing this excellent body and simply using my excellent EF glass via the Canon adapter?
Other than the lack of IBIS (which you are used to with your 6D2 anyway), I would say no. The autofocus and sensor are better in the R8, and you will find your lenses have never worked better.
@@DustinAbbottTWIR6 feels more like 5D tier - the R5 is more like the old 1Ds series. Sort of. The RP feels more 6D tier. It's hard to compare really.
Question for you and I hope you can answer for me. I have an r8 and I'm in a position to buy an 85mm. I'm on a budget and i decided between the Canon 85 f2.0 or Samyang 85 f1.4. I know someone who is selling the samyang for a good price. Im just worried that Canon might not allow samyang lens to work on possible future updates. I'm a portrait photographer. Should I be worried if I buy the samyang or go with the Canon 85 f2.0? I like the samyang quality better but don't want to buy another 85 if that's the case. Thank you!
So far the Samyang has survived all of the various firmware updates, so I wouldn't discount it. I feel like Canon has to open up their protocols soon to stay competitive, so I would think that it would be more likely than not that the Samyang will remain viable. That being said, there's always a risk.
Tough call. I prefer full frame, but it is so hard to recommend Canon over Sony because of the lens situation. I would say go with the Canon if you know the lenses you want and they are available, but if not, Sony has infinitely more lens choices.
I still love my EOS R as my backup camera. Yeah I’d love IS and bird eye af, but the shutter protecting the sensor means I’ve never had to blow dust off it, the grip is comfy, and the colours are as good as you’d expect from Canon. The sensor may be dated but so be it, to me it looks great.
The Nikon Z5 and Sony a7C are both full frame cameras with image stabilization. You could obviously argue that the R8 is superior in some areas (it is), but the point is that there are definitely some full frame cameras with IBIS at this price.
I have way too many thoughts on the topic of Canon cameras, but I'll boil it down to this: If you have no issues affording RF-L lenses, for professionals, Canon is equally as good as Sony and Nikon. For me, the mirrorless L lenses are just too expensive and the non-L-lenses don't have the build quality, IQ and speed that I want and don't excite me in any way. I decided to make photography my main hobby in December of last year and started with the R6 Mark II. Before that, I used a Canon M50 every now and then starting early 2021. I have now sold all, except one of my EF lenses (the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 Art) and bought into the Sony system instead. My main photography camera is the Sony a7R IVa now. My photography backup and main video camera is the a7CII. I sold my f/2.8 24-70 and 70-200 zooms because they made me way too lazy. I now use the Sigma 20mm f/2 C, the 40mm f/1.4 Art, the 85mm f/1.4 Art, the Samyang 135mm f/1.8 and my current favorite, the Voigtländer 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar.
in my opinion , R8 colour science slightly high on yellow side.. but rich looking pictures.. somebody says R8 and R6 II are same in picture quality , is that true ? Does R6 II colour science are same as R8 ? thanks
@@DustinAbbottTWI Yip all those Dust Sucker and Dark Canon Lenses really let the Brand down when Compared to the Brighter and Non Extending Zooming of Sony and Nikon comparitive lenses Like Canon 70-200 RF 2.8 which telescopes and cant even take Tele convertors wheras the fabulous Nikon S version can take convertors and is Internal Zoom like the Sony GM 70-200 2.8 . The New Canon 200-800 F9 (Darker than a coal Mine at Midnight telescopes to about twice its length when Zooming >>= Not suitable for African Wild Life . The new Nikon Z 180-600 f5.6 - 6.3 doesnt extend and is cheaper , Sharper , faster/brighter with a very short convenient zoom throw at f6.3 than the slow trombone zooming Cannon RF 200-800 F NINE (Faster even than the extending Canon and expensive 100-500 f7.1 !!! where the much cheaper Nikon at 600mm is only 6.3 .
Amazing camera for the money! Biggest flow is battery life. And the missing 3rd wheel. I dont get the story with missing wheels and buttons which cost next to nothing!
This camera is nice, great sensor, great af, etc… But the fact that Canon does not open the mount for 3rd party lenses is disappointing. I shoot with a Tamron 35mm and a Sigma 50mm, adapted to my old eos r.
CIPA ratings are never accurate to real life. Even if you use the LCD screen and use max brightness you’ll still get 500 shots easily. If you’re conservative with the battery by lowering brightness or using the viewfinder, you’ll easily get 1000 photos. Battery only becomes an issue if you leave the camera on even when not using it. But if you do this, all mirrorless cameras have bad battery life and you should just get a DSLR
@@DustinAbbottTWI Interestingly, my experience with the R8 battery life is atrocious - around 100 pictures per charge. Photos only, single shot, no pre-AF, EVF only. I contacted Canon thinking that maybe I had a short somewhere, and Canon replied stating that this is possible at the low end. I was surprised to find that EVF usage reduces battery life compared to the back screen, as documented in the manual. Between battery life and lens selection I’m not that thrilled with this camera. Thank you for a great review.
The main issue I have with canon is the appearance of a bad faith take on third party . They say they are open to negotiation but not one lens has been anything more than a specialized high price manual with exif data. With no mid tier and the advanced builds of other brands I had to ask myself if I wanted to settle for no middle ground and being locked in . I couldn’t abide that . For the higher end RF mount I could go L mount with several lines of lenses to mix and match what each does not have. Canon should really think about that because many people will start to do the math and opt out. They played the ambiguous card a bit too long on this issue and I’m glad I walked. I’m glad this reviewer is willing to admit there is a glaring issue in the lens catalogue .
You're right that there does seem to be some bad faith in their negotiations with third party brands. All I've seen so far is them close down those who have made RF mount AF lenses (one Viltrox, two Samyangs).
Canon's problem has always been the lenses. Specifically, the non L lenses, which feel like plastic toys that could be easily damaged because of a moving external barrel, including the primes especially the 35 and 85. And oh, they are very loud. Even Chinese AF lenses are more silent in autofocusing. I'm certain canon did it on purpose because they want to encourage you to buy their L lenses.
What are you talking about? There are lots of great 3rd party prime lenses. Sure , not with AF, just MF, but look at the great lenses from Laowa, Mitakon-Zhongyi, TTArtisan, 7Artisans, and all EF from multiple brands, you can even use speedboosters... using my Sigma Art EF 20mm 1.4 as 14mm 1.0 ... great for northern lights video
That's a weak argument. All of those things are true of every other platform as well...but they also have native mount autofocusing lenses from a variety of brands, which Canon lacks. I don't think Canon's position is defensible right now.
Happened to check your website recently, I must say that felt like it was created using ancient technology and Crowded with ads. I am pretty sure that claustrophobic people will come out from it within seconds.
It's due for an update this year. When a website gets to the size of mine, it's a very expensive process to rebuild. That being said, I think you might be exaggerating a bit, as I have more traffic there than I ever have.
Sigma and Tamron have now reached an agreement with Canon to produce APS-C sensor coverage autofocus lenses for Canon RF-S bodies. No definite sales or delivery dates yet but possibly by late 2024, although more likely into 2025.
No IBIS, No 3rd Party Lenses = No Deal. Shot with Canon for years until changing to Fuji. Canon just make it so difficult to justify them over other brands. If I go back to Full Frame, it will probably be to Sony
I own both the Canon R8 and R7 bodies and I hear variations of this "limited lens options" argument all the time. I am absolutely not limited in any practical or functional way. As a Corporate photographer and videographer of 31 years, and a professional photographer/videographer before that, I am now fully retired. I own Nikon and Sony systems as well, because I advise others what to buy for their needs and backgrounds. My favorite complete and extended kit includes the Canon EOS R8 and R7, with a few native RF lenses as needed, but a substantial catalog of EF mount lenses, both Canon and Tamron, used with adapters. Additionally, I still use a pair of Canon 5D Mark IV bodies, which I still prefer for indoor flash event photography. In extremely low light, nothing beats the 5D-Mark IV plus flashes with AF-Assist projected patterns for total system AF speed and accuracy. For weddings, receptions, birthdays, local celebrities, etc., I've covered them all. I get consistently 95 percent accurate AF and AE with the Canon system I use, and my Sony and Nikon systems cannot match.
Obviously Canon is still selling plenty of cameras, but the truth of the matter is that I hear your perspective echoed from a LOT of photographers, so I think that Canon absolutely has to shift course on their third party policy if they don't want to lose market share.
Not sure I like the tenor of this comment (proper camera), but I'm actually in the process of saving money to buy a Z8 right now so that I can start to do some Nikon reviews.
Why would I buy a Canon RF camera ? It does nothing other cameras can’t, and the lens selection is laughable compared with Sony. At least with others (Nikon, Panasonic) it looks like things are getting better, not with Canon, you’re stuck with their lenses, no matter if you like them or not, afford them or not.
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I own this camera and I use it for 6 months yet, and I love it. Yes, will be always someone complaining about some features, but I did compare prices, image quality etc etc before buying it. I think this camera remains a best buy for full-frame. First of all, I'm not a professional photographer, I don't earn from photography. I'm not a beginner either. But I started 3 years ago, I used on long term: Nikon D5300, Nikon Z50, for short term: Sony A7III, Nikon Z6 II. This Canon R8 if far from these. Before buying it, I had the chance to rent it and use it for 2 small events (parties). Paired with Canon RF 24-70 F2.8, Canon RF 50mm f1.8. I absolutely loved it from the begging (I owned on the same time my Nikon Z50). When bf started, in autumn of 2023, I immediately bought it. Meanwhile, I used it paired with Canon RF70-200mm f4, Canon RF70-200mm f2.8. Fantastic lenses. I have now the Canon EF 70-200mm f4, with adaptor. Very good also.
And yes, since I use this Canon R8, I discovered I love portraits (for my family mainly). The focus is so good, the low light capabilities are so good, dynamic range, it is like an invitation to try all kind of photography (I was on landscape all the time 😁 ). Yes, battery is small, yes, it has no inbody stabilization, but I'm sure, in my humble opinion, you can do professional work with this camera, not problem at all.
I agree on your last point. It has great autofocus and a great sensor, which definitely means you could do professional work with it.
Hoping to see more Canon gear reviews! This is really what drew many us to your channel. Great review as always. I am curious: did you end up acquiring the 28mm F2.8 pancake lens?
It's been a struggle to get loaners. I'm not sure what has happened to the marketing department of Canon Canada post COVID. They don't seem to exist anymore. And yes, I did buy the 28mm F2.8 around Christmas.
@DustinAbbottTWI I bought it too not too long ago at tour recommendation and I absolutely love it! I end up bringing it with me as my only lens when I'm just strolling in town for casual shooting.
I know you weren't a huge fan of the RF 85mm f/2, but that along with the 35mm f/1.8 are great budget options, since both have built-in IS. The RF 14-35 f/4 and 24-105 balance really nicely as well, particularly with the EG-E1 extension grip. As a travel camera, it's a fantastic option.
I do like the camera a lot, but yes, some of the lenses I feel have serious flaws.
Great review, thanks Dustin!
I currently own a 6D mk1, which I will keep for landscape photo hikes with a rucksack. However, the 6D is quite a lump to carry around all day for travel and street photography.
I love the 6D sensor quality, and I remember that you used the 6D for several years.
Would you consider the R8 to be the best second Canon camera choice for someone primarily concerned with sensor rendering quality but who needs a second, lightweight and compact full frame?
I would be using one RF prime as an ultra compact setup for all day carry in conjunction with my EF lenses.
I liked the R8. It doesn't have IBIS, but neither did the 6D. The R8 is a sensor upgrade, and the autofocus is light years better.
Every new camera is... perfect. AF is no longer an issue for any brand (except Pentax). Great sensors, perfect AF. The choice is between personal preference - ergonomics and lens selection.
And if it comes down to lens selection, Canon is in trouble.
I really don't think the Fuji X series has nailed AF, nor OMS.
When AF, particularly children and adult IAF is critical, I simply turn to my 2nd hand a6400 and Sigma 56 1.4- problem solved.
@Robert - you're right. Sony and Canon (and probably Nikon) are on a different strata than Fuji when it comes to AF.
@@robertcudlipp3426 It also depends on the lens you use. Fuji and Olympus are both atleast as good as an A7III which is practically perfect compared to the old days. We are really spoiled nowadays.
Fuji GFX50 disagrees.
The R8 is amazing. I've had many Canon cameras T3i, 6D, SL2, SL3, RP, R10 and now R8. The 6D was my favorite upgrade until this R8. Everything felt like little little step-ups except these two cameras that felt like leaps to me. I basically use budget gear because I'm poor, lol. But this camera does not feel as budget as others and the image quality is superb. I do Landscape, Wildlife and now video. This camera is awesome at it all. I've been shooting shorting a western genre short film over the last couple months and it looks GOOD!!!
That's cool. I did enjoy using this camera much more than I expected.
We are not poor. We are smarter. 💪🏽
Thanks as always for confirming that the Samyang RF 85mm f1.4 still works with the R8. I've been using the RP for 5 years now and still absolutely love it, but is it worth upgrading to the R8?
Yes, it is. R8 is amazing, big difference in most aspects. I haven't used RP since I got R8 in November.
100%! The R8 is infinitely better than the RP in so many ways.
Awesome! I never buy gear without watching your reviews first. Appreciate the efforts put into these videos. 😊
Great review! I love my R8! I've had it since it was released. Two firsts for me...first mirrorless camera and first full-frame camera. I'm very impressed with its capabilities.
It's a nicely capable camera.
thanks for the review, this is an interesting camera, which one do you recommend between this and the r7, especially for video?
Hmmm, the R7 has IBIS, so that could be a factor for video. I personally prefer a full frame sensor, but there are definitely pros and cons here.
The R7 will overheat less and the battery will last longer. It also has IBIS, which is very helpful for longer focal lengths (50mm or longer), but the IBIS will hurt for wider focal lengths due to the wobble that comes with it.
The R8 will be smaller, lighter, perform better in low light, provide a shallower DOF.
If you need to shoot longer format videos or require IBIS, R7 will probably be better.
If you shoot in shorter bursts (1-5 minutes at a time) and you require better ISO capabilities, R8 will be better.
I actually chose the R8 because I didn’t like the wobble that comes with my RF 15-35 lens, and it’s nice to have a slightly smaller and significantly lighter camera.
Great review as always!! If you wanted a full frame camera system would you still buy a canon r6mkii or go with Nikon or Sony because canon’s non third party lens availability?
I personally would go with Sony because of unprecedent lens selection.
Thanks for the quality content Dustin!
You keep delivering year after year!
As for the camera, for pure photo work 5DSr still rocks, these new cameras have many nice-to-haves but hardly anything I would call a breakthrough.
In the situations where you have to bracket, you still have to bracket. A well calibrated DSLR hits the focus well especially microadjusted.
For video work - yeah mirrorless!
Yes and no. I've never, ever used a DSLR (even 1D series) that can compare to the AF tracking available on these new bodies. It's like cheating.
Do you have a link for the mini tripod that you’re using. It would work great for my R8. Thanks
Oben Tabletop Tripod shown in video: bhpho.to/3vL8YWy
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks so much my friend
@@DustinAbbottTWI I just watched your video about the tripod. Do you think that this tripod would support my r8 and rf85 1.2 in vertical/portrait mode? Thanks
Great review! I have an R7 and a set of RF mount lenses, among them the 100-400mm 5.6-8. The RF 70-200 F4 has been on my wish list for some time. But then I got the idea that maybe geting an R8 as a second body would give similar results. Meaning a new R8 with my existing 100-400 gives more or less same results as my existing R7 with a new 70-200. At least in PhotoPills it looks like the DOF will be about the same at both ends for the two different options. It would also give the option of having a better lowlight sensor and double the effective focal lengths with my lenses. It would be great to hear anyone other's thoughts on the topic. Maybe some has both sets and could do a comparison also...
I don't have them both on hand, unfortunately.
Good review as always, i had the chance to play with my friend's R8 last weekend, I have to say this really don't feel like the Canon I used to shot with, the AF-On back button is in a such weird location I found hard to reach, and without the joy stick but forced to use the touch screen is another issue I have, in 2023/2024, a camera without IBIS? that's pretty crazy. I think Canon did a great job again separate the R8 from their high end model. and the card slot is in the worst place they can find in the whole camera, reminds me those Sony A6000 stuff. basically Canon did everything possible to show they are still the expert for product differentiation.
There's some truth to this, but I did find that the more that I used the R8, the more that I came to appreciate it. It's a camera I could have a lot of fun with it.
Hi nice review. I've had the R8 for two weeks with the RF 50/1.8. Unfortunately, AF does not provide such good tracking results - I have the current firmware version 1.3. Is it a slow lens? It seems lazy and very noisy to me. I am considering replacing it with the RF 24-105 f4 L IS USM.
Great review.
I'll be getting an R8 in a few weeks (currently still shooting with my 12 year old 6D).
IBIS is not a big deal for me as I'm a photographer who doesn't shoot video and I mainly shoot landscapes and portraits.
I will be getting the EF to R adapter so I can still use my current glass and at £120 it really ain't a big expense, plus used EF lenses will be cheaper to buy
now we have RF glass :)
The big upgrades for me will be the af and noise control.
The 6D only has one card slot so that won't be any different to what I'm used to.
I can also buy a pair of third party batteries complete with a charger, from Amazon for £24....
You will be blown away by how much better the AF is. It is night and day from your 6D.
I have not moved to mirrorless yet, but i do have an Eos 6D and i find the sensor cannot compete with Nikon cameras. Even my D7200 crop sensor is better at iso's over 1600, and my D610 really blows it away. That being said i have gotten some nice photos with the 6D, mostly with a manual focus pentax super takumar attatched. Not sure if Canon sensors have improved since the mirrorless age or not?
They definitely have. This is a very competitive sensor.
Anything after the RP and 6D mk2 have much better dynamic range, which was as bad as the 2008 5D Mk2 still. Mk4 and R were much better and the next gen RF cameras all do jjst as good or better than nikon and sony for dynamic range now. That being said, I still use an RP, because you can only see 6 stops on a screen or print to begin with. I dont care to heavy hand edit - contrast is good and even better is getting good light that hardly or doesn't need editing at all.
I hear you- again, + almost the balance of the photographic world, myself included, being "less than impressed" with Canon curiously refusing to open the RF system .
Whilst remaining very happy with my 6D Mk 2, and a variety of L & Sigma EF glass that I simply cannot afford to duplicate in the RF mount, the stellar AF system really does appeal. I am prepared to accept compromises, and will never be a 500 times cropping pixel peeper.
With those "caveats" (1 of your favourite words, however one I happened upon frequently in my working life-past- as a divorce lawyer) are there any significant downsides to purchasing this excellent body and simply using my excellent EF glass via the Canon adapter?
Other than the lack of IBIS (which you are used to with your 6D2 anyway), I would say no. The autofocus and sensor are better in the R8, and you will find your lenses have never worked better.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Many thanks, will save some pesos, the R8 body is sensibly priced in Australia.
Is this an RF version of the Canon EOS 6D?
Technically that would be the R6 lineup. Canon didn't really have an analog of this camera in the DSLR era.
@@DustinAbbottTWIR6 feels more like 5D tier - the R5 is more like the old 1Ds series. Sort of. The RP feels more 6D tier. It's hard to compare really.
Question for you and I hope you can answer for me. I have an r8 and I'm in a position to buy an 85mm. I'm on a budget and i decided between the Canon 85 f2.0 or Samyang 85 f1.4. I know someone who is selling the samyang for a good price. Im just worried that Canon might not allow samyang lens to work on possible future updates. I'm a portrait photographer. Should I be worried if I buy the samyang or go with the Canon 85 f2.0? I like the samyang quality better but don't want to buy another 85 if that's the case. Thank you!
So far the Samyang has survived all of the various firmware updates, so I wouldn't discount it. I feel like Canon has to open up their protocols soon to stay competitive, so I would think that it would be more likely than not that the Samyang will remain viable. That being said, there's always a risk.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I appreciate your comment. Have a wonderful day.
Great review Dustin!
Thanks!
Dustin+Canon= unbelievable, they are together in test again:) !
It's been a while.
intrested in overheat test
As I live in Canada, I'm probably not the best one to do that!
I wonder how it compares with a6700 in term of noise and low light performance?
In theory it should be better. A similar resolution point, and the bigger photocells on the full frame sensor should win.
This vs the a6700? If you had to pick one, what would it be?
Tough call. I prefer full frame, but it is so hard to recommend Canon over Sony because of the lens situation. I would say go with the Canon if you know the lenses you want and they are available, but if not, Sony has infinitely more lens choices.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you!
I bought it today on a discount at 860 CHF in Switzerland :) Sounds like an amazing deal.
That’s a great price!
It’s a truly remarkable camera
It's a lot of fun.
I still love my EOS R as my backup camera. Yeah I’d love IS and bird eye af, but the shutter protecting the sensor means I’ve never had to blow dust off it, the grip is comfy, and the colours are as good as you’d expect from Canon. The sensor may be dated but so be it, to me it looks great.
Fair enough. I enjoyed the EOS R, too, though it did have some limitations.
Is there a camera that has the features of this R8 WITH image stabilization that's at a similar price point?
The Nikon Z5 and Sony a7C are both full frame cameras with image stabilization. You could obviously argue that the R8 is superior in some areas (it is), but the point is that there are definitely some full frame cameras with IBIS at this price.
I have way too many thoughts on the topic of Canon cameras, but I'll boil it down to this:
If you have no issues affording RF-L lenses, for professionals, Canon is equally as good as Sony and Nikon. For me, the mirrorless L lenses are just too expensive and the non-L-lenses don't have the build quality, IQ and speed that I want and don't excite me in any way.
I decided to make photography my main hobby in December of last year and started with the R6 Mark II. Before that, I used a Canon M50 every now and then starting early 2021. I have now sold all, except one of my EF lenses (the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 Art) and bought into the Sony system instead.
My main photography camera is the Sony a7R IVa now. My photography backup and main video camera is the a7CII. I sold my f/2.8 24-70 and 70-200 zooms because they made me way too lazy.
I now use the Sigma 20mm f/2 C, the 40mm f/1.4 Art, the 85mm f/1.4 Art, the Samyang 135mm f/1.8 and my current favorite, the Voigtländer 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar.
That's a fair take, I think
in my opinion , R8 colour science slightly high on yellow side.. but rich looking pictures.. somebody says R8 and R6 II are same in picture quality , is that true ? Does R6 II colour science are same as R8 ? thanks
Yes - it is the same sensor in both cameras.
Budget camera, but Canon has so very few budget glass. Hopefully they open up the RF lens format so 3rd party's can fill that gap.
100%. Canon is doing pretty good on the camera front, but the lens side of things just irritates me.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Yip all those Dust Sucker and Dark Canon Lenses really let the Brand down when Compared to the Brighter and Non Extending Zooming of Sony and Nikon comparitive lenses Like Canon 70-200 RF 2.8 which telescopes and cant even take Tele convertors wheras the fabulous Nikon S version can take convertors and is Internal Zoom like the Sony GM 70-200 2.8 . The New Canon 200-800 F9 (Darker than a coal Mine at Midnight telescopes to about twice its length when Zooming >>= Not suitable for African Wild Life . The new Nikon Z 180-600 f5.6 - 6.3 doesnt extend and is cheaper , Sharper , faster/brighter with a very short convenient zoom throw at f6.3 than the slow trombone zooming Cannon RF 200-800 F NINE (Faster even than the extending Canon and expensive 100-500 f7.1 !!! where the much cheaper Nikon at 600mm is only 6.3 .
Amazing camera for the money! Biggest flow is battery life. And the missing 3rd wheel. I dont get the story with missing wheels and buttons which cost next to nothing!
That's true. No real reason to bump them.
This camera is nice, great sensor, great af, etc… But the fact that Canon does not open the mount for 3rd party lenses is disappointing. I shoot with a Tamron 35mm and a Sigma 50mm, adapted to my old eos r.
Absolutely. That is the single biggest flaw in the system.
Thanks for the reveiw. Battery works for 150 shots in 2024!
I own this camera. I use it for 6 months yet, ad the battery life is much more than 150 shots. I always take more than 500
CIPA ratings are never accurate to real life. Even if you use the LCD screen and use max brightness you’ll still get 500 shots easily. If you’re conservative with the battery by lowering brightness or using the viewfinder, you’ll easily get 1000 photos.
Battery only becomes an issue if you leave the camera on even when not using it. But if you do this, all mirrorless cameras have bad battery life and you should just get a DSLR
Real world is better than that, but its far from a competitive rating.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Interestingly, my experience with the R8 battery life is atrocious - around 100 pictures per charge. Photos only, single shot, no pre-AF, EVF only. I contacted Canon thinking that maybe I had a short somewhere, and Canon replied stating that this is possible at the low end. I was surprised to find that EVF usage reduces battery life compared to the back screen, as documented in the manual. Between battery life and lens selection I’m not that thrilled with this camera. Thank you for a great review.
Funny that they still sell the 6D II for the same price. With the R8 you get less camera for the same price: Shrinkflation.
A very rare example of it!
The main issue I have with canon is the appearance of a bad faith take on third party . They say they are open to negotiation but not one lens has been anything more than a specialized high price manual with exif data. With no mid tier and the advanced builds of other brands I had to ask myself if I wanted to settle for no middle ground and being locked in . I couldn’t abide that . For the higher end RF mount I could go L mount with several lines of lenses to mix and match what each does not have. Canon should really think about that because many people will start to do the math and opt out. They played the ambiguous card a bit too long on this issue and I’m glad I walked. I’m glad this reviewer is willing to admit there is a glaring issue in the lens catalogue .
You're right that there does seem to be some bad faith in their negotiations with third party brands. All I've seen so far is them close down those who have made RF mount AF lenses (one Viltrox, two Samyangs).
It looks good specially for the money
It's a fun camera.
Your the best
Thank you
We always say... #getwellsooncanon
LOL
Canon's problem has always been the lenses. Specifically, the non L lenses, which feel like plastic toys that could be easily damaged because of a moving external barrel, including the primes especially the 35 and 85. And oh, they are very loud. Even Chinese AF lenses are more silent in autofocusing. I'm certain canon did it on purpose because they want to encourage you to buy their L lenses.
This has become an increasingly common complaint largely because on RF people don't have Tamron or Sigma to choose instead for those mid-level lenses.
Review comes exactly one year after the release of R8!
Yes - I'm way behind on Canon releases. I do have a review done of the R50 and a few lenses as well that will be rolling out over the next month.
@@DustinAbbottTWI appreciated!
Cheap? As in, not durable about to fall apart?
I don't think its about to fall apart.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I apologize , Your word surprised me after watching many of your past reviews
What are you talking about? There are lots of great 3rd party prime lenses. Sure , not with AF, just MF, but look at the great lenses from Laowa, Mitakon-Zhongyi, TTArtisan, 7Artisans, and all EF from multiple brands, you can even use speedboosters... using my Sigma Art EF 20mm 1.4 as 14mm 1.0 ... great for northern lights video
That's a weak argument. All of those things are true of every other platform as well...but they also have native mount autofocusing lenses from a variety of brands, which Canon lacks. I don't think Canon's position is defensible right now.
Happened to check your website recently, I must say that felt like it was created using ancient technology and Crowded with ads. I am pretty sure that claustrophobic people will come out from it within seconds.
It's due for an update this year. When a website gets to the size of mine, it's a very expensive process to rebuild. That being said, I think you might be exaggerating a bit, as I have more traffic there than I ever have.
@@DustinAbbottTWI the content is good. You have many stuffs which cant be found elsewhere and really useful for camera buyers.
Sigma and Tamron have now reached an agreement with Canon to produce APS-C sensor coverage autofocus lenses for Canon RF-S bodies.
No definite sales or delivery dates yet but possibly by late 2024, although more likely into 2025.
We will see a couple in the next few months, with more in the fall.
Canon doesn't price their camera bodies to make money. They price their camera bodies to hook you into their proprietary lens system.
Much like printers with ink
No IBIS, No 3rd Party Lenses = No Deal.
Shot with Canon for years until changing to Fuji. Canon just make it so difficult to justify them over other brands. If I go back to Full Frame, it will probably be to Sony
I hear something similar far too often from photographers.
Sigma is now making lenses for RF mount. Announcement was last month.
APS-C only, though, so not really a good fit for this camera.
With limited lense options and limited battery life why would anyone buy this.
I own both the Canon R8 and R7 bodies and I hear variations of this "limited lens options" argument all the time.
I am absolutely not limited in any practical or functional way.
As a Corporate photographer and videographer of 31 years, and a professional photographer/videographer before that, I am now fully retired. I own Nikon and Sony systems as well, because I advise others what to buy for their needs and backgrounds.
My favorite complete and extended kit includes the Canon EOS R8 and R7, with a few native RF lenses as needed, but a substantial catalog of EF mount lenses, both Canon and Tamron, used with adapters.
Additionally, I still use a pair of Canon 5D Mark IV bodies, which I still prefer for indoor flash event photography. In extremely low light, nothing beats the 5D-Mark IV plus flashes with AF-Assist projected patterns for total system AF speed and accuracy. For weddings, receptions, birthdays, local celebrities, etc., I've covered them all.
I get consistently 95 percent accurate AF and AE with the Canon system I use, and my Sony and Nikon systems cannot match.
Obviously Canon is still selling plenty of cameras, but the truth of the matter is that I hear your perspective echoed from a LOT of photographers, so I think that Canon absolutely has to shift course on their third party policy if they don't want to lose market share.
When are you going to do a Review of a proper camera like the 2023 Camera of the Year Nikon Z8
Not sure I like the tenor of this comment (proper camera), but I'm actually in the process of saving money to buy a Z8 right now so that I can start to do some Nikon reviews.
Why would I buy a Canon RF camera ? It does nothing other cameras can’t, and the lens selection is laughable compared with Sony. At least with others (Nikon, Panasonic) it looks like things are getting better, not with Canon, you’re stuck with their lenses, no matter if you like them or not, afford them or not.
It is a catch 22, as I actually really like Canon's cameras and sensors, but yes, the lens selection is limited.
@@DustinAbbottTWI R cameras are awesome no question about it.
I like it pronounced EEE OHH SSS better than EEE AWWWSSS! 🤔
Tell that to Canon. I pronounce it like them.
That's English- everybody pronounces as they like;)
@@marioplus321 Only in America Dialect
Nikon has better colours than the warm colours of Canon
Says you only
I'm not sure I would call them warm.