Here’s a test of the Canon EOS R8 – an entry-level, full-frame RF-mount camera that seems to be made specifically for those who want a hybrid camera. Do you want to take some travel shots or BTS stills? Do you primarily want to be a YouTube/TikTok/video content creator? Then it appears that Canon really wants you to check out the R8. I’ve been using the Canon R8 since February of last year; here’s what I’ve learned.
Canon EOS R8 Key Features via Canon
- 24.2 Megapixel full-frame CMOS image sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
- Uncropped 4K movie at up to 60 fps that is oversampled from 6K
- Max movie record time of 2 hours
- In-camera compositing
- 2.36 million dots OLED EVF
- 3.0” 1.62 million dots vari-angle LCD touchscreen
- UVC/UAC compatibility for webcam and streaming
The Canon EOS R8 in the Wild
One of the first things that stands out to me is the fact that we are not working with a mechanical shutter; instead, the R8 uses a fully electronic shutter, which is perfectly fine for most use. I think the biggest issue you will run into is issues with banding under certain types of lighting conditions. LED lights may flicker, and fluorescent lighting is more likely to create banding on your subject if you are not setting your shutter speeds. Here’s a great explainer.
The EOS R8 is a true hybrid camera with the ability to shoot 4k 60p in both landscape and portrait modes. This is important as Canon courts the “creator” and the need to be able to take portrait (9:16) video that’s easier to share on social media. The video capabilities are solid – I found little wobbling when in use, having image stabilization on the lenses helps the R8’s in-body electronic stabilization. Though mechanical stabilization would’ve been nice, you have to keep in mind that this is a sub-$1000 camera.
The next thing is just how small and light it is. For context, the Canon R8 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that uses the RF lens system, which is great as they have some really great lenses. I’ve been testing it with the RF24mm-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, which is part of the creator kit, and the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM. The RF 35mm F1.8 Macro is a solid lens that locks into your subject quickly in good lighting conditions and can provide nice separation thanks to the fast aperture. When paired with the Canon EOS R8, it keeps things very compact and discrete, making it a good option for travel and street photography. Truth be told, I’ve spent far more time with the macro lens attached to the body than the 24-50mm.
Sample Photos
Edited
Unedited
Outside of photography, I found myself using the R8 as part of my streaming toolbox. Whether recording my podcast or gaming, the Canon R8 really elevates that experience. I’ve used both Canon’s Web Cam utility app and HDMI out to the RØDE Videocaster Pro and found that the Web Cam utility is good. If you’re willing to purchase a subscription, it can be used with an OBS streaming setup. If you’re already using a capture card, keep using that.
Are There Downsides?
I can’t stress this enough – weather-sealing should not be a feature on “professional” bodies only. While cameras today are built rather well, I would not chance walking around in the rain with the Canon EOS R8. It’s something that I found myself constantly lamenting, especially this past summer, where it felt like anytime I walked outside with this camera, it would rain. Here’s a quick excerpt from my notebook:
The only thing I don’t like about these style cameras is that they don’t have weather sealing. As I’m writing this, I find myself in Manhattan. I’ve been walking around the West Village, and it’s raining today. It would have been a great day to take out the camera, but I didn’t. Instead, I’ve been using my phone, in large part because I can very easily snap a picture, stick it back in my pocket, and keep it moving. I don’t really walk around with umbrellas – that’s a “me problem” – but I find myself just trying to shield the camera from the light rain instead of making photographs.
While it’s not my intention to split hairs, the other gripe I have with the EOS R8 is the battery life. The R8 uses the smaller LP-E17 battery, which will give you around three hours in perfect conditions and less if you’re using the camera for video. If this is the camera you opt for for content creation, be prepared to buy lots of spare batteries.
Final Thoughts & Pricing
Overall, the Canon R8 is a shockingly capable camera. It’s light enough to travel and robust enough to handle a variety of shooting styles and environments. It’s a proper full-frame Canon camera, which means you’ve got some really great lens options to choose from and the added bonus of a larger sensor to resolve light. While I wouldn’t recommend it as a workhorse camera, it’s easy to see why it’s a solid choice for an enthusiast looking for an inexpensive upgrade to a full-frame camera.
The Canon EOS R8 with RF 24-50mm IS STM is available on Amazon for $1336, and the Canon RF 35mm Macro IS STM is available on Amazon for $499.
