Canon EOS R8 "6 Months Later" REVIEW: Best Budget Full Frame Mirrorless Camera?!

The Canon EOS R8 is reviewed as a budget full-frame mirrorless camera that has been the go-to choice for the reviewer since its release. It shares a similar body with the Canon RP but features an upgraded interior based on the R6 Mark II, including a 24-megapixel sensor, dual pixel AF, and a digicX processor. Despite lacking some features such as dual SD card slots, a bigger battery, IBIS, and a mechanical shutter, the R8 offers impressive autofocus capabilities, shooting at 40 frames per second with the electronic shutter, and 6 frames per second with the first curtain electronic shutter. The camera's autofocus is compared favorably to more expensive models like the R3, Sony A1, and Nikon Z9 and Z8. The R8 also delivers quality video with full width 4K up to 60 frames per second and has a digital hot shoe for direct audio input. However, it lacks IBIS and RAW video recording. The camera is suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to professionals, and can serve as a second or backup camera for various types of photography and video work. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of quality glass over expensive gear and concludes that the R8 is a capable camera for its price, provided users are aware of and can accept its trade-offs.

Takeaways

• 📷 The Canon EOS R8 has been the go-to camera for the reviewer since its release, used for various scenarios from sports to landscapes.
• 🔄 The R8 shares a similar body to the Canon RP but has internal components similar to the R6 Mark II, including the sensor, autofocus, and processor.
• 💰 The R8 offers a more affordable price point compared to the R6 Mark II, making high-quality features accessible to a broader audience.
• 📸 The camera has a single SD card slot, which might be a drawback for professionals preferring redundancy.
• 🔧 The R8's autofocus is on par with the more expensive R3, making it a strong contender for fast-paced action photography.
• 🏃‍♂️ It can shoot up to 6 frames per second with the mechanical shutter and 40 frames per second with the electronic shutter, though with limitations.
• 🔋 The battery life is not the best due to its smaller size, but extra Canon batteries can mitigate this issue.
• 🎥 For video, the R8 offers 4K up to 60 frames per second and various other professional features, except for the lack of In-Body Image Stabilization (Ibis) and RAW video recording.
• 🔊 A digital hot shoe is included for direct audio transmission, which is convenient for vloggers.
• 🧐 The R8's rolling shutter effect is less pronounced than in many other cameras, making it suitable for a wide range of motion scenarios.
• 🌟 Quality glass is essential for getting the best results out of the camera, and the reviewer emphasizes the importance of investing in good lenses.

Q & A

What are the key similarities between the Canon EOS R8 and the R6 Mark II?

Both the Canon EOS R8 and the R6 Mark II share the same 24 megapixel sensor, dual pixel AF system, DigicX processor, and similar video specs. They both can shoot up to 40 frames per second for stills using the electronic shutter.

How does the Canon EOS R8 differ from the Canon R6 Mark II in terms of physical features?

The R8 differs from the R6 Mark II in having only one SD card slot, a smaller and less powerful battery, no in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and lacks a mechanical shutter, capable of only 6 frames per second with the first curtain electronic shutter.

Why does the reviewer mention the Canon RP when discussing the R8?

The reviewer mentions the Canon RP to highlight its similarities in body design with the R8, despite the RP being an older model. This comparison serves to illustrate the evolutionary improvements in the R8, particularly its internal components which are akin to the more advanced R6 Mark II.

What are some practical limitations of using the Canon EOS R8 according to the review?

Practical limitations of the R8 include the lack of dual SD card slots which affects redundancy in file saving, a smaller battery leading to shorter shooting durations, and the absence of IBIS which could affect video stabilization and low-speed shutter photography.

What is the reviewer's stance on the autofocus capabilities of the Canon EOS R8?

The reviewer praises the autofocus of the R8, rating it on par with the Canon R3, and superior to competitors like Sony's A1 and Nikon's Z9 and Z8. The R8's autofocus system is considered highly reliable for fast-paced action photography.

Can you explain the significance of the rolling shutter effect as mentioned in the review?

Rolling shutter is a phenomenon that can cause distortion in fast-moving objects captured at high shutter speeds, noticeable as warping or skewing in the image. The R8 is susceptible to this due to its non-stacked sensor which has a slower readout compared to the stacked sensor in the R3.

What advice does the reviewer give regarding the use of SD cards with the Canon EOS R8?

The reviewer advises using high-quality, reputable brand SD cards like those from ProGrade Digital, SanDisk, or Sony to prevent issues like slow buffering and potential data loss. They recommend avoiding cheap, no-name brands and caution against purchasing from unreliable sources.

What video capabilities does the Canon EOS R8 offer?

The R8 supports full-width 4K video recording up to 60 frames per second, oversampled from 6K, with extensive record times and no overheating issues up to certain limits. It also supports 10-bit 4:2:2 video when shooting in C-log 3, and can achieve high frame rate slow motion in Full HD.

How does the reviewer justify the lack of IBIS in the R8?

The reviewer acknowledges the absence of IBIS as a trade-off for the lower price point of the R8. While IBIS would enhance video stability and low-speed handheld shooting, its absence is not considered a deal-breaker for the reviewer, given the camera's other strengths.

What is the intended audience for the Canon EOS R8 as suggested by the review?

The Canon EOS R8 is recommended for a wide range of photographers, from beginners acquiring their first full-frame camera to professionals seeking a compact yet feature-rich backup. Its versatility also makes it suitable for video content creators.

Outlines

00:00

📷 Canon EOS R8 Overview and Usage

The script introduces the Canon EOS R8 as a versatile go-to camera for a variety of shooting scenarios, from sports to landscapes. It compares the R8 to the Canon R3 and Canon RP, highlighting the R8's similarities to the R6 Mark II in terms of sensor and processor but noting the differences in body design and features like the lack of in-body image stabilization (Ibis) and a mechanical shutter. The R8 is praised for its compact size, remappable dials and buttons, and user-friendly menus. The downside of having a single SD card slot is discussed, with an emphasis on using high-quality SD cards to avoid data loss.

05:01

🏃 Autofocus and High-Speed Shooting Capabilities

The autofocus capabilities of the R8 are discussed in detail, emphasizing its high performance and comparison to the more expensive R3 model. The R8's autofocus system is considered superior to flagship models from Sony and Nikon. The script also covers the camera's high-speed shooting features, noting the 6 frames per second with the mechanical shutter and 40 frames per second with the electronic shutter. However, it points out the small buffer size when shooting at the highest speed and the potential for rolling shutter effects with fast-moving subjects.

10:04

🌈 Creative Editing with Presets and Battery Life Considerations

The speaker demonstrates the use of presets for photo editing using a Canon R8, highlighting the 'Skittles' preset. There's a brief promotion of custom Lightroom presets available for purchase. The discussion then shifts to the R8's battery life, which is noted to be limited due to the smaller battery size. Recommendations are made to carry extra Canon batteries and the option to charge via USB-C. Video capabilities are also covered, with the R8 offering 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and slow-motion capture up to 180 frames per second in Full HD.

15:07

🔋 Battery and Video Features; Target Audience

The video script addresses the R8's video features, including 10-bit 422 video in c-log 3 and the digital hot shoe for audio. It also mentions the lack of in-body image stabilization (Ibis) and raw video recording as downsides. The R8 is recommended for a wide range of users, from those getting their first full-frame camera to professionals seeking a secondary or travel camera body. The importance of quality glass over expensive cameras is stressed, and the video concludes with the reminder that the success of photography lies in the skills of the photographer, not the gear.

Keywords

Canon EOS R8

The Canon EOS R8 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that has been the focus of this review. It is noted for being a budget-friendly option with high-quality features, making it a go-to camera for various types of photography as mentioned in the script. The reviewer has used it for action photography, landscapes, and low-light conditions, highlighting its versatility and performance.

Full-frame mirrorless camera

A full-frame mirrorless camera is a type of digital camera that has a large sensor size, similar to a traditional 35mm film frame, and lacks a mirror mechanism, which is typically found in DSLRs. This design allows for a more compact body while still providing high-quality images. In the context of the video, the Canon EOS R8 is praised for its full-frame capabilities at a budget price point.

Autofocus

Autofocus refers to the camera's ability to automatically focus on subjects without manual adjustment. It is a crucial feature for capturing moving subjects or in situations where quick focus is necessary. The Canon EOS R8 is said to have impressive autofocus capabilities, on par with more expensive models, which allows it to capture fast-paced action effectively.

Buffer

A buffer in the context of digital cameras is a temporary data storage area where the camera stores images momentarily before writing them to the memory card. A larger buffer allows for more continuous shooting before the camera slows down. The R8 is mentioned to have a small buffer, which can fill up quickly when shooting at high frame rates, causing a brief period where the camera cannot take pictures until the buffer clears.

Rolling Shutter

Rolling shutter is a phenomenon that occurs in cameras with CMOS sensors where the image is read out serially, row by row, rather than all at once. This can lead to distortion in fast-moving objects. The Canon EOS R8, while not having a stacked sensor which is less prone to rolling shutter, still manages to perform well in fast-action scenarios with minimal distortion.

SD Card

An SD card is a type of memory card used in cameras to store photos and videos. The quality of the SD card can affect the camera's performance, especially in continuous shooting modes. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of using high-quality, professional-grade SD cards to ensure the best performance and to avoid buffer clearing issues with the Canon EOS R8.

Electronic Shutter

An electronic shutter is a type of shutter that controls the sensor's exposure time electronically rather than using a mechanical mechanism. It allows for faster shutter speeds and is silent in operation. The Canon EOS R8 can shoot at up to 40 frames per second with its electronic shutter, although this comes with the trade-off of a smaller buffer and potential rolling shutter effects.

Dual Pixel AF

Dual Pixel AF is a Canon technology that uses two photodiodes per pixel to provide fast and accurate autofocus, particularly useful for both stills and video. It's mentioned that the Canon EOS R8 shares this technology with higher-end models, contributing to its strong autofocus performance.

DigicX Processor

The DigicX Processor is an advanced image processor used in Canon cameras that helps with tasks such as image processing, autofocus performance, and overall speed of the camera. The Canon EOS R8 utilizes this processor, which is also found in the more expensive R6 Mark II, contributing to its powerful performance at a lower price point.

IBIS

IBIS stands for In-Body Image Stabilization, a feature that helps reduce blur in photos and videos by counteracting camera shake. The Canon EOS R8 lacks this feature, which is available in the more expensive R6 Mark II. The absence of IBIS means that the R8 may be less effective in stabilizing shots, especially in video or when using lenses without stabilization.

4K Video

4K video refers to a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is one of the highest resolutions available for video recording. The Canon EOS R8 is capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, providing high-quality footage suitable for professional use. This feature is particularly noteworthy given the camera's budget-friendly price.

Highlights

Canon EOS R8 has been the go-to camera for the reviewer since its release.

The R8 shares a similar body to the Canon RP but has significant internal upgrades.

The R8 features a 24-megapixel sensor, dual pixel AF, and the same digicX processor as the R6 Mark II.

The camera offers 40 frames per second shooting for stills with the electronic shutter.

The R8 lacks a mechanical shutter, dual SD card slots, and in-body image stabilization (Ibis).

The camera is compact and offers customizable dials and buttons.

The R8 has a single SD card slot, which might be a deal-breaker for some users.

Autofocus on the R8 is on par with the professional R3 model.

The R8's autofocus is considered superior to Sony's A1 and Nikon's Z9 and Z8.

The camera can capture stills at 6 frames per second with the first curtain shutter.

Buffer limitations may cause a delay when shooting at 40 frames per second.

Using a high-quality SD card is recommended to maximize the R8's performance.

The R8 exhibits less rolling shutter distortion compared to other cameras in its class.

The camera's battery life is average, with the suggestion to carry extra batteries.

The R8 supports full width 4K video recording up to 60 frames per second.

The camera has a digital hot shoe for direct audio input, beneficial for vloggers.

The R8 lacks in-body stabilization and raw video recording capabilities.

The camera is suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to professionals seeking a secondary or backup camera.

Quality glass is emphasized as more important than the camera body for achieving the best results.

The reviewer is confident in the R8's ability to perform well in various shooting scenarios.