Thanks to Canon for the invite, I was able to have a first look at the latest Canon EOS R8, a full-frame DSLR that has such a small body. And there is the EOS R50, an entry-level DSLR for people who wants to progress from smartphone to DSLR for quality content.
In recent years, Canon has come out with camera models that suit various users and scenarios. For the latest offering, the EOS R8 is hitting some sweet spots for serious photographers who want portability (R8: Full frame in small size) and yet do not want to compromise on quality (R8: provides many features available on its bigger brothers: R6 Mark II, EOS RP).
The EOS R50 is focused on simple operations and yet produces quality results with functions/features that help to manage tricky situations. It can share pictures with smartphones, and with a USB-C cable, live streaming can be done easily as the R50 becomes a webcam.
I spent a short time with them, and please note that the pictures taken from the R8 and R50 are pre-production sets. Therefore, it might not represent the actual results (plus, I have compressed them to fit this blog post).
Canon EOS R8 and EOS R50 Hands-on
Navigation Menu
Before showing the sample pictures, here are some comparisons of the two cameras.
Both the R8 and R50 have a swivel LCD that can tilt up and down. In my opinion, this is the best way to mount the LCD screen. And both have EVF (Electronics View Finder).
First Look
Here is a closer look at the back of the R8 and the R50.
This is the top view of the two cameras.
And these are near the hand-grip area that is showing the dial.
I took out the lens and I was quite surprised at the construction of the lens for R50.
As you can see, it is an RF lens (12-pins).
And here is the lens mounting on the EOS R8
Sample Photos
Canon EOS R8 Photo Sample
(Pre-production unit – Photo compressed to fit into a blog post)
As this is a first-look session, I am using the automatic function to take these photos. It is shot in an outside setting with natural light. There is no post-processing except for reducing the resolution and file size.
On my first look at the original file, I can immediately appreciate the large sensor size and how “clean” (no or less noise) the image is.
Usage-wise, if you have used a Canon camera, you can easily operate the camera. If you have not, it is not difficult, and the current UI has a lot of information to guide you.
Canon EOS R50 Photo Sample
(Pre-production unit – Photo compressed to fit into a blog post)
The Canon EOS R50 is best suited for people who want to transit from mobile photography to DSLR photography. It is very light and plentiful of options to make photography a breeze. For example, if you are on a product shoot, the R50 can immediately focus on the product you are holding. This is especially useful when filming some products with your face in the frame. It will be able to understand that you want to focus on the product.
Pricing and Availability
The availability and pricing of both the Canon EOS R8 and Canon EOS R50 will be announce in a later date.
Specifications
Canon EOS R8 Specifications
Canon EOS R50 Specifications
Press Release
Canon EOS R8
Elevate Your Content “cR8tion” with the EOS R8
Capture high-quality source footage for your new productions with Canon’s latest full-frame camera, EOS R8.
SINGAPORE, 8 February 2023 – Canon today announced the EOS R8, a new entry full-frame camera that combines many of the powerful video and still shooting features of the EOS R6 Mark II, such as Canon Log 3 and up to 40 fps continuous shooting with the portability of the EOS RP.
“Video is the norm in today’s digital and social media landscapes. The EOS R8 provides an affordable entry point for content creators who want to get serious about videography and improve their production capabilities. With its compact form factor, the EOS R8 is Canon’s lightest full-frame mirrorless camera. Combined with the affordability, we are confident that this camera will appeal to budding content creators.” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.
Stay Agile with Canon’s Smallest and Lightest EOS Full-frame Mirrorless Camera
20g lighter than the EOS RP at approximately 461g (with battery pack and SD card), the compact and lightweight EOS R8 keeps users agile, giving them an edge when it comes to creative camera angles and transitions.
Camera shake would no longer pose a problem when shooting handheld videos as the EOS R8 is equipped with Movie Digital IS, which digitally performs tilt correction as well as 5-axis image stabilisation during video shooting. Hence stable handheld videos can be ensured even when using lenses with no optical image stabilitsation (Optical IS). When combined with a lens that has Optical IS, the two systems perform coordinated control for enhanced image stabilisation results.
A Variety of Recording Options to Meet Different Production Needs
From run-and-gun event coverage to documentaries and short films that require more post-production work, the EOS R8 is well-equipped to tackle the different requirements and workflows to produce stunning video.
High-quality Source Footage from 6K Oversampling—up to 4K 60p
The quality of a video is largely dependent on the quality of the source footage. The EOS R8’s newly developed 24.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor enables 6K data to be obtained from its entire width, producing high-quality cropless oversampled 4K UHD footage at up to 60p.
For productions where you need to leave the camera rolling, the EOS R8 has heat suppression measures which allow you to shoot up to 4K 30p with no recording time restriction, and up to 30 minutes at 4K 60p.
Dramatic 6x Slow Motion Video with Full HD 180p
For more dramatic scenes, shooting in Full HD at as high as 180p will produce 30p output with action slowed down to 1/6 the speed. Rolling shutter distortion is reduced to almost half that on the EOS RP when shooting at 4K 30p/25p.
HDR PQ Video and Canon Log 3: High Dynamic Range Options to Suit Your Post-Production Workflow
Besides normal 8-bit recording, the EOS R8 offers two options for recording 10-bit 4:2:2 high dynamic range video. HDR PQ provides amazing dynamic range and beautiful colours straight out of camera when viewed on a HDR display. Meanwhile, Canon Log 3 offers the same level of information that is not “baked-in”, offering more flexibility for heavier post-processing workflows that involve colour grading.
Consistent and Seamless Focus
Focus is crucial in both photography and videography and is near impossible to correct in post-production. The EOS R8 nails it effortlessly during both still and video shooting with the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology as the EOS R6 Mark II.
Acquire Focus in As Fast As 0.03 seconds[1]
Experience fast, accurate focusing: the EOS iTR AF X system not only detects and tracks people, animals, and vehicles by deep learning, it also identifies other subjects and “locks” onto them using characteristics like shape, colour, and brightness. This helps the camera to acquire focus in as fast as 0.03 seconds, and track subjects tenaciously over 100% x 100% (horizontal x vertical) of the image frame. Hence, this is ideal for capturing birds, wildlife, and action.
Works Even In Low Light
The low light limits of up to EV-6.5[2] for stills and EV-42 for video mean that the AF operates even in dark conditions. This works with the camera’s high native ISO speed ranges of up to ISO 102,400 (still shooting) and ISO 25,600 (video shooting) to enhance low light usability.
Professional Cinema Camera Features
These features in the EOS R8 will help to elevate your video creations:
- Focus breathing correction: reduces visible fluctuations in the angle of view during focusing.
- False colours and zebras: advanced visual aids for exposure adjustment and setting.
- Aspect marker display: for easier framing of video to fit various social media dimensions.
- UVC (USB Video Class)/UAC (USB Audio Class) support: Plug-and-play direct transmission of audio and Full HD video to a computer with just a USB connection; ideal for livestreaming.
It also features the Multi-function Shoe, a digital interface that enables a cordless digital setup with compatible accessories such as external microphones.
Two New Lenses: RF24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM and RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM
In addition to the EOS R8, Canon also announced two new additions to the RF lens lineup, both of which offer up to 4.5 stops’ equivalent Optical IS and support for focus breathing correction.
RF24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM: The Smallest, Lightest RF-mount Zoom Lens for Full-frame Cameras
Weighing approximately 210g and measuring 5.8cm when retracted, the RF24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM complements the compact EOS R8, to form a 671g combination that is lighter than the EOS R5 body alone! It covers a wide-angle to standard view on a full-frame camera, offering compositional flexibility that sets it apart from similarly sized prime lenses.
Equipped with 4.5 stops’ Optical IS, the lens will empower users to explore new angles. It also supports enhanced stabilisation through Coordinated Control IS with cameras that feature Movie Digital IS[3] and In-Body IS: for the latter, up to 7 stops’ IS is possible.
RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM: An Ultra Portable Telephoto Zoom Lens for APS-C EOS R camera bodies
APS-C EOS R camera users who want a compact, lightweight telephoto lens to match their camera bodies now have the RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM, which weighs approximately 270g. The new lens provides a full-frame equivalent angle of view of approximately 88 to 336mm, with semi macro capabilities (up to 0.28x magnification) and close-up shooting (closest focusing distance of 0.73m) at the tele end. The use of two UD lenses and two optically placed aspherical lenses correct chromatic aberrations, delivering high-resolution and sharpness with excellent colour throughout the entire zoom range.
About Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Canon is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions. Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. is the headquarters for South & Southeast Asia driving sales, marketing and service strategies. Besides handling the domestic market, the company covers 22 other countries and regions including subsidiaries in India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The parent company Canon Inc. has a global network of more than 300 companies and employs about 180,000 people worldwide. Canon is guided by its kyosei philosophy that focuses on living and working together for the common good.
More information is available at https://sg.canon.
[1] At a focusing brightness of EV 12 (ISO 100), at room temperature, in M mode, with RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM, shooting still photos with the shutter button, 1-point AF (center AF point), and One-Shot AF
[2] When paired with an f/1.2 lens (except lenses with DS coating), central AF point, One-Shot AF, normal temperature, ISO 100
[3] Angle of view becomes narrower when Movie Digital IS is turned on.
Canon EOS R50
EOS R50: High Quality Vlogging Made Easy
Canon’s new entry APS-C mirrorless camera is packed with smart features that make vlogging and content creation a breeze without having to get fiddly with settings!
SINGAPORE, 8 February 2023 – Canon today announced the EOS R50, a new compact, lightweight APS-C mirrorless camera set to replace the EOS 77D and EOS M50 Mark II. The entry-level camera is packed with many fun, creative tools and automated features, allowing users to create high-quality vlogs and images easily with minimal camera operation.
“The new EOS R50 will deliver great outcomes for new users with smart features that enhance their photographs and videos. We want to empower content creators with the ability to focus on storytelling without feeling overwhelmed by the technical aspects of the camera. While equipped with strong technical functionalities from higher end models in our EOS R system, the new EOS R50 remains small, mighty, and simple to use.” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.
High-quality Video Right Out of The Box
The quality of a video is largely dependent on the quality of the footage. With EOS R50, you can be assured of the high quality of the footage.
24.2MP APS-C Format Image Sensor
The EOS R50’s APS-C format image sensor is three times larger than the 1-inch sensor on the latest smartphones. This mean sharper, more detailed images and videos, and less noise (graininess) even in low light. Users can also look forward to beautiful, natural-looking bokeh (shallow focus) effects.
High-quality Video: First Entry EOS-series APS-C Mirrorless Camera to Produce 6K-Oversampled Cropless 4K
With 24.2 megapixels, the EOS R50 is also capable of producing high-quality cropless 4K 30p video oversampled from 6K worth of data. Oversampling means more information to reduce artefacts and other issues, so despite your vlogging experience and skill, the image quality will look pristine and professional.
Designed for Intuitive Vlogging
With ample modes and features that simplify shooting, the EOS R50 is designed for vloggers who want the image quality of a dedicated camera without the learning curve that usually comes with having to operate one.
Lightweight at only about 375g[1], it is around the same size as the EOS M50 Mark II. Perfect for vlogging on the go!
Intelligent Focus Switching during Close-up Demos
The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, which detects and tracks people, animals (dogs, cats, and birds) and vehicles (motorsports cars and motorcycles) based on their characteristics just got even smarter. For close-up demos, the Movie for Close-up Demo mode quickly and automatically switches focus to the subject closest to the camera. You can showcase your new gadget or online shopping loot in one smooth take, with the focus where you want it to be.
Support for focus breathing ensures that there are no distracting changes in angle of view that tend to occur during focus transitions when vlogging.
Image Stabilisation Optimised for Handheld Vlogging
Get seamless, steady footage even when shooting handheld: The EOS R50 comes with not just one, but two different Movie IS (Image Stabilizer)[2] levels (‘Enhanced’ and ‘On’) that digitally perform 5-axis camera shake correction, enhanced when combined with an RF lens with in-lens IS.
When the monitor is in “selfie” mode, the default “Movie IS: Enhanced” mode optimises image stabilisation for handheld wide-angle shooting, correcting the unwanted motion that tends to become more obvious at the edges of wide-angle images. You can switch between two levels by simply tapping the “Wide-angle” button, to avoid excessive close-ups.
Auto Leveling Mode[3]
For scenes and shooting angles where it is hard to keep the camera level, the auto level mode automatically corrects horizontal tilt. This would save time from manual correction in another app.
Share Your Content Quickly: High-quality Livestreams with just One USB Cable
All you need to livestream high-quality footage[4] and audio from your EOS R50 is one USB-C connection to your computer. It’s plug-and-play with no drivers required.
Straight from Camera to Phone
The Camera Connect smartphone app, which is fuss-free to set up, lets you easily transfer videos and JPEG photos from your camera to a smartphone either through a wireless Wi-Fi or wired USB-C connection. As the camera supports transcoding, which makes 4K and Full HD video files lighter, even high-quality video files can be transferred and uploaded to social media smoothly!
Get Great Photos Easily
A host of new intelligent creative features make it even easier to make the most of the camera’s imaging capabilities, even if you are not familiar with technical photography terms and complicated post-processing. Some notable new functions are:
- Advanced A+: Automatically captures and blends exposure-bracketed images for better night and backlit portraits, and focus-bracketed images for images that are in focus from front to back.
- Creative Bracket: Automatically generates multiple versions of a shot taken by the user with different brightness and colour tone settings. The settings of the autogenerated shots are shown so that users can learn.
- Subject blur guide: Available in the Panning SCN mode. Helps the user practice panning and improve the success rate of panning shots.
Kit Options
The EOS R50 is available in black and white, with two kit options
- With the RF-S18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM
- With the RF-S18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM and RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM
RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM: Extend your Reach
The RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM, a compact, lightweight, and affordable telephoto zoom lens, is the latest addition to the RF-S lineup. Providing a full-frame equivalent angle of view of 88 to 336mm on an APS-C image sensor, the lens is set to expand users’ creative horizons, allowing them to capture images that are difficult to get with a standard kit lens or smartphone. These include:
- Sharp, high-quality closeups of subjects that are further away
- More pronounced shallow focus effects
- Images with compressed perspectives
The lens also has excellent close-up shooting capabilities: its 0.28x maximum magnification at the 210mm end (more than the EF-M55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM) enables semi-macro photography at a relatively short closest focusing distance of 0.73m.
Besides having a native 4.5 stops of image stabilisation, RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM is capable of providing up to 7.0 stops’ image stabilisation through Coordinated Control IS when used with EOS R system cameras equipped with In-Body IS.
About Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Canon is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions. Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. is the headquarters for South & Southeast Asia driving sales, marketing and service strategies. Besides handling the domestic market, the company covers 22 other countries and regions including subsidiaries in India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The parent company Canon Inc. has a global network of more than 300 companies and employs about 180,000 people worldwide. Canon is guided by its kyosei philosophy that focuses on living and working together for the common good. More information is available at https://sg.canon
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