Canon EOS R Review (Canon quietly innovating, D. Abbott)

Canon Eos R Firmware Update
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Dustin Abbott completed his exhaustive review of the new Canon EOS R.

From the conclusion:

Like most new Canon cameras, the initial reaction for many is to be underwhelmed.  It is sometimes easy to overlook the areas where Canon is quietly innovating (the sensor protecting “shield” and control ring on the RF lenses/adapter are genuinely useful innovations) because of the obvious areas where Canon is lagging (no IBIS, video quirks, lower frame rate, single card slot).  Typically Canon cameras prove to be better cameras than their specs, however, and I do think that will be the case here.  What’s somewhat atypical, however, are the ergonomic fails of the EOS R, as that is typically an area of strength for Canon.  In this case an attempt to be innovative (the touch bar) actually proved to be a fail (at least from my perspective).  If you are using a camera on a regular basis, however, you typically learn ways to get it to do what you want it to do, and Canon has allowed for a higher degree of customization on this camera than is typical for them.  The excellent touchscreen also helps in this regard.  I also think that Canon has implemented the best grip I’ve found in a mirrorless camera yet.

Dustin’s review comes with a huge set of sample photos and all sort of tests and analysis. If you prefer to watch the review, the video below tells you everything Dustin has to say about the EOS R.

Canon EOS R world-wide order links:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Canon RF mount lenses world-wide order links:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Canon Might Make A Mirrorless Version Of The EOS-1D X, Exec Suggests

EOS-1D X Mark Ii Mirrorless
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Amateur Photographer editor Nigel Atherton had a talk with three top Canon executives to discuss the EOS R. In the excerpts below it’s Mr Shingo Hayakawa, Deputy Group Executive, ICB Optical Business Group, Image Communications Business Operations, to answer.

The interview is all about the new Canon EOS R mirrorless system.

AP: When you decided to make a full frame mirrorless camera what were the main priorities for the system?

SH: We started out thinking about the lenses we wanted to make and what the ideal lenses would be. That gave us the mount specifications and flange distance we needed. Only then did we start to consider how Canon could improve the main body. We decided that we wanted to make a completely new body, and to reconsider the ergonomics and operation so that it would be different from previous models. Our task is to give our customers more choice and then let them choose. […]

Do you think that in five years time, Canon will still be making new DSLR’s?

SH: Of course the situation is always changing and in the future, DSLRs will most likely experience a decline in popularity compared to mirrorless cameras, , but the optical viewfinder still has some advantages and we will continue to offer a choice for as long as our customers want it.

The next question is particularly interesting. In the answer Mr.  Shingo Hayakawa seems to suggest there will be a mirrorless versions of the EOS-1D X within 5 years.

AP: If there was a mirrorless version of the EOS- 1D X, do you think people would still buy the EOS- 1D X?

SH: We would guess that a mirrorless camera like that would be popular, and have already analysed which technology will be required in a camera in five years time.

Read the interview here.

What do you think, does this mean we have to wait 5 years to see a mirrorless version if the EOS-1D X?

Canon EOS R Field Tested At An Indian Wedding

Canon Eos R Firmware Update
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Cinema5D’s Johnnie Behiri made a somewhat different review of the Canon EOS R. He took it to an Indian Wedding and made a mini documentary. More field tested than this might be impossible.

Here is what he liked in the EOS R:

  • Good lowlight quality. Up to ISO 6400 with no issues. Above it, noticeable noise but still usable.
  • Focus peaking
  • Swivelled LCD screen
  • Shutter dust protector – Will automatically be engaged when the camera switches off
  • Touch and Drag AF (LCD), makes it easy to change focus between given points
  • Dual Pixel autofocus works well.
  • Dual Pixel Focus Guide for an easy manual focusing
  • High Data rate (Up to 480Mbps, All Intra recording)
  • Excellent battery life
  • No signs of overheating
  • Manual audio adjustment and monitoring
  • 4K,10Bit, 4:2:2 over HDMI to an external recording device
  • Canon Log included (2 variations)
  • World camera (24, 25, 30p in 4K)

And what he didn’t like so much:

  • Full Frame camera which unfortunately records 4K video in 1.7x cropped mode
  • Severe rolling shutter effect
  • No 4K DCI recording
  • No internal optical stabilisation system
  • Take in account that when using the strongest available digital stabilisation option, picture quality will suffer and will become softer
  • No Zebra
  • No “Joystick” for smooth and easy focus placement
  • Focus magnifying won’t work while recoding
  • 8Bit internal recording
  • High Frame Rate in 720p quality only (120fps)
  • No autofocus when shooting in High Frame Rate
  • 60p is restricted to Full HD only
  • The new programable slide touch pad needs to be activated first before operating. Then (in case of assigning it to sound levels) changes can be made by tapping only and not sliding
  • If you have small hands, holding the camera becomes uncomfortable after a while

Johnnie Behiri’s review comes with test charts and some sample photos.

And here is the mini documentary/review:

Order the Canon EOS R in the USA: B&H Photo | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon

Order the Canon RF mount lenses in the USA: B&H Photo | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon

Canon EOS R world-wide order links:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Canon RF mount lenses world-wide order links:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L vs EF 24-105mm f/4L II Lenses Comparison Review

Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS Review Canon EOS R
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Rather interesting comparison. Canon made quite an impression with the RF 28-70 mm F/2L and especially the RF 50mm F/1.2L lenses for their new EOS R system. The RF 24-105mm f/4 on the other hand is the EOS R kit lens, and it’s likely the lens most users will start with.

The folks at Mirrorless Comparison compare the new world to the old. Jokes aside, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L (for EOS R systems) compared to the EF 24-105mm f/4L II (for “classic” Canon DSLRs).

From the conclusion:

The RF 24-105mm, the first of two zooms designed for the new Canon mirrorless mount, seems to have an advantage over the EF version: not only is it slightly sharper at most focal lengths and apertures (centre and corners) but it also has a more pleasant bokeh, a quieter AF motor and less focus breathing. The differences aren’t as significant as we had anticipated however, and let’s not forget that many other aspects are almost identical, such as the stabilisation and autofocus performance and perhaps most importantly, the price.

For these reasons, we feel that if, as a former or current Canon user, you already own the EF version of the 24-105mm, it makes sense to purchase the EF-EOS R adapter (which costs around $99 at the time of writing) and continue using it on the EOS R, especially if you plan to keep your Canon DSLR. Read the review…

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Canon EOS R:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Review (Photograpy Blog)

Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM
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Photography Blog completed their full review of the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM lens for the EOS R system. This is the less expensive RF mount lens so far available (£519/€519/$499).

From the conclusion:

There’s lots to like in terms of image quality, and little to complain about. This lens is sharp almost from the get-go, excellent in the centre and at the edges when shooting wide open at f/1.8 and outstanding between f/2.8 and f/11. It’s capable of producing some nice bokeh effects for an f/1.8 lens, helped by the ability to focus as close as 17cms away from your subject. There is some mild barrel distortion and vignetting at f/1.8, but both of these can be corrected in post-processing. Chromatic aberrations are very well controlled and it even produces some nice sun-star effects at f/16-f/22.

The build quality is very good, certainly on a par with the RF 24-105mm kit zoom, with the built-in weather-proofing offering peace of mind in more inclement conditions. Canon also provide a good lens hood and padded case in the box. Read the review…

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Entry-Level Full Frame Camera Comparison: Nikon Z6 vs Sony a7 III vs Canon EOS R

Canon Eos R
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Chris and Jordan compare the current generation entry-level full frame mirrorless models from each company: the Nikon Z6, Sony a7 III, and Canon EOS R. Watch their analysis to find out where they think each model excels or has room to grow.

Canon EOS R: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Nikon Z6: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Sony a7 III: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA