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Canon EOS R7 review | Digital Camera World

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Canon EOS R7 is the first camera you will reach for if you want the advantages of APS-C combined with pro-level speed and AF, with big-time image resolution. It's a fantastic addition to the EOS R ecosystem and a worthy successor to the 90D and 7D lines, making a great proposition for wildlife enthusiasts and anyone who wants to get the most out photography.

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Pros
  • +

    32.5MP resolution

  • +

    Up to 30fps bursts

  • +

    7K oversampling

  • +

    Accepts RF lenses

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The Canon EOS R7 is a camera we’ve been waiting for since the launch of the R system back in 2018. The long-awaited first APS-C member of the EOS R family, it asks questions of the (distinctly much smaller and more compact) EOS M system but gives Canon the most powerful APS-C camera on the market.  

Offering speed that matches (and, mechanically, beats) the Canon EOS R3 , and resolution second only to the Canon EOS R5 , the Canon EOS R7 is a technical marvel. Following in the footsteps of the Canon EOS 90D and Canon EOS 7D Mark II , shooters will leverage its 1.6x crop factor to amplify the effective focal length of full frame lenses.

As such, this could become the best camera for wildlife photography thanks to its unique combination of resolution, crop factor and sheer speed. 

  • Canon EOS R7 at Amazon for $1,499

Image 1 of 9

(Image credit: James Artaius)(Image credit: James Artaius)(Image credit: James Artaius)(Image credit: James Artaius)(Image credit: James Artaius)(Image credit: James Artaius)(Image credit: James Artaius)The Canon EOS R7 (right) next to the Canon EOS R6 (left) (Image credit: James Artaius)The Canon EOS R7 (right) next to the Canon EOS R6 (left) (Image credit: James Artaius)

Canon EOS R7: Specifications

Sensor: 32. 5MP APS-C
Image processor: Digic X
Mount: Canon RF
AF zones: 651 Dual Pixel CMOS AF II divisions
ISO range: 100 to 32,000 (exp to 51,200)
Image stabilization: 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops (lens dependent)
Max image size: 6.960 x 4,640
Max video resolution: 4K 60p, 4K 30p (oversampled 7K), 1080p 120p
Viewfinder: 2.36m dot, 120fps
Memory cards: 2 x SD/SDHC/SDXC, UHS-II
LCD: Articulating touchscreen, 1.62m dots
Max burst: 30fps electronic, 15fps mechanical
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.4Ghz, Bluetooth, USB-C, headphone jack, microphone jack
Size: 132 x 90.4 x 91.7mm
Weight: 612g (with battery and memory cards)

• Preorder the EOS R7 at B&H (USA)
• Preorder the EOS R7 at Wex Photo (UK)

Canon EOS R7 (pre-production sample) + Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3. 5-6.3 IS STM (1/800 sec, f/6.3, ISO200) (Image credit: James Artaius)

Canon EOS R7: Key features

The R7 is built around a 32.5MP APS-C sensor, which packs more resolution than any cropped sensor camera on the market – which is something that will come as music to the ears of wildlife photographers and birders, always keen for more freedom to crop in. 

While it’s not a completely new sensor (built on the same architecture as the 32.5MP sensor in the 90D and Canon EOS M6 Mark II ), it features optimized wiring layer and microlens technology to deliver improved signal readout. 

It also features staggering shooting speeds of 15 frames per second mechanically – faster than any other Canon EOS camera, including the R3, R5 and R6 – and 30 frames per second electronically – which matches the R3, Sony A1 and Nikon Z9 (unless you factor in the latter’s 11MP crop mode). 

Canon EOS R7 (pre-production sample) + Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM (1/320 sec, f/6.3, ISO100) (Image credit: James Artaius)

This is Canon’s first ever APS-C camera to feature in-body image stabilization – a 5-axis system that delivers up to 8 stops of compensation, depending on the lens (it offers 7 stops, for example, on the new Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3. 5-6.3 IS STM). 

It also boasts the R system’s newest, most sophisticated autofocus developments: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, with human, animal and vehicle subject recognition, case studies, and AF acquisition down to -5EV.

In terms of video the R7 is quite the powerhouse, capable of uncropped 4K 60p, 4K 30p oversampled from 7K, and 1080p up to 120p – and Canon tells us that you can record around 60 minutes of video before overheating and record limits come into play. The camera features Canon Log-3, clean HDMI out, as well as a microphone input and headphone jack. 

Canon EOS R7 (pre-production sample) + Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 IS STM (1/500 sec, f/1.8, ISO2500) (Image credit: James Artaius)

Canon EOS R7: Build and handling

The R7 is smaller and lighter than the 90D, offering a compact chassis that’s still somehow reassuringly chunky thanks to its thick grip. It also features the same weather sealing as the 90D, along with dual UHS-II SD memory card slots.

Perhaps more than any other R system camera, it feels most like the EF body it’s replacing when held and used, with the familiar grammar of the EOS menu system making this feel like an old friend – and a natural way to graduate from a Canon DSLR.

Something that’s going to take a little getting used to is the new arrangement of joystick and control wheel – the latter of which has moved from its familiar position to the lower-right of the camera rear, and now encircles the joystick at the top next to the EVF.

The control wheel is smaller and more delicate than on other EOS bodies, and may threaten to feel a bit fiddly if you have large thumbs. You’ll also need to adjust your muscle memory if you’re used to spinning the wheel to adjust settings mid-shoot. 

Canon EOS R7 (pre-production sample) + Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM (1/500 sec, f/1.2, ISO100) (Image credit: James Artaius)

Once your hands are used to the new layout, though, it actually feels logical and sensible to have the wheel and the joystick in the same place – and it’s a very efficient way to maximize space on the smaller body. 

Obviously the body is smaller thanks to the smaller sensor. And to accommodate the smaller sensor, Canon has introduced a new line of lenses with the APS-C format in mind: RF-S lenses (taking their name from the EF-S standard, which was the APS-C version of EF-mount glass).  

The reduced sensor size and throw of the APS-C format means that smaller, lighter lenses – such as the new Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM – can be mounted on the system. However, the Canon EOS R7 uses the same RF mount as its full frame counterparts – which means that existing full frame RF lenses can be used natively, while EF and EF-S lenses can also be used via the Mount Adapter EF-EOS R.

Do note, however, that EF-M lenses (APS-C optics designed for Canon’s other APS-C line, the EOS M system), will not work with the R7, despite them sharing the same sensor format. 

Canon EOS R7 (pre-production sample) + Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM (1/500 sec, f/6.3, ISO200) (Image credit: James Artaius)

Canon EOS R7: Performance

In a lot of ways, shooting with the R7 really does feel like shooting with a mirrorless (read: sleeker and smaller) 90D – but with way more bells and whistles. 

The camera really feels tailor made for the RF-S 18-150mm lens (or, rather, the lens for it), and the pair make a formidable combination for run-and-gun, travel and everyday photography – and even videography. This is a great tandem for all-purpose shooting and content creation.

However, if you want to get serious, the R7 has the speed and resolution to make the most of premium full frame glass like the Canon RF 85mm f/1.8L USM . Certainly the bigger L-series glass is oversized for the svelte APS-C body, but you really can't fault the results. 

Where this camera really comes into its own is in its amplification of focal lengths, and how this benefits wildlife shooters. Mount the Canon RF 800mm f/11 on this and you've got an effective 1280mm lens with 32MP of resolution to crop in further – all powered by killer Animal AF.  

Canon EOS R7 (pre-production sample) + Lensbaby Spark 2.0 50mm (1/100 sec, f/2.5, ISO200) (Image credit: James Artaius)

The subject detection and tracking are, as you would expect of the brilliant Dual Pixel AF II technology, superb. We shot a range of subjects, from fast-moving ice skaters to static models to a variety of waterfowl, and the autofocus never let us down.

It was sticky and adaptive when flitting between eye, head and body detection while shooting skaters doing tricks, and incredibly instinctive when shooting all manner of birds waddling and swimming erratically through the frame. The AF also performs brilliantly when shooting video, not even being fooled by subjects disappearing behind foreground obstructions. 

While it possesses lightning-fast shooting speeds, the buffer is limited by the choice of SD cards over CFexpress, with maximum bursts hitting 46 RAWs and 184 JPGs. But that's still enough to get controlled salvos of shots, and we didn't miss anything we were aiming for. 

Canon EOS R7 (pre-production sample) + Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM (1/160 sec, f/6.3, ISO6400) (Image credit: James Artaius)

Canon EOS R7: Lab results

For our lab data comparison, we compared the EOS R7 to its flagship rival APS-C mirrorless cameras from Fujifilm and Sony: the X-T4 and a6600 . Nikon's best APS-C offering is the Z50, but this is a closer rival to the EOS R10. We instead opted to include the Nikon Z5 , as despite being full-frame, it costs about the same as the R7, making it an intriguing alternative.

We test resolution using Imatest charts and software, and dynamic range and signal to noise ratio with DxO Analyzer.

Resolution:

(Image credit: Future)

Despite its 32.5MP sensor being the most pixel-packed here, the R7 only ties with the 26.1MP X-T4 and 24.2MP a6600 when it comes to resolving fine detail. At really high sensitivities, the Canon even falls slightly behind the competition, due to high ISO image noise obscuring fine detail.

Dynamic range:

(Image credit: Future)

Dynamic range at lower sensitivities is excellent, on par with the X-T4 and the full-frame. However at ISO 800 and above, the R7 struggles to capture as much dynamic range as its rivals.

Signal to noise ratio:

(Image credit: Future)

This test compares the amount of random noise generated by the camera at different ISO settings as a proportion of the actual image information (the 'signal'). Higher values are better and we expect to see the signal to ratio fall as the ISO is increased.

Compared to the Z5 and X-T4, the R7's images display more image noise at mid and high ISO sensitivities. The noise itself doesn't look particularly ugly or distracting to the naked eye though, so take this result with a pinch of salt.... or grain!

Canon EOS R7: Early verdict

All things considered, we're very impressed with what the Canon EOS R7 can do. It's lightning fast both mechanically and electronically, the resolution offers glorious detail as well as the opportunity to crop into your wildlife shots, and the 1.6x crop factor makes your lenses even longer for shooting faraway subjects.

There's plenty of play in the files, giving you lots of leeway for post production, and the video quality is crisp and clear in both 4K and 1080p, with autofocus performance that won't let you down.

Lab results aren't quiet a clean sweep for the Canon, but while the Fujifilm X-T4 does technically still have the edge in terms of outright image quality, the real world differences will be subtle. We don't think this is even close to a deal-breaker when you factor in everything else the R7 has to offer. Quite simply, the R7 is the new king of APS-C mirrorless cameras.

Read more: 

Canon EOS R10 review
 Best Canon cameras
 Best Canon RF lenses

Canon EOS R7: Price Comparison

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The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a magazine and web journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients as diverse as Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photographic and lighting tutorials, as well as industry analysis, news and rumors for publications such as Digital Camera Magazine , PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine , N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine , Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and demonstrations at The Photography Show . An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.

Canon EOS RP review | Digital Camera World

Digital Camera World Verdict

While its competitors are going to great pains to create increasingly advanced – and increasingly expensive – high end full-frame mirrorless cameras, Canon is catering to crop sensor consumers who are looking for a full-frame upgrade that won’t break their back or their bank balance. The Canon EOS RP is a big success in this regard, offering full-frame functionality and 4K video in a package that’s notably smaller, lighter and cheaper than almost all its rivals. It’s far from an entry level camera, but it’s ideal an entry level full-frame camera.

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Cons
  • -

    Body feels small for big RF lenses

  • -

    Loses the R’s sensor shutter

  • -

    1.6x crop + no Dual Pixel AF in 4K

  • -

    Miserly battery life

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The arrival of the Canon EOS RP surprised us a bit. Despite multiple reports that it would be a professional-grade version of the Canon EOS R (though make no mistake, the pro EOS R5 is coming), the Canon EOS RP was instead a more populist version of the company’s full-frame mirrorless model. 

Indeed, the ‘P’ in the model name stands for ‘Popular’, in the Japanese sense meaning ‘for everybody’, which could make this the best Canon camera for enthusiasts and first time full frame camera buyers. In fact, by virtue of its low price, small size and good handling, it earns a place on our list of the best full frame mirrorless cameras you can get right now.

Read more: Canon EOS R10 vs EOS RP

  • Canon EOS RP (Black) at Amazon for $999

Which tells you exactly who this camera is aiming for. The company has listened to consumer feedback and realized that there was a lot of interest in the EOS R from advanced amateur photographers – the kind who already own an APS-C camera (such as a Canon EOS 77D or Canon EOS M50) and want to take the leap into full-frame, but don’t need the specialist features and don’t want the bulk and weight. 

The EOS RP sits alongside the Canon EOS 6D Mark II in the product line-up, just as the EOS R sits adjacent to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Indeed, the RP shares a great deal of architectural similarity with the EOS 6D Mark II, from the sensor to the feature set. And yet, it’s housed in a body that is Canon’s smallest and lightest ever full-frame camera.

Read more: Canon EOS RP vs EOS R: key differences and how to choose between them

Shot on the Canon EOS RP with Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 Softfocus (1/250 sec, f/2.8, ISO200)

Specifications

Sensor: 26.2MP full frame CMOS, 35.9 x 24mm
Image processor: Digic 8
AF points: 4,779 Dual Pixel AF positions (143 zones)
ISO range: 100 to 40,000 (exp. 50 to 102,400)
Max image size: 6,240 x 4,160
Metering modes: Evaluative, partial, spot, centre-weighted
Video: 4K at 25p, FHD at 25p/50p, HD at 25/50p
Viewfinder: 0.39-inch EVF, 2.36m dots, 100% coverage
Memory card: SD / SDHC / SDXC (supports UHS-II)
LCD: 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04m dots
Max burst: 5fps (One Shot), 4fps (Servo AF)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Size: 132. 5 x 85 x 70mm
Weight: 440g (body only; 485g with card and battery)

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Key features

The EOS RP is powered by the new Digic 8 processor, but its 26.2MP sensor is almost exactly the same as the one inside the EOS 6D Mark II. It has been optimised to work with a mirrorless system and to accommodate the difference in the flange back distance of the RF mount, but essentially it’s the same sensor. 

The RP has the same ISO100-40,000 (expandable to 102,400) range as the EOS 6D Mark II, along with Dual Pixel CMOS AF. It will autofocus down to -5EV, and Canon makes the Familiar Manufacturer’s Claim™ that it possesses “the world's fastest AF speed” of 0.05 seconds. The AF coverage is 88% x 100% on the sensor, providing a mammoth 4,779 autofocus positions. These are split into 143 zones in the auto AF mode. 

Servo AF now supports Face Tracking with Eye AF, which was a bit of a glaring omission on the EOS R, along with single point Spot AF, which is something else that has been transplanted from the 6D Mark II. 

The EOS RP can shoot in 4K up to 25fps, but loses Dual Pixel CMOS AF and suffers about a 1.76x crop when doing so. In 1080p it can shoot up to 50fps, without a crop and with the benefit of Dual Pixel autofocus.

With its lean frame, the Canon EOS RP pairs perfectly with small lenses like the RF 35mm f/1.8

Shot on the Canon EOS RP with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM (1/250 sec, f/3.5, ISO400)

The Canon EOS RP doesn’t have a lot of “killer app” features, since it was designed to be an entry level version of the EOS R. However, it does possess a few useful new tricks up its sleeve – such as Focus Bracketing, which is a useful macro feature found on other systems but one that Canon has never attempted before. 

It’s a semi-automated focus stacking mode where you tell the camera how many images you want to take, and it then captures each one while moving the focus point between shots. The result is a series of images that can be merged to extend depth of field, though unfortunately the RP doesn’t do this in-camera – you will need to download the new version of Digital Photo Professional or do it manually in Photoshop, for example. 

The RP, like the EOS R, doesn’t have in-body image stabilisation. This is where Canon's EOS R system is currently at a serious disadvantage against rival cameras from Sony, Nikon and Panasonic. 

It does, however, employ Canon’s Dual Sensing IS technology when combined with RF lenses (such as the six new RF lenses that have just been announced). The system uses the gyroscope built into these lenses to detect lens movement, working in conjunction with the CMOS sensor and the Digic 8 processor to detect subject movement.  

This data is fed back into the optical IS unit to instruct it to move correctly to eliminate as much movement as possible – particularly low frequency movement, which is notoriously difficult to correct (stabilisation typically ignores minor vibration, so that it isn’t confused with breathing or small panning adjustments). Canon says that Dual Sensing IS is good for five stops of stabilization. 

Shot on the Canon EOS RP with Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 IS USM (1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO200)

Build and handling

Arguably the most impressive thing about the Canon EOS RP is its tiny form factor. Weighing just 485g including a battery and memory card, it’s 175g lighter than the EOS R and 280g lighter than the EOS 6D Mark II. 

In fact, its closest comparison would be the Canon EOS 800D /Canon EOS Rebel T7i , which weighs exactly the same body only (but is 532g with battery and card) and measures 131.0 x 99.9 x 76.2mm – much chunkier than the RP’s streamlined 132. 5 x 85 x 70mm frame.  

When paired with an appropriate lens, such as the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM or an EF 50mm f/1.8 STM with the EF-EOS R Mount Adapter, the camera feels almost as deft and manoeuvrable as a Fujifilm or Olympus mirrorless system. However, this compactness advantage when paired with smaller lenses becomes a bit of a disadvantage when paired with larger lenses – something of a drawback, when the RF range consists mainly of monsters like the 950g Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L and the 1,430g 28-70mm f/2L. 

Some of the best Canon RF lenses are also, unfortunately, some of the biggest and most expensive. Canon is clearly setting its sights on the professional market for the EOS R and beyond (the Canon EOS R5 specifications look amazing), so let's hope it doesn't neglect the cost-conscious consumer market in the process.

Compared to the full-frame Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR (left), the mirrorless Canon EOS RP is incredibly compact at half the size

Like the EOS R, there is a bit of a disconnect between the smaller consumer-grade body and the much larger pro-grade lenses that truly dwarf the EOS RP. Even the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L that’s available as a kit lens feels unwieldy at 700g. Which is probably why Canon is, cannily, offering a bundle with the EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM instead, which actually feels a better fit for this camera, though it does depend on the Canon DSLR lens adapter.

Canon has since released a cheaper alternative kit lens. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM offers the same focal range as the premium f/4 lens but without the constant aperture. In fact, the f/7.1 maximum aperture at 105mm is, we think, the smallest we've ever seen in a zoom lens.

The 0.39-inch, 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder on the EOS RP has been transplanted from the EOS M50 and works perfectly well, even though it’s a tad smaller than the EOS R’s. We’re supremely grateful that Canon opted to keep the fully articulating touchscreen, though, which again at three inches and a million dots isn’t as hi-tech as its big brother’s, but if anything actually feels a little more responsive. The fact that the R and RP are the only two full-frame mirrorless cameras with articulating screens is a big deal, especially for videographers, even if the video specs themselves fall a tad short of those of rival full frame mirrorless cameras.

The EOS R’s Marmite-flavored embellishments, the M-Fn touchbar and the Mode button that was quite alien to Canon users, have both been dropped, along with the top LCD screen. Replacing them is Canon’s more traditional Mode dial, which takes up less space and makes the shooting process more intuitive, as you don’t have to stop and think every time you want to switch modes. 

Sadly, also dumped are the ‘blast door’ shutters from the EOS R that would shield the sensor when the camera is turned off, protecting it from debris while changing lenses. It’s an understandable cost and weight compromise, but we miss it nonetheless.

The Extension Grip EG-E1can be added to make the Canon EOS RP slightly better balanced with large lenses

Performance

While it’s tempting to draw comparisons against the likes of the Nikon Z6 or even the Canon EOS R , it’s important to remember that the EOS RP isn’t really in the same bracket as those cameras. Accordingly, while its performance seems comparatively unspectacular in some respects, the RP performs quite well for a camera in its category – particularly when it comes to shooting stills.

In terms of image quality, file fidelity and dynamic range, the photographs produced by the RP are excellent and handle very similarly to those of the 6D Mark II during editing. There appears to be slightly more detail in the shadows, thanks to the Digic 8 processor giving it a bit more oomph, but you’re effectively looking at the same sort of levels between both cameras. 

The RP certainly isn’t going to win any awards for speed, with a burst mode of 4fps in Servo AF or 5fps in One Shot, but it will record up to 50 14-bit raw files on a UHS-II card before the camera starts to slow down, which is well above average for a camera not designed for sports photography. 

While the eye tracking with Servo AF is most welcome, in practice it wasn’t quite as useful as we were hoping. Certainly it’s outdone by the smarter tech that debuted in the Sony A6400 , but in moment-to-moment shooting it often deferred to standard face tracking at anything other than relatively close quarters.  

Shot on the Canon EOS RP with Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 IS USM (1/400 sec, f/4, ISO200)

The face tracking, though, works great, and does a very good job of following a face in the frame. However, it gets understandably confused when there’s more than one person in shot; when we took the RP out for an afternoon at Camden Market, the tracking could be a bit overzealous and started jumping from our subject to the faces of passers-by in the background. 

Fujifilm has addressed this issue with the Face Detect feature in the Fujifilm X-T30 , which enables you to select which face in a scene you wish to track. Admittedly the instances in which this became an issue were relatively few and far between… though we’d probably be a bit more upset if we’d focused on somebody else’s kid crossing the finish line at school sports day, rather than just getting a pedestrian in focus instead of the street performer we were trying to shoot in Camden.

The autofocus in general works like a charm, though, especially in low-light conditions. The EOS R is a fierce performer in this regard, and the RP is right there with it. We shot indoors in some very dim environments, as well as during the twilight hours after the sun had disappeared, and the focusing never once let us down – it’s fast, accurate and very dependable. 

Shot on the Canon EOS RP with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM (1/30 sec, f/3.5, ISO3200)

A somewhat peculiar choice is the decision to move the silent shutter from a menu option to a dedicated Scene mode. Certainly for the consumer the RP is aimed at – a more casual photographer graduating from a less advanced system – the automatic modes such as Night Portrait, Close-up and Sports are valuable ways to make sure that less experienced shooters can get reliably good low light, macro and action shots. 

However, making the silent shutter such a mode means that you have no manual control when shooting. We’re sure that families wanting to take unobtrusive photos at weddings or gatherings will be grateful to have an easy, fire-and-forget mode that they can turn on, but this was the first and only time that the RP felt like it wasn’t suitable for more advanced use. Since the ability to shoot silently is one of the USPs of a mirrorless system, retaining the silent shutter option in the menus for manual shooting would have been welcome. 

While stills shooting is otherwise fantastic, as noted the 4K video is where the RP bears the brunt of the performance compromise. Suffering the 1.76x crop and being limited to 25fps is one thing, but losing the Dual Pixel CMOS AF really is a tough nut to swallow. On top of that, 4K suffers from the dreaded “jelly wobble” rolling shutter effect, making it largely unsuitable for anything where panning or movement is involved. 

Shot on the Canon EOS RP with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM (1/80 sec, f/1.8, ISO400)

That said, you have the ability to use Focus Peaking in manual focus mode, which is a welcome feature for “proper” videographers who wouldn’t use AF anyway, Dual Pixel or otherwise. Still, 1080p shooting is a much better option for most purposes – it would have been nice to have C-Log and a 120fps option, but the ability to shoot without the crop and with Dual Pixel means this is probably the way to go for most video needs.  

The battery life was initially a concern, being CIPA rated at just 250 shots. In practice, however, you can achieve much more than that – almost double, if you’re considered in how much you use the LCD screen and if you’re conscious about turning the camera off rather than letting it idle between shots (remember, leaving the EVF on is like leaving a little TV on inside your camera, so it will guzzle the power). 

Obviously shooting video, and especially 4K, will deplete the battery in double time, so this will be more of an issue if you’re doing multiple takes or constantly chasing B-roll. However, being able to plug in a USB power pack on the go means that you can easily top up the juice – though you can’t charge and shoot at the same time. 

The 200g lighter EF version of the 24-105mm lens arguably pairs better than the RF version

Lab tests

For comparative testing, we pitted the Canon EOS R against the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, the Sony A7II (being the EOS RP's closest Sony rival in terms of specs and price), and the Canon EOS M50 (an APS-C camera, but worth considering for those primarily concerned with the size and weight advantages that the RP is selling itself on).  

Indeed, with so many people questioning whether the RP will spell the end for the smaller mirrorless line – though Canon insisted to us that the M series is here to stay – the M50 is quite an important comparison.

Signal to noise:

The EOS RP and its rivals are closely matched in this test, which measures image noise levels at each main sensor sensitivity. As you'd expect from sharing similar sensor tech, the RP and 6D Mark II produce especially close results, with the Sony A7II joining them up to ISO6400, though its high ISO image clarity is weak above this sensitivity. The APS-C M50 does well to stay close to the full-frame cameras, as its smaller sensor photosites have the potential to generate significantly more noise, especially at higher sensitivities.

Resolution:

Unsurprisingly the identical sensor resolution of the EOS RP and EOS 6D II means that they resolve very similar detail levels. The 24.3MP A7II does well to maintain an equivalent level of detail to its 26.2MP rivals, though Canon hasn't been able to pull off the same trick with the 24.1MP EOS M50, as its smaller APS-C sensor produces slightly more noise at higher ISO settings and this compromises fine detail.

Dynamic range:

Despite its age, the Sony A7II still produces formidable dynamic range at lower sensitivities, although things tail off quickly past ISO 6400. The three Canons are closely matched, and the full-frame siblings keep close family ties throughout the sensitivity scale. The APS-C M50 can't hang with its bigger brothers past ISO 800, however.

Verdict

Invariably there will be disappointment from users who were expecting (read: dearly hoping) that this would be a professional version of the EOS R to rival the EOS-1D X or 5DS/R. It’s unfair to judge the Canon EOS RP for what it isn’t, though. This is a remarkable feat of engineering, effectively cramming the power and performance of a 765g 6D Mark II into such a tiny 485g body while also adding 4K video and mirrorless benefits such as an EVF. 

A capable full-frame mirrorless camera at this price is hugely appealing for anyone looking to upgrade to a larger sensor, especially one that retains the size and weight advantages of the APS-C bodies they’re already using. The only real price rivals for the EOS RP are Sony's older back-catalog A7 models, which the company has elected to keep on sale.

Indeed, the EOS RP’s compactness might even make it more appealing than the EOS R for photographers who need to stay light and nimble, such as travel or street shooters. 

Ultimately, the RP offers a shooting experience that feels familiar and intuitive for Canon users – and with the Mount Adapter EF-EOS R bundled in the box, existing lenses can be used right away. Indeed, the RP arguably pairs better with EF-S lenses and the lighter EF glass than it does with the bulkier RF optics.

This really is a souped-up 6D Mark II in a smaller body with an EVF and 4K – even though 4K does come with concessions, making 1080p a better option for more serious video shooters. A highly capable stills camera, which produces images that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any body in Canon’s line-up, those looking to graduate to full-frame photography would do well to consider the Canon EOS RP. 

Far from being overtaken by newer full frame mirrorless cameras, the EOS RP has actually cemented its position as an affordable, versatile and extremely approachable camera for first-time full frame photographers.

Read more:

The best Canon RF lenses
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM review
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM review
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM review
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM review
The best mirrorless cameras in 2020
PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine

Canon EOS RP: Price Comparison

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The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a magazine and web journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients as diverse as Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photographic and lighting tutorials, as well as industry analysis, news and rumors for publications such as Digital Camera Magazine , PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine , N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine , Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and demonstrations at The Photography Show . An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.

Camspex ✭ Camera comparison

Camspex ✭ Camera comparison

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Canon Mirrorless vs SLR Camera Comparison - Canon Europe

Canon Mirrorless vs. DSLR Comparison - Canon UK - Canon UK

Each interchangeable lens DSLR in the EOS range offers a wide range of features and benefits to help you take better photos and videos.

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The EOS family is designed to help you create the best photos and videos. Each system has distinctive technology and design differences, whether it's a DSLR or mirrorless camera, with a full-frame image sensor or an APS-C sensor. Whether you're new to the world of photography and looking to get creative or a professional looking for a versatile device that works in any environment, EOS cameras are the perfect choice for your creative needs. nine0005

Which EOS system should I choose?

Professional photographer Richard Walch will walk you through the different EOS systems and help you decide which interchangeable lens camera to buy.

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Lightweight and compact, the EOS M line delivers DSLR quality and is compatible with the EF-M line of interchangeable lenses. These cameras are great for those who want to get creative with everyday events. nine0005

Model range overview