Canon announces EOS R50 and R8, the most affordable EOS R mirrorless cameras in its portfolio

Canon has announced two new cameras in its EOS R series, both of which are aimed at those looking to enter the camera ecosystem. On the one hand we have the EOS R50, the cheapest model in the series so far, equipped with an APS-C sensor, and the EOS R8, the most affordable model with a full-frame sensor and also the most compact. Alongside the new cameras, new lenses have also been announced, also on the EOS R mount.

Canon EOS R50 is an APS-C model for early-stage content creators

According to Canon, the EOS R50 is a mirrorless photo/video camera dedicated to those who are already vlogging or making other content and want to make the switch from a smartphone to a dedicated camera with more advanced features. It comes equipped with helpful software, such as automatic shooting and filming modes, to help those just starting out create and learn on the fly how to use advanced cameras.

The camera is equipped with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, capable of shooting in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. In fact, the camera captures the entire sensor and downsamples from 6K, so detail will be improved over a “regular” 4K capture.

An advantage of this sensor is that it also features Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and doesn’t have to rely on contrast detection alone. So you can track your subject with continuous autofocus, and there are options for people, animal or vehicle detection. Shots can be taken at 12 frames per second in mechanical shutter mode and 15 frames per second for electronic shutter.

The camera is equipped with a 3″ vari-angle touchscreen, so it will be easy to use when shooting.

EOS R8 is the most compact full-frame model in the series

If the R50 is for those who want to take their mobile phone to the next level, the EOS R8 is somewhat of an upgrade even for the R50, as it is the most compact model in Canon’s series equipped with a full-frame sensor, similar to the previously released EOS RP variant. Weighing in at just 461 grams and with small dimensions (132.5 x 86.1 x 70 mm), this will be a professional performance camera, but in the size of one in the “advanced” range.

This one also offers 24.2 megapixels, but allows 4K shooting at 60 frames per second, also downsampling from 6K across the sensor. This model also has a 1080p super slow motion mode at 180 frames per second. Keen videographers will be pleased to know that this model borrows features from the Canon R6 Mark II (which includes IBIS stabilisation, too), such as Canon’s Log3 colour profile with 10-bit 4:2:2 colour, which allows advanced colourisation in professional software. There’s even HDR shooting or “clean” HDMI recording. So the R8 can become a very versatile backup camera for those already using an R6 Mark II or higher models.

On the shooting end, we’re dealing with low rolling shutter, thanks to a high sensor readout speed and the ability to capture up to 40 frames per second. ISO goes on this model up to 102,400 for low-light situations. The EOS R8 also comes with a 2.36 million-dot 120 Hz viewfinder in addition to the rear display and is equipped with the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system found on the company’s professional cameras.

Canon has also announced low-cost lenses for EOS R cameras

Alongside these cameras come dedicated lenses. In the APS-C area, Canon announces a budget zoom, a 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM, with optical stabilisation. This is equivalent to 88-336mm on full-frame and allows synchronisation with cameras that have a stabilised sensor (IBIS) for up to 7 steps of stabilisation.

For full-frame, Canon announces the 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM, a kind of kit lens for cameras like the EOS R8, dedicated to enthusiast users. It too offers 4.5 optical steps and 7 for cameras with internal stabilisation. As an STM lens, it has quiet and fast electronic focusing, making it suitable for use in filming. The compact design also recommends it for such activities. Unfortunately, the 4.5 aperture at 24mm and 6.3 at 50mm suggests that it’s not a very suitable lens for low-light conditions, nor will it offer “artistic” features with sharp bokeh.

Canon hasn’t announced official pricing for Romania, but in the US, the EOS R50 starts at $680 for the body and $800 for an 18-45mm kit lens variant. The EOS R8 costs $1,500 US, or $1,700 with the 24-50mm lens. The separate lens costs $300.