Canon has 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 frames per second continuous shooting with the portability of the EOS RP; and EOS R50, a new compact, lightweight APS-C mirrorless camera set to replace 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.
Commenting on the notable launch, Manabu Yamazaki, President & CEO, Canon India said, “It gives us immense pleasure to kick-start the new year by announcing launch of two new cameras. Catalyzed by the proliferation of growing social media, amateur and professional imaging culture in India is seeing a steep rise. Creators are experimenting and innovating like never before. Hence our latest offerings are designed to support this new-age passion of creativity with the right kind of technology required to move ahead in the journey. While the youthful EOS R50 is a tailor made for social content creators and photography enthusiasts looking at sharing innovating and mesmerizing content, the dynamic EOS R8 is made for wedding professionals and serious amateurs looking at upgrades to the full-frame mirrorless segment. We are confident that both these cameras will be well received as they come with the power packed features and performance capabilities, lightweight and compact designs in attractive prices.”
Highlighting the positioning and cutting-edge features of the new cameras, C Sukumaran, Senior Director, Products & Communication, Canon India said, “Both the EOS R50 and the EOS R8 are well slated to become ‘must-buy’ cameras in their segment owing to their unique features. For the youth of today, the EOS R50 is a light-weight entry level camera launched to create quality content be it a fashion vlog or capturing a family vacation. It comes with significant upgrades from its predecessor, the EOS M50 Mark II, both with respect to movie performance as well as still photography. The distinctive feature to look out for is its new movies modes for vlogging.”
“On the other hand, the EOS R8 is an integral addition to our full-frame line-up as it demonstrates high quality unique features, designed for varied shooting situations. It is targeted at potential users who want to upgrade their cameras, shoot movies without cropping, and start with an interchangeable-lens camera. The functions of the EOS R8 have strikingly evolved from those of the compact full-frame mirrorless EOS RP, resulting in a more comfortable photo shooting and movie recording experience.”
EOS R8
Stay Agile with Canon’s Smallest and Lightest EOS Full-frame Mirrorless Camera
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 stabilization during video shooting. Hence stable handheld videos can be ensured even when using lenses with no optical image stabilization (Optical IS). When combined with a lens that has Optical IS, the two systems perform coordinated control for enhanced image stabilization 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.
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
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.
