Canon EOS RP review - BUDGET full-frame mirrorless

[TonyAndChelsea]

Great review, Gordon! Thanks for telling me that the EOS R charges via USB-C with Macbook chargers - that means I no longer need to travel with a separate battery charger when vlogging.

[ScottJWaldron]

Great video. I like the close up details. Just a side note, but the M5 is the one with the LP-E17. The M50 uses the LP-E12 (sadly). I wish it used the slightly more powerful E17. From a size and ergonomics standpoint, I think Canon did a really great job, considering the price. I like that mode dial with the C1/C2/C3 and the add-on grip extender a lot. Features wise excluding 1080p/720p 24fps is so blatant it's comical, LOL.

[marcellives]

This is a much smarter move from Canon than anyone commenting right here understands. It's easy to bash at Canon and continue to do so because of the lack of genuine 4K and so on. But I'm absolutely sure that this camera will bring full frame mirrorless to the masses. Most potential buyers couldn't care less about 4K. This will proof to be a big hit for Canon and start the mass adaptation of full frame mirrorless for the average consumer. And no worries, the pro model is already being designed and constructed maybe even tested in Canon's own labs to get it ready for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

[johnhaynes]

Thanks Gordon, as ever from you a sensible walk through of a new model. I am sure there will be the usual howls of outrage over "It hasn't got..." this or that but in reality, it is a really interesting camera. In fact to me as an existing Canon DSLR user, it is more compelling than the original R not as a replacement for my DSLRs but instead for my current M series lightweight carry kit. True, as a stills photographer I couldn't give a fig about video capabilities nor dual card slots which I have on both my 7D MkII and 5DS and they rarely get used however, whereas I thought the best feature of the original R was the lens adapters that allowed people to use existing glass that they owned, with this model it is that plus a really keen price point.

Although it will no doubt annoy many, I suspect that Canon might well have a quiet winner on their hands here and here a thought. For all the fuss by many over what the model lacks, is Canon's main objective to keep existing Canon users in their fold and happy rather than convert new users ? The lack of a cheap kit lens at launch might indicate this because unlike Panasonic with their tasty but expensive new full frame model and therefore new lenses to be bought too, Canon know that their is a lot of EOS fit glass out there, they might just know what they are doing here in marketing terms... just a thought.

[tomrhardwick]

I'm with you Gordon, what is it with the majority of manufacturers ignoring the perfect solution of having a fully articulated rear screen? Like you I've not found if its a patent issue or simply ignorance of real-life photography in all its glory. I bought my Canon DSLR because of it, and now miss it every single day with my Sony A7RII

[af]

I have an M50 and this EOS RP appears to be a full frame M50 in every way.

[peepers]

Gordon in appreciate your balanced review. You have acknowledged the RP’s short comings while addressing some of its stronger points. 👍

[AstroLaVista]

I was initially a bit gutted when you said no 1080p with EF-S lenses, then I realised that you wouldn't want to use EF-S lenses with the FF camera anyway. Still it seems a strange thing to omit. Despite lack of up to date video settings, I think this could be a very good vlogging camera for low light situations like my astronomy channel. Flip screen, mic and headphone jacks, 5 axis digital stabilisation, and super light for a full frame. I'm seriously tempted.

[Andy_Thomas]

Great review, Gordon - very helpful. Thanks.
Personally I think this will be a great upgrade from my 80D. I prefer to blow the budget on great glass rather than on a body (an L series lens could last a lifetime - or more at my age, while bodies generally get replaced every 5 years or so), so this kit would be a good way onto the RF system.

[TheGthcapo]

As a stills shooter im ok with the features. Specially the price.

[garyroachester]

I miss your voice man, First time I listen to you when you do the review of nikon d90 10 years ago. You’re the most detailed reviews I had seen back then. More power!

[Ham-yjod]

This is a super underated camera. In B/W I can confidently shoot up to ISO 12800 and get a clean image. If you only use vintage lenses like me (including Nikon, L39, M42, ...), You're going to adore this camera.

[Rationalific]

Impressive. The M50 was close, but I had too many cutbacks. That likely makes the Canon EOS RP the most compelling Canon release for quite some time...probably 5 years or more. It's what Canon needs to do to continue to compete. The problem is with few affordable native lenses for the time being. (50mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, and 24-70 f/3.5-5.6 an 24-70 f/4 would be great with this.) This still has cutbacks, but they are not super-annoying and relatively acceptable at its price point. Nice work, Canon!
Edit: Looking below at the comments, and remembering some things in the video, there are quite a few problems, like contrast AF in 4K video, no IBIS, etc. So I don't want to make this out to be a "great" camera. However, as mentioned, it is the cheapest new full-frame camera thus far (not including the high price of lenses) so there is really no full frame camera better than this that is cheaper. Hopefully, we can see some contenders at this price point soon.

[francisgo]

Canons experience in lenses is really showing, and that is where the profits are. While not happy with Canons body offerings in general, owning a few of their L lenses have "prevented" me from switching, as I will not sell my Canon lenses at a lost, and getting the equivalent Sony lenses at much higher price. Canons R mount lens offering are by far the most interesting and reviews indicate image quality to be best. The new (looks small and compact) 70-200 f2.8 seem really great, and maybe worth upgrading from my now "old" original 70-200 2.8L IS. It does look like they will continue with their philosophy of no IBIS, continuing with their "claim" that shake reduction is best done at the lens level.

[onthemove]

It looks as though Canon are finally getting their act together. As a 40 year Canon shooter, I switched to Sony last year in despair, having experienced the advantages of mirrorless through my M43 system. Now, I'm beginning to wonder if I made the right decision, because the new body and the forthcoming lenses suggest Canon is trying to take the weight out of full frame, which my 70 year old knees really appreciate. Nonetheless, my A7R3 is a great camera. Eye autofocus is superb, and Canon need to get working on that, soon.

[stufftosee]

Thanks Gordon. I must be the odd one out. A full frame camera with dual pixel af intervalomoter usb charging and flip screen in such a compact body and super low price????

A timelapse and travel camera wet dream!

[lifetimesofamultiplemediam]

It's a full frame EOS M; Aimed as those M users who want to upgrade; it should be a great machine for full-frame street photography. I like the idea of shooting street with the EOS RP with that 35mm RF lens, and at the end of the year when the RF 15-35 f2.8 L comes out, I might decide to take the plunge. Couldn't care less about 4k.

Having said that, I already have the 6D2 which is great for full frame street photography, and a much nicer user experience than shooting with mirrorless; longer battery life, beautiful soft shutter sounds, better physical balance with lenses, and full control dials within easy reach. I got my 6D2 used for £1299.00… I expect the price to plummet.

I use my M50 most days for general street photography and carry around camera, it's small, light and it does a great job; I don't see myself replacing it for at least another year, so maybe then I'll upgrade.

[tyler_schecter]

If you want to get a full frame mirrorless camera for cheap, get an A7II. They’re on sale at best-buy for $999 with a kit lens. Other companies, such as B&H and Adorama, have similar sales.

[jiripastrnak]

I really wish this came out about 6 weeks ago when i bought my 6DII :/

[mikeymike]

As a 1000D owner. It's ideal for me.Have been thinking for ages going to full frame and finally a full frame in my price range. The main reason I'd get this over the Sony is the flip out screen, besides my Canon lenses.