Canon launches its lightest full frame EOS R System camera and the ultimate travel companion APS-C mirrorless camera

Canon Australia today announces the EOS R8, a new full frame mirrorless camera, which inherits key specifications from the EOS R6 Mark II. With a compact design, similar to the EOS RP, this powerful combination gives photo/video enthusiasts the tools they need to take the next leap in their photography journey. 

Featuring a 24.2 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor, high ISO and improved dynamic range, the EOS R8 is the ideal choice for portrait, event, action and landscape photography delivering a wider, more artistic perspective.

Accompanied by the launch of the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, a small lightweight RF series zoom lens, the pair create a compact yet powerful kit bag allowing image makers to explore creativity in full frame.

Also announced is the new EOS R50 – a versatile camera with the ability to shoot 4K video, impressive audio and sharp stills. The EOS R50 is also the perfect gateway into the EOS R range for content creators looking to step up from their smartphone and refine their style, in both stills and video, using a dedicated camera. Its easy-to-use interface, intuitive design and advanced new automatic modes ensure professional-looking results. Accompanying the launch of the EOS R50 is the RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM – a compact telephoto lens specifically designed for APS-C cameras in the EOS R range. 

Canon EOS R8: Full frame quality in a lightweight body

Offering all the benefits of full frame image quality, the EOS R8 features a 24.2 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor capable of achieving the same resolution as the EOS R6 Mark II. The class-leading sensor offers a fast read out speed to unlock a number of advanced features including a reduced rolling shutter that enables up to 40fps continuous shooting and low noise high ISO up to 102,400. This makes the EOS R8 perfect for shooting subjects who are moving around in dimly lit environments. Improved dynamic range also enables capture of striking images with bold colours, and the full frame sensor offers shallower depth of field that creates a soft background to help the subject stand out.

Weighing approx. 461g (with card and battery), the EOS R8 is Canon’s lightest full frame EOS R System camera to date . Measuring 132.5 x 86.1 x 70mm the camera has similar dimensions to the EOS RP, with a number of additional professional-level features contained in its compact body. The EOS R8 has a high resolution 2.36m dot EVF working at up to 120fps and UHS-II SD card support. The intuitive interface makes the camera easy to operate on-the-go with a useful mode dial featuring 12 modes across still and video shooting and a dedicated switch for moving between photo and movie capture.

Capture life in motion

The advanced sensor of the EOS R8 captures full width 4K 60p footage that is oversampled from 6K sensor data for sharp, detailed video content, as well as 180fps Full HD recording for slow motion videos. To support those wanting to upskill in video, this camera supports Canon Log 3 at 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 H.265 internal recording which offers greater dynamic range and more flexibility post- production. Alternatively, HDR PQ and HDR Movie modes can be selected to suit those with a HDR workflow and produces a clean HDMI output to compatible devices.

To combat focus breathing during move recording, the EOS R8 has a function that compensates for changes to the angle of view when adjusting the focus distance. The camera also gives extended recording times for up to two hours of normal video shooting , ideal for capturing vlogs or shooting at events.

Featuring the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF II as the EOS R5 and EOS R6 Mark II, the EOS R8 focuses in as little as 0.03 seconds  even at 40fps with the electronic shutter. This intelligent system detects and tracks a range of subjects including animals, vehicles and people, offering head, face and eye detection for precision focus. For greater control, it is even possible to select which eye to prioritise. To simplify detection across such a broad range of subjects, users can choose the auto setting which selects the subject based on the composition of the image. This performance extends to low light shooting scenarios as low as -6.5 EV .

Enhanced connectivity

With built in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® connectivity  users can easily share their work and make use of the Camera Connect app, while the WPA/WPA2/WPA3-Personal authentication ensures a secure connection. 

For users seeking fast, easy, wired connection for direct download and operation via the Canon Connect App, the EOS R8 is iOS MFI certified®  for iPhone. Android users can enjoy the same benefits via USB-C to USB-C cable . The EOS R8 can also be used as a webcam with its USB video device class (UVC)/ USB audio device class (UAC) support. 

Camera cloud platform, image.canon, enables Canon cameras equipped with automatic image transfer functionality to automatically  upload image and video files in their original quality (file is not compressed) directly to image.canon and store them for up to 30 days . Serving as a hub for users’ content, image.canon makes possible the transfer of image files to connected PCs, compatible smartphones and external web services. Canon recently made updates to image.canon, expanding its use to a number of new users with Adobe Lightroom® movie and corporate support enabling compatibility with a range of services including Frame.io and Google Photo® accounts .

A small, light, everyday zoom

The RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is a small and lightweight lens with a 2x zoom and 24-50mm focal length, a great choice for improving photography and video skills particularly when shooting portraits, interiors or travel. It offers advanced image stabilisation up to 4.5 stops which increases to up to 7 stops when attached to an EOS R camera with IBIS, meaning creators and photographers can shoot video and stills in low light without the need for a tripod. The STM focusing motor is fast and quiet, with extra control from a customisable lens control ring that lets users switch between different modes so they can shoot and film like a pro. Benefitting from the RF Mount, the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM works with EOS R Series cameras to support a wide range of in-camera image enhancement features including panning in scene mode and focus breathing correction for movies.

Shoot with ease when travelling or on-the-go

With over a third (38%) or approximately 7.1 million Australians having bought or intending to buy a camera to use when travelling , the EOS R50 is the ultimate travel companion with its lightweight design (375g) and comfortable grip, making capturing content on-the-go easy. Compose a shot at any angle with the vari-angle touch screen – up high, down low or with the camera facing you for vlogging and selfies while travelling and capturing content. The touch screen interface, electronic viewfinder and simplified layout of controls make the camera intuitive to use. 

Creative Assist automatically offers the ideal settings for different scenes, while Creative Bracket mode provides multiple looks for each image. This makes the EOS R50 ideal for anyone new to mirrorless looking for a camera that they can develop their skills with at their own pace.

Create like a professional

The high resolution 24.2 megapixel APS-C sized sensor offers genuine control over depth of field, taking sharp detailed stills with beautifully blurred backgrounds, and records UHD 4K 30p video oversampled from 6K for high quality memories in video. Automatic in-camera image merging guarantees focus when capturing subjects closeup. The camera also has reduced digital noise and controlled highlights when shooting at night, and more contrast when there’s a wide dynamic range.

The EOS R50 gives users the power to capture more, with Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus II that detects and tracks people, animals and vehicles to quickly focus on subjects, even if they are moving. This is supported by continuous shooting at 12fps using the electronic first curtain and 15fps silent electronic shutter to ensure that important moments aren’t missed. 

RF lens compatibility and access to the EF lens range with an adapter makes shooting easy. From ultra-wide angle to super telephoto, versatile zooms to fixed lenses – the EOS R50 consistently delivers.

Featuring a multi-function hot shoe, vloggers can easily connect compatible external accessories  such as a microphone to the camera, which is more resistant to noise interference than when connected via a cable. The multi-function shoe can also be used to supply power from the camera to compatible accessories which will assist users with power management when creating content on the go.

Connect and share seamlessly

The EOS R50 gives travellers and content creators the ability to break boundaries without breaking their flow. Seamless Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® connectivity enables image and movie transfer using the Camera Connect app for instant sharing and remote shooting. For users seeking fast, easy, wired connection for direct download and operation via the Canon Connect app, the EOS R50 is iOS MFI certified®  for iPhone. Android users can enjoy the same benefits via USB-C to USB-C cable which can be purchased separately. 

Perfect for vlogging or group photos, the Bluetooth connection also allows simple control with the BR-E1 remote control or a compatible smartphone to take images or start and stop recording. It’s also possible to use the EOS R50 as a webcam using UVC/UAC over a USB connection, requiring no additional software, to achieve high quality live streams and video conferencing.

Camera cloud platform, image.canon, enables Canon cameras equipped with automatic image transfer functionality  to automatically upload image and video files in their original quality directly to image.canon and store them for up to 30 days . Serving as a hub for users’ content, image.canon makes possible the transfer of image files to connected PCs, compatible smartphones and external web services. Canon recently made updates to image.canon, expanding its use to a number of new users with Adobe Lightroom® movie and corporate support enabling compatibility with a range of services including Frame.io and Google Photo accounts® .   

The perfect zoom lens for on the go

The RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM is a compact and versatile RF zoom lens (approx. 3.8x) that is ideal for capturing subjects that are further away or achieving a flattering look to portraits with subject separation and blurred backgrounds. Its image stabilisation means users can capture sharp photos even without a tripod, and a STM focusing system achieves smooth and quiet autofocusing perfect for shooting video. The RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens is perfect for shooting travel, sports and pets, positioned for users looking to experiment with different setups and expand their reach. The lens is the perfect addition for users with the EOS R50 and RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM.

Exclusive camera strap with easy to use quick-release connection 

Based on research with Canon’s community of photographers, a limited-edition strap combining quality, durability and style, as well as an easy to use quick-release connection, has been designed in partnership with Status Anxiety. Perfect for travellers or creating content on-the-go, Status Anxiety, specialists in high-quality leather goods, has created the strap exclusively for Canon and the new EOS R50. 

Availability

The EOS R8 and RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM will be supported by Canon Australia’s 5-year warranty when purchased from SUNSTUDIOS. Both will be available in Australia from late April 2023.  

The EOS R50 and RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM will be supported by Canon Australia’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised Canon Australia reseller. Pricing will be set at dealers’ discretion. The exclusive Status Anxiety camera strap is included for a limited time in both the single and twin lens kits.

Both kits and the lens will be available in Australia from late March 2023 and kits can be pre-ordered at SUNSTUDIOS. 

EOS R8 key features

• Full frame 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor
• Full width 6K oversampled 4K 60p video recording and 180fps Full HD recording
• High resolution 2.36 million dot EVF runs at up to 120fps maximum refresh rate
• Intelligent subject detection for animals, vehicles and people
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for always-on connection

RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM key features

• 2x standard zoom lens covering a wide-angle field starting from 24mm
• Optical Image stabilisation up to 4.5 stops
• Up to 7-stops with Coordinated control of OIS x IBIS
• Leadscrew-type STM for smooth movie AF
• Compact and lightweight easy to use design

EOS R50 key features

• 24.2 megapixel APS-C sized sensor
• New advanced automatic modes
• Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus II
• 3” vari-angle touchscreen
• UHD 4K 30p video oversampled from 6K

RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM key features

• RF-S telephoto zoom (approx. 3.8x) lens that covers a telephoto range equivalent to 88-336mm in full frame format
• New optics that use a PMo aspheric lens
• Allows close-up shooting at a maximum magnification of 0.28x
• Uses OIS for an image stabilisation effect of 4.5 stops (CIPA standard) and 7 stops when used with IBIS