Canon EOS R8 - Full frame hybrid camera with 10 bit log under 2000 Euro
[10:42 Wed,8.February 2023 by Rudi Schmidts]
With the EOS R8, Canon presents another mirrorless full-frame camera that is technically largely based on the EOS R6 Mark II, but is more compact and costs less. The biggest functional difference for videographers might be the omission of the moving sensor bearing.
The Canon EOS R8
The camera has a full-frame 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor that can record in Canon Log 3 at 10-bit 4:2:2 in H.265 up to 50/60p. According to the press release, the full sensor width from the oversampling of the 6K sensor data is used for internal 4K UHD recording. An SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) slot is available for this purpose. In addition, the HDMI port can also output YCbCr 4:2:2 with up to 60p in 10 bit when Canon Log3/HDR PQ is activated. Unfortunately, the HDMI port is only micro socket (type D).
The Canon EOS R8
Instead, there is even an input for an external microphone (3.5 mm mini jack, stereo) as well as a headphone output. The multi-function accessory shoe can be used to connect, among other things, a XLR adapter from Tascam.
With a weight of only approx. 461 g (incl. memory card and battery), the Canon EOS R8 is the lightest full-frame camera of the EOS R system to date. Measuring 132.5 x 86.1 x 70 mm, the camera has similar dimensions to the EOS RP. It has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million pixels that updates at up to 120 fps. A special switch allows quick switching between photo and video recording.
In principle, the camera is supposed to be able to record up to two hours at a time, but in 4K UHD 59.94p there may be limitations due to heat in high outdoor temperatures, according to Canon.
The Canon EOS R8
Dual Pixel autofocus detects and tracks a range of subjects, including animals, vehicles and people, thanks to AI algorithms, and offers head, face and eye detection. For greater control, you can even select which eye should be given priority.
For wireless transmission, there is both 2.4 GHz WLAN and Bluetooth connectivity. The EOS R8 can also function as a USB Video Device (UVC) / USB Audio Device (UAC), making it easy to use as a webcam.
The Canon EOS R8
The kit lens that comes with the R8 is the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM. This is a is a small, lightweight lens with optical image stabiliser. The STM focusing motor is said to be fast and quiet. There is also a configurable lens control ring.
The Canon EOS R8 and RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM are scheduled to be available from the end of April 2023. The EOS R8 body for 1799 euros, The RF 24-50 for 399 euros and the kit for 1999 euros.