Canon Philippines has just announced the release of its latest entry full-frame camera, the EOS R8. This new camera 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 fps continuous shooting, with the portability of the EOS RP. It’s equipped with a variety of new features and functions that will impress both photography and videography enthusiasts.
One of the key selling points of the EOS R8 is its compact and lightweight design. At approximately 461g (with battery pack and SD card), it is 20g lighter than the EOS RP. This means that users can stay agile and have an edge when it comes to creative camera angles and transitions.
One of the challenges of shooting handheld videos is camera shake. EOS R8 is equipped with Movie Digital IS, which digitally performs tilt correction as well as 5-axis image stabilization during video shooting so that you get stable handheld videos even when using lenses with no optical image stabilization. When used with a lens that has Optical IS, the two systems can seamlessly work together for better results.
From run-and-gun event coverage to documentaries and short films that require a lot of post-production work, the EOS R8 is well-equipped to tackle the different requirements and workflows to produce stunning video. For instance, 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. This means that users can obtain high-quality source footage, which is crucial in producing stunning videos.
EOS R8 also features 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. Users can keep the camera rolling for extended periods of time, without having to worry about overheating or running out of recording time.
Shooting in Full HD at as high as 180p will produce 30p output with action slowed down to 1/6 the speed. Rolling shutter distortion is reduced to almost half that on the EOS RP when shooting at 4K 30p/25p for stunning slow-motion footage with reduced distortion.
EOS R8 has two options for recording 10-bit 4:2:2 high dynamic range video. HDR PQ for amazing dynamic range and beautiful colors straight out of camera when viewed on an HDR display. Canon Log 3 offers the same level of information that is not “baked-in”, for more flexibility for heavier post-processing workflows that involve color grading.
Focus is crucial in both photography and videography and is near impossible to correct in post-production. EOS R8 nails it effortlessly during both still and video shooting with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II. 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, color, 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.
With low light limits of up to EV-6.5 for stills and EV-42 for video, the autofocus system operates well even in dark conditions. This work with with the camera’s high native ISO speed ranges of up to ISO 102,400 (still shooting) and ISO 25,600 (video shooting) for enhanced low light usability.
EOS R8 also helps to elevate your video creations with the following features.
- 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.
Two New Lenses: RF24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM and RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM
With a weight of approximately 210g and measuring 5.8cm when retracted, 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.
The lens features 4.5 stops’ Optical IS and supports enhanced stabilization through Coordinated Control IS with cameras that feature Movie Digital IS and In-Body IS: for the latter, up to 7 stops’ IS is possible.
RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM weighs approximately 270g, providing a full-frame equivalent angle of view of approximately 88 to 336mm, with up to 0.28x magnification and a closest focusing distance of 0.73m at the tele end. It also uses two UD lenses and two optically placed aspherical lenses to correct chromatic aberrations, delivering high-resolution and sharpness with excellent color throughout the entire zoom range.
EOS R8 Pricing and Availability
- Body Only – PHP 107,998
- With RF24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM – PHP 122,998
EOS R8 is available for purchase in all Canon Image Squares, Concept Stores, Canon Online Flagship Stores and select authorized retail partners nationwide. EOS R8 buyers can get a FREE 128GB SD Card, a FREE Lens Loan Voucher worth PHP 5,000, and access to discounted rates for the Basic Videography Workshop.
EOS R8 will be available starting mid-April 2023. For the full specifications, click here.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
