Canon eos r
Unlike every other Canon full-frame camera on test, the new EOS R does its tricks without mirrors
price-wise, the EOS R is pitched between the 6D Mark II and 5D Mark IV. It has a practically identical megapixel count as the latter, and has a newergeneration image processor
than both. As Canon’s first mirrorless full-frame camera, it’s like a grown-up version of EOS M models, and features a completely new lens ‘RF’ lens mount.
Of course, the supporting cast of new lenses is currently a bit thin but, crucially, the camera is typically sold complete with an EF adapter. This enables you to use both EF and EF-S (Aps-format) SLR lenses from your existing collection of Canon glass. That’s an intriguing possibility, as you can’t use EF-S lenses on Canon’s fullframe SLRS. However, frustratingly for those trading up from an EOS M series camera, there’s no mount adaptor for EF-M lenses.
Build and handling
Headline attractions include an upgraded version of Canon’s Dual Pixel AF autofocus system with a stupendous 5565 phase-detection points, covering almost the whole image frame. It can practically see in the dark, with a range stretching down to -6EV. Even so, autofocus proved slower and more prone to hunting under low lighting, compared to the SLRS here.
Handling benefits from a simple yet intuitive interface and the introduction of a customizable ‘Multi-function bar’ just above the high-res 3.2-inch touchscreen. Like the 6D Mark II, the EOS R has a fully articulated vari-angle rear screen, although the Quick menu isn’t quite as slick and intuitive. The 0.5-inch OLED electronic
viewfinder gives full 100 per cent frame coverage and the same 0.76x magnification as the optical viewfinder of the 1D X Mark II. It has a resolution of 3690k dots, giving a super-sharp image.
One of the bonuses of an EVF is that it gives a real-time preview of exposure settings. The downside is that electronic viewfinders are notorious for giving a blurry view when panning and tracking objects. The EOS R’s viewfinder isn’t too bad in this respect.
Performance
With a maximum burst rate of 8fps, the EOS R outperforms the 5D Mark IV by a single frame per second. This would be great for action sports and wildlife photography, but the drive speed drops to just 5fps when using Ai-servo (continuous) autofocus.
Image quality is every bit as good as from the 5D Mark IV. Resolution scores are impressive, but the ability to capture consistently sharp shots is hampered by the lack of IBIS
(in body image stabilization), which is unusual for a full-frame mirrorless. Canon maintains that optical image stabilization is a better option, tailored to individual lenses, but that’s moot when shooting with unstabilized RF, EF or EF-S glass.