EOS R in the wild
The practicalities and details of working with the EOS R
The Canon EOS R has polarized opinions since launch, but what’s it like in reality? With the launch, Canon also released a new lens mount that is the future of the EOS system. However a lens mount needs a camera and lenses. The EOS R is made from several elements seen on other EOS cameras, and two of the new RF lenses were announced to show what is possible with the new mount.
The EF-EOS R lens adapter takes all the old EF and EF-S lenses, it’s just a spacer and adapts the electrical contacts to the new RF mount. The EOS R “speaks” both RF and EF lens protocols natively. When using EF or EF-S lenses with Image Stabilizer the IS unit runs continuously, so that the camera can focus more consistently.
The control layout is a step in a new direction, especially if you’re used to Canon mid-range cameras. There’s a scarcity of buttons and dials, with many
settings changed with the touchscreen LCD. Customization of the buttons and dials is extensive, and I found that simplifying the camera works. I’ve reduced the possible settings on the M-FN button to just, ISO and AF mode. I also changed the video record button when shooting stills, it now switches between my AF methods. I only have one point AF and face detect AF active – it’s easy to switch.
I use the viewfinder when shooting, so enabling touch and drag AF was crucial to move the AF point around. The multi-function touch bar has been a polarizing control, I don’t like it when shooting, but use it when reviewing shots. I have it set up to slide between frames, and the end points are set to add a single star rating to the displayed photo. Tap again and the star vanishes.
For movie shooting, many moaned about the lack of in-body stabilization, but Canon did include digital stabilization that works with the RF lenses with IS, so called combination IS. For video shooting, even 4K, this is impressive with smooth footage, though it does increase the crop.