Canon is kicking off its 2023 releases with two entry-level camera models, the EOS R50 and R8. The move is a sensible about-face following last year's additions to the growing system, which were headlined by higher-end models like the EOS R7 and R3.
EOS R50
The R50 slots in as the new entry-level R camera, just below last year's EOS R10 in the lineup. It shares much of the tech with the R10, including the image sensor and subject recognition autofocus system, but puts it all in a body that's incredibly light and small, just 13.2 ounces without a lens.
Even so, there aren't too many technical drawbacks. The R50 drops the focus joystick and uses a smaller handgrip than the R10, so it's not quite as good a match for bigger lenses and action photography. But it's still capable of fast bursts, at 12fps with the mechanical shutter or 15fps with the fully electronic shutter.
The EVF lines up with the R10 too, as it's a 0.6x 2.4-million-dot display. The rear LCD is an upgrade, fully articulating with 1.6 million dots and touch support. Canon omits sensor stabilization for this model (you'll have to upgrade to an R7 for that feature). It's not surprising given the slim form factor.
So up-and-coming vloggers targeting the R50 may want to add a small gimbal (the DJI RS 3 Mini is a perfect fit), but otherwise the camera looks like a good option for video. It supports full-width 4K30 with an 8-bit SDR or 10-bit HDR color profile.
The EOS R50 is coming to market this spring. Canon sets its price at $679.99 as a body only, or $799.99 if you want it with the RF-S 18-45mm kit zoom. There's also a two-lens kit with the 18-45mm and the newly announced RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM telezoom for $1,029.99. The 55-210mm is available separately for $349.99.
EOS R8
Canon opted for a numerical badge for the EOS R8, but the entry-minded full-frame camera is, for all intents and purposes, the EOS RP Mark II. The RP came out in the early days of the R system with a low price tag and features to match. We were happy with its picture quality and price, but handling, focus speed, and video features left something to be desired.
The R8 uses the same body style as the RP, so there are no surprises when it comes to ergonomics. We found the RP to be capable and comfortable to use when we reviewed it, but did miss having a focus joystick available. The body also skips dust and splash protection, a feature that's included in higher-end options.
And it addresses questions about speed and picture quality head-on. The R8 uses the same 24MP CMOS sensor as the recent EOS R6 Mark II, and matches its 40fps e-shutter tracking speed. Sensor stabilization isn't included, and the mechanical shutter is limited to 6fps bursts, however, so there's still reason for more demanding photogs to spend for the R6 Mark II.
For video, the R8 supports 4K60 recording using the full width of the sensor with 10-bit color and support for HDR and C-Log3 profiles. The lack of a stabilized sensor is a downside for handheld use, so vloggers looking at this one should definitely consider a gimbal for handheld recording.
The EOS R8 is due to ship in the spring for $1,499 as a body only, or for $1,699 with the newly introduced RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM zoom. The 24-50mm is available on its own for $299.99.
We'll have more on both cameras when we've had a chance to test and review them. In the meantime, you can look at our best reviewed cameras for creators using Canon lenses.