Even though the new EOS R8 does not feel as solid with fewer buttons and knobs compared to the EOS R6 Mark II, the image sensor and processor are the same, so the EOS R8 is capable of producing similar video and still shooting qualities. The overall compactness of the camera is less intimidating for the casual shooter to use, while the chunky grip provides good handling comfort.
The option to use an electronic shutter to capture up to 40 frames per second is enticing, but nothing beats the mechanical shutter firing in synchrony with every image capture, up to 6 frames per second.
The touchscreen LCD supports full articulation to allow me to shoot at all angles, especially selfies. I can also flip inwards to protect it from damage when transporting. Touch controls certainly speed up setting changes by tapping the on-screen icons instead of using the directional pads to move the cursor, but being a traditional camera user, I still prefer shooting through the electronic viewfinder. The 119.88 fps refresh rate simulates the experience of an optical viewfinder in bright conditions, while the preview exposure lets me compose my images in low light albeit at a slower refresh rate.
With over 24 megapixels, there are a lot of pixels to crop and use for online content while retaining details. This is one area where large sensors on mirrorless systems like EOS R8 win over smartphone cameras, even when the latter offers a higher pixel count.
When using the EOS R8 to capture video content, I like that I can use the Aspect Marker feature to see visual indicators on the preview screen so that I can frame the shots for post-cropping before uploading to the social network like TikTok and Instagram. It also supports oversampling so that video remains sharp even when shooting cropped in 4K or FHD. I also like to make use of the pre-recording feature to ensure I can still catch unexpected moments even before I hit the record button.
The Canon EOS R8 is so compact and affordable, yet it delivers images and performance on par with the higher-end models. Advanced users might miss out on some additional controls but like all cameras, it is all about controlling aperture, shutter, and focus. The EOS R8 is an excellent value camera system for content creators looking to achieve quality photos and videos.
The Canon EOS R8 retail at S$2,669 (with RF24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM).
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