Thanks to Canon, another shot has just been fired in the full-frame mirrorless battle. Today, the company announced its entry-level EOS R series camera, the Canon EOS RP, for an incredible price of $1300. That price includes an EF adapter as well as an extension grip. The camera also sells with Canon’s EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 for $1700, or with the RF 24-105mm f/4 for $2200. Here’s what you need to know.
Canon EOS RP Specifications
- Resolution: 26.2 megapixels
- Pixel Dimensions: 6240 × 4160
- Sensor size: 35.9 × 24.0 mm
- Processor: Digic 8
- ISO Range (standard): 100-40,000
- ISO Range (extended): 50-102,400
- In-Body Image Stabilization: No
- Frame Rate: 5 FPS (4 FPS with autofocus)
- Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 to 30 seconds
- Flash Sync Speed: 1/180 second
- Bracketing: ±3 EV
- LCD: 3” tilt-flip touchscreen
- LCD Resolution: 1,040,000 dots
- Viewfinder Resolution: 2,360,000 dots
- Viewfinder Magnification: 0.7×
- Viewfinder Coverage: 100%
- Video: 4K at 25 FPS, 8-bit color, APS-C crop; 1080p at 60 FPS
- Dual Pixel AF: Yes
- Autofocus Points: 4779
- Autofocus Type: PDAF and Contrast-Detect Available
- Buffer: Unlimited (RAW and JPEG)
- Eye AF: Yes, with pupil detection
- Battery: 250 shots (CIPA)
- Memory Card: Single UHS-II SD Slot
- Bluetooth: Yes
- WiFi: Yes
- USB: 2.0
- Weight with Battery and Card: 485 g (17.1 oz)
- Size: 135.8 × 98.3 × 84.4 mm (5.3 × 3.9 × 3.3 inches)
There aren’t any real “gotcha” features that the EOS RP lacks in order to make up for its lower price. The EOS RP has dual pixel autofocus, a 100% magnification viewfinder, eye AF, and a tilt-flip touchscreen. Frame rate and video specifications are a bit lower than on the EOS R, and the sensor is 26.2 megapixels rather than 30.3, but overall this is a very impressive looking camera for the price. Some photographers may be disappointed that the RP does not have IBIS, as some rumors suggested it would, although the EOS R does not have IBIS either.
The extension grip that ships with the camera is not a battery grip, but rather a way to make the height of the camera taller and improve the grip comfort. The EOS RP will ship on February 27th.
Yes, This Camera Will Sell Like Hotcakes
Canon’s first foray into the full-frame mirrorless world, the EOS R, was met with plenty of skepticism. (Our own review at Photography Life is coming soon.) Yet Canon’s massive name and careful launch were enough to catapult the new system to 22% market share in Japan almost instantly, taking a massive cut from Sony’s previous 99.5% dominance.
If a $2300 camera with mixed reviews could do that in a couple months, what will a $1300 camera manage? With Canon’s enormous user base, I have little doubt that the EOS RP will soon be the best-selling full frame mirrorless camera on the market. Personally, I cannot wait to test it; a price this reasonable has lowered the barrier of entry to mirrorless cameras for many photographers, making it one of the most important cameras today. This announcement certainly signals to Canon users that the company’s future lies, at least in large part, with mirrorless.
Start by Adapting Lenses
Although the RP camera itself is price ridiculously low, it’s worth noting that the current lineup of Canon RF lenses is mostly higher-end. The company has a 28-70mm f/2, 50mm f/1.2, 24-105mm f/4, and 35mm f/1.8. The 35mm f/1.8 is the cheapest of the four, selling for a very reasonable $450. But the others are quite expensive, with even the 24-105mm f/4 selling for $900 as a kit with the RP. That brings the total price of this camera and lens up to $2200.
For that reason, my recommendation to Canon users considering the RP is to use it with adapted lenses for now, aside from the 35mm f/1.8. Remember that the $1300 price includes an EF mount adapter, so there is no real harm in doing so. Anyway, at $2200, you start to get into the territory of other full-frame mirrorless kits, and the RP has to work a lot harder to justify itself. Even the Nikon Z6 and 24-70mm f/4 lens are $2400 when you take advantage of the current $200 trade-in deal.
No, if I were a Canon user, I would use EF glass with the RP instead, and I would try to wait patiently until less expensive native primes and zooms become available in the coming months and years. The 35mm f/1.8 is already across that threshold, and the 24-105mm f/4 is close. More reasonable options are coming soon. For example, as much as superzooms are derided these days, the upcoming Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 (also announced today) will make a very compelling kit with the RP camera – an ultralight, inexpensive, full-frame combo covering all the important focal lengths. That is an easy sell for Canon.
Pre-Order
The EOS RP ships on February 27th. You can pre-order your copy from B&H below:
Press Release
Full Frame For The Masses! Canon Introduces Its Second Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera — The EOS RP
New Super-Compact and Ultra-Lightweight EOS RP is Ideal for Users Looking to Graduate to Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera at an Affordable Price
MELVILLE, NY, February 13, 2019 – Responding to the demand from amateur and advanced amateur photographers for an entry-level, full-frame mirrorless camera, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the second camera in the EOS R lineup, the EOS RP. The EOS RP is designed for photographers looking to step up from Canon’s APS-C cameras: the EOS Rebel, EOS M and the EOS 80D, into the world of full-frame mirrorless photography. Weighing in at just 17.29 ounces, the EOS RP camera is lighter than a 500ml bottle of water and smaller than Canon’s popular APS-C DSLR camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i, coming in at approximately 5.0in (w) x 3.77in (h) x 2.36in (d). With optics at its core, the EOS RP takes full advantage of the complete line up of RF lenses and is compatible with the existing collection of Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses with the use of one of three optional RF EOS-R Mount Adaptersi.
“As Canon continues to evolve its full-frame mirrorless cameras, our goal is that one day the EOS R line becomes as widely popular as our celebrated lineup of EOS DSLR cameras,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “As a company, we believe that in order for us to accomplish that goal, Canon needs to develop full-frame mirrorless cameras for every skill level of photographers and that starts with amateurs and advanced amateurs. This makes the EOS RP the perfect addition to the existing lineup.”
The new Canon EOS RP full-frame mirrorless camera features a 26.2 megapixel CMOS sensor that is powered by the company’s DIGIC 8 image processor, providing users with high-image quality, outstanding operation and functionality. The new Canon EOS RP features Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus (AF) with 4,779 manually selectable AF pointsii and a wide AF coverage area of 88 percent horizontal and 100 percent vertical. With f/1.2 lenses, the camera astonishingly boasts AF sensitivity in low light in as little as Exposure Value (EV) -5. When using the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens with the EOS RP, the camera can focus in as little as 0.05 seconds with Dual Pixel CMOS AFiii. When using eye detection AF, the camera can automatically detect faces and focus on the eye of the subject. This feature is supported when the camera is set in either servo AF mode during continuous shooting and movie servo AF, as well as one-shot AF.
Like the EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera that was announced in September 2018, the EOS RP is built around the same 54mm mount diameter and short-back focus. This allows for the use of one of three optional mount adapters for full compatibility with all existing EF, EF-S, TS-E and MP-E lenses. Through the use of the optional Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter or Control Ring Mount Adapter, these lenses, in fact, gain functionality.
For photographers looking to further expand their abilities and capture a wide variety of both still and video images, the EOS RP features Visual Guide mode. First introduced with the EOS Rebel T7i and EOS 77D, this mode allows users to see on screen how switching modes on the mode dial or tweaking settings can alter the image they are about to capture. This mode helps to guide photographers to capture more compelling images, such as ones with a shallow depth-of-field or being able to give moving subjects a frozen or flowing look. For those looking to expand their imaginative options, the camera also features Creative Assist mode that allows photographers to use new and unique visual effects and adjustments when shooting, such as brightness, contrast, saturation, color tone, monochrome and background blur. In addition, the design, ergonomics, layout and ease-of-use of the camera are very similar to that of other Canon cameras consumers might already be familiar with.
Additional noteworthy features of the EOS RP camera include:
- Built-in 0.39 inch, 2.36 million dot Electronic Viewfinder with Touch-and-Drag AF
- Vari-Angle LCD touchscreen
- 4K UHD 24P/Full HD 60p video recording with 4K time-lapse shooting and the ability to extract still images from 4K video recordings
- ISO range of 100-25,600 that is expandable up to ISO of 102,400
- Built-in Wi-Fi®iv and Bluetooth®v technology
- Mobile RAW workflow supported paired with Digital Photo Professional Express Appvi
Availability and Pricing
The Canon EOS RP full-frame mirrorless camera is scheduled to be available in March 2019 for an estimated retail price of $1299.00 for the body only. It will also be sold as a body-and-lens kit with the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens for $2399.00*
To learn more about the EOS R system, including in-depth educational tutorials, please visit www.usa.canon.com.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $36 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents granted in 2018† and is one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2018. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA.
# # #
†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
i When attaching an EF-S lens via any of Canon’s new R-series mount adapters, the EOS RP automatically switches to a APS-C crop mode.
ii Available AF points may decrease when shooting with AF cropping or in movie mode, or depending on camera settings or lens attached.
iii Based on results of AF speed tests in accordance with CIPA guidelines. Results may vary depending on shooting conditions and lens in use. Relies on internal measurement method.
- Brightness at time of distance measurement: EV12(regular temperature, ISO 100)
- Shooting mode: M
- Lens in use: RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM, with focal distance of 24mm and live-view mode on (with manual shutter button operation)
- AF mode: Live single-point AF(central) and AF operation: One-shot AF
iv Compatible with iOS® versions 9.3/10.3, Android™ smartphone and tablet versions 4.4/5.0/5.1/6.0/7.0/7.1. Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app.
v Compatible with select smartphone and tablet devices (Android™ version 5.0 or later and the following iOS® devices: iPhone 4s or later, iPad 3rd gen. or later, iPod Touch 5th gen. or later) equipped with Bluetooth® version 4.0 or later and the Camera Connect.
vi Compatible with iPad models utilizing iOS 11 or later and equipped with at least 2GB of onboard RAM—specifically, iPad Pro (all models), iPad (5th generation), iPad (6th generation), iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2.
*Availability, prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
How significantly will the crop factor affect overall image quality when using EF-S lenses through the adapter? I’m an amateur looking to upgrade from a starter DSLR to a full-frame without the large cost of switching out lenses, but am unsure if this camera is the next logical step for me
Will this RP perform better than the Sony A7ii for photos? How about videos? Sorry to introduce the other brand, as I am part of the market and I am looking to get my first FF and looking keenly on ML offerings. Thank you.
Deficiencies? If it has silent electronic shutter mode and the sensor sweetness of the original 6D, wow. Of course IBIS would make this camera blow lots of others out of the water, but ’tis what it is.
My understanding is that the sensor is based on the newer 6D II, which has not gotten the best reviews for dynamic range or ISO performance – but those aren’t the only reasons to get a full-frame sensor. Color fidelity and depth of field with f/1.4 (and f/1.2!) lenses, even f/1.8 lenses, is a big deal for this camera. Along the same lines, it will have access to better lens lineups in general, especially for wide angles. With the weight less than that of most crop-sensor DSLRs – and even a price less than some of them – it’s hard to be disappointed.
Then again, I too was hoping for IBIS on this camera, especially with the rumors suggesting it! But it looks like Canon users will have to wait a bit to get a camera with that feature.
Off the bat, the most surprising stat for this camera is the Unlimited Buffer in both JPG and RAW. Of course, max FPS is only 5, and only 4 FPS with Autofocus, so that helps to keep the buffer from filling. Not the best for a sports camera, and I am not certain how well for bird and wildlife either. However, it should pull in lots of users at the price listed. Now for the snarky part: This camera is almost a bait and switch item. People will buy, and have to buy some lenses, and perhaps only later realize the limits (sports, birds and wildlife). Then, in order to avoid losing money on switching to another system, will have to buy a most expensive Canon MILC for sports, birds and wildlife. If, however, they don’t need or desire sports, birds or wildlife, then the camera should work out good for them. Yeah, I know, just my opinion, however I do reserve the right to have it, and you have the right to have yours.
William, I think your opinion is pretty spot-on. This camera is designed in much the same way as an entry-level DSLR – to grab new photographers and pull them into the Canon mirrorless ecosystem. For some of the EOS RP’s users, probably even most, this camera will more than satisfy their needs, and they won’t feel a desire to upgrade any time soon. But it is inherently a limited camera in some important ways, like frame rate and video specs. A lot of photographers will realize they need something more, so the RP will indeed have a higher turnaround rate than other cameras at this price (such as Fuji’s, even though they are APS-C).
I can see the bait part, but I also see the value part.
If there was a Nikon tag on it, I would not loose a second thought and hit the order button. Why? Fully articulated LCD instead the crippled apparatusism Nikon now limits us users with, attractive price point, included adapter.
If I were a Canon (DSLR) user, this body is a massive invitation to explore the lands of ML. Plus possibility to add some unique lenses to my existing glass park.
If I were a Canon user with some glass leftovers from a switch to Sony, this body could win me back over.
If I were a Canon EOS R owner, I would get one as secondary body (and maybe regret the money I spent on EOS R body as I don’t find that one too convincing and partly a bit odd).
I don’t think this camera will impact Sony or Nikon all that much. Canon is making a foray into the lower end. Sony uses old models + discounts to do the same. It remains to be seen whether an A7II compares favorably with this new one or not. Nikon’s positioned the Z6 well and it has quite a few features above this one. Nikon will lose out on some volume but Nikon is positioning itself differently.
Where I see this impacting other players is in the APS market. This begins to cut the supports out from Fuji for sure and Sony’s APS cameras. This will also create a strong headwind for Olympus.
It interesting seeing how the big 2 are trying to position themselves. Nikon is clearly aiming towards prosumer and enthusiast markets (a past strength) and Canon towards the consumer and enthusiast markets.
Sony’s discount system on old cameras is, on paper, a great way to compete with this EOS RP – and I’m sure it will help divide the flow somewhat between Sony and Canon. But there is also a bias among consumers to buy the “latest gen” model of a product like this, even if its specs match up to older models.
For example, the casual photographer who walks into Best Buy will see the EOS RP next to the A7 III and Nikon Z6 (as well as the EOS R), and the A7 II probably won’t even be in the store. Of those cameras, the RP is almost certainly going to be the most compelling if only because of price and the Canon name (and, as silly as it seems, the extra two megapixels). Granted, not everyone buys their cameras this way, and a number of photographers will realize that more expensive options like the Z6 are priced higher for a good reason. But Canon has done an excellent job positioning its EOS RP and EOS R cameras, and I definitely would be worried if I were Nikon or Sony.
I would say that they’ve done a good job with the RP, but not the R. The RP is basically what the R should have been, by either having the R features for 1500-1700, or just releasing the RP features for 1300. The Eos R on it’s own merit doesn’t distance itself from the RP enough to justify it’s price increase. The Z6 and A7III both are better values, and the RF lens lineup consisting of mainly premium, expensive lenses really doesn’t match up well with fairly basic, low value bodies. I get it, flex your lens muscles with the new mount, but make a body worthy of them to go with it. Nikon’s approach, albeit with some caveats at first (AF tracking, no Eye AF, maybe card slots if you’re a sony die hard) with 2 very well separated bodies basically covered from D610 to D850 with just the Z6 and Z7. I will say that Canon knocked it out of the park with the adapters, the control ring and filter insert are genius.
“The Eos R on it’s own merit doesn’t distance itself from the RP enough to justify it’s price increase.”
??? Really? There is a hige difference between to, starting with better sensor, better EVF, better LCD, better battery, better and more robust body, more buffer etc.. These are not tiny differences.
Think how different Z6/Z7 and A7III/A7IIIR. What is the difference except from the sensors?
There is only a 4mp difference between the 2. The EVF, LCD, and battery are not nearly enough to make people pick a Eos R over a Z6 or Z7 (assuming they’re starting out new). Considering the how much stuff was gutted from the Eos R compared to those other bodies (IBIS, Proper 4K video, FPS) those features really don’t mean much. When you factor in the premium lens selection only for native mount, the Eos R becomes a very expensive kit compared to both the Sony A series and Nikon Z series. The Eos R should have been 1500-1700 for the features it packs, or just have the RP and keep the low price and then release a proper premium body later (5D SR level sensor).
i just hope the camera will good for all of us, first the canon user, then Sony and Nikon user since I think either those will have to realease entry level cheaper to compete or lower the current price, or both. i just hope nikon z6 must come down in price and include ftz as default. nikon marketing always very bad, i should include ftz (no charge) from begining.
this camera will sell like hot cake. it’s may not the top ceature but good ebough for vast people as all roind and travel camera.
do not know if this avaialble, how people , exept the fan , can buy a aps-c fujifilm x-t3 or xh1 for more.
Canon is really pushing the price angle, and I believe the reason is because they are thinking long-term with this release. No doubt they could have priced the camera higher – maybe even $1700-1800 – and still sold a huge number of copies. The $1300 price, to me, is not about extracting maximum profit from this particular model, but about hooking as many photographers as possible on the EOS R system from day one (including current APS-C mirrorless users). Canon is already playing catch-up to Sony, and it doesn’t help that Nikon and Panasonic entered this market at almost exactly the same time. Even if Canon (hypothetically) merely breaks even on their mirrorless system over the next few years, it would be worthwhile if it gets them the same market share as they have with DSLRs. Down the line, they’re hoping to be in the best position of any camera company even if the market turns entirely mirrorless.
Will Nikon and Sony follow suit? Who knows. Nikon, at least, seems to be done with Z cameras for the time being. Maybe Sony’s A7 IV will compete at this price or so. It will be interesting to see.
The only two things I’d harp on would be the battery life (which is atrocious, no matter how one looks at it) and the sensor which so far as dynamic range goes was bettered by most aps-c cameras (even Canon’s ones) at lower ISOs when it came out in the 6DmkII and I doubt has got any better since.
Still, apart from those two things, this is an excellent move on Canon’s part, especially for us consumers. If this camera sells a lot (I don’t see why it shouldn’t) it could push both Nikon and Sony to offer something similar or see their market share get devoured far too quickly. I don’t think Panasonic will care, their least expensive lens costs hundreds more than this camera anyway, though.
All in all a great day for consumers and I think a very shrewd move on Canon’s part. Kudos to them.
The battery life numbers are bad, I agree. Of course, we’ve seen with recent mirrorless cameras that the CIPA figures do not always represent a real-world battery performance (even though they do a fairly good job comparing relative performances from camera to camera). For example, on the Nikon Z6 and Z7, it is possible to set up the camera so the rear LCD and EVF stay off until you actually look through the viewfinder. Just by shooting like this, you can easily get several times the battery life claimed by CIPA, since you’re not leaving any power-hungry displays on constantly.
Sony at this point is using its older models to pick up market share at lower prices, but that’s not the same as having a brand new camera sell for $1300. Even if something like the A7 II is similarly priced, yet better than the EOS RP in many specifications, people’s tendency to prefer the “latest and greatest” will draw more users in Canon’s corner than Sony’s – especially with Canon’s larger following from DSLRs.
EOS R (first) can take about 800-1000 photos although CIPA figures are miserable. I guess this RP will take about 400-600 photos depending on how you use it.
Wowsers! Love the extension grip -> main thing that was stopping me buying a Nikon Z was the short height. This is a mirrorless 6Dii, which doesn’t seem bad for $1300.
If you put on a SmallRig arca-swiss L bracket on a Z6/7 you also get the extra depth on the Nikon Z cameras. To just add extra depth looks a short sighted decision from Canon, if you want to use arca-swiss tripod heads you’ll still need to fit yet another mounting plate.
This is the first time I’ve seen a slither of magnesium alloy for $80 sold by a camera maker with no other function, but it makes a lot of sense given different user sizes and preferences.
I’m impressed they have added this option, and from the pictures it looks like it will handle really well. Given the effort Nikon made to make the Zs feel well engineered, I think they should bring out similar, which I thought they did originally mention, rather than force a third-party workaround. I suppose ideally a ‘slimline’ battery grip (6 x AAA battery?) would be ideal for the Zs.
Looks like Nikon heard the call: the Z50 is very similar to the EOS RP, but they haven’t crippled it. With full sensor 4K and the same AF as the higher Zs, all it needs is a small grip for perfect handling.
The extension grip is a clever solution to a problem that has been bothering Canon – the problem of people online saying these new mirrorless cameras are uncomfortable :)
No doubt that it is a good idea in terms of sales, but there are some odd parts about it as well. On one hand, if Canon didn’t mind foregoing the title of smallest full-frame mirrorless camera, they could have made room for a larger battery or other technology rather than a space-holding grip. Also, as Peter says, this raises an interesting problem if you you want to use an Arca-Swiss bracket as well (especially an L-bracket). Will companies like RRS make two different brackets, one which takes the extension grip into account? Who knows. L-brackets already add a sort of “pinky grip” in many cases, so it might be unnecessary.
Then again, for a mirrorless 6D II at $1300, maybe I’m overthinking it. Canon is trying to gain back market share through price, and they want to nip any ergonomics criticism in the bud from day one. They’ll earn a lot of sales doing it this way.
It just seems so logical straight out of the box. People have markedly different sized hands, so why should ‘one size fit all’. At $80 it’s virtually free. Kudos to Canon, although I’m not saying anything about the RP’s performance. There is a big risk that Canon have added lots of malfunction-ware to protect other bodies!