Canon has built a strong reputation for creating the best DSLRs in the business, but the Japanese manufacturer isn’t one to rest on its laurels. The cult camera company has recently reimagined its camera line-up and developed a whole new system from the ground up, bringing the best of its DSLR features to the newer mirrorless format.
The EOS R series is the result, with the flagship EOS R combining a full-frame 30.3MP CMOS sensor and Digic 8 image processor to ensure great shots in all conditions. When paired with a whole new line-up of stabilised RF lenses, this new kit is powerful and flexible enough to tackle any photography challenge.
With a DSLR-style grip, advanced autofocus (AF) system and ultra-high-quality electronic viewfinder (EVF) the EOS R provides the quality associated with a DSLR, but in a more compact frame. And, with a silent shutter mode, it’s also a perfect fit for photographers who prefer to shoot while being a fly on the wall.
With an EOS R in hand, the world really is your creative oyster.
A new world of EOS
The Canon EOS R is built around the brand-new – and revolutionary – RF mount, which combines superb performance with far broader lens-design possibilities. The RF mount features a 12-pin connection (as opposed to the eight pins on the older EF mount), and alongside a new microprocessor in the lens, this allows for more advanced communications and power transfer between the camera body and the optics.
Moreover, dropping the flange distance – that’s the gap between the rear glass of the lens to the imaging sensor – from 44mm in the EF mount to just 20mm, while still retaining the large, 54mm inner diameter has given Canon’s engineers the opportunity to rethink optical designs that are smaller yet offer the advantages of large diameter rear elements. The new RF lenses with their larger rear glass reduce the angle of light rays in the periphery of the composition, thus improving image quality. This physical design also ensures the lens has a comfortable weight balance when mounted.
However, you’re not restricted to RF lenses with the EOS R camera. The Mount Adapter EF-EOS R lets you use the massive catalogue of existing EF and EF-S lenses made for Canon’s APS-C and full-frame cameras. There are also lens adapters with either a filter mount or control ring, for enhanced creative control.
More versatile than ever
A good camera captures excellent images in bright, perfect conditions, but the true test of a great camera is its ability to focus in dimly lit situations. The combination of the large full-frame sensor and the ability to lock on to subjects at up to -6EV allows the Canon EOS R to, quite literally, focus in near-pitch-black darkness.
It’s able to shoot at low ISO settings and still minimise enough noise that shots can be used for large prints.
A groundbreaking 5,655 selectable autofocus (AF) points are available, with Canon’s advanced autofocus system specifically designed to handle even ultra-low-light conditions. And for those who prefer manual shooting, customisable focus peaking offers a reliable way to check focus on the go.
The thought behind the build
A camera’s viewfinder is the photographer’s window onto the world and the EOS R’s EVF does not disappoint. With an impressive 3.69 million-dot resolution and a magnification of 0.76x, the OLED EVF is a highlight for Canon, displaying sharp and vibrant images that let you instantly assess the quality of your shots. That glorious EVF is accompanied by a large 3.15-inch fully articulating touchscreen, with a brilliant 2.1 million-dot resolution.
While Canon has tried to keep a similar-enough button layout and menu system to its DSLRs that it’s easy to move over, there are a few key areas where Canon’s engineers have put particular thought into improving. The most welcome addition is the top LCD, which as always shows key shooting information, but also lets you quickly see a lot more. A short press of the lamp button, for example, brings up the secondary shooting options, while a longer press will illuminate the display.
Another thoughtful addition comes in the form of a touch-sensitive M-Fn Bar found to the right of the EVF. This can be used to control things like ISO, white balance, focus and audio, and responds to swipes and taps.
The body itself weighs just 580g, making it less taxing to use over prolonged periods and a great way to lighten the load of your existing kit bag.
So whether you’re snapping images of spiny-tailed geckos in the bright sands of the Simpson Desert or capturing the bright, neon lights of a modern metropolis at night, the Canon EOS R is the perfect camera companion to take with you.
For more information on the EOS R’s features, performance and availability, check out the official Canon Australia website.
