Melville, NY—Canon introduced two mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras (ILCs) as well as two RF-mount lenses to bolster its EOS mirrorless portfolio. Both the Canon EOS R8 and R50 ILCs will launch spring 2023.
The EOS R50 camera is aimed at entry-level users. Conversely, the EOS R8 is an extremely compact, full-frame camera for advanced amateur photo and video enthusiasts. Canon says they are “budget-friendly options that don’t sacrifice performance.”
Canon EOS R8 and EOS R50 Features
EOS R50
This compact, lightweight ILC is an option for photographers/videographers who want to step up their video. The R50 uses a Digic X processor and 24.2-million-pixel, APS-C-sized CMOS sensor. Consequently, it can capture high-res images and uncropped 4K video at up to 30 fps oversampled from 6K (at all frame rates).
Moreover, Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology enables area tracking, subject detection and movie-prerecording. The camera is positioned to appeal to photographers who capture travel adventures, family portraits, sports or wildlife.
The entry-level camera provides automatic subject detection and tracking. When the subject is found on screen, the R50 automatically selects and tracks it. Developed using Deep Learning technology, subjects like people, animals (dogs, cats and birds) as well as fast-moving vehicles are detectable.
Furthermore, it achieves 12-frames-per-second continuous shooting using the electronic first-curtain shutter mode and 15 fps with its electronic shutter mode.
Additionally, the EOS R50 has an eye-level electronic viewfinder (EVF) to help achieve shot steadiness and ease viewing in bright sunlight. It’s complemented by a 3-inch, 1.62-million-dot, vari-angle touchscreen LCD.
Vlogging Features
For vloggers and livestreamers, it’s also UVC/UAC compatible. As a result, it functions as a web camera to stream live video in Full HD 30 fps fixed, without additional computer software. It will stream to Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype and other online web-conferencing apps.
The EOS R50 also offers both wired and wireless connections to a smartphone for sharing via its USB Type-C port, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. What’s more, for budding content creators, Canon will make the EOS R50 available later in 2023 as part of a Content Creator Kit. It will bundle with a microphone, lens and grip.
Canon is offering the EOS R50 in several configurations. The Canon EOS R50 camera body, in black or white, will have a suggested retail price $679.99. The EOS R50 with the RF-S18–45mm f/4.5–6.3 IS STM lens will retail for $799.99. Finally, the EOS R50 with the RF-S18–45mm f/4.5–6.3 IS STM and RF-S55–210mm f/5–7.1 IS STM lenses will have an SRP of $1,029.
EOS R8
The full-frame EOS R8 is aimed at up-and-coming video and photo enthusiasts. With a 24.2MP CMOS sensor and a Digic X processor, the ILC is optimized for full-frame RF lenses. It enables enhanced wide-angle field of views compared to APS-C-sensor cameras. Beyond everyday snapshots, the camera is a solution for capturing events, weddings, still life, travel and pets.
The R8 shoots at 6 fps with its first-curtain electronic shutter and 40 fps with full electronic. Key video recording features include 6K oversampled uncropped 4K movie capture at up to 60 fps as well as Full-HD high-frame-rate recording at up to 180 fps. And movies are captured with Dual Pixel CMOS AF tracking. Plus, the EOS R8 can record for 2 hours at 29.97 fps.
Further, its full-frame sensor allows for improved resolution at low ISO speeds and low noise at high ISO speeds; wide dynamic range of still pictures; and improvement in rolling shutter compared to previous Canon cameras when shooting fast-moving subjects or panning. 
Also notable is in-camera compositing. This includes moving subject HDR; depth compositing; panoramic shot; HDR night scene; and HDR backlight control. In addition, its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system covers 100%x100% of the picture area, breaking the image into 1,053 automatically-selected AF zones.
Its subject detection and tracking functions were also developed using Deep Learning technology. Horses, trains and airplanes are detectable, in addition to conventional subjects like people, dogs, cats and birds, and vehicles. Furthermore, for ease of use, auto mode is now available, enabling the camera to automatically select the type of subject without switching the setting in the menu.
Additional Video Features
Along with focus-breathing correction and movie digital IS 5-axis image stabilization, the camera provides HDR PQ and Canon Log 3 video recording. With HDR PQ recording, a 10-bit HDR color file is recorded that does not require additional editing. This file is compatible with HDR displays such as TVs, monitors and smartphones. Conversely, for creators who like to edit video, Canon Log 3 creates a 10-bit log file that permits recovery of highlights and shadows as well as creative color grading.
Other video features include audio noise reduction; UVC/UAC support for USB-C livestreaming and webcam functionality; and the ability to set movie rotation information during or after movie recording. This enables smartphones to play videos in vertical composition. The camera also builds in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Other EOS R8 features are a 3-inch, 1.62M-dot, vari-angle touch LCD and 0.39-inch, 2.36M-dot OLED (organic light-emitting diode) EVF with a 22mm eyepoint and a 120-fps refresh rate. There’s also an optical viewfinder simulation setting. It provides a higher dynamic range viewfinder image for viewing in harsh, contrasty light.
Measuring a compact 5.2×3.4×2.8 inches, body-only it weighs under one pound. The EOS R8 camera body will have an SRP of $1,499. Kitted with the Canon RF24–50mm f/4.5–6.3 IS STM lens, it will retail for $1,699.
