Canon's New EOS R8 is WORSE than the R7 Camera?! | Canon R7 vs R8
As a Canon Explorer of Light and a professional photographer, I've had the opportunity to test and compare various cameras. In this blog post, I want to share my thoughts on the Canon R7 and the Canon R8, two cameras that have generated a lot of discussion among photographers and videographers alike. Sponsored by Squarespace, this article aims to provide insights into which camera might be better suited for different creative needs. So, let's dive in!
The R7: A Photographer's Companion The Canon R7, released a few months before the R8, caught my attention initially. Being an APS-C sensor camera, it offered some intriguing features for photographers. With its higher megapixel count of 32, the R7 seemed to cater specifically to still photography enthusiasts. The camera's image stabilization for stills was a standout feature, providing photographers with greater control over capturing sharp and detailed shots. In terms of focusing and shooting experience, I found the R7 to be more familiar, likely due to its form factor resembling traditional camera designs.
The R8: A Videographer's Delight On the other hand, the Canon R8, a full-frame camera, is undoubtedly aimed at videographers. Despite the confusion caused by its numbering, as typically lower numbers in the Canon lineup indicate superior models, the R8 has its own unique strengths. The ability to record up to two hours of 4K 60 video, oversampled from 6K, sets the R8 apart from its sibling, the R7. The R8 also features image stabilization for video, making it an ideal choice for videographers who require smooth and steady footage. Moreover, the R8's close-up movie mode adds another creative dimension, automatically focusing on subjects held up close and quickly shifting focus when they are moved away from the camera.
Battery Differences and Similarities: One aspect that perplexed me was the choice of batteries for the R7 and R8. The R7 shares the same battery (LPE6NH) with the R5, R6, and R6 Mark II, while the R8 uses the LPE17 battery, also found in the R10. The different battery sizes make me wonder about the impact on recording times. The R8's impressive two-hour recording capability likely requires a fully charged battery, while the R7's battery life may be different due to its smaller size. However, further technical details are needed to fully understand the implications of these differences.
Other Key Similarities and Differences: Both the R7 and R8 possess Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing seamless connectivity and sharing options. Additionally, both cameras utilize the RF mount for lenses, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Canon's high-quality lenses. Furthermore, despite their different target audiences, the R7 and R8 are priced at the same point, making the decision between the two a matter of individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Tool for Your Creative Journey As a photographer, my experience with the R8 has been primarily focused on still photography. I found the R7 to be more intuitive in terms of focusing and shooting, likely due to its form factor resembling traditional DSLRs. However, the R8's exceptional video capabilities, including extended recording time and close-up movie mode, make it an attractive option for videographers.
Ultimately, the decision between the Canon R7 and R8 rests on your specific creative requirements. Consider whether your focus lies more on still photography or videography and evaluate the features that align with your needs. By doing so, you'll be able to choose the camera that enhances your artistic vision and elevates your work.