Canon EOS RP Body

The Canon EOS RP's specifications aren't exactly exciting, but don't let that fool you - it's a likable little camera with engaging controls, good build quality and it produces excellent JPEGs. Of course, the Raw files are noisier and aren't as malleable as some more contemporary full-frame cameras, but for the target audience, that won't likely be a deal breaker. For those users looking for a friendly way to get into full-frame imaging, the EOS RP is an excellent option.

The Canon EOS RP is the most affordable new full frame camera to date, whether DSLR or mirrorless. It gives you the 26 Megapixel sensor from the 6D Mark II, delivering attractive JPEGs out-of-camera, a fully-articulated touchscreen that’s ideal for vlogging, microphone and headphone jacks, and Canon’s industry-leading dual pixel AF which does a solid job with native RF or adapted EF lenses and delivers effortless 1080 video. On the downside, the battery life is modest, there’s no built-in stabilisation nor twin card slots, and there’s a raft of frustrating video limitations: filming in 4k incurs a tight crop (eliminating the benefit of having a full-frame sensor), and annoyingly loses dual pixel autofocus too. There’s no high-frame rates for slow motion and strangely no 1080 at 24p either. Even weirder, when you fit an EF-S lens, the 1080 options disappear altogether, leaving 720p if you want dual pixel AF or 4k without; indeed this coupled with the reduced photo resolution of 10 Megapixels when adapting EF-S lenses on the RP will reduce its attractiveness for owners of Canon’s APSC DSLRs looking for an upgrade. Then there’s the absence of a low-cost native RF zoom, steering owners to either the fixed RF 35mm, or adapting an older EF lens. If you’re building a new system, the RP also faces stiff competition from the Sony A6400 and Fujifilm X-T30 even with their smaller APSC sensors. I think the EOS RP makes most sense as an upgrade for owners of much older Canon DSLRs, like the original 6D, or perhaps a 5D Mark II, or earlier APSC models like the 70D or even older still. The further back you go, the more you stand to gain from the RP. These owners will enjoy a smooth transition to full-frame mirrorless with decent performance from existing EF lenses and without breaking the bank. It’ll become even more compelling once the RF 24-240mm zoom arrives.