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Canon EOS R Camera Review

Tested using Methodology v0.12.1
Reviewed Feb 08, 2021 at 07:40 am
Latest change: Writing modified Jan 29, 2024 at 09:10 am
Canon EOS R Picture
7.7
Travel Photography
8.1
Landscape Photography
7.3
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.3
Raw Photo Performance
7.5
Vlogging
8.2
Studio Video
4.1
Action Video

The Canon EOS R is a full-frame mirrorless camera with a fully-articulated screen that you can tilt and flip based on the image you're trying to capture. It's very well-built, and it takes pictures with amazing image quality. Also, its excellent photo autofocus system helps keep moving subjects in focus. It also has decent video quality when you record in 4k and FHD, though it struggles a bit to capture clear footage in low-light settings.

Our Verdict

7.7 Travel Photography

The Canon R is good for travel photography. This well-built camera takes clear, detailed images that are mostly free of visual noise. Its autofocus system is good overall, though it can struggle a bit more when tracking moving subjects or in busier settings. Unfortunately, it's a bit bulky and heavy, so it may not fit easily into your bag.

Pros
  • Well-built, sturdy design.
  • Amazing image quality.
  • Good photo autofocus performance overall.
Cons
  • Not very portable.
  • AF system struggles with faster subjects.
8.1 Landscape Photography

The Canon EOS R is great for landscape photography. This well-built camera may be a bit heavy, but it's still pretty easy to use. It also has excellent image quality, so photos look sharp, detailed, and free of visual noise. It isn't the most portable option for long hikes, however.

Pros
  • Well-built, sturdy design.
  • Amazing image quality.
  • Excellent dynamic range.
Cons
  • Not very portable.
7.3 Sport & Wildlife Photography

The Canon R is decent for sport and wildlife photography. It takes clear, sharp images. Its autofocus system is good overall but struggles to track fast-moving subjects. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the fastest continuous shooting speed, and its buffer takes a bit of time to empty, so it's not really ideal for burst photography.

Pros
  • Well-built, sturdy design.
  • Amazing image quality.
  • Good photo autofocus performance overall.
Cons
  • Burst rate isn't the fastest.
  • AF system struggles with faster subjects.
8.3 Raw Photo Performance

The Canon R has impressive RAW image quality. Its dynamic range is excellent, so it can capture a wide array of detail in high-contrast lighting conditions. Its high-resolution sensor also captures very fine details and gives you some leeway to crop in. On top of that, it has good noise handling in low light.

Pros
  • Excellent dynamic range.
  • Good noise handling.
  • High-resolution sensor captures plenty of fine detail.
Cons
7.5 Vlogging

The Canon R is decent for vlogging. You can flip its screen to face you while you record, which is handy. It also has decent overall video quality in 4k and FHD, but your videos may have visible noise if you're recording in low-light settings. Also, if you're recording in 4k while walking, your video may not be very stable, though it has a better stabilization performance in FHD.

Pros
  • Well-built, sturdy design.
  • Good stabilization performance while walking in FHD.
Cons
  • Not very portable.
  • Disappointing stabilization performance while walking in 4k.
8.2 Studio Video

The Canon R is great for studio video. Video quality is great in 4k and decent in FHD when shooting in controlled lighting conditions, but it struggles a bit to capture sharp video if you're filming in low-light settings. On the upside, its video autofocus system can help keep moving subjects in focus. It also has many inputs for hooking up additional accessories like headphones or a microphone.

Pros
  • Lots of inputs for accessories like headphones and a microphone.
  • Impressive video autofocus performance.
Cons
  • Struggles to capture sharp video in low-light settings.
4.1 Action Video

The Canon R isn't intended for action video. This bulky camera isn't very easy to bring with you on the go, and it can't really be mounted on a helmet. It isn't waterproof, so you can't really use it in the elements, either. It has decent overall video quality in 4k and FHD, but there may be some visible noise, especially if you're recording in low-light settings.

Pros
  • Well-built, sturdy design.
Cons
  • Not very portable.
  • Not waterproof.
  • 7.7 Travel Photography
  • 8.1 Landscape Photography
  • 7.3 Sport & Wildlife Photography
  • 8.3 Raw Photo Performance
  • 7.5 Vlogging
  • 8.2 Studio Video
  • 4.1 Action Video
  1. Updated Jan 29, 2024: Added text to the 'Raw Photo Performance' verdict box and updated existing verdict boxes for clarity and accuracy.
  2. Updated Jan 29, 2024: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.1.
  3. Updated Dec 14, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.
  4. Updated Nov 21, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.11.
  5. Updated Sep 23, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.10.
  6. Updated Aug 16, 2022: After running into issues with RawTherapee during retesting for Test Bench 0.9, we decided to process the 'Photo RAW Dynamic Range' test scene in Lightroom instead. The test scene photo has been reuploaded.
  7. Updated Jul 29, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.9.
  8. Updated Apr 22, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
  9. Updated Jan 12, 2022: Updated '4k Video Quality' score after reevaluating the 4k test scene extract.
  10. Updated Mar 08, 2021: Corrected the Max Aperture (Full Frame Equivalent) result.
  11. Updated Feb 08, 2021: Review published.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Canon EOS R comes in 'Black'. We tested the variant with the RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 is STM lens, and you can see the label for the model we tested here.

You can also purchase this camera with an RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM lens or without any lenses at all. However, we haven't tested the camera in any other configuration, so we can't confirm its performance.

If you come across another version, let us know in the discussions so we can update our review.

Compared To Other Cameras

Canon EOS RP

The Canon EOS R is better overall than the Canon EOS RP. It's a more premium camera with better build quality, including weather-sealing, a higher-resolution electronic viewfinder, and a higher-resolution sensor, not to mention a significantly longer battery life and slightly quicker burst shooting. The RP is a much more portable full-frame camera, if that's a priority, and still captures excellent image quality. Both cameras also use the same lens mount, and lenses will have a much bigger impact on your photography, so the best option between these two will be whichever one suits your budget and ergonomic preferences.

Canon EOS R8

The Canon EOS R8 is a bit better overall than the Canon EOS R, though both are great full-frame options. The R8 is more portable, uses a newer processor, and offers better video features for video and hybrid shooters. Conversely, the R offers a sturdier build with weather-sealing, a higher-resolution EVF, and better battery life. Both cameras use the RF lens mount and are compatible with the same lenses.

Canon EOS R6

The Canon EOS R6 is better overall than the Canon EOS R, though both are great full-frame mirrorless models compatible with the same lenses. Still, the R6 has a newer sensor and processor and an improved autofocus system that performs more reliably overall. It also has faster burst shooting and more advanced video features, including more frame rate options and better internal recording specs.

Canon EOS R7

The Canon EOS R7 is better overall than the Canon EOS R, but the R has a larger full-frame sensor, so you may still prefer it if you do a lot of low-light shooting. The R7 is the better choice for faster subjects, action photography, and video work, with a more effective autofocus system, faster burst shooting, in-body image stabilization, and better video specs. The R has a higher-resolution viewfinder and better noise handling in low light.

Canon EOS R10

The Canon EOS R and the Canon EOS R10 have different-sized sensors, so one may suit you better than the other. The R10 is an entry-level APS-C camera, so it's more portable and lightweight. Because it's newer, it also offers a more effective autofocus system and more current video specs, not to mention faster burst shooting. The R uses a full-frame sensor and, despite being somewhat outdated in the aforementioned areas, it's a higher-end camera with better build quality, including a weather-sealed body, and features a higher-resolution sensor, viewfinder, and screen.

Sony α7 III

If you're looking for something more well-rounded, that's the Sony α7 III. While the Canon EOS R is a great photography camera in its own right, with advantages like weather-sealing and a higher-resolution EVF, the Sony has a better autofocus system, faster burst shooting, and a more established lens ecosystem. It's also better suited to video work, with more usable frame rate options, less rolling shutter, and dual SD card slots.

Sony α6600

The Canon EOS R and the Sony α6600 are both mirrorless cameras, but they use different-sized sensors that each come with advantages and disadvantages. The Canon is a full-frame camera with a fully articulated touchscreen and a larger, higher-resolution EVF than the Sony. It delivers better overall image quality and performs a bit better in low light. However, it doesn't have in-body image stabilization like the Sony camera, and it's less portable. The Sony also has a longer battery life and a faster continuous shooting speed for quicker burst shooting.

Panasonic LUMIX FZ80

The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 and the Canon EOS R are different camera types. The Canon is an interchangeable lens mirrorless camera with a full-frame sensor, while the Panasonic is a fixed-lens budget bridge camera with a small sensor. The Panasonic offers convenience for those who don't want to switch out different lenses, giving you a lot of zoom range in an all-in-one package. However, the Canon is a significantly better camera, giving you better image and video quality, sturdier weather-sealed construction, longer battery life, and quicker, more accurate autofocusing, to name some advantages.

Nikon D780

The Canon EOS R and the Nikon D780 are both premium full-frame cameras, though they use different camera technologies. The Canon is a mirrorless camera, while the Nikon is a DSLR. The Nikon uses an optical viewfinder, giving you a direct lag-free view through the lens, while the Canon has no mirror mechanism and relies on an electronic viewfinder, which lets you preview exposure settings live through the viewfinder. The Canon is lighter and more portable, but the Nikon has much longer battery life. Unfortunately, the Canon can only shoot 4k video with a severe 1.75x crop and only has a single SD card slot, unlike the Nikon, which has two. Otherwise, they both deliver excellent image quality and effective autofocus performance.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
3.9
Design
Portability
Height
3.9" (10.0 cm)
Width
5.4" (13.6 cm)
Depth
3.2" (8.1 cm)
Volume
67.2 in³ (1,101.6 cm³)
Weight
1.48 lbs (0.67 kg)
8.0
Design
Build Quality

  • Body is made of magnesium alloy and plastic
  • Solid hinged door covers SD card and battery compartment
  • Buttons and command wheels offer good physical feedback
  • Screen mechanism feels quite sturdy
  • No hot shoe protection cover
  • Output compartments covered by rubber flaps

Design
Body
Body Type
SLR-Style
Water Resistance
Weather-Sealed
Mirrorless
Yes
Rugged
No
Hot Shoe
Yes
Customizable Button
Yes
Command Dial
2
Tripod Mount
Yes
Lens Mount
RF Mount
Built-In Flash
No
Fastest Shutter Speed
1/8,000 s
Design
In The Box

  • Canon EOS R camera body
  • Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens
  • Lens cap and lens cover
  • Instruction manual
  • Shoulder strap
  • Battery charger
  • Cable protector
  • USB-C to USB-C cable
  • Sensor cap

9.0
Design
Ergonomics & Comfort
Hand Grip: Small Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Medium Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Large Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Extra-Large Hand
Yes

  • Textured handgrip is big enough for most hand sizes and provides a secure hold
  • Rubber pad on the viewfinder for comfort
  • All frequently-used functions available in the Quick Menu on the screen
  • Changing aperture and shutter speed via the command dials is easy with your eye pressed up against the viewfinder, but adjusting the ISO requires an extra button input beforehand

Design
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Type
Electronic
Advertised Coverage
100%
Advertised Resolution
3.69 million dots
Advertised Magnification
0.76
9.6
Design
Screen
Screen Articulation Type
Fully-Articulated
Screen Max Brightness
812 cd/m²
Advertised Resolution
2.10 million dots
Size
3.2" (8.2 cm)
Touchscreen
Yes
9.0
Design
Menu System
Guide Mode
Yes
App Name
Canon Camera Connect

  • Can navigate the menu using the touchscreen, which makes it simple to use
  • Guide Mode can provide additional information about settings and functions
  • Autofocus menu is separated from the general shooting menu

not tested
Design
Built-In Lens
Maximum Aperture
No built-in lens
Max Aperture (Full-Frame Equivalent)
N/A
Minimum Focal Length
N/A
Maximum Focal Length
N/A
Max Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent)
N/A
Optical Image Stabilization
No
Luminance
N/A
Light Falloff
N/A
Design
Sensor
Sensor Type
CMOS
Advertised Effective Pixels
30.3 MP
Sensor Size
Full Frame
Processor
DIGIC 8
Extended ISO Minimum
50
Native ISO Minimum (Base ISO)
100
Native ISO Maximum
40,000
Tested Firmware
Ver. 1.8.0
8.2
Design
Battery
Battery Type
Canon LP-E6N
USB Charging
Yes
Power Delivery While Recording
No
Advertised Battery Life In Photo
540 photos
Tested Battery Life In Video
136 min
Photo General
5.8
Photo General
Photo Shooting Speed
Low Speed Continuous
3 fps
High Speed Continuous
7 fps
Silent Shooting Continuous
5 fps
Raw Buffer Size
38 Photos
JPEG Buffer Size
107 Photos
Buffer Empty Time
15 s
5.4
Photo General
Photo AF-C Tracking
Autofocus Tracking Shots
Perfect Focus Hit Rate
41%
Usable Focus Hit Rate
51%
8.9
Photo General
Photo AF-C Center Point
Autofocus Center Point Shots
Perfect Focus Hit Rate
88%
Usable Focus Hit Rate
92%
8.3
Photo General
Photo Image Stabilization
Minimum Shutter Speed Achieved
1/8 s
In-Body Image Stabilization
No
Photo Image Quality
8.5
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Dynamic Range
Dynamic Range At Base ISO
10.6 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/500s Exposure Time
9.8 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/2000s Exposure Time
7.5 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/4000s Exposure Time
7.0 f-stops
8.5
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Sharpness
Vertical Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
1,999 LW/PH
Horizontal Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
1,950 LW/PH
7.8
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Noise
SNR 18% At 1/8 Exposure Time (125 ms)
34.6dB
SNR 18% At 1/30 Exposure Time (33 ms)
32.2 dB
SNR 18% At 1/125 Exposure Time (8 ms)
28.3 dB
SNR 18% At 1/500 Exposure Time (2 ms)
23.5dB
Pictures Sample Gallery
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Skate Park Picture
JPEG Skate Park Picture Download
RAW Skate Park Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Polish Church Picture
JPEG Polish Church Picture Download
RAW Polish Church Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Studio Picture
JPEG Studio Picture Download
RAW Studio Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Stairway Picture
JPEG Stairway Picture Download
RAW Stairway Picture Download
Video General
Video General
Video Features
Full HD Video
Yes
4k Video
Yes
6k Video
No
Clean HDMI Output
Yes
Advertised Max Chroma Sampling Over HDMI
Not Advertised
Advertised Max Bit Depth Over HDMI
N/A
Log Picture Profile
No
Recording Light
No
Video General
Audio
Audio Test Sample
Audio Recording
Stereo
Microphone Level Display
Yes
Video General
Video File Format And Compression
MP4 H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
Yes
MP4 H.265 / HEVC
No
MOV H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
No
MOV H.265 / HEVC
No
AVCHD H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
No
All-I Compression
Yes
4k Video
5.7
4k Video
4k Video Frame Rate
240 fps In 4k
No
120 fps In 4k
No
60 fps In 4k
No
30 fps In 4k
Yes, with a Crop
24 fps In 4k
Yes, with a Crop
4k Crop At Max Available fps
1.75 x
8.4
4k Video
4k Video Internal Recording
Bitrate Maximum In 4k
465 Mbps
Bitrate Minimum In 4k
125 Mbps
Chroma Sampling In 4k
4:2:0
Bit Depth In 4k
8 Bit
Record Time Limit In 4k
30 min
Overheat Recording Interruptions in 4k
0
8.4
4k Video
4k Video Autofocus Performance
Object Tracking In 4k
7.7
Face Tracking In 4k
8.6
Face Detection In 4k
Yes
Eye Detection In 4k
Yes
7.0
4k Video
4k Video Quality
Low Light Capability In 4k
7.0
Test Scene Extract In 4k
7.0
4.2
4k Video
4k Video Rolling Shutter Effect
4k Rolling Shutter
9.3°
Full HD Video
8.5
Full HD Video
FHD Video Frame Rate
240 fps In FHD
No
120 fps In FHD
No
60 fps In FHD
Yes
30 fps In FHD
Yes
24 fps In FHD
Yes
FHD Crop At Max Available fps
1 x
7.9
Full HD Video
FHD Video Internal Recording
Bitrate Maximum In FHD
180 Mbps
Bitrate Minimum In FHD
30 Mbps
Chroma Sampling In FHD
4:2:0
Bit Depth In FHD
8 Bit
Record Time Limit in FHD
30 min
9.3
Full HD Video
FHD Video Autofocus Performance
Object Tracking In FHD
9.7
Face Tracking In FHD
8.7
Face Detection In FHD
Yes
Eye Detection In FHD
Yes
7.8
Full HD Video
FHD Video Quality
Low Light Capability In FHD
7.5
Test Scene Extract In FHD
8.0
6.9
Full HD Video
FHD Video Rolling Shutter Effect
FHD Rolling Shutter
4.3°
Storage And Connectivity
Storage And Connectivity
Storage
Card 1 Slot
SD Card UHS-II
Card 2 Slot
No 2nd Card Slot
9.5
Storage And Connectivity
Inputs / Outputs
USB
USB-C
HDMI
Mini (Type C)
Headphones
Yes
Microphone
Stereo
Wi-Fi
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes