Canon EOS R review

Two years after its launch, how does the Canon EOS R fare in contemporary terms?

Canon EOS R review
(Image: © Canon)

Digital Camera World Verdict

A capable but conservative full-frame mirrorless camera, it boasts crisp 30.3MP imaging and unlocks the door to Canon's spectacular RF-mount lenses. Even so, there are enough compromises – the cropped 4K, single memory card slot and lack of IBIS – that its rivals from Sony, Nikon and Panasonic make more compelling options, and it also faces stiff competition from the EOS RP.

Pros

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    Great control customization

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    5,655(!) focus positions

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    Fully articulating screen

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    M-Fn Bar

Cons

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    No in-body stabilization

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    Cropped 4K video

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    Single SD card slot

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    M-Fn Bar

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When it launched in 2018, the Canon EOS R was criticized for some of its puzzling limitations. However, two years later – with a lower price tag, some firmware improvements and a mature RF lens lineup – the EOS R is both a more compelling and more capable camera than it was at launch. 

Where does the Canon EOS R rank among the best Canon cameras in 2020? It squeezes more out of its 30.3MP sensor thanks to improved AF, producing images comparable to the mighty Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Its cropped 4K video is a sore point next to the best 4K cameras, but it still delivers beautiful footage in both Ultra and Full HD. 

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.