It took a bit of time but Canon now has a robust lineup of mirrorless cameras. They have a flagship, a myriad of full-frame options, and even APS-C has joined the RF fray. With seven cameras to choose from across a wide range of price points and feature sets you might want a little bit of help.
There is a lot to go through and Tony & Chelsea Northrup are here to help. Whether you’ve been eyeing the compact R10 as your first mirrorless camera, looking to get into full-frame imaging with an RP, or looking towards the top end with the R3 you’ll get some good advice.
When we say there is a range of cameras here we mean it. The retail prices vary from $1,000 up to $6,000.
The Northrups classify all the cameras in a neat way:
- General Purpose: R10, R7, R6, R5
- Better Value: RP, R
- Working Professionals: R3
APS-C Options
Newest to the lineup are the APS-C R7 and R10 which are priced at $1,500 and $1,000, respectively.
Both are good but let’s break down the differences.
Image Credit: Canon
The EOS R10 has the following key specs:
- 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- 15 fps continuous shooting
- 23 fps continuous shooting w/ electronic shutter
- 4K60 video w/ crop
For another $500 you can get the EOS R7 with a couple upgrades:
- 32MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- 15 fps continuous shooting
- 30 fps continuous shooting w/ electronic shutter
- 4K60 video with no crop
- Larger buffer for continuous shooting
- In-body image stabilization
- Dual SD card slots
Image Credit: Canon
A couple of kit lenses are offered for these cameras: an 18-45mm and an 18-150mm. Depends on what you want to shoot, but if you are shooting something like a kid’s sports game then the longer 18-150mm is better. For everyday shooting the 18-45mm is smaller and lighter.
The main difference between the R7 and R10 and the other R Series cameras is the sensor size. The APS-C sensor is less than half the size of the full-frame sensors. Also, there are some more lenses designed for full-frame.
An option for some shooters is to use the EF-EOS R Mount Adapter and use some existing EF-S or EF-mount glass.
Stepping Up to Full-Frame
Checking out the full-frame options the main two to choose from are the R6 and R5.
For the R6 you have the following:
- 20MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 20 fps continuous shooting
- Improved 4K60 video
- In-body image stabilization
- Dual SD card slots
- Price: $2,500
Image Credit: Canon
Upgrading to the R5 gets you the following:
- 45MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 20 fps continuous shooting
- Up to 8K30 raw video
- In-body image stabilization
- CFexpress and SD card slots
- Larger, sharper EVF and improved rear display
- Price: $3,900
Image Credit: Canon
Both cameras have great autofocus tracking and the video quality on the full-frame models is outstanding.
One thing you’ll notice quickly is that the costs add up. You’ll want to get better glass to make the most of these cameras and that can cost as much or even more than the camera itself.
The Professional Option
Standing above the rest of the R Series is the EOS R3. You are getting a lot more of a camera, but it is going to cost a lot more money – $6,000 to be exact.
It is a physically larger camera with integrated vertical grip. It also has a top screen, a larger rear screen, a much larger battery, an Ethernet port, and plenty more.
Image Credit: Canon
What are the key specs?
- 24MP stacked full-frame CMOS sensor
- 30 fps continuous shooting
- No rolling shutter artifacts
- Eye Control AF
This is the best camera for sports and wildlife photography. Part of the tell there is the lower resolution sensor and emphasis on speed.
Physically, the camera is larger as well. This makes it less suited to general-purpose shooting where you might just want something small and light to carry around.
Obviously this camera isn’t for everyone. There are some more options that are more suited to your everyday photographer.
The Value Picks
By no means bad cameras, the R and RP are the more affordable full-frame picks due to being a little bit older tech or simply being designed to be more accessible.
The EOS RP runs about $1,000 while the EOS R hits $1,800.
Image Credit: Canon
Again, let’s do a rundown of the basic specs for each, starting with the R:
- 30MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- Slightly better dynamic range than RP
- 8 fps continuous shooting
- Better screen and EVF compared to RP
- Top status display
Image Credit: Canon
And now for the RP:
- 26MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 5 fps continuous shooting
- Smaller, lighter body
The more limited continuous shooting rates make all the other options best for capturing action, but these are plenty good for portraits, landscapes, etc.
There was a lot to talk about with all these cameras.
Recap
If you are looking for something more general purpose and don’t need the extra speed for sports then you would be happy with the EOS R and EOS RP.
Now, if you have a bigger budget and want the best you can get for image quality the EOS R5 (and some good glass) is the best pick. It’s the most versatile.
For sports and activities, you’ll want to look at the following (in ascending order of cost): R10, R7, R6, and R3. All have great image quality and fast continuous shooting.
Wildlife specifically gets the R10, R7, and R5 as the picks because you might want the extra resolution for cropping.
Hopefully, you have a better feel for which camera is best for you.
[source: Tony & Chelsea Northrup]
Order Links:
- Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Canon EOS R10 Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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