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After months of rumors, Canon, one of the world’s most well-known DSLR makers, has finally announced the arrival of its pro-grade full-frame mirrorless camera system. The EOS R system is a huge step for the brand—as they were the last major DSLR maker to enter the full-frame mirrorless market. The EOS R features a newly redesigned RF mount with a 20mm flange distance and the same 54mm mount diameter as the brand’s EF mount cameras. The new mount also features a 12-pin communication system between lenses and the camera body for faster and more precise performance.
This new system isn’t meant to replace the company’s well-established line of DSLR cameras though, rather the EOS R was built to seamlessly integrate with Canon’s massive selection of EF, EF-S, TS-E and MP-E lenses. This is possible thanks to the introduction of three new mount adapters.
Here’s everything you need to know about the system at a glance:
Sensor:
-The EOS R uses a 30.3 MP CMOS sensor with an ISO range of 100-40,000 (expandable to 102,400).
-It’s powered by the the latest image processor, DIGIC 8, which enables shooting up to 8fps.
Design:
-The lens mount is 54mm (the same as the EF cameras) with a flange distance is 20mm. EF, EF-S, TS-E and MP-E lenses are accepted with a mount adapter.
-A single UHS-II SD card slot handles storage.
-The camera’s body is dust- and weather-resistant
-Camera charges via USB 3.1
-Built-in Bluetooth and WifFi enable easy sharing.
Autofocus:
-Dual Pixel COS AF system handles focusing.
-5,655 manually AF points are manually selectable.
-It can focus in as little as 0.05 seconds with the new 24-105mm IS USM lens.
Displays: -The eyepiece has an EVF with 3.69 million dots.
-The main display is a vari-angle touchscreen.
Lenses and Adapters:
-New lenses will use the R mount.
-Four new lenses: RF 28-70mm F2 L USM, RF 50mm F1.2 L USM, RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM and RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM.
-Three new lens mount adapters: EF-EOS R, the Control Ring mount adapter and the Drop-in Filter mount adapter.
Pricing and Availability:
-The EOS R system will be available in October for $2299 for body only or $3399 when bundled with the new RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens.
-The RF 50mm F1.2 L USM will be available in October for $2299.
-EF-EOS R and Control Ring mount adapter will be available in October for $99.99 and $199.99.
-RF 28-70mm F2 L USM, RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM and RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM will be available in December for $2999, $1099 and $499.99.
-Drop-in Filter mount adapter will be available in February 2019 for $399.99 with variable ND filter or $299.99 with a circular polarizing filter.
We got a bit of hands-on time with the cameras shortly after the announcement and our first impressions is that this is going to be a very nice system to shoot with and one that should give Canon uses much of what they wanted. It’s a compact design that will be fully functional with the brand’s existing lenses. The camera feels solid—a bit larger than other mirrorless systems, but certainly less bulky than a DSLR. The menu system and controls are very similar to the brand’s 5D system, with the introduction of a few new controls. The layout feels fairly ergonomic, even with a few familiar settings being shifted around.
We did find it a bit odd that there is only one SD card slot instead of a pair, since most pros prefer to shoot to a pair.
We’ll be spending some substantial time with this new system over the coming days. Look for our hands-on review and sample image galleries soon.
