The Canon EOS RP is a full-frame entry-level camera. In the film era, the EOS RP was the world’s first first entry-level full-frame camera.
It competes with larger-sensor cameras that are more capable. As a result, its audience is small, but it does exist. Full frame, despite being a “buzzword,” provides advantages that are difficult to replicate with smaller sensors.
What Exactly Canon EOS RP?
According to Canon, the Canon EOS RP packs the power of a full-frame mirrorless camera into a small, lightweight EOS R series body. It opens up new creative avenues for you to take your photography to the next level.
It combines entry-level features (and a lack of more advanced ones) with the advantages of a larger sensor.
Who Is the EOS RP Designed For?
Because of its lack of advanced features, the RP’s key benefits are its size and sensor.
With the appropriate lenses, it’s an excellent choice for low-light photography on a budget. It works well in uses such as casual, documentary, family, portrait, and travel. It could also serve as the starting point into the world of full-frame.
The RP is best suited for enthusiasts and professionals with long-term plans, or for experienced ones as a backup camera.
What are the Key Features of EOS PR?
Let’s talk about what distinguishes the EOS RP from the competition.
Mount and Compatibility
Canon’s full-frame mirrorless mount, the RF mount, serves as the foundation for the EOS RP. With the recent release of two professional camera models, the R5 and R6, this is about to change.
One of the most technologically advanced RF mounts is currently available. It has a 20mm flange distance, a 54mm diameter (the same as EF), and a high-bandwidth electronic connection.
The EOS RP has few native RF lens options. You can choose between three kit zoom lenses: a 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS, a 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS, and a 24-105mm f/4 IS. Only the latter provides acceptable image quality in my opinion.
There are also two excellent small primes on the market: the 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro and the recently announced 85mm f/2 IS Macro. Because of their small size but high quality, these two make an awesome kit with RP.
The RF lineup also includes high-quality zoom and prime lens options. These, however, are far too expensive and large to be used with the RP.
Canon EF (made for DSLRs) lenses can be easily adapted. R cameras natively support the EF communication protocol. For the most part, the EF-RF adaptors are simple pin-to-pin designs. This means that there is no difference in autofocus speed or accuracy when compared to EF-mount cameras and EF lenses.
Because of the short flange distance, it is also possible to adapt non-Canon lenses. Adaptors are, however, less widely available than for Sony’s E-mount. EVF magnification and focus peaking make manual lens operation easier.
Image and Sensor Quality
The EOS RP features a full-frame sensor with a resolution of 26 megapixels that is not stabilised. It uses the same sensor as the Canon 6D MkII DSLR. Because of its size, this sensor has excellent high-ISO capabilities.
In this price range, the RP ranks among the best in low-light performance. The story isn’t great in terms of dynamic range.
This is not to say that you can’t make good images with this sensor. You simply need to be very careful with your exposure precision, and keep in mind that raw files will not provide you with multiple stops of headroom if something goes wrong. In high-contrast situations, you may also need to use exposure brackets more frequently.
The image quality is excellent right out of the box. This has long been Canon’s strong suit. By default, the colours, particularly skin tones, appear balanced and natural. Algorithms for noise reduction and sharpening are not overpowering.
Burst and focusing
Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus technology is used in the EOS RP. This is an artificial intelligence-assisted system based on on-sensor phase detection.
It performs admirably in general. The focusing points are numerous and cover nearly the entire frame. When working with human subjects, eye and face detection comes in handy. When the face fills at least one-third of the frame, the switch between picking up the face and picking up the eye occurs.
Video Highlights
RP falls short is video recording. It can shoot 4K video, but only at 24 frames per second, with a 1.7x crop, and without autofocus. There are no Log or 10-bit output profiles. The 4K footage looks good, but with all of these limitations, the RP is effectively useless for 4K.
The situation is better in FullHD. There are several resolutions available, up to 1080/60p, with full autofocus tracking and no crop. These options, on the other hand, appear to be fairly soft.
Remarkably, the RP includes a microphone, a headphone jack, and a micro-HDMI connector with clean output.
Handling and the Body
The EOS RP is one of the world’s smallest full-frame cameras. It is 133mm x 85mm x 70mm in size and weighs 485 grammes with the battery.
Its build quality is good, as it is mostly made of magnesium alloy. The camera is weatherproof, so it can withstand rain, dust, and freezing temperatures.
It’s comfortable in the hand, but only with smaller lenses. The kit lens (RF 24-105L) that came with it is about the largest for comfortable use with the RP. Third-party grips can be used with heavier lenses.
The EOS RP’s controls are adequate for an entry-level camera, but it lacks a few critical buttons. I was particularly surprised by the lack of a dedicated ISO button, which is standard even on Canon’s entry-level DSLRs. The M-Fn button controls ISO as well as a half-dozen other functions such as drive mode and white balance.
There are two control wheels, both of which are ergonomically placed. A mode dial and an on/off dial are also located on the top. I must say that the on-off switch is one of the worst I’ve ever used. It’s difficult to turn and nearly impossible to flick and turn on the camera. It also takes up a large area where more usable buttons could be placed.
Conclusion
The EOS RP is a great little camera.
However, when combined with the appropriate lenses, this is an excellent travel and documentary camera. It’s also great for portraits, low-light photography, and landscapes. We would recommend it for event photography, action photography, or sports photography.
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