Looking at Canon EOS R kits

I have a couple of threads going but after stopping at my local shop today, thought I'd ask some more specific questions here.

I am looking to replace/compliment my SX50. I say compliment because I love the size, weight and reach of it and doubt I'll stop using it. But I'd like to take my photography to the next level. I haven't used an interchangeable lens camera for over 15 years.

On my short list is the RP. The shop doesn't have a lot of bodies but they did show me the RF800 lens (amazingly light!!) and a Tamron 150-500

They really feel I should be looking at the R6 rather than the RP (I do a lot of landscapes, birds, backyard wildlife and would like to improve my mostly-miss BIF pix)

I talked to an employee who has both the R and R6 and could not say enough about the R6. She felt the difference between the RP and R6 is just as amazing, especially in the eye-focus feature.

R6 + lens is just about where I'm having heart palpitations money wise though so I'm on the fence.

I then came home and hopped on here and saw something I hadn't found yet - the Canon RF100-400 that was announced last fall, which weighs over a pound less than the RF800 that I thought was super light!

I'd love to hear user thoughts about the RP vs R6, and those RF lenses - thanks!

Man that R6 is something.  It’ll do everything you need it to do and then some.  Question is, does the RP do enough?  R6 is 2.5x the price.  I can’t bring myself to do it unless I’m making money with the camera.  Then you need two SD cards, maybe better quality. Then why would I put consumer glass on a pro body?  Overall it’s a money pit (unless you have the disposable income - then it’s cool).  Of course the store wants to sell that one   And they’re not wrong   It’s the better piece of equipment.  Although the RP is 26 megapixels to the R6 at 20 megapixels, there really isn’t a debate as to the better sensor.  The R6 all the way.

As I said in the other thread - I’m happy with the RP and I just ordered the 100-400 (bonus time!).  I did that over the long primes because it’s a bit faster (f/8 vs f/11 at the long end and a USM focusing motor).  And it’s lighter and more versatile.  I can use it for hiking and wildlife as well as 0.41x semi-macro at the long end (flowers and critters, how fun!). Closer focusing as well.  My son plays soccer, so it can be good for that too.  Outdoors in the sun, the aperture is fine.

If I really want, I can buy the 1.4x teleconverter and end up at 560mm and f/11 at the long end, which is super close to the 600 f/11 anyway and more versatile.

JustUs7 wrote:

Man that R6 is something. It’ll do everything you need it to do and then some. Question is, does the RP do enough? R6 is 2.5x the price. I can’t bring myself to do it unless I’m making money with the camera. Then you need two SD cards, maybe better quality. Then why would I put consumer glass on a pro body? Overall it’s a money pit (unless you have the disposable income - then it’s cool). Of course the store wants to sell that one And they’re not wrong It’s the better piece of equipment. Although the RP is 26 megapixels to the R6 at 20 megapixels, there really isn’t a debate as to the better sensor. The R6 all the way.

As I said in the other thread - I’m happy with the RP and I just ordered the 100-400 (bonus time!). I did that over the long primes because it’s a bit faster (f/8 vs f/11 at the long end and a USM focusing motor). And it’s lighter and more versatile. I can use it for hiking and wildlife as well as 0.41x semi-macro at the long end (flowers and critters, how fun!). Closer focusing as well. My son plays soccer, so it can be good for that too. Outdoors in the sun, the aperture is fine.

If I really want, I can buy the 1.4x teleconverter and end up at 560mm and f/11 at the long end, which is super close to the 600 f/11 anyway and more versatile.

Yes I look at those pix you posted with the RP!

The 1.4x is expensive! I saw that too but figured for a little more.... 800mm?!

I can't wait to hear how you feel about the 100-400 lens!

The RP has a slightly higher max resolution as well, and more focus points. No, I am not a pro by any means. I also don't tend to turn any of my gear over quickly (that goes for everything expensive that I buy)

I'm looking up rentals. The camera shop doesn't have that available now.

cdgta wrote:

diane143 wrote:

I have a couple of threads going but after stopping at my local shop today, thought I'd ask some more specific questions here.

I am looking to replace/compliment my SX50. I say compliment because I love the size, weight and reach of it and doubt I'll stop using it. But I'd like to take my photography to the next level. I haven't used an interchangeable lens camera for over 15 years.

On my short list is the RP. The shop doesn't have a lot of bodies but they did show me the RF800 lens (amazingly light!!) and a Tamron 150-500

They really feel I should be looking at the R6 rather than the RP (I do a lot of landscapes, birds, backyard wildlife and would like to improve my mostly-miss BIF pix)

I talked to an employee who has both the R and R6 and could not say enough about the R6. She felt the difference between the RP and R6 is just as amazing, especially in the eye-focus feature.

R6 + lens is just about where I'm having heart palpitations money wise though so I'm on the fence.

I then came home and hopped on here and saw something I hadn't found yet - the Canon RF100-400 that was announced last fall, which weighs over a pound less than the RF800 that I thought was super light!

I'd love to hear user thoughts about the RP vs R6, and those RF lenses - thanks!

It is always a big decision but exciting when trying to decide on a new camera! I wonder if you can rent an R6 at your camera shop to try it out over a few days to see if you like it since even though lightweight for a full-frame camera, it is a lot heavier than what you currently use.

I have the R6 and would not go back to any previous cameras (DSLR or mirrorless).

It is amazing for everything I do - grandkids, wildlife/BIF, landscapes, macro, lowlight.

Many will complain that it only is 20mp but unless you intend to print A3 or above this has not been a problem and I am able to crop in when wanted. It has far more advanced AI onboard that in the RP; many pros have called it a 'game-changer' and I think the EyeDetect AF is just that. You simply will not believe how well the camera locks on to an eye and then tracks it all over the frame. Images are amazing!

That being said, I would say if you go for the R6, spend some time online where you will find lots of good videos on how to set it up and use it. Of course it will work well out of the box but for the pro-level AF tracking that it is capable of, you will need to educate yourself on how it works,etc.

Good luck!

That pretty much mirrors what the employee said about the eye tracking! They also have the R but I can't remember if they have the RP too.

The R6 body alone is heavier than my SX50 and the RP is lighter than both.

Would those RF consumer lenses not be up to the R6?

Oh - unfortunately the shop isn't doing rentals at this time so I'll have to go online.

diane143 wrote:

I have a couple of threads going but after stopping at my local shop today, thought I'd ask some more specific questions here.

I am looking to replace/compliment my SX50. I say compliment because I love the size, weight and reach of it and doubt I'll stop using it. But I'd like to take my photography to the next level. I haven't used an interchangeable lens camera for over 15 years.

On my short list is the RP. The shop doesn't have a lot of bodies but they did show me the RF800 lens (amazingly light!!) and a Tamron 150-500

They really feel I should be looking at the R6 rather than the RP (I do a lot of landscapes, birds, backyard wildlife and would like to improve my mostly-miss BIF pix)

I talked to an employee who has both the R and R6 and could not say enough about the R6. She felt the difference between the RP and R6 is just as amazing, especially in the eye-focus feature.

R6 + lens is just about where I'm having heart palpitations money wise though so I'm on the fence.

I then came home and hopped on here and saw something I hadn't found yet - the Canon RF100-400 that was announced last fall, which weighs over a pound less than the RF800 that I thought was super light!

I'd love to hear user thoughts about the RP vs R6, and those RF lenses - thanks!

I have no idea why anyone would recommend those two cameras as your only options, the RP or the R6.  That's like recommending either a Ford Focus or Mustang:  there are so many options in between.  The RP is $999 and the R6 is $2,499.  The R is $1,799 and outperforms the RP in most ways, not the least of which is resolution and dynamic range.  And what about an M camera with an adapted EF lens?

Why didn't anyone mention the R?  Or did they mention it and you didn't feel like it was worth hundreds more than the RP?  Jumping from an SX50 to an R6 is just an enormous leap.  Even going to the R would be quite a steep learning curve.

You asked about the consumer grade RF lenses.

I bought the R with the RF 24-105/4 L, RF 70-200/2.8L and a couple of used EF lenses. I figured I'd like a backup lens and found a good used RF 24-240.

It has been critizised because it has severe barrel distortion at the wide end and severe vignetting too, but built-in digital lens correction does away with that and it is surprisingly sharp after corrections. So if that is the future of consumer grade lenses, it could be much worse.

Good luck and good light.

I am writing to give you my opinion. You know your budget and needs better than anyone.

I have been a long term Canon shooter - bought my first Canon SLR in 1981, my first EOS in the early 90's and the Canon 10D in March or 2003. I have owned five Canon DSLRs, plenty of Canon lenses and now the R5. Before the R5/R6s were released I was headed to Sony. For the ten years before the R5/R6s were released I felt Canon was phoning in their sensor development and Sony was flying circles around Canon in DR and High ISO. Plus Sony seemed to be innovating in many areas where Canon just seemed to be resting.

The new Canons - R6, R5 and R3 are the only Canons I would consider in 2022 for purchase for my needs. The new sensors are beyond fantastic. Yes, I shot lots of sports and dance and other activities over the last almost 20 years with my older DSLRs. Even with the noise I was happy to be able to shoot at high enough shutter speeds with decent ISO for indoor sports. I am glad I have the images. But the R5 is beyond next generation. I am shooting indoor sports at ISOs that I would never consider before and the images are beautiful. The R6 would be just as great. People have already told you about the AF, and they are correct. In the old days, I shot a lot of images just to make sure I had images over everyone on the team (Tae Kwon Do, Gymnastics, Dance) the keeper rate for tricky indoor lighting sports events was just ok (that is after culling just the other non keeps - ref gets in the way or someone moves, etc... Now my keeper rate is amazing. The eye focus and the tracking is amazing for sports.

I use a combination of EF and RF lenses. My main sports lens right now is a EF 70-200 f2.8 MK II. The lens works great on the R5. I bought the lens last Spring after I bought my R5. I also have several RF lenses you mentioned the Rf 100-400 is great to shoot, the lens and the camera together are very light  and takes great pictures. I also have the Rf 800 f11, a fun lens, but I consider it a specialty lens (meaning I would only get it after I bought my everyday lenses. I have also bought several other EF lenses over the last year and they all adapt great.

I have seen nice images from the RP and the R. They helped Canon move into the mirrorless world, but I never considered them because they used older Canon sensors. I can't tell you what is best for you. If I was buying on a limited budget today and could not afford the R6 and did not need a camera right now I would wait and see what Canon announces in the next few months. Active rumors are of an updated RP and at least one other camera. But if you have the budget I would get an R6, this is a camera that you can use for years. I think we maybe spoiled on MP, I shot with a 22 MP camera for the last 10 years and printed a lot of great large images.  I know some R and RP users may take offence at my opinion, but what I have posted is my opinion based on my years of photography. Others have also posted their opinions.

Great insight Kokopelli_Rocks, thank you! And everyone else.

No, they didn't mention the R to me as an option. I honestly thought it was an older camera and that the RP replaced it, so I didn't bring it up.

They did mention the Sony A7 III but I thought I'd keep it to Canon here.

Lots to think about!

Kokopelli_Rocks wrote:

If I was buying on a limited budget today and could not afford the R6 and did not need a camera right now I would wait and see what Canon announces in the next few months. Active rumors are of an updated RP and at least one other camera. But if you have the budget I would get an R6, this is a camera that you can use for years. I think we maybe spoiled on MP, I shot with a 22 MP camera for the last 10 years and printed a lot of great large images. I know some R and RP users may take offence at my opinion, but what I have posted is my opinion based on my years of photography. Others have also posted their opinions.

When does Canon usually announce cameras?

And where are rumors posted, here or somewhere else?

diane143 wrote:

Kokopelli_Rocks wrote:

If I was buying on a limited budget today and could not afford the R6 and did not need a camera right now I would wait and see what Canon announces in the next few months. Active rumors are of an updated RP and at least one other camera. But if you have the budget I would get an R6, this is a camera that you can use for years. I think we maybe spoiled on MP, I shot with a 22 MP camera for the last 10 years and printed a lot of great large images. I know some R and RP users may take offence at my opinion, but what I have posted is my opinion based on my years of photography. Others have also posted their opinions.

When does Canon usually announce cameras?

And where are rumors posted, here or somewhere else?

Good question, no fixed date. If I had to guess I think April, but could be sooner or later. I am sure there will not be a R5 or R6 update in 2022. If I had to guess there might be an update released in late 2023, but I think 2023 will be the year for the R1 and that may take most of Canon's camera bandwidth.

I wish I had better words to convey my joy with shooting with the R5 and I am sure the R6 would be the same. The AF is a joy to use. The high ISO capabilities is amazing and the Dynamic Range on the sensors really allow amazing work with RAW files.

After one year using the RP, I upgraded to the R6. This was because I was amazed how much money I had saved during the lockdown.

I would not go back for several reasons.

a) IBIS

b) the sensor protection when changing lenses.

c) the controls are in better places for me. The lock button is more practical.

d) the side entry of the SD cards.

e) the more visible display of the horizon in the viewfinder.

Non show-stopper disadvantages of the R6 are that it is heavier and does not have the additional scene settings on the mode switch. The difference in file size is not an issue for me.

However, last week I went out with the RP by mistake and when I looked at the results I was not disappointed. I repeated the shots of local buildings the following day with the R6 and they were pretty close. But then, with care I can get excellent results from the Sony Rx100. The difference between the three cameras is not proportional to their retail price.

For me, the R6 gives an even cleaner result than the RP and it is even better in low light, but the latter is no slouch and I can get excellent results with it. I should, however. admit that I always shoot raw and process in PhotoLab.

I would say: if the price difference is a problem and you have to persuade yourself really hard to swing for the R6, buy the RP and enjoy it, as I have. You can always upgrade in the next generation of R cameras!

David

davidwien wrote:

After one year using the RP, I upgraded to the R6. This was because I was amazed how much money I had saved during the lockdown.

I would not go back for several reasons.

a) IBIS

b) the sensor protection when changing lenses.

c) the controls are in better places for me. The lock button is more practical.

d) the side entry of the SD cards.

e) the more visible display of the horizon in the viewfinder.

Non show-stopper disadvantages of the R6 are that it is heavier and does not have the additional scene settings on the mode switch. The difference in file size is not an issue for me.

However, last week I went out with the RP by mistake and when I looked at the results I was not disappointed. I repeated the shots of local buildings the following day with the R6 and they were pretty close. But then, with care I can get excellent results from the Sony Rx100. The difference between the three cameras is not proportional to their retail price.

For me, the R6 gives an even cleaner result than the RP and it is even better in low light, but the latter is no slouch and I can get excellent results with it. I should, however. admit that I always shoot raw and process in PhotoLab.

I would say: if the price difference is a problem and you have to persuade yourself really hard to swing for the R6, buy the RP and enjoy it, as I have. You can always upgrade in the next generation of R cameras!

David

Thanks for your thoughts on both cameras!

I woke up this morning thinking "What are you thinking, spending that much!!" So I'm leaning towards the RP again. I've been going through the detailed review on here as I get time to sit down.

And you're right, what's the worst that can happen? No matter how you slice it, it's a huge step up from the SX50. And I can always upgrade later - the lenses will fit!

Took the new toy (RF 100-400 f/5.6-8) out on the RP today.  No critters about because it’s very cold here.  
These are way downsized jpegs