Three years in and I may just buy another R

So my trusty EOS R is starting to show it's age. The shutter count is almost 200k, it's developed a bit of an issue where the SD card doesn't 'click' into place so I'm pondering a replacement rather than pay to fix it.

Like most people I regularly lust after the shiny shiny stuff, R6ii's and R5's but truth be told the R has way way exceeded what I expected from it. It was a huge upgrade from the 6D it replaced, particularly in terms of auto-focus. Honestly, I've not once been disappointed with it. It's robust, the AF is good, the IQ is great and it handles well.

I'd always imagined at this point I'd upgrade but honestly, with a brand new R available as an import these days at under £1300 I just might buy another one.

Swervin Mervin wrote:

So my trusty EOS R is starting to show it's age. The shutter count is almost 200k, it's developed a bit of an issue where the SD card doesn't 'click' into place so I'm pondering a replacement rather than pay to fix it.

Like most people I regularly lust after the shiny shiny stuff, R6ii's and R5's but truth be told the R has way way exceeded what I expected from it. It was a huge upgrade from the 6D it replaced, particularly in terms of auto-focus. Honestly, I've not once been disappointed with it. It's robust, the AF is good, the IQ is great and it handles well.

I'd always imagined at this point I'd upgrade but honestly, with a brand new R available as an import these days at under £1300 I just might buy another one.

The weather seals are hard to beat in its price range.  You don't get the build quality until you go to the R5,  Magnesium chassis in it, too?

The auto subject tracking AF is the only upgrade I would want that the R doesn't have.

There are days that I'm sorry I sold mine.

Swervin Mervin wrote:

Like most people I regularly lust after the shiny shiny stuff, R6ii's and R5's but truth be told the R has way way exceeded what I expected from it. It was a huge upgrade from the 6D it replaced, particularly in terms of auto-focus. Honestly, I've not once been disappointed with it. It's robust, the AF is good, the IQ is great and it handles well.

Your post is mildly amusing to me as it is a bit contradicting. You mention the perceived huge upgrade in terms of AF from the 6D, which means you will be really surprised if you upgrade from the R to an actual "state of the art" mirrorless. While the Rs AF is not bad per se (accuracy is mostly good, especially for static and semi dynamic shots) compared to todays gold standard it is really slow (AF speed) and subject detection capabilities are outdated as well. I stil have two EOS Rs, but I have rarely used them when I bought the Z6 and Z7 (eye AF slightly better, but 1.8 primes much better on the Z system) and have never used them again when I got the R5. I should really sell them as they are just collecting dust.

Resolution difference between the 24MP Z6 and the 30 MP EOS R is really not a factor, Z6 might even have the edge, depending on the environment conditions you are shooting in. If resolution is really important I would be a bit hestiant about the R6 anyway.

With the exception of build quality, pure resolution and maybe "color science" the R is outdated in every aspect nowadays and I would rather spend a little bit more for a R6 (my least favorite of the bunch), R8, R6 II or R5. R6 should be available in the mentioned price range soon (clearance sale). I also got the R8 on pre-order for 1500€. As soon as I have th R8 (as an electronic shutter only cam), I will sell both Rs and probably the Z6 and Z7 wait for a worthy sucessor in the Nikon world (Z6/Z7 III) to continue my dual system voyage.

While there are quite a lot of options now available in Canon's lineup to replace the R, none offer a direct upgrade path in terms of a camera that is objectively better (or at least equivalent) in EVERY category at a similar price point. And there never will be at this stage. Whether it's pixel count, smaller battery, less robust build, inferior EVF, rear display, etc. there is some sort of trade-off.

For many, the small trade-offs are a no-brainer that can be easily discounted. Having said that, I don't quite find myself in that category.

If/when I replace my R, I'll most likely be moving to the R6 mark II or the R5 - there are simply too much comprimises with the R8 for my liking.

Likewise with the lowered price of the 'R' been seriously considering getting one, as a 2nd body in lieu of my 6D II.

Non of the R's noted Cons are a factor for me; overall been well pleased with the R.

The R8 is tempting, but just would prefer having a 2nd R as to same operation, and using the same LP-E6NH battery.

Being in my early 70's just prefer KISS; more than keeping up with the latest, greatest.

Jon

Get a used r6

Morvegil wrote:

Get a used r6

Been watching the R6 MK1 prices on Canon Refurbished site, and some reputable online resellers that provide a warranty with their used cameras.

Can get a new R w/ Canon 1-yr warranty for $1,399; free shipping and no tax.

Been using various Canon 35mm and digital cameras for over 45 years.

I'm fully aware of the R6 MK1 improvements, but as I noted the 'R' fulfills 'all' my photog needs, and being on a fixed income $$$ is a important factor.

For myself photography is just a 'hobby' I've enjoyed doing for many years.

Thanks,
Jon

Jon_T wrote:

Morvegil wrote:

Get a used r6

Been watching the R6 MK1 prices on Canon Refurbished site, and some reputable online resellers that provide a warranty with their used cameras.

Can get a new R w/ Canon 1-yr warranty for $1,399; free shipping and no tax.

Been using various Canon 35mm and digital cameras for over 45 years.

I'm fully aware of the R6 MK1 improvements, but as I noted the 'R' fulfills 'all' my photog needs, and being on a fixed income $$$ is a important factor.

For myself photography is just a 'hobby' I've enjoyed doing for many years.

Thanks,
Jon

I personally don't get the desire to always get the latest and greatest.  If it does everything you need it to, stick with it.

Trent Severn wrote:

If/when I replace my R, I'll most likely be moving to the R6 mark II or the R5 - there are simply too much comprimises with the R8 for my liking.

Both the R8 and the R lack a rear dial, and both lack IBIS. I would prefer a bigger battery, and an higher IQ count, but the better AF, light metering, auto white balance of the R8 outweigh these advantages of the R.

If you don’t shoot moving subjects in bursts, the other R models are pretty much downgrades from the R; except for the R5.

thunder storm wrote:

Trent Severn wrote:

If/when I replace my R, I'll most likely be moving to the R6 mark II or the R5 - there are simply too much comprimises with the R8 for my liking.

Both the R8 and the R lack a rear dial, and both lack IBIS. I would prefer a bigger battery, and an higher IQ count, but the better AF, light metering, auto white balance of the R8 outweigh these advantages of the R.

I did great with my R just using the 100-500 IS. I mapped my R7 so in M mode the QC dial is for EC, the main dial is for Tv and lens ring is for Av. Since I shoot wide open mist often Av is  not a big  requirement. Along with Auto ISO the ergonomics are very comfortable.

Zeee wrote:

thunder storm wrote:

Trent Severn wrote:

If/when I replace my R, I'll most likely be moving to the R6 mark II or the R5 - there are simply too much comprimises with the R8 for my liking.

Both the R8 and the R lack a rear dial, and both lack IBIS. I would prefer a bigger battery, and an higher IQ count, but the better AF, light metering, auto white balance of the R8 outweigh these advantages of the R.

I did great with my R just using the 100-500 IS. I mapped my R7 so in M mode the QC dial is for EC, the main dial is for Tv and lens ring is for Av. Since I shoot wide open mist often Av is not a big requirement. Along with Auto ISO the ergonomics are very comfortable.

You won't need all the dials in every situation.  Shooting indoors bouncing to the ceiling with a speedlight + diffuser, that's when I need all the dials. Aperture, shutter speed, ISO or EC, flash EC....

thunder storm wrote:

Zeee wrote:

thunder storm wrote:

Trent Severn wrote:

If/when I replace my R, I'll most likely be moving to the R6 mark II or the R5 - there are simply too much comprimises with the R8 for my liking.

Both the R8 and the R lack a rear dial, and both lack IBIS. I would prefer a bigger battery, and an higher IQ count, but the better AF, light metering, auto white balance of the R8 outweigh these advantages of the R.

I did great with my R just using the 100-500 IS. I mapped my R7 so in M mode the QC dial is for EC, the main dial is for Tv and lens ring is for Av. Since I shoot wide open mist often Av is not a big requirement. Along with Auto ISO the ergonomics are very comfortable.

You won't need all the dials in every situation. Shooting indoors bouncing to the ceiling with a speedlight + diffuser, that's when I need all the dials. Aperture, shutter speed, ISO or EC, flash EC....

I'd use my R6II for that most likely.

Zeee wrote:

thunder storm wrote:

Zeee wrote:

thunder storm wrote:

Trent Severn wrote:

If/when I replace my R, I'll most likely be moving to the R6 mark II or the R5 - there are simply too much comprimises with the R8 for my liking.

Both the R8 and the R lack a rear dial, and both lack IBIS. I would prefer a bigger battery, and an higher IQ count, but the better AF, light metering, auto white balance of the R8 outweigh these advantages of the R.

I did great with my R just using the 100-500 IS. I mapped my R7 so in M mode the QC dial is for EC, the main dial is for Tv and lens ring is for Av. Since I shoot wide open mist often Av is not a big requirement. Along with Auto ISO the ergonomics are very comfortable.

You won't need all the dials in every situation. Shooting indoors bouncing to the ceiling with a speedlight + diffuser, that's when I need all the dials. Aperture, shutter speed, ISO or EC, flash EC....

I'd use my R6II for that most likely.

It might be the best camera for that kind of job.

Jon_T wrote:

Likewise with the lowered price of the 'R' been seriously considering getting one, as a 2nd body in lieu of my 6D II.

Non of the R's noted Cons are a factor for me; overall been well pleased with the R.

The R8 is tempting, but just would prefer having a 2nd R as to same operation, and using the same LP-E6NH battery.

Being in my early 70's just prefer KISS; more than keeping up with the latest, greatest.

Jon

I'm right with you (and almost so in age as well).

I'm still doing some professional portrait work, and the R is just fine for that. At this point, I've got three R bodies. If I lost one, I'd replace it with another R body...unless someone wants to give me an R5 as a 70th birthday present.

The R5 is the only camera I'd consider an upgrade for my portrait work, but it's not enough of an upgrade for me to buy one (it wouldn't make me any more money).

thunder storm wrote:

Zeee wrote:

thunder storm wrote:

Zeee wrote:

thunder storm wrote:

Trent Severn wrote:

If/when I replace my R, I'll most likely be moving to the R6 mark II or the R5 - there are simply too much comprimises with the R8 for my liking.

Both the R8 and the R lack a rear dial, and both lack IBIS. I would prefer a bigger battery, and an higher IQ count, but the better AF, light metering, auto white balance of the R8 outweigh these advantages of the R.

I did great with my R just using the 100-500 IS. I mapped my R7 so in M mode the QC dial is for EC, the main dial is for Tv and lens ring is for Av. Since I shoot wide open mist often Av is not a big requirement. Along with Auto ISO the ergonomics are very comfortable.

You won't need all the dials in every situation. Shooting indoors bouncing to the ceiling with a speedlight + diffuser, that's when I need all the dials. Aperture, shutter speed, ISO or EC, flash EC....

I'd use my R6II for that most likely.

It might be the best camera for that kind of job.

I can't say you should not use the R7 for weddings, etc but I would not use as my primary. Cleaner flies, etc.

Zeee wrote:

[...] I can't say you should not use the R7 for weddings, etc but I would not use as my primary. Cleaner flies, etc.

Does the R7 really make insects dirtier? Glad I'm using the R5 for insect macro!