Canon unveils lightweight EOS R8 II full-frame camera with retro-inspired design
Canon introduced the EOS R8 II, its lightest full-frame mirrorless camera, featuring a squared-off look inspired by the classic EOS 650 and upgraded performance specs.
Canon's latest entry-level full-frame mirrorless model, the EOS R8 II, blends a retro design cue from the 1970s EOS 650 SLR with modern ergonomics, including a more squared-off silhouette and an optional grip that creates an angled right corner reminiscent of the classic. Weighing only 1.2 lb (546 g), it becomes the lightest full-frame camera equipped with 5-axis in-body stabilization, offering up to 7.5 stops of shake reduction.
The R8 II boosts burst speed to 40 fps in electronic shutter mode with continuous autofocus and auto-exposure, delivering 58 % more JPEGs and 30 % more RAW frames per burst than its predecessor. Its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system provides 100 % coverage and advanced tracking of people, animals and vehicles, plus the ability to register specific subjects. Video specs remain strong, featuring 4K 60p oversampled from a 6K sensor, uncropped 1080p 180p, and 10-bit 4:2:2 capture up to 250 Mbps, with improved autofocus.
The camera ships with a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, a 2.36-million-dot EVF, and a single LP-E17 battery delivering about 340 shots in power-saving mode. It is available for pre-order at $1,899, with a kit including an RF24-50mm lens for $2,099 and optional accessories such as the EG-E2 grip ($100) and Speedlite EL-5 Ver.2 flash ($379).
Why it matters
The EOS R8 II expands affordable full-frame options with high-speed shooting and stabilization, appealing to both photographers and videographers.
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