Canon EOS R Real World Review | Fashion photography with Gabriel Silva (Upgrading from the 80D to EOS R)

The Canon 80D vs Canon EOS R competition isn’t very fair. The EOS R is significantly newer and has better quality specs across the board. However, a lot of EF/EF-S mount and DSLR users are nervous to make the switch.

To make this decision a little easier for you, we gave the EOS R to an 80D user and asked for their feedback. Fashion photographer Gabriel Perez Silva (Vogue, PAPER, M.A.C) joined us in Focus’s studio to give us his thoughts on the EOS R, its usability, and switching systems.

Canon EF/EF-S vs RF Lenses

The main selling point of the new RF mount is speed. Unlike the original EF/EF-S mount, the RF’s 12-pin connection facilities faster communication between the camera and lens. The improved connection is vital for higher autofocus speed and quickly transmitting larger amounts of data.

Canon debuted the RF mount in 2018 for its first full-frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R, followed shortly by the EOS RP. Sensing change-induced havoc, Canon released its own line of specialized adaptors that maintain all lens functionality. So, if you are an EF/EF-S user, you can effortlessly take advantage of the new mount.

Autofocus & Face Tracking

Canon has released several updates to the EOS R’s firmware since its initial release. First, they added both silent shutter and continuous shooting modes. Then, they took on autofocus.

Initially, people were… let’s say underwhelmed with the EOS R’s autofocus performance. As a result, Canon’s second firmware update significantly increased AF as well as AF tracking. This is vital for both photographers and videographers interested in taking advantage of the EOS R’s 4K/30p capabilities.

Build

These two cameras are inherently extremely different at their core; the Canon 80D is a DSLR and the EOS R is mirrorless. 

When you take a photo with a DSLR (or digital single lens reflex) camera, light passes through the lens, hits an angled mirror and shines through your viewfinder. This is a reflection of what your lens is pointed towards at that exact moment. Then, when you hit your shutter button, the mirror moves and reveals the sensor, thus recording the photo. 

On the other hand, mirrorless cameras (gasp!) don’t have a mirror. Instead, light passes through your lens and immediately hits the sensor. The preview image you see through the viewfinder (or on the back-panel display of your camera) is a real-time, digital representation of what your lens is pointed towards.

The EOS R is technically a DSLR-style mirrorless—it’s designed to have a similar feel to a classic DSLR and touts a hefty grip. However, it still has a natural size and weight advantage over the 80D. It’s inherently lighter, smaller, and more portable. Canon also did a great job cleaning up the back panel and streamlining the look and feel of the interface.

Touchscreen

Speaking of that revised interface, one of Gabriel Perez Silva’s favorite additions to the EOS R is its 3.15-inch, vari-angle, touchscreen LCD. Yes, its flexibility helps with tough shots. But the real draw here is easy access to settings, photo review, and autofocus point selection.

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  Canon EOS R (Body Only)
  Regular price: $2,299.00
• 
  Canon EOS R Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-105mm Lens
  Regular price: $3,399.00
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  Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R
  Regular price: $99.00
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  Canon 70-200mm Lens f/2.8L IS II USM EF Telephoto Zoom Lens
  Regular price: $1,799.00