Canon revives EOS 650 styling for faster EOS R8 II full-frame camera
Canon’s 24-megapixel EOS R8 II adds in-body stabilisation, faster burst shooting and broader autofocus coverage, with pre-orders starting at US$1,899.
Canon has unveiled the EOS R8 II, an entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera that pairs updated specifications with styling inspired by the classic EOS 650 film SLR.
The camera has a more squared-off body than its predecessor, along with a joystick for autofocus-point selection. Canon says the EOS R8 II can shoot at up to 40 frames per second using its electronic shutter, while capturing 58 per cent more JPEG images and 30 per cent more RAW images in a burst than the EOS R8.
A new five-axis in-body stabilisation system is rated by Canon at up to 7.5 stops with supported lenses. At 546 grams, Canon describes the EOS R8 II as the lightest full-frame camera with this feature.
Autofocus coverage extends across the frame, with tracking for people, animals and vehicles. Canon also says the camera can track registered individuals and capture up to 20 frames before the shutter is fully pressed.
Video specifications largely carry over from the EOS R8, including 4K recording at 60 frames per second, oversampled from the full sensor width, and uncropped 1080p recording at up to 180 frames per second. The camera includes a 3-inch vari-angle display, a 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder, one UHS-II card slot and an LP-E17 battery.
Pre-orders are open at US$1,899 for the body and US$2,099 with an RF24-50mm lens. Canon expects shipping to begin in late October, although no firm release date or regional pricing has been provided. An extension grip costs US$100, while the Speedlite EL-5 Ver.2 flash is priced at US$379, according to Engadget.
