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Canon EOS R8 Camera Review

Tested using Methodology v0.12.1
Review updated May 02, 2024 at 09:37 am
Canon EOS R8 Picture
8.2
Travel Photography
8.4
Landscape Photography
7.7
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.6
Raw Photo Performance
8.5
Vlogging
9.2
Studio Video
5.4
Action Video

The Canon EOS R8 is the entry-level model in Canon's full-frame mirrorless lineup, representing a cheaper, more portable alternative to higher-end models like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. In that respect, it fills a similar niche as the Canon EOS RP from 2019. It has a similar build and poor battery life but borrows the excellent sensor from the R6 Mark II and significantly improves upon the RP's video capabilities, making this a great choice for photographers who want full-frame image and video quality without spending a fortune.

Our Verdict

8.2 Travel Photography

The Canon R8 is great for travel photography. It's relatively lightweight and portable for a full-frame camera. Its sensor captures very high-quality images, and this camera has a very effective autofocus system. That said, battery life is disappointing, and its build quality is just decent, with no weather-sealing.

Pros
  • Excellent image quality.
  • Lightweight and fairly portable.
  • Fantastic autofocus.
Cons
  • Poor battery life.
  • Somewhat cheap-feeling build quality.
8.4 Landscape Photography

The Canon R8 is excellent for landscape photography. It has a high-resolution full-frame sensor with amazing dynamic range and good noise handling for low-light situations. It's also very lightweight and relatively portable, which is good for hikes to remote locations. Unfortunately, it isn't the most well-built camera and has a poor battery life.

Pros
  • Excellent image quality.
  • Lightweight and fairly portable.
  • Wide dynamic range.
Cons
  • Poor battery life.
  • Somewhat cheap-feeling build quality.
7.7 Sport & Wildlife Photography

The Canon R8 is good for sports and wildlife photography. Though it doesn't have a fully mechanical shutter, it can shoot at a remarkably quick burst rate with its electronic shutter. However, the e-shutter can introduce unwanted artifacts, and its max shooting speed when using its electronic front-curtain shutter (EFCS) is somewhat slow. On the upside, its autofocus tracking is incredibly reliable, with different subject detection modes for animals, birds, or vehicles. The camera also has a fairly large buffer, especially if you prefer to shoot in JPEG, but if you do fill it up, it takes a little while to empty, which can slow you down.

Pros
  • Excellent image quality.
  • Fantastic autofocus.
  • Quick burst shooting.
  • Fairly large photo buffer.
Cons
  • Poor battery life.
  • Somewhat cheap-feeling build quality.
  • No mechanical shutter.
8.6 Raw Photo Performance

The Canon R8 has excellent RAW image quality. Its dynamic range is amazing, so it captures a wide range of highlight and shadow detail. Its sensor also resolves plenty of fine detail, so images appear sharp, and the camera has great noise management in low light.

Pros
  • Wide dynamic range.
  • Great noise handling.
Cons
8.5 Vlogging

The Canon R8 is great for vlogging, though it isn't the most portable option for on-the-go recording. It has a fully articulated screen that makes it easy to monitor yourself. It also captures excellent-quality video and supports Log recording for more advanced video shooters. Its autofocus system is also fantastic, ensuring you or your subjects stay in focus. That said, it has a poor battery life.

Pros
  • Lightweight and fairly portable.
  • Fantastic autofocus.
  • Fully articulated screen.
Cons
  • Poor battery life.
  • Somewhat cheap-feeling build quality.
9.2 Studio Video

The Canon R8 is excellent for studio video. It records oversampled 4k video, resulting in excellent overall video quality. On top of that, it supports 10-bit 4:2:2 recording internally with C-Log 3. However, it can't output RAW video. Battery life is also disappointing, though you can power it externally if you need to. On the upside, there's no recording time limit, and it doesn't struggle too much with overheating.

Pros
  • Internal 10-bit recording with C-Log 3.
  • Fantastic autofocus.
  • Amazing video quality.
Cons
  • Poor battery life.
  • Somewhat cheap-feeling build quality.
5.4 Action Video

The Canon R8 isn't meant for POV-style action video, but it's well-suited to recording action from the sidelines. Video quality is excellent, and it has plenty of frame rate options, including 4k at up to 60 fps without a crop. There's also a high frame rate mode that can record 1080p slow-motion video at up to 180 fps. That said, the camera isn't the sturdiest, with no weather-sealing or waterproofing.

Pros
  • Fantastic autofocus.
  • Amazing video quality.
Cons
  • Not designed for action video mounts.
  • Poor battery life.
  • No weather-sealing or waterproofing.
  • Somewhat cheap-feeling build quality.
  • 8.2 Travel Photography
  • 8.4 Landscape Photography
  • 7.7 Sport & Wildlife Photography
  • 8.6 Raw Photo Performance
  • 8.5 Vlogging
  • 9.2 Studio Video
  • 5.4 Action Video
  1. Updated May 02, 2024: We've touched up some of the text throughout this review to ensure that it's up to date and meets our current standards for quality.
  2. Updated Jan 29, 2024: Added text to the 'Raw Photo Performance' verdict box.
  3. Updated Jan 29, 2024: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.1.
  4. Updated Jan 08, 2024: We updated the 'FHD Video Frame Rate' and 'Action Video' boxes to correct an error stating the camera could only record slow-motion video at up to 120 fps when it can record up to 180 fps.
  5. Updated Jul 13, 2023: Added a link to the Sony ZV-E1 in the 'Portability' section of the review.
  6. Updated May 10, 2023: Review published.
  7. Updated May 04, 2023: Early access published.
  8. Updated Apr 28, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.
  9. Updated Apr 24, 2023: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  10. Updated Apr 18, 2023: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Canon R8 comes in one color: Black. You can see our unit's label here.

You can buy the camera body on its own or bundled with a kit lens like the Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM.

Compared To Other Cameras

With a powerful sensor and some excellent video capabilities for the money, the Canon R8 has a lot to offer for an entry-level full-frame camera. However, its relatively affordable price comes with some trade-offs in other areas, notably its build quality, lack of a fully mechanical shutter, and poor battery life.

For more options, check out our recommendations for the best mirrorless cameras, the best full-frame mirrorless cameras, and the best mirrorless cameras for beginners.

Canon EOS R7

The Canon EOS R7 and the Canon EOS R8 are both great cameras, but they're aimed at different users. The R7 is a higher-end APS-C camera that's better suited to sports and action photography. It's sturdier, has a mechanical shutter, and has a longer battery life. The R8, on the other hand, is an entry-level full-frame camera, so it offers better dynamic range and low-light capability. However, it doesn't feel as well-built and has a poor battery life.

Canon EOS R6

The Canon EOS R6 is a bit better than the Canon EOS R8. It's a higher-end model with better build quality and a much longer battery life. Though it has a slightly lower resolution sensor, image quality is roughly on par. It also has in-body image stabilization. That said, the R8 is more portable and uses a newer version of Canon's autofocus system.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is better overall than the Canon EOS R8, but they sit at different price points. Though they use the same sensor, the R6 Mark II has more to offer, with external RAW video output, a higher-resolution EVF, and in-body image stabilization. It's also weather-sealed, has a mechanical shutter option, and offers more physical controls and dials, along with dual SD card slots and a much better battery life.

Canon EOS RP

The Canon EOS R8 is very similar to the Canon EOS RP in design and build quality. However, the R8 has a different sensor and a new processor that gives it an edge in image and video quality. It also has a better autofocus system, faster e-shutter burst shooting, better internal video recording capability, and more video frame rate options.

Canon EOS R10

The Canon EOS R10 and the Canon EOS R8 are both good cameras that use different-sized sensors. The R10 will offer a bit more value for its price for most people, with faster burst shooting, better battery life, and very respectable video features. On the other hand, if you need full-frame image quality in a portable camera body, the R8 is the way to go.

Sony α7 III

The Sony α7 III and the Canon EOS R8 are both great full-frame cameras. The Canon is newer, so its video specs are more up to current standards, and it's a more portable model. However, the Sony feels better built, has a better battery life, and includes dual SD card slots.

Canon EOS R

The Canon EOS R8 is a bit better overall than the Canon EOS R, though both are great full-frame options. The R8 is more portable, uses a newer processor, and offers better video features for video and hybrid shooters. Conversely, the R offers a sturdier build with weather-sealing, a higher-resolution EVF, and better battery life. Both cameras use the RF lens mount and are compatible with the same lenses.

Canon EOS R50

The Canon EOS R8 is better overall than the Canon EOS R50, though they use different-sized sensors and are aimed at users of different experience levels. The R50 is a great beginner camera with an APS-C sensor and a highly portable body. The R8, on the other hand, is an entry-level full-frame camera with a more advanced autofocus system and video features. If you're just starting out or on a tighter budget, you can't go wrong with the R50, but those who need full-frame image quality and more advanced video capabilities should consider the R8.

Nikon Z 5

The Nikon Z 5 offers better overall value than the Canon EOS R8 unless you're a hybrid or video shooter or prefer a more portable camera, in which case you should go with the R8. Both cameras use full-frame sensors and capture excellent image quality, but the Z 5 has a higher-resolution EVF, a longer battery life, in-body image stabilization, and weather-sealing. Its video features are more limited, however, with severely cropped 4k recording and less advanced internal recording specs.

Sony α7C

The Sony α7C and the Canon EOS R8 are both great portable full-frame models, each with advantages. The Sony is better built, has a longer battery life, has in-body image stabilization, and is more compact. The Canon, on the other hand, has better ergonomics, a bigger viewfinder, and more advanced internal video recording capabilities.

Sony α6700

The Sony α6700 and the Canon EOS R8 are both great cameras that use different-sized sensors. The Sony is more portable, feels better built, and has a longer battery life, but the full-frame sensor and lenses of the R8 give it an edge in low-light situations.

Canon EOS 90D

The Canon EOS 90D and the Canon EOS R8 are different camera types with different-sized sensors, so each has its own advantages. The 90D is less portable than the R8, but it's better constructed, with a weather-sealed body and a longer battery life. It also uses a higher-resolution but smaller APS-C sensor, making it a bit better suited to uses like wildlife photography. The R8, on the other hand, is more lightweight and has significantly better video features, making it a better option for hybrid shooters.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Canon EOS R8 are different camera types. The mirrorless R8 is the better option for most people, with a newer sensor and processor that gives it an edge in areas like autofocus and video. It's also significantly more portable than the bulky 5D Mark IV DSLR. That said, the R8 also has a worse battery life and cheaper build quality.

Canon EOS R100

The Canon EOS R8 sits well above the Canon EOS R100 in Canon's mirrorless lineup. It's a significantly better camera, with a full-frame sensor, better autofocus, better video specs, and a fully articulated touchscreen.

Sony α7C II

The Sony α7C II and the Canon EOS R8 are both excellent portable full-frame cameras, but the Sony offers a few advantages. It feels better built and has a higher-resolution sensor, a much longer battery life, and a wider selection of compatible lenses.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

The Canon EOS R8 is better overall than the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, but they're different camera types with different advantages. The R8 is more cheaply constructed and has a significantly worse battery life, but it's more well-rounded, with better video features and a more effective autofocus system, as well as being more portable.

Nikon Z f

The Nikon Z f is a bit better overall than the Canon EOS R8. It's a better-built camera, with a higher-resolution screen and EVF, as well as a longer battery life and quicker max burst rate. That said, the Canon has slightly better video specs and a more traditional design and ergonomics that will feel more familiar to most people.

Nikon Z 6

The Nikon Z 6 and the Canon EOS R8 are both great full-frame models with different advantages. The Nikon is a higher-end model, so it feels better built and has a higher-resolution viewfinder, better ergonomics, and in-body image stabilization. That said, the Canon is more portable and offers better video features.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
6.6
Design
Portability
Height
3.5" (8.9 cm)
Width
5.2" (13.3 cm)
Depth
2.6" (6.6 cm)
Volume
47.6 in³ (780.3 cm³)
Weight
1.04 lbs (0.47 kg)

The Canon R8 is very portable for a full-frame camera and very similar in size to the Canon EOS RP. It's super lightweight, with a fairly thin body that's easy to carry around and won't cause much, if any, fatigue during long shooting days. That said, it isn't as portable as compact full-frame models like the Sony ZV-E1 or Sony α7C II.

7.0
Design
Build Quality

The camera's build quality is decent. The body isn't weather-sealed, but overall, the camera feels pretty solid despite its plasticky exterior. It's made mostly of lightweight plastic and feels very similar in build quality to the Canon EOS RP. Given this model's higher price point, however, it feels a bit underwhelming.

Design
Body
Body Type
SLR-Style
Water Resistance
No
Mirrorless
Yes
Rugged
No
Hot Shoe
Yes
Customizable Button
Yes
Command Dial
2
Tripod Mount
Yes
Lens Mount
RF Mount
Built-In Flash
No
Fastest Shutter Speed
1/4,000 s

While the R8 is modeled after the Canon EOS RP, it also has some design updates that follow in the footsteps of newer models like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. For example, there's now a dedicated switch to go from 'Photo' to 'Movie' mode, and the 'Lock' function has been integrated into the On/Off switch. You can see how the R6 II, the R8, and the RP (from left to right) compare from the front, the top, and the back.

The R8 also includes Canon's new multi-function hot shoe, which includes a 21-pin electronic interface that's advertised to offer more functionality, like power supply, and more efficient communication with newer accessories, including speedlights and microphones. Some accessories may require the use of an AD-E1 adapter.

There's no fully mechanical shutter on the R8. You can only choose between a fully electronic shutter or an electronic front-curtain shutter (EFCS). The front-curtain shutter is good for reducing vibrations at slower shutter speeds, but it's worth noting that it can also introduce bokeh artifacts when shooting at wide-open apertures.

Design
In The Box

  • Canon EOS R8 camera body
  • Sensor cap
  • Hot shoe cover
  • Shoulder strap
  • 1x Canon LP-E17 battery
  • Battery charger
  • User manual and documentation

8.5
Design
Ergonomics & Comfort
Hand Grip: Small Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Medium Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Large Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Extra-Large Hand
Yes

The camera's ergonomics are excellent. It has a large textured grip that's well-suited to most hand sizes, providing ample room for your fingers to rest comfortably when using a moderate-sized lens. If you need to, you can always buy the Canon EG-E1 extension grip, originally released for the RP, which attaches to the bottom of the camera and extends the grip a little for those with larger hands.

For the most part, the buttons are well-placed and accessible, making it easy to adjust settings as needed. However, the lack of a thumbstick on the back can make it tricky to adjust your autofocus point on the fly.

Design
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Type
Electronic
Advertised Coverage
100%
Advertised Resolution
2.36 million dots
Advertised Magnification
0.7

The EVF has a pretty standard 2.36 million-dot resolution, so you'll get a reasonably clear and sharp image. However, it's nothing to write home about, especially as we see more cameras with higher-res EVFs. Unfortunately, the eyecup around the viewfinder is made of plastic and isn't especially comfortable to use.

9.6
Design
Screen
Screen Articulation Type
Fully-Articulated
Screen Max Brightness
929 cd/m²
Advertised Resolution
1.62 million dots
Size
3.0" (7.5 cm)
Touchscreen
Yes

The Canon R8 has a fully articulated screen. It has a higher resolution than the screen on the Canon EOS RP, providing a slightly sharper image. It also gets very bright, which is great for combatting glare on sunny days. It has full touch functionality as well, so you can use it to navigate the menus, select focus points, or as a touch shutter.

9.0
Design
Menu System
Guide Mode
Yes
App Name
Canon Camera Connect

The menu system is very intuitive and easy to navigate using either the touchscreen or the physical controls. The settings are clearly organized and user-friendly. There are also a lot of customization options to tailor the shooting experience to your preference and make it easier to access commonly used settings. There's also an extensive 'Help' function that provides explanations and additional information about certain settings and menu items when you press the 'Info' button.

not tested
Design
Built-In Lens
Maximum Aperture
No built-in lens
Max Aperture (Full-Frame Equivalent)
N/A
Minimum Focal Length
N/A
Maximum Focal Length
N/A
Max Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent)
N/A
Optical Image Stabilization
No
Luminance
N/A
Light Falloff
N/A
Design
Sensor
Sensor Type
CMOS
Advertised Effective Pixels
24.2 MP
Sensor Size
Full Frame
Processor
DIGIC X
Extended ISO Minimum
50
Native ISO Minimum (Base ISO)
100
Native ISO Maximum
102,400
Tested Firmware
Ver. 1.0.0

The Canon R8 uses the same 24 MP full-frame sensor and DIGIC X processor as the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. The sensor and its implementation are a notable step up from the Canon EOS RP, despite having a slightly lower resolution, with a wider native ISO range and more efficient processing.

6.3
Design
Battery
Battery Type
Canon LP-E17
USB Charging
Yes
Power Delivery While Recording
Yes
Advertised Battery Life In Photo
290 photos
Tested Battery Life In Video
65 min

The Canon R8 uses the same LP-E17 battery as the Canon EOS RP, which yields a relatively short battery life. It's CIPA-rated for 290 shots on a full charge when using the screen, which is slightly higher than the RP but still falls far short of cameras with larger batteries like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. When using the viewfinder, it's only rated for 150 shots, which is quite poor. That said, the camera does have power-saving settings. With power-saving enabled, the camera is rated for 370 shots using the screen and 220 shots using the viewfinder. It's also worth noting that CIPA ratings tend to fall on the conservative side, so your actual battery life will vary in real-world usage.

Video battery life is a more disappointing story. The camera lasts for just over an hour of continuous video recording in 4k at 30 fps. That's a fair bit shorter than the RP's video battery life. However, this camera does record uncropped oversampled 4k video, unlike the RP, so it makes sense that it drains the battery much quicker.

Photo General
6.0
Photo General
Photo Shooting Speed
Low Speed Continuous
3 fps
High Speed Continuous
6 fps
Silent Shooting Continuous
40 fps
Raw Buffer Size
87 Photos
JPEG Buffer Size
10,000 Photos
Buffer Empty Time
14 s

The Canon R8 has a remarkably fast max burst rate when using its electronic shutter, similar to the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. At max speed, you'll get approximately 40 fps burst shooting. However, in EFCS mode, the camera maxes out at 6 fps. Shooting in RAW format, the camera's buffer fills up after just under 90 shots, which isn't bad but will fill up very quickly when shooting at the max 40 fps burst rate. Once full, it also takes a fairly long time to clear its buffer, which can slow you down or interrupt your shooting in situations where timing is critical. When shooting in JPEG, the buffer clears fast enough to effectively shoot indefinitely.

8.7
Photo General
Photo AF-C Tracking
Autofocus Tracking Shots
Perfect Focus Hit Rate
76%
Usable Focus Hit Rate
100%

The Canon R8 uses the same autofocus system as the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, which does an excellent job of tracking moving subjects. It has various subject detection modes for animals and vehicles, on top of regular human face/eye detection. The tracking feature sticks to human subjects very well, even with trickier backgrounds or with faster movement. It's also a very intuitive autofocus system to use, with plenty of settings to fine-tune its performance to your needs. You should have a very high hit rate when letting the autofocus do its thing.

9.9
Photo General
Photo AF-C Center Point
Autofocus Center Point Shots
Perfect Focus Hit Rate
99%
Usable Focus Hit Rate
100%

Using a single focus point without tracking, autofocus is quick and accurate. As long as the subject remains under the focus point, you should have no trouble focusing on your chosen subject, whether it's a static object or someone moving in a more predictable way.

9.0
Photo General
Photo Image Stabilization
Minimum Shutter Speed Achieved
1/5 s
In-Body Image Stabilization
No

Though the R8 doesn't have in-body image stabilization, you can get very stable shots at very slow shutter speeds using an optically stabilized lens like the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. That said, stabilization performance can vary depending on different factors, including the lens, focal length, and how steady your hands are.

Photo Image Quality
8.9
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Dynamic Range
Dynamic Range At Base ISO
11.1 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/500s Exposure Time
9.7 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/2000s Exposure Time
7.9 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/4000s Exposure Time
7.3 f-stops

The camera has excellent dynamic range. Just like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, it can capture a very wide array of highlight and shadow detail. Even in dimmer conditions, with a higher noise floor, it still has a great amount of dynamic range.

8.8
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Sharpness
Vertical Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
2,022 LW/PH
Horizontal Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
2,453 LW/PH

Like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, the R8 is excellent at resolving fine detail, giving you a bit of leeway to crop your photos.

8.0
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Noise
SNR 18% At 1/8 Exposure Time (125 ms)
34.2dB
SNR 18% At 1/30 Exposure Time (33 ms)
32.4 dB
SNR 18% At 1/125 Exposure Time (8 ms)
29.4 dB
SNR 18% At 1/500 Exposure Time (2 ms)
24.5dB

The camera is great at managing noise levels in low light. While noise is inevitable in low-light situations, the sensor keeps noise levels to a minimum when you have to bump the camera to higher ISO settings when there's less available light.

Pictures Sample Gallery
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Skate Park Picture
JPEG Skate Park Picture Download
RAW Skate Park Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Polish Church Picture
JPEG Polish Church Picture Download
RAW Polish Church Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Studio Picture
JPEG Studio Picture Download
RAW Studio Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Stairway Picture
JPEG Stairway Picture Download
RAW Stairway Picture Download
Video General
Video General
Video Features
Full HD Video
Yes
4k Video
Yes
6k Video
No
Clean HDMI Output
Yes
Advertised Max Chroma Sampling Over HDMI
Not Advertised
Advertised Max Bit Depth Over HDMI
N/A
Log Picture Profile
Yes
Recording Light
No

Like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, the Canon R8 records 4k video that's oversampled from the full 6k resolution of its sensor. However, unlike that model, the R8 doesn't support external RAW video output.

Video General
Audio
Audio Test Sample
Audio Recording
Stereo
Microphone Level Display
Yes
Video General
Video File Format And Compression
MP4 H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
Yes
MP4 H.265 / HEVC
No
MOV H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
No
MOV H.265 / HEVC
No
AVCHD H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
No
All-I Compression
Yes

Note that All-I compression is only available in the camera's time-lapse mode.

4k Video
9.5
4k Video
4k Video Frame Rate
240 fps In 4k
No
120 fps In 4k
No
60 fps In 4k
Yes
30 fps In 4k
Yes
24 fps In 4k
Yes
4k Crop At Max Available fps
1 x

The camera can capture 4k video at up to 60 fps without a crop, which is fantastic considering its price. This is great for capturing smooth-looking realistic footage or light slow-motion.

9.7
4k Video
4k Video Internal Recording
Bitrate Maximum In 4k
232 Mbps
Bitrate Minimum In 4k
123 Mbps
Chroma Sampling In 4k
4:2:2
Bit Depth In 4k
10 Bit
Record Time Limit In 4k
N/A
Overheat Recording Interruptions in 4k
0

The camera's 4k internal recording capability is excellent. It can record in 10-bit 4:2:2 with the C-Log 3 profile, expanding your dynamic range in video and giving you more room to make color adjustments in post. There's also a handy 'View Assist' function for Log recording that applies a LUT when playing back videos in-camera to give you an idea of what the final product will look like.

There's no recording time limit, which is great for long-form recording. The camera also didn't overheat during our battery life test, though it did come very close to doing so. In warmer conditions, you're likely to experience some overheating when recording in 4k. It's also worth noting that this camera uses a smaller battery than the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, and its battery life is a lot shorter, meaning your effective recording time is more limited unless you use an external power supply.

9.7
4k Video
4k Video Autofocus Performance
Object Tracking In 4k
9.7
Face Tracking In 4k
9.5
Face Detection In 4k
Yes
Eye Detection In 4k
Yes

The autofocus is incredibly effective in video mode. In 4k, it can track and keep moving subjects in focus with little issue. You also have plenty of settings to fine-tune its performance. That includes, for example, the same setting found on the Canon EOS R6 Mark II that lets you set it to only focus on detected subjects, which helps to minimize shifting focus when a subject leaves the frame.

There's also an 'AF for close-up demos' focus mode that's available when using the camera for livestreaming or as a webcam via USB-C. Similar to the 'Product Showcase' feature found on Sony vlogging cameras like the Sony ZV-E10, it quickly switches focus to an object held up close in the frame. You can see that in action here.

8.8
4k Video
4k Video Quality
Low Light Capability In 4k
8.0
Test Scene Extract In 4k
9.5

4k video quality is amazing overall. It looks fantastic in more controlled lighting conditions. The image is sharp and detailed. Videos also look great in low light despite some noise. Shadow detail is preserved well, and noise is minimal.

6.5
4k Video
4k Video Rolling Shutter Effect
4k Rolling Shutter
5.3°

Thankfully, rolling shutter is a lot better than it is on the Canon EOS RP, with noticeably less skewing and distortion. That said, it still isn't great, especially with faster camera pans and movement.

Full HD Video
9.5
Full HD Video
FHD Video Frame Rate
240 fps In FHD
No
120 fps In FHD
Yes
60 fps In FHD
Yes
30 fps In FHD
Yes
24 fps In FHD
Yes
FHD Crop At Max Available fps
1 x

There's a high frame rate mode in FHD that lets you record slow-motion 1080p footage at up to 180 fps without sound. It's handy for incorporating super slow-mo shots into your videos. Otherwise, regular recording in 1080p is available at up to 60 fps.

9.7
Full HD Video
FHD Video Internal Recording
Bitrate Maximum In FHD
60 Mbps
Bitrate Minimum In FHD
30 Mbps
Chroma Sampling In FHD
4:2:2
Bit Depth In FHD
10 Bit
Record Time Limit in FHD
N/A

The FHD internal recording capability is also amazing. Just as in 4k, you get internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording in C-Log 3. There's also no recording time limit, which is great for longer-form content.

9.7
Full HD Video
FHD Video Autofocus Performance
Object Tracking In FHD
9.7
Face Tracking In FHD
9.5
Face Detection In FHD
Yes
Eye Detection In FHD
Yes

The autofocus is just as effective in 1080p as it is in 4k. It has different subject detection modes, including both face and eye detection. Its tracking feature does a fantastic job keeping moving subjects in focus, and it's very intuitive to use, with different settings to fine-tune AF performance.

8.3
Full HD Video
FHD Video Quality
Low Light Capability In FHD
8.0
Test Scene Extract In FHD
8.5

1080p video quality is excellent, especially in brighter lighting conditions. It's also still great in low light, though there's more noise and some loss of detail. Overall, though, it's impressively detailed and relatively sharp.

8.2
Full HD Video
FHD Video Rolling Shutter Effect
FHD Rolling Shutter
2.0°

There's much less rolling shutter effect in 1080p, which is great, though you'll still notice some wobbling and skewing with faster camera movements.

Storage And Connectivity
Storage And Connectivity
Storage
Card 1 Slot
SD Card UHS-II
Card 2 Slot
No 2nd Card Slot

The Canon R8 only has a single SD card slot, which is bad news for those who prefer to have a running backup while they shoot, but it's also expected at this price point. On the upside, it's rated for faster UHS-II cards. It's located in the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera, making switching out cards when using a tripod a little harder. However, depending on the size of your tripod head, mount, or gimbal, you may still be able to access the compartment.

9.5
Storage And Connectivity
Inputs / Outputs
USB
USB-C
HDMI
Micro (Type D)
Headphones
Yes
Microphone
Stereo
Wi-Fi
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes

Connectivity options are great. There's a headphone jack, mic input, a Micro HDMI port to connect to an external display, and a USB-C port for charging and file transfer.