5 years on, Canon’s EOS R system is now the ultimate camera platform

When Canon launched the EOS R mirrorless camera system in 2018, it transformed the photography world. After 31 years the Canon EF Mount had become the dominant lens format in the industry, spanning everything from consumer DSLRs to Hollywood cinema cameras.

So when the Canon RF Mount was introduced five years ago, it had big technological shoes to fill. But as the old slogan goes, if anyone can, Canon can – and that’s exactly what Canon did. After half a decade of development, the system has now reached maturity. There is an EOS R camera for every kind of image maker, and an RF lens for making every kind of image.

From flagship sports bodies for working professionals, to Cinema EOS systems for cinematographers, through to content creation cameras for aspiring influencers, the EOS R and RF tag team has established itself as a dominant force in the industry. And to celebrate five years of the EOS R system, Canon is running a series of instant save offers and in-stores hands-on sessions until October.

What is the EOS R system?

Where EOS was Canon’s DSLR range, EOS R is its cutting-edge mirrorless lineup. And in addition to the many benefits of mirrorless cameras – smaller and lighter bodies, faster and more accurate autofocus systems, electronic viewfinders that show you exactly what your images will look like before you capture them – Canon has introduced a number of industry firsts with its EOS R technology.

Whether it’s the eye-controlled autofocus and blistering 30fps speed of the Canon EOS R3, the 8K video and 400MP High resolution shot of the Canon EOS R5, or the groundbreaking pro performance of the incredible Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM lens, old limits are being broken and new standards are being set.

At the heart of the EOS system is the RF mount – a next-level optical interface that makes previously impossible lenses (like the RF 28-70mm f/2L) a reality.

The power of the RF mount

While it retains the same 54mm diameter as the EF mount, the rear elements of RF lenses can be much closer to the image sensor – made possible thanks to the mirrorless design of EOS R cameras, as there is no physical mirror mechanism in the way.

The result is that lens designs – and lens performance – that simply weren’t possible before can now be achieved. Larger rear elements boost image quality, particularly at the corners and edges of frame, and also make smaller front elements achievable, reducing refraction and the bending of light waves.

The wide lens throat enables unparalleled levels of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) to be achieved, delivering up to 8 stops of compensation with some lenses. This is aided by the new 12-pin electronic communication between the camera and RF mount (up from 8 pins on the EF mount), accommodating high-speed transmission, larger amounts of data, and superfast autofocus performance.

An EOS R body for everybody

In celebration of five years of EOS R, instant savings will be available across the range from September 01 to October 03. Canon will also be hosting a number of in-store events during September if you want to try out the EOS R system – or you can book a 48-hour Canon Test Drive to have products delivered to your door for a trial. Here’s a look at some of the savings on offer…

Canon EOS R3 – save £550
The flagship camera in the lineup, the EOS R3 is the ultimate tool for working professionals. Its 24.1MP resolution hits the sweet spot for sports and wildlife photography, where bursts of JPG and/or RAW images can be captured at a blistering (and blackout-free) 30fps thanks to Canon’s first-ever stacked image sensor (which also eliminates rolling shutter). Videographers can capture the action in 6K RAW, and it’s all bolstered by rock-solid IBIS and Eye Control AF – which literally enables you to move your focus point by moving your eye!

Canon EOS R6 Mark II – save £270
A powerhouse full-frame hybrid camera, the EOS R6 Mark II is an all-purpose body that can handle anything you throw at it. Its 24.4MP sensor can capture stills at up to 40fps, with oversampled 6K video producing stunning 4K 60p footage. Its dual memory cards give you peace of mind when shooting, with in-body image stabilization that provides gimbal-like stability while shooting handheld.

Canon EOS R8 – save £180
For those looking to experience 35mm photography for the first time, the EOS R8 is a truly  exceptional entry-level full-frame camera – offering unprecedented bang for your buck. Its 24.2MP image sensor can rattle off shots at a staggering 40fps, as well as capture crystal clear 4K 60p footage from oversampled 6K. It’s powered by the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus technology as the flagship EOS R3, with face and eye tracking autofocus as well as Deep Learning subject detection for all manner of animals and vehicles.

Canon EOS R50 – save £100
Following in the footsteps of the overwhelmingly popular Canon EOS M50, which was the go-to camera for a generation of vloggers, the EOS R50 is a compact content creation powerhouse. The smallest and lightest EOS R camera in the range, it packs a powerful 24.2MP APS-C image sensor that captures ultra-detailed 4K 30p (with no crop) as well as FullHD 120p for true slow-motion or high-framerate footage. A built-in microphone jack enables you to record superb sound, and it can even deliver bursts of up to 15fps so you never miss a moment of action – especially with the flagship-grade Dual Pixel CMOS AF II.

You can also save up to £150 on RF lenses, plus claim up to £300 cashback with lens reward. Click here for full details on all the savings on offer!