Canon has followed up the EOS R – the brand’s first-ever full-frame mirrorless camera – with a more affordable model called the EOS RP. This new addition gives photographers a genuine choice, not just based on price, but also on key features. As both cameras are packed with cutting edge edge technology, it can be hard to work out exactly what each camera can offer so we have drilled down deep into the specification sheets to highlight ten key differences between the two models.
1 – Resolution:
Probably one of the biggest differences between the cameras is the resolution it offers photographers and this alone could help sway buying decisions. The EOS R sports a full-frame CMOS sensor that serves up 30-megapixels of resolution, which offers a maximum file size of 6720×4480 pixels. Meanwhile, the EOS RP features a similar full-frame CMOS sensor to that found on Canon’s 6D MkII DSLR, offering 26-megapixels and a maximum file size of 6240×4160 pixels. Professional photographers may feel more comfortable with the extra resolution of the EOS R, but both cameras will be capable of producing big prints in excess of A3.
2 – Weight and size:
Place the cameras side by side and you’ll see a difference in each model’s footprint. The EOS R measures 135.8 x 98.3 x 84.4mm, while the EOS RP is a more compact 132.5 × 85.0 × 70.0 mm. Place each camera on the scales and you’ll notice a big difference too – the EOS R weighs 660g (with card and battery), but the smaller RP weighs just 485 (with card and battery). This represents an incredible weight saving and makes the RP one of the most lightweight full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market. This compact build will be of huge appeal to photographers who are travelling and need to make every gram of weight count.
The EOS RP is one of the lightest full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market.
3 – Design and top LCD:
Although the general shape of the cameras is similar, take a look at the top plates and you’ll notice a big difference. The EOS R sports a well designed top plate LCD, which is missing on the smaller RP. This LCD screen offers mode and exposure information and can be especially useful if you are shooting from the hip or looking down on the camera.
The EOS R include a top plate LCD to display mode and exposure information.
4 – Weather sealing:
The more professional spec EOS R offers photographers weather sealing to ensure the camera can be used in poor weather conditions and this is also missing from the RP. This feature will appeal to landscape and wildlife photographers who will want to use their camera in all weathers and won’t want to have to put the camera away when the rain starts to fall. Of course the weather sealing will also protect the camera from dust, which is useful if you are shooting in dry and windy conditions.
5 – Battery life:
Battery life can be a big factor in a photographer’s buying decision and there is a difference between these two full-frame models. The more expensive EOS R features a battery life of 370 shots between charges, while the RP serves up 250 shots between charges. Of course, mirrorless cameras typically have lower battery life than DSLRs – for example the Canon 5D MkIV is rated for 900 shots on a single charge.
EOS RP users can buy an optional body grip to offer a better hold on the camera.
6 – Continuous shooting speed:
While the EOS RP can manage a respectable 5 Frames Per Second, the EOS R trumps this figure, serving up 8 Frame Per Second instead and this speed can be maintained for 100 JPEG, 47 RAW or 78 C-RAW images. If you’re shooting landscapes or travel, 5 Frames Per Second should be enough, but if you are intending to shoot sports or wildlife, clearly the EOS R will be the better option.
7 – Movie shooting options:
Although both cameras can capture ultra high-quality 4K video footage and feature ports for external mic and headphones, there are some differences between the two models. The EOS can shoot 4K up to 30p, while the EOS RP shoots 4K up to 25p. What’s more, the EOS R can shoot slow motion footage at 120p, but the EOS RP simply doesn’t have this option. Both cameras can shoot for up to 30 minutes, but only the EOS R includes Canon’s C-Log profile feature.
8 – Autofocus system:
Both cameras feature very advanced autofocus systems that includes Canon’s cutting edge Dual Pixel AF technology, enabling fast and accurate autofocus. The R and RP feature a huge amount of selectable autofocus points, though the EOS R has the slight edge, as users can select from 5655 AF points, while the RP offers 4779 AF points.
9 – LCD size and EVF resolution:
The EOS R and RP both feature a vari-angle LCD design, which will be hugely popular with photographers who often take pictures from low or high angles and for videographers who appreciate the ‘selfie-friendly’ design. The RP’s LCD measures 3-inches, but the EOS R features a larger 3.2-inch version, plus there is a difference in the resolution of the camera’s Electronic Viewfinders (EVF) – the R’s EVF features 3690k dot resolutions while the RP’s EVF uses 2360k dot resolution.
Both cameras feature a vari-angle LCD design, with the EOS R using the bigger, 3.2-inch version.
| Canon R | Canon RP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $ 1,859.00 | $ 1,249.00 |
| Resolution | 30-MP | 26-MP |
| LCD | 3.2-inch | 3-inch |
| Weather-sealing | ||
| 4K video | ||
| Burst rate | 8FPS | 5FPS |
| Weight | 660g | 485g |