The Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera was first announced to the photography world in September 2018, this was Canon’s first full-frame mirrorless camera, signalling their intentions and commitment to the mirrorless camera market. This was followed by the Canon EOS RP full-frame mirrorless camera, announced in February 2019. I had been using Canon digital imaging system since Canon EOS 300D till now (and still ongoing), I had also been covering photography news/trends and Canon news/reviews over the years since I started publishing on my photography and travel portal/blog. With these two Canon full-frame mirrorless camera, Canon EOS R vs EOS RP, which is more suitable for you?
I had reviewed both Canon EOS R and Canon EOS RP full-frame mirrorless cameras, I decided to invest in the Canon EOS RP along with my family as a shared camera and also as a daily usage/back up camera for my current Canon EOS photography system. Through this article, I hope that I would be able to allow readers to know more and understand about the differences between the Canon EOS R and EOS RP, which Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera is more suitable for you.
Table of comparisons between Canon EOS R and Canon EOS RP (Technical Specifications)
Canon Singapore website has product technical specifications information for their cameras and you can compare different Canon cameras. The pictures below, a table of comparisons between Canon EOS R and Canon EOS RP technical specifications, were from Canon Singapore website when I did a comparison between both cameras. From the side by side comparisons, you would be able to view and differentiate the key technical specifications between them.
Source: Canon Singapore website (select Canon EOS RP and Canon EOS R to compare side by side)
Table of comparisons between Canon EOS R and Canon EOS RP (Non-technical Specifications)
Adding on to technical specifications comparisons, I have also compiled a list of comparisons/differences between the Canon EOS R and Canon EOS RP from a photographer/user observations and hands on handling experience
| Canon EOS R | Canon EOS RP |
| Longer battery life | Shorter battery life |
| Video AF is faster and more accurate | Video AF is slightly slower and slightly less accurate |
| There is a protective cover when you unmount the lens | No protective cover when you unmount the lens |
| LCD Panel on top of camera body | No LCD panel on top of camera body |
| Wider selection of video functions and recording modes | Smaller selection of video functions and recording modes |
| Customisable multifunction bar with tap and slide function | No customisable multifunction bar with tap and slide function |
Which is more suitable? Canon EOS R or EOS RP?
Choose Canon EOS R
- If you are planning to use full-frame mirrorless for mainly commercial photography and videography work
- Upgrading from entry level DSLR
- Upgrading from compact digital cameras, compact mirrorless cameras
- Switching/Upgrading from a middle level DSLR to similar capabilities full-frame mirrorless camera
- A back up camera for commercial photography and videography work
Choose Canon EOS RP
- If you are looking for a low cost full-frame mirrorless camera
- This is your first full-frame mirrorless camera
- Upgrading from compact digital cameras, compact mirrorless cameras
- A full-frame mirrorless camera for fun and leisure
- Switching from entry level DSLR to full-frame mirrorless camera
- For professionals looking for a low cost and capable full-frame mirrorless camera as a back up camera
Why did I choose the Canon EOS RP?
Inside my Canon EOS RP review article that I recently published, I wrote about why did I choose the Canon EOS RP. Investing in the Canon EOS RP had been in the works for a period of time as I was searching for that mirrorless camera that suits my needs and requirements, the search took a bit of time.
In my personal humble opinion, this Canon EOS RP full-frame mirrorless camera is probably the full-frame mirrorless camera that has the potential to change the full-frame mirrorless market even further, a low cost, value for money and capable full-frame mirrorless camera that would attract photographers to upgrade from their compact cameras or professionals to own it as a backup and fun camera to have.
DSLR versus Mirrorless
This is probably a never ending debate in the photography world, DSLR versus Mirrorless, there are so many debates out there, too much noise at times. Both DSLR and mirrorless cameras are good and solid in their own rights, DSLR system has been a proven camera system over time while mirrorless system has improved significantly over the years. Would DSLR camera system continue to decline, mirrorless system continues to rise and takes over the photography world? Maybe yes, maybe no.
I would not be emphasising too much into this debate for my article, let’s concentrate on the fun, craft and beauty of photography, capturing the moments, telling the stories with the best of both worlds with DSLR and mirrorless cameras together, with the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II and Canon EOS RP as my current/personal best of both worlds setup.
Final thoughts and views on Canon EOS R versus Canon EOS RP
Canon EOS R versus Canon EOS RP, which camera suits you better? This really depends on your budget, needs and requirements. The Canon EOS R system and family is only going to get bigger, with more RF lenses being lined up and patiently waiting for more Canon EOS R camera bodies to be announced (looking forward to the 1D series equivalent EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera).
Stay tuned for more announcements from Canon down the road for their EOS R system.
Key links and information on Canon EOS R versus Canon EOS RP
The Canon Mirrorless Journey from Canon EOS M to EOS R