This is a follow-up to my previous post regarding my first impressions of the Canon EOS RP. Check out the original post by clicking here.

In this post, I will highlight the noteworthy features of the EOS RP and explain why I love this camera. All images in this post were processed in Lightroom.

Let’s start off by stating that the EOS RP is not a replacement for the EOS R. Although the EOS RP inherits many features found on the EOS R (and the EOS 6D MKII) and combines them in a relatively low-cost full frame mirrorless body, it does not claim to be a professional level camera. If you want the best quality, the EOS R is the way to go. If you want an entry- mid-level full frame mirrorless camera, the EOS RP is the way to go.

I played around with the EOS RP under a few different conditions to check the practicality and versatility.

DISPLAYS AND CONTROLS

I do love Electronic Viewfinders (EVF’s) and the EVF EOS RP is very good. I am by no means a professional photographer, so when I look through the viewfinder, I prefer to see what the image will eventually look like, not what the actual scene looks like. Many professional photographers prefer the latter. And the EVF on the EOS RP works very well in low light conditions, significantly better than my own eyes.

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I tend to use the rear LCD display fairly often for setting up or even shooting. Again, this is something that may be frowned upon, but it works for me and my style. And the LCD on the EOS RP is very capable.

The EOS RP is small and light, slightly less so with a lens attached, but it is still very comfortable to hold. All the dials and controls are easily accessible, and all the relevant information is presented in the EVF, so that you rarely have to look away from the EVF.

SHOOTING

Continuous shooting with the Canon EOS RP is not lightning fast, as it only achieves a modest 5fps (4fps in Servo mode). So, you may struggle with very fast-moving scenes in sports or action photography. But it performed relatively well with my toddler running around in the garden and jumping on a trampoline, and that is sufficient for my needs. The auto-focus is very fast and super accurate, and face detection works very well. Using the rear LCD for selecting focus points works like a breeze and is one of favourite features on my M5.

I especially love the new Fv Exposure Mode, which works just like the Program (P) mode, but lets you set the aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation and/or ISO as you like, and the camera will set the other parameters as needed. I found myself shooting in Fv mode more than I expected.

I tend to shoot in RAW and edit in either Lightroom or Photoshop. But if you prefer to shoot in JPEG, the EOS RP JPEG quality is fantastic.

RF 24-240MM F4-6.3

The Canon EOS RP we tested included the superb RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 ultra-zoom lens. Yes, you can splash out on some really fantastic RF glass, but I think the RF 24-240mm is the perfect companion for the EOS RP, especially for travel photography.

The RF 24-240mm obviously does not come close to the prestigious RP 24-70mm or RF 70-200mm, but it does provide an affordable and decent alternative to high end RF lenses. Well done to Canon for bringing the RF 24-240mm lens to market.

I would however like to see some less ambitious and less expensive RF lenses though.

CONCLUSION

The two noticeable niggles that I have are battery life and video quality.

• As is the case with other Canon mirrorless systems, this battery life is disappointing (250 photos or so per battery). But investing in a few extra batteries solves that issue. It is not ideal, but it’s not a showstopper either. The ECO mode does help save considerable battery life.
• Canon has always lagged in video quality when compared to Sony and Nikon and sadly, very little has changed. We want proper uncropped 4K video at higher than 25fps. And 1080p at 24fps! Canon, please up the game in the video department!

I have been patiently waiting for worthy Canon mirrorless camera for some time to replace my trusted Canon M5, which I love. The Canon M6 and M50 just never appealed to me. The EOS R is just too expensive for what I need.

The EOS RP is a fantastic camera and a great addition to the EOS R line-up. It ticks all the right boxes and has everything most people need or want in a mirrorless camera. It is a worthy replacement for my M5.

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Disclaimer: This post is a contribution by my husband. The Canon EOS RP was sent to us for review purposes.