Canon EOS RP / 25-105mm Kit Review

The 3-minute Canon EOS RP Review

The Specifics

For a compact, reasonably-priced camera, the Canon EOS RP is a great entry-level full frame camera. Primary specs include:

l  Full model name: Canon EOS RP

l  Resolution: 26.20MP

l  Sensor size: 35mm (35.9mm x 24.0mm)

l  Kit Lens: 4.38x zoom, 24-105mm (24-105mm eq.)

l  Viewfinder: EVF/LCD

l  Native ISO: 100-40,000

l  Extended ISO: 50-102,400

l  Shutter: 1/4000 – 30 sec

l  Max Aperture: 4.0 (kit lens)

l  Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.3 x 2.8 in. (133 x 85 x 70 mm)

l  Weight: 17.1 oz (485 g)

The Best

Our judgment is based on what the camera is, and who it was designed for. The front and rear dials adjust the shutter and aperture settings. The front lens dial (in case you're using an RF lens) can change the ISO or anything else.

Other dials and settings are well-positioned, and everything is programmable. This means you can customize your EOS RP to a T.

The Bugs

In April 2019, a new bug emerged on some EOS RP cameras with respect to HSS. This issue occurs when shooting with HSS at 1250s and above, with a black band appearing at the top of the pic.

There are speculations regarding third-party triggers, but this occurs even with OEM Canon speedlights, in semi-auto modes and full manual. Upon being notified of the issue, Canon USA replicated the problem on-site. A firmware update to resolve this issue is pending.

Is it for you?

Unlike others, the Canon EOS RP is an entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera. Being small and lightweight, with some weather-sealing included, the $1,299 price makes it the most affordable, new full-frame digital camera released to date.

In a rare deviation from convention, it ensures there are absolutely no bells and whistles, offering simplified features that keep you from breaking the bank. In short, it is a solid camera that is both fun and easy to use.

What we like

We appreciated the RP more when we looked at it for what it is, what it is designed to do, and who it is designed for. Key features we like are:

l    Great overall image quality.

l    Easy-to-operate flip-out vari-angle emphasizing touch screen.

l    Return of the original design of Canon top command dials and no touch bar like the       EOS R has.

l    Allows dragging your thumb around the rear LCD while using the EVF to change           focus points intuitively.

l    Fast processor can withstand the workload of much more data thanks to a full frame    sensor.

l    Has reliable tracking, including Eye-AF.

l    The cheapest full-frame mirrorless camera on the market.

Why is full frame important? Well, every beginning photographer with any knowledge of cameras wants “full-frame”. It gets more attention these days, than even “megapixels.” If it’s full-frame, it’s better, and the Canon EOS RP is full frame. While that statement is unequivocally false, it’s a strong belief that exists. And as false as that statement is, having full-frame does indeed have advantages.

What we don’t like

l  ISO performance trails behind competitors’ full-frame cameras.

l  Video features are seriously sub-par.

l  Unimpressive battery life due to the smaller LP-E17 battery pack.

l  Lacks strong lens support for the target market.

l  Unlike the EOS R, the RP doesn’t cover the sensor with the shutter when removing lenses.

Should you buy it?

You certainly should consider shelling out $1,299 for the Canon EOS RP if you are seriously considering photography and you want a tool that combines professional-grade features with a great price.