Canon cameras are in a league of their own. The company has introduced some spectacular models over the years, and it appears that there seems to be no stopping. With reports of the Canon R8 II being on the horizon, one only hopes for a Rebel’s mirrorless version to be far better than the original in every way. Here are 7 things that photographers would certainly be excited to see.
1. A Real Retro Design
The Canon R8 had a simple design, but with the R8 II, there have been reports of a retro camera. If it turns out to be true, then Canon needs to go all in with the device. In addition to paying homage to vintage design and a silver finish, the camera also needs an EVF bump, and will be inspired by the Canon F-1 or AE-1. A better back panel, with fewer buttons, will be a welcomed change, and it would also remind you of Leica’s simpler designs.
2. A New Sensor
Reports on Canon updating the sensor have also been there. A 32.5MP sensor will be a better choice, which will result in versatility for the camera. Since the target range for the R8 are people who were used to Rebel series cameras, then the lack of an electronic shutter is expected. However, if Canon manages to add one, it will likely increase the price range.
3. An IBIS, And Weather Resistance
An in-built image stabilization is a must for photographers who want to use a camera with longer lenses. Similarly, the weather resistance on the R8 was not the best, like its flagship cameras. The Canon R8 II will be introduced in three years, and so, the updates have to be better than most. The R8, after all, was unlike any model on the market. Its successor has to follow a similar trend. While non-L lenses have IS, it is always better for the camera to have the same. But it is also possible that the price will be pushed further into the exorbitant range.
4. Dual Memory Card Slots
The camera must also feature two SD card slots, or one SD and one MicroSD. This is a basic need for most cameras, which the R8 does not offer. The addition will only make the R8 II more important to serious enthusiasts.
5. A Tilting Screen
A side-articulating screen will break the retro design. A tilting screen, one that folds up and down, and low-angle shooting; this keeps the profile clean and the aesthetic intact. While this will not be liked by many, it would be right for a camera of this nature.
6. A Photography-First Video Approach
The R8 Mark II has to be a camera for photographers first. While video options are important, they can’t and should not be designed for content creators. Think of it as a Zf, a camera that puts photographers first. 4K video, along with a few other basic features will be great. For instance, LUTs, which are useful for photography, will be great.
7. Retro Lenses and Canon-Branded Mount Adapters
Along with a retro camera, you also need lenses that can match its performance. The RF 45mm f1.2 STM and RF 28mm f2.8 STM pancake lenses will be the best options, so will be the RF 35mm f1.8 STM Macro IS. A Canon-made mount adapter with a retro finish for FD and LTM lenses, as that can help with EXIF data and improved focus peaking.
Overall, the Canon R8 II has the chance to be a camera that can be against other brands. But it remains to be seen how so when it launches.