Since the Canon EOS R5 and R6 recently dropped, the Canon EOS R line has been getting a lot more attention in the photography world.
As such, we figured we should compare two of the most popular cameras in this line: the Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R.
Now, these cameras have many similarities and differences, and are definitely aimed at different target audiences, but they do have a lot of the same characteristics as other cameras in this line.
For instance, both of these cameras came out during a relatively similar period of time, which led to a lot of Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R articles.
Now, it’s been a few years since this time, and I’ve personally written a pretty lengthy Canon EOS RP review that you can read here and a similarly lengthy Canon EOS R review as well.
So, while you shouldn’t expect a deep dive into things like the specific Canon EOS R features or the Canon EOS RP video performance, you can expect some answers to the Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R debate. I hope you enjoy.
Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R Specs
Canon EOS RP
While the Canon EOS RP and the Canon EOS R came out less than 1 year apart, they are incredibly different in terms of their specs.
To showcase just how different they are, let’s begin by breaking down the Canon EOS RP specs.
This camera is a full-frame camera with a 26MP sensor. While the sensor isn’t geared towards professional photographers, it’s a respectable number.
The Canon EOS RP features also include a 2.36m-dot electronic viewfinder, which works beautifully, and a fully articulating 3” touchscreen, which is great for vlogging.
Other Canon EOS RP Specs:
- 26MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 2.36m-dot EVF
- ISO range of 100-40,000
- 5fps burst mode
- 3” fully articulating touchscreen with 1.04m-dots
- 4K video capabilities
- 1.07 lbs
- 250-shot battery life
Canon EOS R
Now, despite many differences, the Canon EOS R specs are quite similar in some ways. For instance, they both have the same ISO range and the touchscreen design hasn’t changed much between the two models.
However, the Canon EOS R build does include a larger sensor at 30MP.
Other Canon EOS R Specs:
- 30MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 3.69m-dot EVF
- ISO range of 100-40,000
- 8fps burst mode
- 3.15” fully articulating touchscreen with 2.1m-dots
- 1.45 lbs
- 370-shot battery life
So, when it comes to specs, the Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R debate doesn’t make a whole lot of sense since they’re pretty similar.
Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R Body & Design
Canon EOS R
When you compare the bodies of the Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R, there’s really not much difference.
The Canon EOS RP build is very portable at just 1.07 lbs. It’s dimensions are 5.22 x 3.35 x 2.76 inches, which means you can definitely include it on your next out of country trip.
This camera does not include a top LCD, once again because of its size.
Similarly, the Canon EOS R design is to be small and portable. This camera weighs 1.45 lbs and features the same type of fully articulating touchscreen.
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Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R Build & Handling
Canon EOS RP
The first thing I tend to look at when I’m comparing two cameras, like in the case of this Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R article, is the battery life on both of them.
The Canon EOS R handling is a much nicer experience because it can shoot 370-shots on one charge, which is 110 more than the Canon EOS RP.
This isn’t to say that the Canon EOS RP handling is bad, because it isn’t, but you will need to account for a much more frequent battery change. I dealt with this by simply purchasing a second, backup battery and haven’t had any problems since.
Canon EOS R
Both of these cameras share the same weatherproofing, which Canon claims is similar to the Canon 6D Mark II. However, I found the weatherproofing on these cameras to be just so-so as I have experienced fogging on my viewfinder when I was shooting with it in Hawaii. Obviously, this is an extreme example because Hawaii is one of the most wet environments on earth, but don’t go tossing either of these cameras into water just to prove Canon’s claims in this Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R article.
Both of these cameras feature similar grips. The one thing I will say about the Canon EOS RP design, though, is that it is much easier to manage with one hand whereas I think you truly need two to work the Canon EOS R.
Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R Video Performance
Thank you to DSI Pictures for the Canon EOS RP video performance test above.
The Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R debate sort of loses steam at each camera’s video performance, which is not as good as it could have been.
The Canon EOS RP shoots 4K footage, but it comes with a significant crop. It can also shoot full HD video at up to 60p.
For the sake of fairness, we also used a DSI Pictures video test for the Canon EOS R, which you can view above.
One area where the Canon EOS R falls flat in the Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R debate is videography.
This camera, like its sister, features 4K video at up to 30fps (though you need to keep in mind that it does add a pretty large 1.8x crop). It also features uncropped full HD recording at up to 60fps.
While you shouldn’t expect in-body image stabilization, there are a number of different EOS R lenses that can add it for you.
Like it’s sister, the Canon EOS R definitely wasn’t created with videographers in mind, which is evident through the Canon EOS R video performance, but it has some great features for people looking to add video into their revenue stream.
Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R Price
Canon EOS RP
The biggest difference between the Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R is the price point each camera is currently sitting at.
So, what are we really looking at with the Canon EOS RP vs. Canon EOS R price difference?
The Canon EOS RP price is currently under $1,000, at $974 to be precise, on MPB’s website. For those who don’t know, MPB is the used camera retail website that we frequently suggest at PhotographyTalk. Both of the models currently up on their site are in “like new” condition, which means every part of the camera features almost no signs of use. If you opt to purchase one soon, you can even snag the version that comes with its original packaging.
Canon EOS R
On the other hand, the Canon EOS R is more expensive (but you’ll have more choices). The used versions of the Canon EOS R start at $1,650 on MPB. There are dozens of models to choose from, though nearly all of them are also in “like new” condition.
My favorite thing about purchasing slightly older cameras is that you’re saving a ton of money on the camera body so you can splurge for fun lenses to pair your new camera with. Thankfully, you can also turn to MPB for gently new, and discounted, lenses of all types.
If you haven’t used MPB before, just know that you can actually trade in your old equipment to MPB and use whatever price you’re offered for it to offset the cost of your new equipment. This way you don’t have to deal with Craigslist to buy new equipment and you don’t have to deal with Craigslist to sell your old equipment. For photographers who are too busy to hassle with haggling, it’s a really nice alternative option.
Additionally, MPB only hires photographers and videographers to rate all of their used equipment so you know what your camera or lens is going to look like before it shows up at your front door.
For more info on why we love shopping at MPB, you can read more about them in the learn more link below.