Canon EOS R8 Mark II

The Canon EOS R8 Mark II is a small, full-frame camera for the traveling photographer or videographer. Including the lens, the camera feels light, and I find it well-suited for quick handheld shots. The camera has only one memory card slot, meaning I do not make backups on a second card. If extra storage space is important to you, this is something to keep in mind.

Lightweight body with 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor I tested the Canon EOS R8 Mark II both indoors and during a nature walk. For this, I used the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM zoom lens. With the lens attached, the camera feels light in my hand. As a result, I can hold it effortlessly for extended periods. On a shooting day outdoors, I prefer to take as little as possible with me. That is why I appreciate that I can shoot both smooth videos and sharp photos with the R8 Mark II. I use it to create content at home, but I also like to take it along on trips and outings. The 24.2-megapixel sensor gives me enough freedom to crop photos slightly and print them in high quality. I also film smooth atmospheric shots in 4K for my social media. When photographing people and animals, the camera focuses quickly and tracks my subject reliably. Especially with moving subjects, I notice that I miss fewer shots.

Smooth handheld shooting thanks to 7.5 stops IBIS The R8 Mark II has built-in image stabilization with 7.5 stops. As a result, I film smooth footage handheld. The stabilization in the zoom lens works well in conjunction with the image stabilization in the camera body. Together, they eliminate vibrations and shocks from my footage. This makes it easier for me to capture usable footage handheld, meaning I need a tripod or gimbal less often. That makes the R8 Mark II a strong choice for travel and street videography, where you alternate calm atmospheric shots with action.

Pre-continuous shooting I also tested the Pre-Continuous Shooting function. If I press the shutter button halfway down, the camera takes up to 40 extra photos of the half-second prior. This is handy because I also like photographing wild animals where movements are fast and unpredictable. This way, I don't miss any action, such as a playful deer in the distance. You can also find Pre-Continuous Shooting on other Canon R cameras, such as the R10 and R6 Mark III. The Canon EOS R8 did not have this feature, so it is nice that Canon is bringing it back in the R8 Mark II.

Picture Styles and Color Filters The camera has various color filters and Picture Styles. With these automatic settings, I adjust the atmosphere of my photos and videos while shooting. For landscape photos, I like to use the Landscape filter. This filter adjusts the saturation and color tones of my images, making grass look greener and the sky appear bluer. My images immediately gain more atmosphere and color, meaning I spend less time on post-processing. I notice that I post my content on social media faster thanks to these automatic settings.