Canon EOS R has Crucified my thoughts about changing to Sony

I open saying it's understandable why a few others would choose Sony, like the A7R III. Even one of Canon's top people indicated that Sony makes excellent gear. My comments here pertain to my gear, wants and needs. I rarely shoot video, and do portraits and landscape photography. For a year or two, I've had a lingering question whether I should, or would need to, get a Sony or similar mirrorless in the near future, and what path Canon was planning to go in the years ahead.

So what crucified my questions about switching from Canon to Sony (etc)? One of the biggest factors was the new lenses and adapters than allow the EOS R body to accept the entire arsenal of native EF, EF-S and RF lenses. Canon released their first full frame enabling backwards and forwards compatibility. This means I can utilize all my existing Canon lenses, ones I enjoy a lot. Also, with Canon's new RF 50mm 1.2 is more than a clue what path the company is headed.

Canon put features in the EOS R that are lacking in the Sony. Canon omits some features, but none that hinder my photography. The features the EOS R did add, actually have some folks saying "hey, will Sony put that in their model". So the EOS R proves who has to keep up with who is a two way street. But for me, the important part is the EOS R has more than enough for my needs. I do prefer dual card slots, but given the rest can put that on the back burner for now. An amusing arena was focus points. I rarely use more than a handful anyway, but the EOS R has over 5600 -- it may be the camera we could nickname "The Undertaker" in this regard. It virtually buried future discussion about what company's camera has the most. After hearing a good number of reviews about the EOS R's effective focusing and capturing, I'd say the excellent ergonomics and backwards lens compatibility are two of the most important aspects for me. The image quality results I've seen shared leave no doubts in that regard.

Weeks after posting this thread, a photographer posted one of the best reviews I have seen so far. It made Polin or Northrup first videos seem "lab rat" or sterile by comparison. This review link is repeated later in this thread. Polin did a more thorough review weeks later, also shown below.





This one is Jared Polin's review after some hands-on time with the EOS R



I posted this video in post #73, and decided to add it here in post #1. The guy starts off slow for a few minutes, but he moves on to a decent abundance of UN-EDITED images that show focusing and color. A lot of the shots he describes as "crazy" sharp were from the new RF 24-105mm according to one of his replies to someone asking if they were from the new FR 50mm 1.2

The Canon EOS R is tempting.... if not just to try out how we'll it works. There are a few things I really like about it. The lens adapting - if it really does give native performance - is a HUGE one for me. Unfortunately this is a bit tempered by the fact that the camera doesn't continuous focus well yet (update promised), the lack of some true evf must haves like zebra stripping and peaking (if I am not shooting something moving, I am back to manual focusing again, its just to easy with focus peaking), and believe it or not, I miss the GPS for my travel and location photography. Single card slot - meh. Dual card is really nice to have but not a must have.

I like the idea of true canon handling. Not sure I want to go back to a larger body.... I really love size of Sony's now. Took a while but now, not having to haul a brick around... Very nice. The improved focus coverage. Looking forward to it.

I will absolutely try it out. I suspect I will wait until mk II.... but who knows. So much can be done through firmware updates... just maybe.

Mdvaden,

This is where you pick and choose your tools that meets your requirements. No one can tell you what to use or buy so the choice is clearly up to you

OK so lets talk about PRE EOS R news feed. The Sony system that has a great adapter to canon glass is such a logical choice. Moving forward all this discussion is moot. EOS R is no longer a rumour. Simplicity will tell people to buy a Canon EOS R and use an adapter to a "non native" mount. Key word is EF adapted to RF mount but both are Canon family. We are blending mirrored technology glass to a mirrorless technology.

What people will notice is that mirrored and mirrorless feel different in operation IMO.

I'll go for an EOS R mk2,3,4 but definitely not the mk1. People say "bodies come and go but lenses forever". That statement is what I follow and I happily use a body (Sony) and my canon lenses adapt no problem with my intended use. I still rely on my 5d3/5d4 for my hired gigs with 100% full confidence.

Beauty is we pick and choose tools for specific reasons. Personal choice is independent of what others bicker about on forums Choose your tools with happiness!!

AlanU wrote in post #18709203
Mdvaden,

SNIP .... I'll go for an EOS R mk2,3,4 but definitely not the mk1. People say "bodies come and go but lenses forever". That statement is what I follow and I happily use a body (Sony) and my canon lenses adapt no problem with my intended use. I still rely on my 5d3/5d4 for my hired gigs with 100% full confidence.

Beauty is we pick and choose tools for specific reasons. Personal choice is independent of what others bicker about on forums Choose your tools with happiness!!

What your noted about having your other Canon DSLR bodies fits my situation. My 5D Mk III and 5DS, and even M5, do what I need plenty well. So it makes transition easier. Plus there's no pressing rush. This leaves the option to try the first version or wait for version II. Actually, I enjoy my DSLRs enough that I may get and retain both systems for years to come.

In this following video (LINKED), one photographer said she used her 85mm 1.4 L adapted to the EOS R and that low-light focusing in "dark" was "quickly", "promptly", "responsively". The video is all Canon folks, but I enjoyed it all the more for that reason. I already found a smattering of short reviews recalling so-called drawbacks or negatives. And it was handy to get a longer commentary that covered the lion's share of good points, some explained plenty detailed. I know these were short term experiences, but the feedback was helpful even if some might consider it infomercial.

Croasdail wrote in post #18709166
The Canon EOS R is tempting.... if not just to try out how we'll it works. There are a few things I really like about it. The lens adapting - if it really does give native performance - is a HUGE one for me. Unfortunately this is a bit tempered by the fact that the camera doesn't continuous focus well yet (update promised), the lack of some true evf must haves like zebra stripping and peaking (if I am not shooting something moving,

I was unfamiliar with zebra stripes until you mentioned it. I found a Youtube example where someone showed and explained. With my DSLRs I can roughly guess when some part will be overexposed, but the blinking option showing blown highlights has worked very well for me. Is that Zebra function more your preference on the video end of things. I didn't dig the specs yet for peaking in the EOS R, but since my M5 has focus peaking, I suspect the EOS R should have it.

EOS R has alot of pros and cons.

The pros are very promising for me as a still shooter:
eyeAF
ergonomic
ND adapter (great for landscape)
touchscreen
fully articulate LCD
adapted lens seems to work well
good EVF
control ring on the lens.
50 1.2 & 28-70 F2

Some of the cons such as low FPS, single card slot, 5D IV sensor maybe IBIS can be improve in future models.

EOS R isn't for me but I'm interested in the future models.

Sony A7III is at a great price and feature but I wish it has a better EVF & ergonomics. Perhaps the A9R/A7RIV will fix that. I'll decide next year when new Sony & Canon is available.

this is about the silliest thread, as if you ever gave sony a chance in the first place.

Canon made this camera precisely for folks like you, basically know very little about other brands, but never had interest converting.

Charlie wrote in post #18709264
this is about the silliest thread, as if you ever gave sony a chance in the first place.

Canon made this camera precisely for folks like you, basically know very little about other brands, but never had interest converting.

Seeing I've had a chance to handle Sony too, plus my friends owning them, plus watching Sony's changes -- your post seems a black hole for logic. The ergonomics alone was a good reason not to buy a Sony yet for my needs and wants. My friends who own both Canon and Sony's latest models completely understand where I sit on this subject. In fact, I was using the Sony A7R III (again) just two weeks ago in the coast redwoods. Although the image quality was good, there several things I don't care for.

Charlie wrote in post #18709264
this is about the silliest thread, as if you ever gave sony a chance in the first place.

Canon made this camera precisely for folks like you, basically know very little about other brands, but never had interest converting.

I think the EOS R is more about a testbed for the power of loyalty and the wallet.

The CDN price tag of $3000 for an EOS R w/ "free" adapter I still find the mirrorless Canon to be pushing it! They are riding on the hype of being a full frame "CANON" mirrorless.

Some will gravitate to this mirrorless. I see this camera as a pure experiment for people to dip into mirrorless and for consumer/ non hired event shooting.

All of this talk is just "fun" as I see the EOS R as fresh system to label it as "CANON FF Mirrorless". I think we will see some more serious drive as the RF lenses come out and when Canon bean counters decide to "allow the dual cards" onto the next version of this mirrorless system. In the meantime this is just a new introduction and a "test" of loyalty IMO. I'm a canon lover and I'm not buying one just yet till the next revision.

AlanU wrote in post #18709287
I think the EOS R is more about a testbed for the power of loyalty and the wallet.
The CDN price tag of $3000 for an EOS R w/ "free" adapter I still find the mirrorless Canon to be pushing it! They are riding on the hype of being a full frame "CANON" mirrorless.

I'm unfamiliar with what "CDN" refers too.

Regarding price, I see the EOS R listed at B&H, Canon and several other places for $2299 and $99 for the EF-EOS FR adapter. At $1000 less than my full frame DSLRs, that doesn't seem expensive. Basically the same range as the A7R III while having a few less features, and simultaneous a few more features.

If I'm hearing reviews right, it sounds like the EOS R meets or exceeds the 5D mk IV for low light focusing, covers the sensor to block dust for lens switching, has an articulating screen and several other handy features. In some ways, I see this with many pro uses.

But certainly as you noted, it's a platform or launch pad.

mdvaden wrote in post #18709289
I'm unfamiliar with what "CDN" refers too.

Regarding price, I see the EOS R listed at B&H, Canon and several other places for $2299 and $99 for the EF-EOS FR adapter. At $1000 less than my full frame DSLRs, that doesn't very expensive.

$3000 Canadian dollar before tax

Everyone has unique needs. I was looking to angle for a change as my anticipated photography subjects are now changing. Early in 2018, I decided to add an A7r3. My plan was to mostly adapt my Canon lenses and add a few Sony, but I wound up pretty much filling out my Sony gear.

I still have a 5D3, and three L zooms.

If Canon had come out with the EOS R a year ago, would I have picked up the Sony? I'm not sure. It's very comfortable to stay home.

That said, what Canon seems to be signalling with the four announced lenses is a real mixed bag for me on what the system will look like. I'm moving out of shooting my kid's varsity sport and heading more into travel / landscape / events.....And I wanted a smaller kit, while still in FF and with some of the features I see in Sony.

The EOS R hits some points well and misses others. But it isn't like the A7r3 is perfect either, thought I do like it. One concern is that the 28-70/2 and 50/1.2 are of no interest to me. Years of owning huge, super fast Canon L primes taught me that I rarely actually want to use apertures faster than about f/2, and I don't want a standard zoom lens that weighs 1.5 kg.

I really like my tiny primes on the Sony - FE 2/28. ZE 1.8/55, and FE 1.8/85. If Canon starts releasing a set of f/2 small primes in RF mount, that would get my attention. If they are going after the f/1.4 and faster crowd, plus no compromise optics and massive glass, I'll be happy that I went into Sony. I'm going to stay where I am at with both systems for now for the next 12 months anyway.

JeffreyG wrote in post #18709397
Everyone has unique needs. I was looking to angle for a change as my anticipated photography subjects are now changing. Early in 2018, I decided to add an A7r3. My plan was to mostly adapt my Canon lenses and add a few Sony, but I wound up pretty much filling out my Sony gear.

I still have a 5D3, and three L zooms.

If Canon had come out with the EOS R a year ago, would I have picked up the Sony? I'm not sure. It's very comfortable to stay home.

That said, what Canon seems to be signalling with the four announced lenses ... SNIP ..

Pertaining to what all you wrote, I'm taking a guess about what Canon is signaling. A question mark arose why the 28-70 does not have IS. That has implications IBIS will follow. The fact Canon updated 50mm 1.2 in the RF mount signals continued momentum in mirrorless. The two big hefty new lenses imply Canon EOS R and RF mount is not contending merely with Sony, but possibly Sigma Art line. Sony really isn't battling Sigma, the way Canon needs to battle Sony and Sigma, and even Tamron. Canon was a pretty big cistern for other companies to try and draw water from. If Canon plugs the "taps", a lot can change.

There was a non-subtle message about Canon's engineers saying "the best is yet to come"

Nothing wrong with buying a new camera but i personally dont see how canons new mirrorless is any improvement for you in what you shoot, portraits and landscapes.

Branding preferences aside, the only draw that the EOS R has is presumed better compatibility with adapted EF lenses. Given the size of Canon's existing user base, this is pretty significant though.

We'll have to see what the trade-offs for adapting EF lenses are in real world scenarios though, and I suspect there will be caveats. I personally think that anyone that is making the transition to mirrorless should keep an open mind to alternatives, because its a big transition either way and at some point, you're going to want native glass even if you don't realize it now.

There are trade-offs when adapting EF lenses to something like the a7III...they may or may not be manageable depending on what you shoot, but there are notable upsides to the a7III vs the EOS R that might tilt the decision making process if you keep an open mind about things.