Canon’s EOS R, announced September 2018 at $2,299 (body only), was Canon’s first full-frame mirrorless camera, ending its DSLR dominance and acknowledging Sony’s five-year head start. The EOS R introduced the RF mount (54mm diameter) designed for faster, sharper lenses, while maintaining EF lens compatibility via adapters.
Late But Refined
The EOS R featured a 30.3MP sensor (same as 5D Mark IV), Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 5,655 selectable AF points, and Canon’s signature color science. The fully articulating touchscreen and 0.5x magnification EVF were best-in-class. 8fps burst was respectable; 4K video had a brutal 1.7x crop.
Canon’s Touch Bar (customizable touchstrip) was controversial — many photographers disabled it immediately. Single SD card slot disappointed pros. Battery life (370 shots) was mediocre.
RF Mount Ambitions
Canon launched four RF lenses alongside the EOS R, including the exotic 28-70mm f/2L (constant f/2!) and ultra-compact 35mm f/1.8 Macro. The RF mount’s 20mm flange distance (vs. 44mm EF) enabled optical designs impossible with DSLRs.
By 2023, Canon had 30+ RF lenses, many with class-leading sharpness. The RF mount became Canon’s future, with DSLR development ceasing.
Market Reception
The EOS R sold well to Canon loyalists but faced criticism for missing features (no IBIS, crop 4K, single card). The EOS R5 (2020, $3,899) addressed all complaints with 45MP, 8K video, IBIS, and dual cards — becoming Canon’s mirrorless flagship.
The original EOS R in 2023 sold used for $800-1,000, a capable hybrid shooter for Canon users committed to RF glass.
Sources:
- Canon EOS R announcement (2018)
- DPReview Canon EOS R review
- RF lens roadmap documentation