Photography News Issue 65

Camera test 34

Photography News | Issue 65 | photographynews.co.uk

I enjoyed the camera’s ability to deliver well-exposed, correctly focused shots and its decent high ISO performance

R’s multi-function swipe bar that I ended up switching it off completely, so it was literally a waste of space. One feature on the Canon EOS RP is a control lock lever, placed around the rear input dial. It’s the first time such a feature has been seen on a Canoncamera.Sadly,Ican’tseemuch point of the lock control on the EOS RP. The idea of locking out key dials or features is sound in principle, but why so prominent? To me, that switch would be perfect as the on/off control, so one-handed switching on and shooting is possible, and then tuck a more comprehensive lock option in the custom menu. Fujifilm has done exactly that. While you can select four features to be locked – the lens control ring, touchscreen and the two input dials – the lock control’s core function can’t be changed. The EOSRPhas plenty of controls that can be changed and customised – 12 buttons for still shooting and ten for movies. For example, the multi-function button has 31 options including off, the AF lock has 33 options and the four four-way directional buttons have 24 each. To access commonly used features, there is a Q Menu. This works with the touch monitor – except that it didn’t for me, because

I had the touch feature off due to the AF zone/nose issue, as previously mentioned. You can just push the set menu and then use the four-way pad to navigate to the required function. The camera handily remembers what was last used, even after turning the camera off. Battery life is a claimed 240-250 shots. This seemed generous and I averaged about 10% fewer shots than this, but I spent more time than usual reviewing shots. For a busy shooting day, you will need a spare. – or a power bank for USB charging. Overall, I enjoyed using the EOS RP, despite some of the niggles mentioned. It would have been wonderful if I could have enjoyed touch functionality without the AF/nose issue or had a focus lever. But I had to live with those issues and enjoyed the camera’s ability to deliver well-exposed, correctly focused shots and its decent high ISO performance. Out-of-the-camera JPEGs looked good and there is room to have some fun with the colour/filter options. My processed Raws looked lovely, too. I had no option but to use the rather clunky Canon DPP at the time of testing, The Lightroom/ Photoshop update came through a tad too late.

Verdict

With the EOS RP body and lens adapter costing £1399, Canon is aiming for serious sales and it would be a surprise if this camera didn’t do well in the shops. That price, full-frame, mirrorless, image quality and compact size is such a potent combination. Add compatibility with existing EOS/ EF-S lenses and you have all the ingredients for a big seller.

23/25

Features

Plenty for first-time and experienced full-frame shooters alike Handling

Above The EOS RP turned in a solid high ISO performance. This was shot with the 24-105mm lens with an exposure of 1/250sec at f/4, ISO 6400. The band were Martin Turner (ex Wishbone Ash) playing The Quay Theatre, Sudbury

22/25

Generally, very good but a few minor niggles Performance 23/25 Turns in sharp, accurately exposed shots time after time Value for money 24/25 Full-frame for this money is compelling Overall 92/100 The EOS RP offers a low-cost entry into full-frame photography Pros The price is right, produces impressive images, compact Cons Some points of handling, limited lens options, battery life not great, one SD card slot

Left The EOS RP’s meter performed really well, even in very contrasty light Above left Low light didn’t faze the EOS RT’s AF system too much Above right Another example of the EOS RP’s good metering skills