With the release of the EOS RP, there are now two cameras in the EOS R system lineup. Both cameras are equipped with the revolutionary RF mount, which promises higher image quality, as well as advanced Canon technologies such as the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that provide powerful shooting and imaging performance. This article explores some key similarities and differences between the two.

 

1. Imaging performance

The difference

Image resolution: The EOS R has 4.1 more megapixels than the EOS RP.

Where it matters

- Details: When both cameras have the same 35mm full-frame sensor, having more megapixels means images can be captured in finer detail.

- Noise visibility: Both the EOS R and EOS RP use the DIGIC 8 image processor and the same noise reduction system. However, since all the pixels on both cameras have to fit on an image sensor that is the same size, this means that 1 pixel on the EOS R is smaller than 1 pixel on the EOS RP. Smaller pixels means that image noise is rendered more finely, resulting in an image that looks less grainy.

Where it doesn’t matter

 If you intend to print your photos in A3 size or smaller, the EOS RP’s 26.2 megapixels are more than enough to print A3 images at 300 dots per inch (dpi).

If you compare the overall image resolution area, the 4.1-megapixel difference isn’t that big. The area in yellow indicates the pixel area needed to produce an A3-size print at 300 dpi.

Other things to note: The EOS R has a Dual Pixel RAW mode, which allows you to carry out image microadjustments, bokeh shift and ghosting reduction with the Dual Pixel RAW Optimizer when you post-process images with the Digital Photo Professional software.

 

2. Shooting performance

The similarities

AF performance and coverage: Both the EOS R and the EOS RP are equipped with the fast, precise Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. On both cameras, the AF area is an unprecedented 88% x 100% (horizontally x vertically) of the image frame*, and the AF speed is an extremely fast 0.05 seconds**—ten times faster than the blink of an eye.

Eye Detection AF: Both cameras have Eye Detection AF, which is a very convenient tool for portrait photography. A firmware update gives the EOS R the same Eye Detection AF functionality during Servo AF and Movie Servo AF as the EOS RP.

*80% x 80% when some EF and EF-S lenses are used via the mount adapter.
** Based on the results of AF speed tests in accordance with CIPA guidelines. Results may vary depending on shooting conditions and lens in use. Relies on internal measurement method.

The differences

Continuous shooting speed: In One Shot AF mode, the EOS R can shoot up to 8 frames per second (fps), whereas the EOS RP can shoot up to 5 fps.

AF positions: The EOS R has 5,655 manually-selectable AF positions (Find out more in: EOS R Specs and What They Really Mean). The EOS RP has 4,779.

AF methods: The EOS R comes with two AF methods not present on the EOS RP: Large Zone AF (Horizontal) and Large Zone AF (Vertical). These AF methods help to track moving subjects more effectively.

Where it matters

The difference in number of AF positions does not really make much of a difference in practice. However, if you frequently photograph sports, birds or other moving subjects, you will probably find the higher continuous shooting speed and the Large Zone AF methods on the EOS R useful.

Other differences in shooting performance

Also see:
8 EOS R Focusing Features We Can't Wait to Try
7 Key Features of the EOS RP

 

3. LCD and EVF

The similarities

OLED: On both cameras, the EVF and rear LCD use OLED panels, known for their excellent colour and responsiveness.

Eyepiece: Both cameras also use an eyepiece designed to incorporate Canon’s in-house optical technology, resulting in a natural view that resembles that on an optical viewfinder.

The differences

EVF: The EVF on the EOS R is 0.5 inches with approximately 3.65 million dots. It has a higher image resolution than the EVF on the EOS RP (0.39 inches, approximately 2.36 million dots).

Rear LCD screen: The image resolution of the rear LCD screen on the EOS R (3.15 inches, approximately 2.1 million dots) is also about twice higher than that on the EOS RP (3.0 inches, approximately 1.04 million dots).

Where it matters

A larger screen size and higher resolution is handy when you want to make precise adjustments to your focus.

 

4. Body size and weight

*Including batteries and 1 SD card

The differences

As the images above show, the EOS RP is smaller and lighter than the EOS R.

Where it matters

If you will be moving around or shooting handheld for long hours, a smaller, lighter camera would be an advantage.

 

5. Video features

The similarities

Both the EOS R and EOS RP support 4K UHD video recording.

The differences

Functionality: The EOS R has some features that the EOS RP does not, such as:
- Support for Dual Pixel CMOS AF during 4K movie shooting, which helps to keep focus on moving subjects
- Focus Guide, which makes manual focusing during movie shooting easier
- Canon Log, a recording setting also used in the Cinema EOS system that helps to make post-processing easier
- Support for High Frame Rate shooting at 120p/100p (HD quality)

Where it matters

The EOS RP carries standard video features sufficient for the average user. Meanwhile, the EOS R’s video specifications cater to the professional video production workflow. How much do you want to do with your videos?

Find out more in:
How the Canon EOS RP Enables Hassle-Free Filmmaking
4 Things You Didn’t Know About 4K Video on the EOS R

 

6. Durability

The similarities

Both the EOS R and the EOS RP have an internal chassis made from strong, durable magnesium alloy. Both are dust- and moisture-proof (although the degree and type of weather-sealing varies). 

The differences

External frame: On the EOS R, this is mainly made of magnesium alloy, which makes it as sturdy as the cameras in the EOS-1 series. On the EOS RP, this is mainly made of polycarbonate resin with electroconductive fibres, which ensures that it is not just lightweight but also sufficiently strong.

Shutter durability: On the EOS R, this is rated up to 200,000 cycles, compared to 100,000 on the EOS RP.

Others: When the EOS R is powered off, the shutter automatically covers the sensor, shielding it from dust when you change your lenses.

Where it matters

Consider how frequently you change your lenses, and if you often shoot in dusty areas/extreme weather conditions.

 

7. Battery life

The differences

One factor in the EOS RP’s small size and weight is its use of the smaller LP-E17 battery, which has a capacity of 1040mAh, allowing up to 250 shots in a single charge. In comparison, the EOS R uses the larger LP-E6N, the same battery as the EOS 5D and 7D series, allowing up to 370 shots on its 1865mAh capacity.

Where it matters

Only if you take more than 200 shots a day. Do also note that depending on usage, you could get more than the stated number of shots.

 

Other things to note: The EOS R has an optional battery grip, Battery Grip BG-E22 (shown above), that supports 2 batteries, bringing up the total number of possible shots to about 740. This also provides a more comfortable hold during vertical shooting—useful for genres such as portrait photography.

 

Find out more about the EOS R and the EOS RP in:
Reimagine Optical Excellence with EOS R
Reimagine Your Potential with EOS RP
In Focus: EOS R

 

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