On 17 July 2024, Canon announced the EOS R1, the EOS R system’s highly anticipated first professional flagship camera. It is the latest incarnation in the esteemed EOS-1 lineage, which has built a reputation for providing top-of-the-line performance and reliability, making it top choice for many professional photographers who need to deliver the best possible images even under harsh conditions. In this article, we introduce the most significant features of this camera that takes the EOS-1 legacy into the mirrorless camera generation.

Watch: Behold Canon's flagship camera, the EOS R1

At the heart of it all: The advanced core technologies that enable

It’s practically impossible to talk about the EOS R1’s most game-changing features without first introducing the core technologies that make them possible.

On the EOS R1, the key diving force is the new Accelerated Capture system, which consists of the DIGIC X image processing engine and the new DIGIC Accelerator. As the camera’s processing engine, it is the brain that processes the massive volume of information from the image sensor at lightning speed, and computes the information to drive numerous processes and decisions.

DIGIC X was the engine that enabled deep learning algorithms to be applied to subject detection on previous EOS R series cameras. Now, with the DIGIC Accelerator boosting its processing speed and power, a lot more is possible.

This includes the wider application of deep learning technology, which improves many aspects of the camera’s AF performance. Deep learning technology also contributes to the camera’s new ability to increase image resolution by up to 4 times through in-camera upscaling.

These technologies are fuelled by information from the newly developed 24.2-megapixel back-illuminated (BSI) stacked sensor, whose architecture enables a faster sensor readout and improved light sensitivity. Its high-speed, high-quality image information capture and transmission benefits more than just imaging.

 

1. Game-changing autofocus

The most significant improvement on the EOS R1 that you will experience is to its autofocus (AF) performance. That’s because with more powerful processing and expanded use of deep learning, the camera’s AF system can now take fuller advantage of the data it receives. The improvements to performance are dramatic enough to warrant a new name: Dual Pixel Intelligent AF.

On the EOS R1, Dual Pixel Intelligent AF is further supported by the innovative Cross-type AF. This reorientates some of the photodiodes used for AF detection on the image sensor to enable better detection along both horizontal and vertical lines, allowing accurate, persistent subject tracking across 100% of the image sensor.

Cross-type AF

Users will experience improved AF performance in the following areas:

1) Sports photography
In the new Action Priority AF mode, the camera can detect key actions in three sports: soccer, basketball, and volleyball. This is achieved by the identification, and analysis of details such as multiple people, ball position, and the status of athletes’ joints. It then shifts the AF frame to the subject performing the action, aiding your swift response. It’s your capable assistant for capturing decisive sporting moments in fast-evolving conditions!

2) When taking stills or videos of specific people
First introduced on the EOS R3, the Register People Priority lets you prioritise pre-registered individuals for tracking and subject detection even when multiple people are in the frame. The EOS R1 is better than the EOS R3 at tracking people who are facing diagonally away, improving its usability in sports or concerts.

3) When taking stills or videos of complex scenes with intersecting subjects
With new capabilities such as head area estimation and human upper body detection, the evolved tracking algorithm is better at differentiating between tracking subjects and other objects that might block them from view. Focus stays more persistently on the subject even when obstacles such as fences or other people get in the way.

Watch: Tracking in action on the EOS R1

 

Mastery over autofocus: Enhanced AF control

To professional photographers, being able to take control over AF operations where necessary is just as important as AF performance. Eye Control AF, first introduced on the EOS R3, provided an intuitive, highly responsive mode of control, and this has been massively enhanced on the EOS R1.

Improvements include:
- More sensitive line-of-sight detection optics
- Larger eye detection range
- Improved line-of-sight detection algorithms

These result in an Eye Control AF system that is not only faster and more responsive, with a detection frame rate double that of the EOS R3, but also more reliable and precise. You’ll will be able to track and change your intended subject as swiftly as desired even during high-speed continuous shooting.

 

2. More keepers even in unpredictable scenes

The fast image sensor readout combined with the powerful Accelerated Capture system enable the EOS R1 to realise continuous shooting speeds of up to 40 fps with its electronic shutter, with a curtain speed so fast, rolling shutter distortion is reduced to the same level as the mechanical shutter—practically negligible.

Focusing and subject tracking easily keep up: lens drive is possible up to approximately 60 fps, more than enough to ensure that high-speed continuous shooting doesn’t just increase the number of shots, but also the number of keepers.

Pre-continuous shooting and Pre-recording

The new Pre-continuous shooting mode, available during electronic shutter drive, lets still shooters capture a continuous sequence of up to 20 RAW/C-RAW/JPEG/HEIF shots from before the shutter button is fully pressed, providing extra insurance for difficult subjects that photographers previously had to rely on their intuition to capture. It can be used with the Action Priority AF and Register People Priority modes for greater chances of success.

In video mode, it has a counterpart in the form of the Pre-recording function, which records a scene up to 5 seconds before you start recording.

 

3. Image enhancement through deep learning technology

The EOS R1 is equipped with two deep learning-based features that previously required a computer or cloud computing to run: In-camera Upscaling, and Neural Network Noise Reduction. Now possible to apply in-camera, they provide a more convenient way to overcome image quality issues, increasing the usability of the images.

In-camera Upscaling

In-camera Upscaling generates high-resolution images 4 times larger than the original with no visible loss in quality. This is useful for situations where you need a high-resolution close-up but can’t achieve it with the lens you have on hand.

It works by applying a deep learning algorithm to double the number of pixels in an image along both the horizontal and vertical axes, making it possible to achieve high-quality 96-megapixel upscaled images from the 24.2-megapixel originals.

For a more streamlined workflow, you can also upscale images and crop them in-camera.

Neural Network Noise Reduction

Neural Network Noise Reduction uses a deep learning algorithm to reduce high ISO noise in RAW images, generating cleaner JPEG images with amazing apparent resolution.

As the example below shows, it is also useful for underexposed images that show noise when brightened. You no longer need to choose between cleaner image quality and getting your desired shot when shooting in challenging conditions.

EOS R1/ RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM/ FL: 800mm/ Shutter-priority AE (f/9, 1/2000 sec)/ ISO 8000
In-camera RAW post-processing: Brightness +1

Crop from original image

Noise reduced (Neural Network Noise Reduction)

In the examples above, Neural Network Noise Reduction has reduced the noise in the wings and the background without the “softening” effect seen in conventional noise reduction.

 

4. A large, bright, and clear EVF view

On the EOS R1, you’ll get a good view of every single hit and miss, large, bright, and clear. Its new 9.44 million-dot EVF has the highest resolution and definition in the entire EOS camera system, offering a huge 0.9x magnification approximately 1.2 times bigger than on the EOS R3 (0.76x magnification, approx. 5.76 million dots) and up to 3 times brighter.

A blackout-free display is available during electronic shutter shooting, providing a seamless view of fast-moving subjects even at 40 fps.

The EVF’s airtight, anti-fog structure, superior to that of the EOS R3, ensures that your view stays clear even when you’re steaming alive shooting in hot and humid conditions.

 

5. Video: More cinematic flexibility

More recording formats, greater creativity

The EOS R1 can simultaneously record at least 120 minutes of 6K DCI (6000 x 3164) 60p RAW video together with a 2K 60p proxy file internally, allowing more flexibility in post-production. For the first time on a non-cinema EOS camera, users can also shoot 2K DCI, which supports frame rates up to 240p.

Chart: Video recording formats on the EOS R1

Canon Log 2 and Log 3
While Canon Log 3 has been included on many EOS R series cameras, the EOS R1 is the first along with the EOS R5 Mark II to include Canon Log 2 as well. Canon Log 3 is easier to edit and results in less noise in dark areas, whereas Canon Log 2 retains more shadow detail and has a larger dynamic range. Users now have more options on their preferred gamma for colour grading.

Integration with the Cinema EOS workflow
The EOS R1’s enhanced video shooting capabilities enable it to fit seamlessly into a multi-camera workflow that also involves Cinema EOS cameras—a frequent situation on professional video production sets. These include the Custom Picture presets from Cinema EOS, which also supports LUT application, making it easier to match the colour rendering on set. Support for the same XF-AVC S/XF-HEVC S file system further helps to streamline the editing process.

Other notable video features
- External ProRES RAW recording up to 6K 60p is available via the HDMI Type A output terminal.
- The camera supports LPCM 24-bit 4-channel audio recording, which will be useful for scenes with multiple audio sources, such as interviews, that will benefit from multiple microphones.
- A tally lamp allows everyone on set to see the recording status.
- A new Dual Shooting feature allows 16:9 ratio 17.8-megapixel JPEG still images to be shot simultaneously when recording Full HD 60p video, improving efficiency for news reporting and interviews.

Watch: Full HD 240p with the EOS R1

The EOS R1 can record 4K 120p with audio as well as Full HD 240p, allowing you to create dramatic slow-motion playbacks of fast action scenes.

 

6. Faster communications for time-sensitive workflows

The EOS R1 supports the newest wireless (Wi-Fi 6/6E*) and wired (2.5G Base-T) protocols, making it capable of faster communications compared to the EOS R3. This helps it cater better to time-sensitive professional workflows where large photo and video files need to be immediately transmitted to an editorial office.

Multiple built-in antennas support MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), which improves transmission quality.

*Excludes 6GHz

 

7. Built like a flagship camera

The EOS R1 is made to stay reliable even when shooting in harsh conditions and withstand impacts that are part and parcel of professional use. Built with a lightweight yet rigid magnesium alloy exterior, it offers the same durability and dust- and water-resistant performance as the EOS-1D X series.

Weather sealing on the EOS R1.

The EOS R1’s heat-dissipating design maintains reliability and allows longer video shooting times.

Dual CFexpress Type-B card slots support the stability and high-speed writing required by up to 40 fps continuous shooting and internal 6K RAW video recording.

It uses the same high-capacity LP-E19 battery as the EOS-1D X series and EOS R3, which allows it to take approximately 1330 still photos* or continuously record approximately 140 minutes of 6K 60p RAW video**. If extra longevity is required, the camera supports USB Type-C power supply and charging from a USB PD-compatible mobile battery.

* Using a new, fully charged LP-E19; 23°C, LCD shooting with power saving mode, CIPA compliant
**Using a fully-charged LP-E19; Movie servo AF: off,  LCD shooting, 23°C

 

EOS R1 images

 

 

EOS R1: Sample images

EOS R1/ RF600mm f4L IS USM/ FL: 600mm/ Manual exposure (f/4, 1/2500 sec)/ ISO 400

EOS R1/ RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM/ FL: 15mm/ Manual exposure (f/2.8, 1/2000 sec)/ ISO 200

EOS R1/ RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM/ FL: 20mm/ Manual exposure (f/2.8, 1/2500 sec)/ ISO 6400

EOS R1/ RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM/ FL: 300mm/ Manual exposure (f/2.8, 1/2000 sec)/ ISO 6400

EOS R1/ RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM/ FL: 100mm/ Manual exposure (f/2.8, 1/800 sec)/ ISO 3200