Canon EOS R1 vs Canon EOS R8
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Canon EOS R1 (2024) moves ahead on 4K frame rate (120p vs 60p) and in-body stabilisation. The Canon EOS R8 is still the value pick at $1,499 ($6,299 for the Canon EOS R1). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Canon EOS R8 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Canon EOS R1 if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 60p.
- ✓You shoot handheld — in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -7.5 EV gives it the edge after dark.
- ✓You need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Choose the Canon EOS R8 if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,499, about $4,800 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You value portability — at 461g (1.02 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 1115g (2.46 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Price: the Canon EOS R8 launched at $1,499, $4,800 under the Canon EOS R1 — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon EOS R1 has in-body IS — slower handheld shutter speeds and steadier video without relying on stabilised lenses.
- ›Card slots: the Canon EOS R1 has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Weight: the Canon EOS R8 is 461g (1.02 lb) vs 1115g (2.46 lb) — 654g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon EOS R1 or the Canon EOS R8 better?
Same line, different generation: the Canon EOS R1 (2024) moves ahead on 4K frame rate (120p vs 60p) and in-body stabilisation. The Canon EOS R8 is still the value pick at $1,499 ($6,299 for the Canon EOS R1). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Canon EOS R8 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Canon EOS R1?
Choose the Canon EOS R1 if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 60p. Choose it if you shoot handheld — in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -7.5 EV gives it the edge after dark. Choose it if you need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Who should choose the Canon EOS R8?
Choose the Canon EOS R8 if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,499, about $4,800 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you value portability — at 461g (1.02 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 1115g (2.46 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Canon EOS R1 and the Canon EOS R8?
Price: the Canon EOS R8 launched at $1,499, $4,800 under the Canon EOS R1 — money that could go toward glass.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI Stacked CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | DIGIC X + DIGIC Accelerator | DIGIC X |
| Effective Resolution | 24.2 MP | 24.2 MP |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 102400 | 100 – 102400 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 409600 | 50 – 204800 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/4000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/64000 | 1/16000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/400 | 1/200 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 40 fps | 40 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 6K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 240p | Up to 180p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | C-Log 2 / C-Log 3 / HLG / HDR-PQ | C-Log 3 / HDR-PQ |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Mono |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Full-size (Type A) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 1,053 | 1,053 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -7.5 EV | -6.5 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 9.44M dots | 2.36M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.9x | 0.7x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 2.10M dots | 1.62M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v5.3 | v4.2 |
| USB | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x CFexpress Type B | 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $6,299 | $1,499 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Polycarbonate |
| Dimensions | 157.6×149.5×87.3 mm | 132.5×86.1×70 mm |
| Weight | 1115g (2.46 lb) | 461g (1.02 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 700 shots | 220 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 1330 shots | 370 shots |
| Battery Type | LP-E19 | LP-E17 |
