Canon goes retro

Canon’s first retro-styled mirrorless body is the EOS R8 Mark II, announced on September 15 with a 1980s-inspired design and two long-requested upgrades.

“Canon’s first mirrorless to take on a retro-inspired design is here”

Same core camera

The Mark II keeps the 24.2MP full-frame sensor and Digic X processor from the original R8, so the headline changes sit around stability, handling, and design.

Stabilization arrives

Canon adds in-body image stabilization rated at 7.5 stops in the center and 7 stops at the edges. At 546g with battery and card, it becomes Canon’s lightest full-frame body with IBIS.

“Canon’s lightest full-frame body with IBIS”

The joystick is back

A new autofocus joystick improves control, while Canon also fixes the awkward SD card slot placement. Those were two of the biggest complaints about the first R8.

Retro without the pain

The shape nods to the 1985 Canon T80, but Canon keeps a proper modern grip. An optional extension grip gives larger hands more room.

Autofocus gets smarter

Dual Pixel II returns with subject recognition, better algorithms, and low-light autofocus rated to -7.5 EV. People priority registration also comes down from pricier Canon bodies.

Built for new creators

Canon targets phone-first creators with Creative Assist in auto mode, in-camera explanations, and 16 new adjustable color filters for JPEGs and video.

Video gets cleaner

Video tops out at uncropped 4K oversampled from 6K at up to 60p. New tools include cinema view, product-demo autofocus, stronger stabilization settings, and white-balance lock.

Price moves up

The R8 Mark II costs $1,899 body-only or $2,099 with the 24-50mm kit lens, with shipping expected in late October. The original R8 stays on sale as the cheaper option.