# Canon's retro camera isn't retro. I love it anyway.

> The Canon EOS R8 Mark II takes design cues from a 1985 consumer camera, not the classic SLR look most expect from retro gear.
- Title: Canon's retro camera isn't retro. I love it anyway. | Shortify
- Summary: The Canon EOS R8 Mark II takes design cues from a 1985 consumer camera, not the classic SLR look most expect from retro gear. The R8 Mark II's subtle retro…
- Keywords: canon eos r8 mark ii, canon, mirrorless camera, retro design, camera design, entry-level full-frame, ergonomics, camera grip, autofocus joystick, canon t80, nikon zf, fujifilm x-t5
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/mirrorless-cameras/unpopular-opinion-im-not-sure-that-the-canon-eos-r8-mark-ii-is-really-a-retro-camera-but-i-love-the-new-design-anyways-for-two-key-reasons
- Published: 2026-09-22T08:25:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: canon eos r8 mark ii, canon, mirrorless camera, retro design, camera design, entry-level full-frame, ergonomics, camera grip, autofocus joystick, canon t80, nikon zf, fujifilm x-t5
## Canon's retro camera arrives
Canon finally released its first retro mirrorless, the EOS R8 Mark II, but the internet had mixed reactions to its design.
## Fans wanted the AE-1 look
Many hoped Canon would draw from the popular AE-1, while others thought the sharp lines made it look more like a Sony.
## It doesn't feel retro at all
The R8 Mark II doesn't match the silver-and-black vintage aesthetic most retro cameras aim for, with its flatter top and modern lines.
## Canon drew from the T80
The R8 Mark II takes inspiration from the 1985 Canon T80, a consumer camera without full manual controls, not a professional SLR.
## Why no retro dials?
The T80 lacked manual exposure mode, so it had a flat top without dials. The R8 Mark II keeps standard dials to avoid intimidating newer photographers.
## Entry-level for smartphone users
About 20 percent of original R8 buyers were upgrading from smartphones, so Canon designed the Mark II as a camera newer photographers can grow into.
## The retro touches are subtle
The viewfinder has sharp angles like the T80, and the top features sharp lines instead of Canon's usual curves, but the inspiration is understated.
## It looks different from other retros
The R8 Mark II doesn't resemble the Nikon Zf or Fujifilm X-T5 because Canon drew from a different era of camera design.
## Canon's curves are gone
The R8 series usually features smooth, curved lines and chunky grips. The Mark II's sharp angles are a departure from Canon's typical design language.
## The grip is actually excellent
Unlike many retro cameras with tiny grips, the R8 Mark II keeps a substantial grip that feels comfortable and very much like a Canon.

> I hate that "retro" usually translates to "tiny grip."
## The joystick makes a difference
The R8 Mark II adds an autofocus joystick that was missing from the original, making the camera easy to control with one hand.
## Same sensor, new ergonomics
The R8 Mark II keeps the same sensor and processor as the original but adds in-body stabilization, better burst buffer, and improved autofocus.
## The verdict: retro-ish, not retro
The R8 Mark II is more subtle in its retro design than competitors, but the ergonomics and grip make it a significant upgrade worth considering.

> I'd call the R8 Mark II more "retro-ish" than "retro."
## Key takeaway

The R8 Mark II's subtle retro design and excellent ergonomics make it a practical entry-level full-frame camera, even if it doesn't look like other retro cameras.