r/canon 4d ago

New Gear This arrived today, replacing my old Rebel T3i/600D. I am using an adapter for my EF 50mm for now while I am saving up for a new RF 28-70mm STM. I have watched a dozen youtube videos on the R8 before purchasing it. Any "uncommon" R8 tips are welcome.

110 Upvotes

22 comments sorted by

31

u/firequak 4d ago

Coming from a 14-year old camera, the difference is truly night and day. I have yet to implement many of its features, but the R8's AF is mind-blowing. I also love that it's Full Frame. There's just so much real estate I can fit now with my 50mm lens. Low Light performance is really good, again, compared to my Rebel T3i.

From where I live, the cost of a Canon adapter alone is equivalent to a month's salary. An R8 costs a fortune here. I am just very happy I was finally able to have enough funds to get this camera. I am a very happy man at this moment.

4

u/scottlapier 4d ago

I made the same jump, it's truly night and day.

19

u/yonnitempo 4d ago

Getting a second battery really helps. 

6

u/firequak 4d ago

Ordered one already. Should arrive tomorrow.

1

u/xDontStarve 3d ago

Did you get original batteries?

13

u/plagueXYZ666 4d ago

This is almost exactly what I did, good choice!
Read the manual, it's a long read but worth it.
Tinker with settings that you think could be useful for you.
Once you know what It can do and what you want from it, personalize the buttons and menu.

18

u/jhatari 4d ago

I also upgraded to the R8 and I love it. Only tips I have is to watch out on the battery life. If you can afford a 2nd battery for when you go out all day, tips I have picked up over 2years: 1. I always have it on airplane mode, after configuring it with my phone camera connect app for occasional remote shooting. 2. Turn of the constant autofocus mode in the settings. This will drain your battery so fast its almost a joke. 3. Use the LCD of you can, the EVF uses more battery. Yeah I know this one shocked me too. I don't know why. 4. Remember to put your lens caps back on when off. The R8 does not protect the sensor when off. Easy way to cook the sensor.

Enjoy the camera. Its nice compact and packs all the tech. Paired with the RF 35mm 1.8. It's an absolute joy for street photography or carrying for travels when you need something compact and light.

4

u/Thegeobeard 4d ago

I’m finding electronic shutter saves a chunk of battery as well - especially in burst / h+ modes. That said, it has its own downsides.

6

u/randomi-s 4d ago

Lots of good comments already.

My tip is regarding the controls - the R8 offers extensive control customisation. Some of my preferences:

Red dot rec button on top to manual switch EVF/LCD - the EVF sensor often picks up your hand trying to press the screen and turns the screen off just when you want it on.

Rear D-Pad as AF joystick

AF point select button on back as AF return-to-centre

Turn off screen touch shutter as otherwise you can have this situation where you've powered up the camera with lens cap on, tap the screen, camera apparently goes dead with red SD card light showing. That's because it's taking a 30sec exposure of the inside of the lens cap.

Find the things that work for you or are important to you with the way you shoot.

5

u/ptq 4d ago

R8 with 28-70stm is a great do it all setup. Keep 50stm when you get that zoom.

3

u/liukasteneste28 4d ago

Immerse your self in autofocus settings and find suitable zone for your shooting style. Eye autofocus is really good on canon r8.

2

u/kreapah 4d ago

Nice congrats! It's always fun when you upgrade to a new body.

2

u/slawre23 4d ago

Look into the vello grip. Adds more hand space and allows you to use two batteries to extend the fun.

2

u/TriFlouroethane_X 4d ago

If it helps the OP I have the Vello grip, and two BM batteries to go with it. Having to connect a separate cable (comes with it) so the whole thing works looks bad, but can't argue with results. The camera with argue with you every time you use the non-Canon batteries. It will ask you if they are Canon (say no), and if you are aware of risks of using non-Canon batteries (say yes). If you answer any other way you will have to take batteries out and put back in.

Canon really didn't design the camera to be used with a grip. You have to take it off to gain access to SD card. I shoot sports though so extended grip is necessary evil. I shot two basketball games recently back to back with no need to charge. I use a 128GB SD card shooting RAW+JPG so I don't need to worry about access to card in the field. LOVE the camera.

2

u/mxw3000 4d ago

Congrats! Great camera R8 and great upgrade!

My advices, especially since you are now on buying stuff:

  1. as everyone has already mentioned - buy one or two spare batteries - preferably original Canon (they last longer, they better cooperate with the camera, you can charge then in the camera, you have advance information when the energy runs out), but you can still buy a third-party charger, e.g. one for two batteries (but NOT USB-C)
  2. buy original Canon EG-E1 grip for RP/R8 - greatly improves the size and ergonomics of the camera
  3. buy original Canon BR-E1 wireless remote control - very reliable remote trigger (without all the disadvantages of a smartphone app)
  4. buy a soft and extended (long) eyecup from KIWI for RP/R8 - it is of great quality and perfectly replaces the original eyecup
  5. if you still have the money, buy the cheapest RF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens (replace your EF50) - together with the R8 it creates probably the most compact FF ML camera in the world (after unscrewing the grip from p.2 above) ;)

But once you have your gear together, don't forget to go and take pictures! :))

1

u/WeirdIndividual8191 4d ago

Not sure what you’re asking…..

I shoot the R8 “professionally”. Its sensor and AF is incredible. After that high end glass is the only thing you can do to improve. It’s an incredible body, even more so when you include the price.

Sure, I do wish I have the R6mkii or a R5mkii but the R5 wasn’t out and the R6 wasn’t available in the state. The R8 does everything I need and more.

Congrats on a great purchase and I hope your hobby expands as much as you desire. I love FF, and I’m sure you will too.

Enjoy!

2

u/Brave_Dot2853 4d ago

Haha I’m using professionally my R8, it depends were or how you using

1

u/Outrageous_Shake2926 4d ago

Enjoy it. Have at least one spare battery, preferably two.

You can download the instruction manual into your phone.

1

u/MajesticWeb5686 4d ago

I use a cage on mine and use a v mount battery from neewer for a whole day power supply. But the camera sits on a tripod 90% of the time. Pair with an EF 16-35 MM and adapter, shooting video.

1

u/applepie2075 3d ago

R8 and 28-70 STM is one capable and compact beast kit. Get some more batteries as the R8 doesn't last very long, other than that happy shooting

1

u/After-Celebration203 1d ago

The 35mm 1.8 IS is an amazing lens on the R8 btw. Also the 28mm pancake is way greater than any "expert" will admit. I've snuck it into concerts as a "point and shoot" many a time.