Canon EOS R1 preliminary assessment

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The EOS R1 is Canon’s flagship mirrorless digicam and is the primary EOS physique to obtain the coveted 1-series moniker because the EOS-1D X Mark III in 2020, which is consistent with Canon’s common launch cadence for the EOS-1 sequence for the previous decade. As with most different 1-series fashions, its options and specs are aimed toward sports activities photographers and photojournalists who want the highest-performing, most rugged digicam out there.

In accordance with Canon, the EOS R1 is as dependable and sturdy because the 1D X Mark III however consists of extra superior options than the EOS R3.

Key specs

• 24.2MP Stacked CMOS Twin Pixel sensor
• 100% AF protection with cross-type sensors
• As much as 40fps blackout-free capturing (JPEG+Uncooked)
• Pre-capture for picture and video (1/2 sec. for photographs, 3 or 5 sec for video)
• Eye-controlled AF with improved eye detection
• AI-trained Autofocus and post-shot processing modes
• 6K/60p inside Uncooked video seize
• DCI-4K seize as much as 120fps
• Canon C-Log2 gamma profile
• Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet connectivity

Canon says the EOS R1 might be out there later in 2024 at a beneficial value of $6300.

Index:

• What’s new?
• The way it compares
• Physique and controls
• The way it compares
• Preliminary impressions
• Specs
• Canon press launch

What’s new:

As you would possibly count on on a Canon 1-series digicam, the EOS R1 consists of Canon’s newest and quickest know-how for capturing and processing photos.

Sensor

The EOS R1 is constructed round an all-new 24.2MP Stacked CMOS sensor. It is a sooner sensor than we have seen in earlier Canon cameras and has a full sensor readout fee of two.8ms (1/360) when capturing stills. That compares to only beneath 5ms on the EOS R3, making the R1’s full sensor readout practically twice as quick because the R3’s.

Along with the sooner velocity, the R1’s sensor additionally consists of 100% AF protection with cross-type sensors. That is completed by rotating each different line of the sensor’s dual-pixel PDAF pixels 90º to create PDAF zones delicate to horizontal traces in addition to vertical. Cross-type autofocus works in picture mode solely and doesn’t work beneath sure circumstances, reminiscent of flickering mild sources.

The brand new sensor delivers as much as 40fps blackout-free steady capturing in 14-bit mode.

New Digic accelerator

The EOS R1 makes use of Canon’s Digic X processor together with a brand new Digic Accelerator co-processor. Canon claims this co-processor is the important thing to the digicam’s improved autofocus options, significantly these utilizing AI options derived from machine studying.

The result’s that the digicam can do greater than establish a topic; in sure conditions, it might probably establish a topic, reminiscent of an individual, and decide what sort of motion that individual is performing, reminiscent of a basketball participant driving to the basket with the ball. This permits the digicam to prioritize and keep give attention to an important topic in a scene.

Autofocus

Canon claims the R1 has probably the most superior autofocus system ever featured on an EOS physique, anchored round a number of new options.

Eye-controlled AF

The EOS R1 receives an up to date model of the eye-controlled AF system discovered on the EOS R3. (Which is a modernized model of the system discovered on a few of Canon’s EOS movie cameras from the Nineteen Nineties and 2000s). With eye-controlled focus, the digicam strikes a spotlight goal across the viewfinder by following your eye. As soon as this goal is near your supposed topic, initiating autofocus will set off the digicam to lock onto the most certainly topic and proceed monitoring it.

Eye-controlled autofocus has been a polarizing characteristic on earlier EOS fashions as a result of it hasn’t labored properly for all customers, however Canon hopes to vary that. On the R1 (and R5 II), the system has a wider subject of view to raised observe your eye, which ends up in an expanded viewfinder space and bigger eye cup. Moreover, new compact optics and a revised line-of-sight detection algorithm imply your eye could be roughly twice as far-off from the EVF and nonetheless work. The up to date system additionally consists of eyeglass detection, which ought to enhance efficiency for glasses wearers.

Motion Precedence AF mode

One other necessary new characteristic is Motion Precedence AF mode. This mode makes use of machine studying know-how to investigate a scene and try and predict an important topic(s) based mostly on the context of the scene. For instance, when capturing basketball, the AF system will typically try to stay with the participant with the ball, even when that individual crosses paths with similar-looking gamers. If the participant passes the ball, the system will know to re-prioritize AF on the participant who receives it.

Motion Precedence AF mode is at present skilled on soccer (soccer), basketball and volleyball. A Canon consultant hinted that further sports activities is likely to be added sooner or later.

Pre-registered individual precedence

The EOS R1 permits customers to pre-register specific people who the AF system will prioritize. As much as ten folks could be registered on the digicam, and including somebody is so simple as choosing a reminiscence financial institution and taking their picture. Relative prioritization amongst registered topics could be modified just by altering their order within the menu.

Pre-registered individual precedence might show helpful in conditions the place there are numerous identifiable topics in a body however solely a restricted variety of topics you need the digicam to give attention to, reminiscent of a particular athlete in an area or a bride and groom at a marriage reception.

Pre-continuous capturing mode

The R1’s pre-continuous capturing mode can seize nonetheless photos or video earlier than the shutter button is totally depressed. In steady capturing mode, the digicam can pre-capture a half second of buffered photos (as much as 20 photographs at most capturing velocity). This may be achieved in JPEG, HEIF or Uncooked. In film mode, it might probably pre-capture both three or 5 seconds of video.

AI-trained in-camera picture processing

The EOS R1 provides two new in-camera processing options that replicate deep studying capabilities sometimes present in software program like Adobe Digicam Uncooked: neural community noise discount and picture upscaling.

Out-of-camera JPEG picture (ISO 102,400)	Picture reprocessed in-camera utilizing neural community noise discount (ISO 102,400)

Neural community noise discount is designed to enhance picture high quality with out sacrificing element. This characteristic requires a Uncooked picture to make use of and is utilized within the in-camera Uncooked conversion menu in playback mode. It may be utilized to a number of photos that you choose however needs to be utilized selectively after seize.

In-camera upscaling will increase the dimensions of the picture 2x in every orientation, leading to a 96MP picture when utilized to photographs from the R1. Canon hasn’t revealed a lot about its methodology however says this upscaling doesn’t use generative AI. Apparently, upscaling can solely be carried out on a JPEG or HEIF picture.

Out-of-camera JPEG picture (24MP)	Picture re-processed utilizing in-camera upscaling (96MP)

You possibly can apply noise discount or upscaling to a single picture, however not each. Photos every take just a few seconds to course of, which explains why the characteristic is not out there in real-time whereas capturing. Nonetheless, it is attainable to batch course of photos for effectivity.

Blur/out-of-focus picture detection

A brand new Blur/out-of-focus picture detection characteristic guarantees to make culling photos after a shoot extra environment friendly. When activated, the R1 analyzes every picture it captures and tries to establish those wherein the first topic is in focus. The digicam then provides a metadata tag to every picture that may be learn downstream by Canon’s DPP software program or used as a variety standards within the playback menu. Canon says the characteristic might be carried out in any third-party utility up to date to help this tag.

To make use of Blur/out-of-focus picture detection, the characteristic have to be enabled earlier than you shoot; it can’t be utilized to already-captured photos.

Video

As you’d count on of a contemporary pro-grade digicam, significantly one with a Stacked CMOS sensor, the EOS R1 boasts some spectacular video specs.

Its 24MP sensor means it might probably’t shoot 8K video, however as an alternative, it should seize 6K Uncooked footage at as much as 60p within the 1.89:1 facet ratio. Alternatively, it might probably shoot DCI or UHD 4K derived from this 6K seize at as much as 60p. There are additionally subsampled DCI and UHD 4K modes that permit seize at as much as 120p.

Canon says it needs the EOS R1 to simply match into current workflows that use its Cinema EOS cameras, and with this in thoughts, it has achieved lots to make its footage readily comparable.

To begin, it positive aspects Canon’s wider dynamic vary C-Log2 curve, with the much less formidable C-Log3 choice nonetheless out there if you happen to’re not capturing in very excessive DR conditions. It additionally adopts the XF-HEVC S and XF-AVC S file codecs utilized in Canon’s professional video cameras.

However past the enhance in video modes is a major improve within the help instruments accompanying them. The R1 positive aspects waveform and false coloration shows to offer industry-standard methods to visualise publicity. These come along with the zebras already provided. There’s additionally a tally lamp on the entrance of the digicam, serving to to point to anybody in entrance that it is recording.

It additionally has the power to deal with digital audio inputs by way of the connectors in its multi-function hotshoe and allows you to individually management the degrees for four-channel enter.

Twin Capturing mode

The EOS R1 additionally provides a Twin Capturing mode that captures JPEGs on one card whereas video is being recorded on the opposite. On this mode, the R1 will seize FullHD video at as much as 30p whereas capturing JPEGs in bursts.

JPEGs are 17MP 16:9 photos (5616×3168) and could be captured at as much as 10fps whilst you’re capturing 1080 video. Nonetheless, the differing shutter velocity necessities for stills and video seize nonetheless require you to prioritize one over the opposite.

Temperature management

Vital efforts have been made to assist the digicam keep cool whereas capturing, and Canon says that, if it hasn’t been used, the EOS R1 can shoot for over two hours at 23°C (73°F) when capturing 6K/60 Uncooked with proxy recording additionally engaged. The 4K/60 derived from this footage is a bit more demanding, seeing the recording time drop to 109 minutes, although it will increase to over two hours once more if you happen to use the sub-sampled 4K/60 mode. The corporate says there isn’t a time restrict for capturing sub-sampled 4K/30.

The way it compares

The EOS R1 ushers within the mirrorless era of EOS-1 sequence cameras, a product line traditionally targeted on delivering the best efficiency out there in a Canon physique. The R1 takes over this spot within the lineup from the EOS-1D X Mark III, a DSLR we take into account its direct predecessor. (In fact, there’s additionally the EOS R3, which Canon maintained was not a substitute for the 1D X III, regardless of having the same physique model, value and specs.)

Not like some producers, Canon has not mixed its highest-performing digicam with a higher-resolution sensor. As such, we’ll examine it to different our bodies aimed on the high-performance, 24-ish megapixel market: its predecessor, the EOS-1D X III, the EOS R3, and the Sony a9 III.

The R1 outpaces the 1D X III in nearly each method, with one notable exception: battery life. With out the necessity to drive a high-resolution EVF, battery life remains to be a possible benefit for DSLRs (although it is one the CIPA score system can exaggerate a bit). Additionally, whereas it is not essentially a professional or con, customers who nonetheless choose the expertise of utilizing an optical viewfinder (and we all know you are on the market) will most likely discover extra pleasure within the 1D X III.

Assuming you are OK with an EVF, the R1 may even provide you with a slight benefit in dimension and a noticeable benefit in weight over the 1D X III. Alternatively, if you happen to like the final design of the R1 however choose a barely smaller, lighter physique, the EOS R3 isn’t any slouch and delivers all however the very latest options discovered within the R1.

The a9 III performs the position of disruptor on this group. First, its compact, full-frame physique will doubtless enchantment to a unique set of customers than the Canons. Once more, that is not unequivocally a professional or con however a desire. Second, its international shutter sensor units it aside from all different mirrorless cameras immediately and might be a deciding issue relying in your wants and capturing model. Nonetheless, it is price noting that the a9 III’s larger base ISO means it offers up slightly picture high quality potential for this.

Physique and controls

The EOS R1 undeniably has the heft and really feel of an EOS-1 sequence digicam, with a construct that implies you may use it to pound nails right into a board in case your hammer went lacking. It is available in someplace between the dimensions and weight of the EOS R3 and the EOS-1D X Mark III it replaces. Essentially the most noticeable variations between the R1 and the 1D X Mark III are the digicam’s peak, with the R1 a noticeable 18mm shorter, and weight, the place the R1 is available in over 300g (10.6oz) lighter than its mirrored predecessor.

The R3, by comparability, feels noticeably smaller within the hand than the R1. Not solely is it shorter, however its physique is sort of a full centimeter narrower in width than the 1-series cameras. For those who’ve been capturing with an R3, know that the R1 will really feel considerably bigger by comparability.

Enjoyable reality: the R1 features a little thriller window within the decrease left nook on the again of the digicam. A Canon consultant instructed us it is reserved for a future characteristic however does not do something for the time being. Be happy to invest within the feedback.

Customizable sensible controller

Canon’s sensible controller, a two-function controller that initially appeared on the 1D X III and once more on the R3, doubles because the AF-On button and concurrently acts as a trackpad in your thumb. It may be used to maneuver the AF level across the viewfinder whereas urgent it initiates autofocus.

On the EOS R1, the sensible controller turns into a three-function controller, gaining the power to differentiate between its half-pressed and fully-pressed positions, just like the shutter button. This facilitates a level of customization. For instance, you may set it to have interaction autofocus on the half-pressed place, with the fully-pressed place switching the digicam to its quickest steady capturing velocity. This could mean you can use a extra conservative burst fee however immediately speed up the digicam to its most burst fee on the crucial second of motion.

Nonetheless, the sensible controller is not totally customizable. You possibly can customise both the half-pressed or the fully-pressed place, however not each. You may as well depart one of many positions disabled, which means the controller will operate equally to the 1D X III or R3.

EVF

The R1’s viewfinder is visibly bigger than these on earlier EOS mirrorless cameras as a result of up to date eye-controlled AF system. The EVF makes use of a 9.44M-dot OLED viewfinder, which Canon claims is roughly thrice the brightness of the R3’s EVF when utilized in OVF mode (a setting supposed to simulate utilizing an optical viewfinder). It has a magnification of 0.9x, the best within the EOS sequence, and 40% bigger than the one within the 1D X III.

Notably, the EVF’s show doesn’t drop to a decrease decision when capturing, although Canon confirmed that, whereas it provides the upper DR ‘Optical viewfinder simulation mode,’ it doesn’t help HDR show of photos.

Above the EVF is Canon’s multi-function hotshoe, which might present communication and energy for equipment like a microphone adapter.

Up to date menus

Canon has added a brand new color-coded tab to its menu system. Described as “olive inexperienced,” the brand new part centralizes the digicam’s management customizations right into a single menu for simpler entry, together with customizations for each capturing and playback modes.

Storage and connectivity

The EOS R1 has twin CFexpress sort B card slots supporting capacities as much as 2TB. As an alternative of being accessed by way of a door on the again of the digicam just like the 1D X III, playing cards now load by way of a door on the proper facet of the physique, just like the R3. The digicam features a 2.5 GBASE-T Ethernet port and 802.11ax Wi-Fi help for direct connectivity. That is the brand new WiFi 6E customary that guarantees sooner connections, partly through the use of the elements of the 6GHz spectrum, along with the two.4GHz and 5GHz areas at present in use.

Different connections embrace a USB-C port (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps), a full-sized HDMI port, 3.5mm microphone and headphone jacks and a PC Sync terminal.

Battery

The Canon EOS R1 makes use of the identical LP-E19 battery because the EOS R3 and EOS-1D X Mark III however, in contrast to these cameras, is not suitable with the sooner LP-E4N or LP-E4 batteries. On the R1, this battery delivers a CIPA-rated 700 photographs per cost, up from 440 photographs on the R3, a rise of practically 60%.

Because of the CIPA testing methodology, these rankings sometimes underestimate real-world efficiency for many customers, significantly when utilizing steady capturing (as one would possibly count on on a sports-focused digicam). Nonetheless, they typically present a superb foundation for relative comparisons between fashions.

Canon provides a battery charger with the digicam. The digicam may also be charged over USB utilizing Canon’s PD-E1 or PD-E2 energy adapter or a equally highly effective USB PD energy pack.

Preliminary impressions

By Dale Baskin

It is laborious to imagine that Canon’s EOS-1 sequence of cameras is 35 years outdated. Contemplate that the unique EOS-1 was launched in September of 1989, two months earlier than the autumn of the Berlin Wall. It was the identical 12 months that Tim Burton’s authentic Batman hit the massive screens, New Children on the Block was everywhere in the pop charts, and Miami Vice was wrapping up its closing season.

Simply because the EOS-1 sequence made the leap from movie to digital, It was inevitable that the sequence would ultimately make the bounce to mirrorless. With the EOS R1, Canon formally has its flagship mirrorless digicam.

The waters are muddied a bit by Canon’s “definitely-not-our-flagship” EOS R3 launched in 2021, which has successfully served as a mirrorless proxy for the 1-series till now. Not solely does the R3 resemble a 1-series digicam, nevertheless it launched with comparable top-level specs and slid squarely into the 1-series’ historic value bracket.

In the end, each firm is entitled to designate a flagship product because it sees match, and Canon has been clear that the EOS R1 is it. Nonetheless, given the three-year hole because the R3 was launched, it is comprehensible that some might be underwhelmed with what appear to be comparatively minor upgrades, reminiscent of leaping from 30 to 40fps in a market the place opponents can shoot 120fps.

Canon EOS R1| F2.8 | 1/1250 sec | ISO 4000

The crucial factor about EOS-1 sequence cameras is that they are designed nearly completely for people who find themselves already utilizing EOS-1 sequence cameras. Canon has indicated previously that the EOS R3 was aimed toward professionals and really devoted lovers, whereas the 1-series is aimed completely at professionals who count on zero compromises.

On this respect, there are some variations between the R1 and R3. Whereas the R3 is a completely weather-sealed, rugged digicam, Canon was clear that it wasn’t designed to resist the identical degree of punishment or difficult circumstances because the 1D X III. The R1 has no such asterisks subsequent to it, and in case your revenue relies on the reliability of your gear, that is not a trivial distinction. Equally, the 1D X III has a just about limitless buffer when capturing, whereas the R3 – whereas nonetheless spectacular – is a little more restricted. We have not examined the R1 but, nevertheless it would not shock me to seek out out it performs equally to the 1D X III on this respect.

I think the R3 was a superb check mattress for know-how like eye-controlled autofocus with out totally committing the EOS-1 model to the characteristic. If the result’s that the R1 arrives with a superior model that works extra reliably for professionals after they strive it, I can see the logic.

Canon EOS R1|F2.8 | 1/500 sec | ISO 1600

Talking of eye-controlled AF, I am glad to see Canon persevering with to spend money on the characteristic, which actually has the potential to be a differentiator by way of usability. I’ve written about a few of my very own experiences utilizing it, and it may be a recreation changer – if it really works for you. Canon is aware of that inconsistency in consumer expertise is probably the most important barrier to broader acceptance, and the truth that it has connected the characteristic to a 1-series mannequin makes me hopeful that the most recent iteration works extra universally.

In my restricted time with the EOS R1 to this point, I can safely say that the capturing expertise feels extra just like utilizing the R3 than the 1D X III, primarily as a result of the R3 can be a mirrorless digicam with eye-controlled autofocus. Nonetheless, the EOS 1D X III DNA is certainly there, and the digicam has a heft and battle-hardened really feel you aren’t getting from the R3. I am actually wanting ahead to pushing it to the bounds alongside the sidelines to see the way it performs.

And if I am being fully candid, I am significantly hoping the brand new sports-trained Motion Precedence AF mode delivers on its promise. If it does, it should make me appear like a a lot better sports activities photographer than I actually am.

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2024-07-19 13:00:00
Source hyperlink:https://www.dpreview.com/opinions/canon-eos-r1-initial-review