Canon EOS RP vs Canon EOS R8
Canon EOS R8 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. the EOS R8 is better for beginners, travel, wildlife, sports, astrophotography, vlogging.
Choose the EOS RP for
- more resolution (26MP vs 24MP)
- a lower price (from £334)
Choose the EOS R8 for
- faster bursts (40fps vs 5fps)
- better low-light performance
- a lighter body (461g vs 485g)
- stronger video (4K 60p)
- a newer design (2023)
Specs side by side
| Spec | EOS RP | EOS R8 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 26MP | Full frame, 24MP |
| Mount | Canon RF (full frame) | Canon RF (full frame) |
| Released | 2019 | 2023 |
| Burst | 5 fps | 40 fps |
| Readout | — | ≈16 ms |
| Max ISO | 40,000 | 102,400 |
| Stabilisation | Lens only | Lens only |
| Video | 4K 24p (crop) | 4K 60p |
| Weather sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 485 g | 461 g |
| Battery | Canon LP-E17 | Canon LP-E17 |
| Card slots | SD (UHS-II) | SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | £1,229 |
| Used at MPB | £334–484 | £789–914 |
| Native lenses in our database | 36 (14 third-party) | 36 (14 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | EOS R8 |
| Everyday & travel | EOS R8 |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | EOS R8 |
| Sports & action | EOS R8 |
| Astrophotography | EOS R8 |
| Vlogging & video | EOS R8 |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
Both cameras use the Canon RF / RF-S mount, so lenses move between them. They share the same battery (Canon LP-E17).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EOS RP better than the Canon EOS R8?
It depends on your priorities. The EOS RP offers more resolution (26MP vs 24MP), a lower price (from £334); the EOS R8 offers faster bursts (40fps vs 5fps), better low-light performance, a lighter body (461g vs 485g).
Which is better for video, the EOS RP or the EOS R8?
The EOS R8 is stronger for video: EOS RP records 4K 24p (crop), EOS R8 records 4K 60p.
Which is cheaper, the EOS RP or the EOS R8?
The EOS RP costs No longer sold new new and from £334 used at MPB; the EOS R8 costs £1,229 new and from £789 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Canon EOS RP lenses on the EOS R8?
Yes. Both use the Canon RF / RF-S mount.