Canon EOS RP Review: A Compact Full-Frame Option for Travelers

If you're in the market for a full-frame camera that's not going to weigh you down, the Canon EOS RP might catch your interest. It promises a blend of decent performance and portability, which is great for those looking to travel light without compromising on image quality.

The EOS RP comes in as an entry-level full-frame mirrorless option. It's positioned for those who want to step up from crop-sensor cameras but aren't ready to shell out a fortune. For me, as someone who often travels, the idea of having a full-frame camera that isn't cumbersome is pretty appealing.

But, of course, it's not all rosy. The camera has its limitations, especially when you compare it to some of the more recent models out there. Still, its price point and features make it worth considering.

In this review, I'll go over my personal experience with the Canon EOS RP, touching on its design, performance, and value for money to see if it truly holds up as a travel-friendly, full-frame option.

One of the main attractions of the Canon EOS RP is its price point. As far as full-frame cameras go, it's on the more affordable end, which makes it accessible to enthusiasts who are stepping up from entry-level DSLRs or mirrorless models. The included RF 24-105mm lens is versatile, offering a good range for various shooting scenarios, from landscapes to portraits.

However, to keep costs down, Canon has made some concessions. Features like the 4K video crop and limited battery life (around 250 shots per charge) are notable drawbacks. But in the grand scheme of things, for a full-frame mirrorless option, it’s good value for beginners or those on a budget.

Compared to its competitors, such as the Sony A7 series, the EOS RP might not have all the bells and whistles, but it’s also considerably more affordable. If you're looking for a full-frame experience without breaking the bank, the EOS RP is a good contender.

In conclusion, while it’s not the best full-frame camera on the market, the value proposition for the Canon EOS RP is solid. It offers a lot for the money, especially if you can live with its limitations.

The first thing you'll notice about the Canon EOS RP is how light it feels. Weighing in at around 485 grams with battery and memory card, it's definitely not a burden to carry around. This makes it a pretty solid choice for travel enthusiasts or vloggers who want to avoid lugging heavy gear.

Canon has designed the EOS RP with a compact body that's relatively easy to handle. The grip is decent, though not as deep as some might prefer. If you're someone with larger hands, it might feel a bit cramped after prolonged use, but it’s not a deal breaker. The button layout is fairly intuitive, but it might take a bit of getting used to if you're coming from a different brand.

The build quality is acceptable, though it doesn't scream high-end. It's more plastic than metal, so while it feels durable enough for regular use, you're reminded it’s an entry-level full-frame model. On the plus side, the camera's menu system is straightforward, especially if you're familiar with Canon's interface. Overall, the design is practical for what it aims to achieve.

Overall, the EOS RP’s design is decent if not stellar. It's a reasonable compromise between form and function, and the lightweight build is genuinely beneficial if you're on the move.

In terms of performance, the Canon EOS RP delivers a mixed bag. It features a 26.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, which is pretty decent for a camera in its class. In daylight conditions, the images come out sharp with good color reproduction. Low light performance is respectable but don’t expect miracles—noise levels creep up faster than they do on higher-end models.

The camera offers 4K UHD video recording, but there are some limitations. There's a 1.6x crop when shooting in 4K, which can be a bit of a letdown if you’re trying to capture wide landscapes. Autofocus in 4K video is also not as snappy as one might hope, especially in low light scenarios, but it gets the job done for casual vlogs or home videos.

The autofocus system is otherwise solid in photo mode, thanks to Canon's Dual Pixel AF. It works well for still photography, locking onto subjects quickly and accurately. The camera's continuous shooting speed of 5 frames per second isn't groundbreaking, but it's adequate for non-action photography.

Overall, the EOS RP performs well for stills and is good enough for casual video work. It's not perfect, and there are certainly better performers if you're willing to invest more money, but it holds its own for the price.