When the Canon EOS RP launched in 2019, it arrived with a bit of confusion in the air: a full-frame mirrorless camera for under \$1,500? Surely something had to give. And yes, this isn’t a camera that breaks benchmark charts or wows spec-heads. But in the years since it came out—and in real-world use—it’s quietly built a reputation as one of the most approachable, versatile cameras in Canon’s lineup.
I’ve used the RP across family trips, long walks, camping excursions, and slow days at home. Paired most often with Canon’s 24–105mm f/4 L lens, it’s my “pick-up-and-go” digital camera—one that doesn’t demand much from me but rewards intentional use. What follows is less a technical review and more a reflection on what it’s like to live with this camera as part of a varied photographic life.
Ergonomics: Light but Not Toy-Like
One of the RP’s biggest selling points is its size. At just 485 grams (body only), it’s shockingly light for a full-frame camera. That means less strain when hiking, no sore neck after a day out shooting, and no hesitation to toss it into a bag just in case.
Despite the small size, it feels well-built. The grip is deep enough to feel secure, and the buttons are logically laid out. You won’t find the RP drowning in dials—this is a camera that invites you to slow down and use the viewfinder, not fiddle endlessly with custom setups. If anything, it’s closer to a film camera in spirit: simple, reliable, and rewarding if you’re deliberate.
Image Quality: Classic Canon, Full-Frame Feel
The RP uses a 26.2MP CMOS sensor that delivers exactly what Canon is known for: solid dynamic range, excellent skin tones, and colors that look natural straight out of camera. It doesn’t have the raw pushing power of a Sony A7 III or the low-light brute strength of the R6, but it holds its own beautifully when you expose properly.
I’ve found the files to be flexible enough for my needs, especially when paired with Canon’s “Highlight Tone Priority” and careful metering. Shadows can get noisy if you’re lifting them too much, but highlights retain detail nicely, and there’s something organic about the way this sensor handles contrast and tone.
JPEGs, if you care about them, are surprisingly usable. The Picture Styles offer pleasing renderings without going overboard—great for family trips when you don’t want to edit thousands of RAWs later.
Autofocus and Performance: Good Enough, Most of the Time
Let’s talk expectations. The RP uses Canon’s Dual Pixel AF system, which is fast and accurate in good light, especially with native RF lenses. It tracks faces well, it nails focus for still subjects, and it generally doesn’t get in your way.
Where it struggles: low light, fast-moving subjects, or erratic action. You’re not going to shoot wildlife or sports with this camera and expect miracles. But for portraits, street scenes, travel, and the kind of documentary-style shooting I often gravitate toward, it performs reliably.
It shoots at 5fps in burst mode—not impressive on paper, but again, this is a camera for moments, not machine-gunning. If you’re thoughtful with timing, you’ll get what you need.
The RF Lens Ecosystem: Expensive but Excellent
Canon’s RF lenses are, across the board, fantastic. The 24–105mm f/4 L IS USM feels like it was made for the RP: versatile, sharp, weather-sealed, and balanced well for travel. You can also adapt older EF glass with nearly no performance penalty using Canon’s excellent EF–RF adapter.
This is part of the RP’s magic: it’s a modern mirrorless camera that doesn’t ask you to throw away your old gear. If you’ve got a stable of Canon lenses already, it opens the door to mirrorless without closing the one behind you.
Video: Not Really the Point
Yes, it can shoot 4K. But it does so with a heavy crop and no Dual Pixel AF in that mode, which makes it less than ideal for serious video work. Full HD footage is better and more usable for casual clips, but if you’re buying this as a video-first tool, there are better options.
That said, it works just fine for short travel videos or documenting family moments. The RP is not a filmmaker’s camera, but it is a memory keeper.
Where It Shines: Travel, Family, and Intentional Work
What the Canon RP does best is stay out of your way. It invites you to pay attention—to light, to framing, to what’s unfolding in front of you. It’s a camera for photographers who want full-frame quality without the weight or intimidation factor of a pro body.
It’s also an amazing value. Even in 2025, you can find the RP secondhand for under \$1,000—often with a kit lens or grip thrown in. That’s a serious bargain for what you’re getting: full-frame sensor, Canon color, RF lens access, and intuitive ergonomics.
Final Thoughts: Imperfect, But Endearing
The Canon EOS RP is not revolutionary. It’s not cutting-edge. It doesn’t top any charts. But what it is—a light, affordable, thoughtful camera that delivers honest results—makes it something far more important: a camera you’ll actually take with you and want to use.
If you’re just getting into full-frame, or want something simpler and more focused than the feature-packed monsters at the high end, the RP might be exactly the tool you need.
It’s not perfect. But it doesn’t pretend to be. And in a market flooded with complexity, that kind of honesty is refreshing.
