Canon EOS R8 Mark II Adds the One Feature the R8 Was Missing

If you’re a photography geek, you might want to pay attention, as Canon has announced the EOS R8 Mark II, the successor to the EOS R8, which launched in 2023 as a more affordable alternative to the more expensive R6 Mark II.

The original R8 was considered a capable full-frame camera, but it had one glaring omission: no in-body image stabilisation (IBIS).

For those who complained about the missing feature, they can now celebrate. Canon appears to have listened, adding a five-axis IBIS rated at up to 7.5 stops of stabilisation.

The R8 Mark II also comes with a retro-inspired redesign, smarter autofocus, and a price tag of $1,899 body-only. That’s $400 more than the original R8, but still $900 less than the R6 Mark II at its regular price.

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TechloyOgbonda Chivumnovu

What’s new in the R8 Mark II?

The biggest addition to the new camera is the IBIS. The five-axis system is rated at up to 7.5 stops of coordinated image stabilisation, making it much more capable for handheld shooting.

At 546g with a battery and SD card, Canon says it’s the lightest camera in its EOS lineup to feature IBIS.

There’s also a new multi-controller joystick above the screen for easier focus-point selection, a deeper buffer, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and a more angular, boxy body inspired by Canon’s older cameras.

The sensor remains the same 24.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor found in the original R8, paired with Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system.

Burst shooting can reach 40fps with the electronic shutter, while pre-continuous shooting can capture up to 20 frames before you fully press the shutter button.

How the R8 Mark II compares with the R6 Mark II