Canon EOS R8 Review: What Content Creators Should Know Before Buying

If you’ve been thinking about investing in a high-quality camera for your blog, YouTube channel, or social media content, the Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera might already be on your radar. I’ve been using it for over two years now, and after hundreds of videos, countless product photos, and a few hiccups along the way, I finally feel ready to share my honest experience.

Whether you’re a new content creator or an experienced photographer looking for an upgrade, here’s everything you should know before investing in the Canon EOS R8, from performance and image quality to real-life pros and cons that you won’t always find in spec sheets.

*This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love.

Why I Chose the Canon EOS R8

I always knew that Canon would be the brand I’d eventually invest in for my content creation setup. I started my blog, sweetpassions.net, back in 2012, using my family’s old camera to shoot beauty flatlays and lifestyle photos. Over the years, I upgraded from a Sony DSC-H300 to finally purchasing the Canon EOS R8 in 2023.

At that time, it was one of Canon’s newest models, lightweight, mirrorless, and packed with advanced features like 4K 60p video, 24.2MP full-frame sensor, and Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus. It checked every box for what I needed: a camera powerful enough for professional-quality content but still compact enough to take on my travels. With the camera I used RF24-50mm and RF50mm lense. 

👉 If you’re looking to invest in your first full-frame camera, check the Canon EOS R8 on Amazon. 

Photo and Video Quality: A Huge Step Up

Let’s talk about the most important part, the results. The Canon EOS R8 produces crisp, warm-toned, and true-to-life colors that instantly elevate your content. The 24.2MP full-frame sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC X processor really does make a difference.

I use my camera mainly for YouTube and Instagram videos, and occasionally for blog photography. Once you learn how to adjust the settings (especially ISO and white balance), the image quality becomes stunning, professional yet natural. It captures light beautifully and adds that soft, glowing effect that flatters skin and product shots alike.

The 4K 60p 10-bit video looks incredibly smooth, and the autofocus locks onto faces and products quickly, which is a huge help when filming skincare routines or sit-down chats. However, one thing I noticed is that the built-in stabilization could be better. It works fine for stationary shots, but when I move around more dynamically, I can still see some shake.

👉 If you create content on the go, consider pairing it with a tripod or gimbal. You can find affordable options on Amazon.

Ease of Use and Size

One of my favorite things about the Canon EOS R8 is how easy it is to use. The interface feels intuitive, and switching between photo and video mode takes just seconds. It’s great for creators who don’t want to spend hours figuring out technical settings.

That said, while the R8 is relatively lightweight for a full-frame camera, it’s still not as compact as something like the Canon G7 X or DJI Osmo Pocket 3. If you plan to vlog a lot while traveling or walking around, you might find it slightly bulky after a while. Personally, I use the R8 more for photography and sit-down videos, while for future travel vlogs, I’m seriously considering getting the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 since it’s smaller and more practical for quick, cinematic clips.

👉 Looking for a smaller camera for travel vlogs? Compare the Canon EOS R8 and DJI Osmo Pocket 3 on Amazon.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Let’s be honest, the battery life on the Canon EOS R8 isn’t its strongest point. It’s good, but not amazing. During longer filming sessions, especially outdoors, the battery tends to drain faster than I’d like. My tip? Invest in an extra battery pack, it’s been a total game changer for me.

One feature I absolutely love, though, is how easy it is to connect the camera to your phone. Using the Canon Camera Connect app, I can instantly transfer photos and videos to my phone, preview shots live, and even control the camera remotely. It’s perfect for solo creators or when you’re filming content and need to check framing without constantly running back and forth.

👉 Shop Canon R8 accessories and extra batteries on Amazon to make your setup more efficient.

Real-Life Performance: The Good and the Not-So-Good

The Canon EOS R8 really shines in controlled indoor settings, like shooting product photography, lifestyle setups, or sit-down videos. The color accuracy and sharpness are stunning, and it handles different lighting conditions beautifully.

However, I did run into a few issues after about two years of heavy use. The LCD screen stopped working, and later, the camera started to bug during use. When I took it in for service, I found out the motherboard (matična ploča) needed replacement. While this was frustrating, it’s worth noting that I’ve used the camera intensively, several times a week for both video and photography.

Another downside is that it overheats quickly during long outdoor shoots, especially in summer. This might be a deal-breaker for travel vloggers who often film in warm climates. But for most creators who film indoors or for short periods, it’s not a major issue.

👉 If overheating is a concern, check out cooling accessories for mirrorless cameras on Amazon or opt for smaller cameras like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.

Who Should Buy the Canon EOS R8

I’d recommend the Canon EOS R8 to:

• Content creators who want to level up from a phone or entry-level camera

• Bloggers, vloggers, and UGC creators who prioritize high-quality visuals

• Those who need a versatile camera for both photo and video

• Creators who mostly film indoors or in mild weather conditions

If you’re just starting out and want something more compact, the Canon G7 X or DJI Osmo Pocket 3 might be better suited for your needs. But if your focus is professional-quality visuals and creative control, the R8 is an excellent choice under $1,600, and worth the investment if you’re serious about your content creation journey.

👉 You can check current Canon EOS R8 deals on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

After using the Canon EOS R8 for over two years, I can confidently say it’s one of the best investments I’ve made as a content creator. The image quality, color tone, and overall performance make it perfect for anyone looking to produce polished, professional-looking content without needing a massive setup.

It’s not without its flaws, the battery life, stabilization, and occasional overheating could be improved. But the creative freedom and results it provides make those minor inconveniences worth it.

If you’re ready to take your content to the next level, the Canon EOS R8 might be exactly what you’re looking for.

👉 Shop the Canon EOS R8 on Amazon  and start capturing your best work yet.