Canon RP Autofocus performance in 2024

[LeonG]

Hi

On the RP & for photography only, how is the  continuous/servo AF for faster moving subjects? Is it any good & can it track quick moving subjects' eyes & faces successfully? My subjects are everyday life things like kids & dogs running around etc rather than birds in flight etc; I am a keen hobbyist on a budget not a professional sports/wildlife photographer. 

I know the FPS is low but I can overcome that with technique rather than 'spray & pray'! It's the actual speed, effectiveness & quality of the servo & tracking AF I'm interested in; what are your actual real world experiences with the RP & thoughts on this? 

I've had years of using APSC cameras from Canon, Fuji & Sony & now have my heart set on experiencing Full Frame, I appreciate that some APSC cameras at the same price point (used) have much faster FPS rates & very effective AF systems, my own A6000 included! I also understand in 2024 we have the R8 which is much faster, but out of my budget currently. 

Many thanks in advance for any input, knowledge & help given. 

Regards 

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

There's not much to say if the R8 is beyond your budget.  I'd buy the R8.  Its quite a bit better than the RP, especially its AF.  RP refurb is $808.  R8 body $1169 (out of stock) R8 refurb with RF 24-50 is $1349

Refurbished EOS R8 RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit (canon.com)

The R8's specs speak for itself.  It's also 4 yrs newer.

Canon R8 vs Canon RP Detailed Comparison (cameradecision.com)

[p4pictures]

The reality is that the EOS RP sourced many components from the EOS 6D Mark II DSLR, including sensor. As such this sensor was not designed with mirrorless as the No.1 priority. When it's in the EOS RP it does an acceptable job, but it's not until the EOS R6 / R5 came along that Canon had a proper mirrorless first sensor deign in a mirrorless camera. I have used the EOS R and EOS RP, they both can focus on human subjects and do eye detection when using face + tracking AF method. It is more than usable, but falls short of the performance of the EOS R5/R6 that arrived in 2020. I have attempted motocross with an EOS R in the past, and it was quite a battle to get consistent sharp results, I usually did better with an EOS 7D Mark II or EOS 5D Mark IV. 

If your budget permits, I suggest you look at EOS R6 (Mk1) as it is so much better than the EOS RP. 

[LeonG]

Many thanks for the advice both, appreciated; the message I'm hearing is to save up my cash & go for an R6 or R8 then! 

I wouldn't be attempting to capture anything as quick as Motorcross bikes but that's a great example of it's limits. I love DSLR's but this camera has to be a mirrorless for me for it's smaller form factor & more versatility, thus the RP & now the R6/8 are top of my wishlist! 

Best regards 

I've got to admit the performance boost on both of these does appear to be phenomenal, much more modern & a big leap up from the RP. 

[shadowsports]

We're happy some of the info we shared was helpful.  😃