EOS R7 vs EOS R8

[shiunwo1]

Sorry guys, this is another “which one should I buy”. I have done countless hours on watching videos on both the r7 and r8. As soon as I pick one, I get more info that makes me question my decision. For the most part I want an all around camera. If I had to choose a specific use, I would say surfing would be my top. Sharp in focus photos would be what I want the most. Video is great but is secondary. Both are the same price here in Australia, so either way I really want a camera for the long run and I get how why people say date the camera body, marry the lens system. Any help is appreciated

[p4pictures]

Working on the idea of surfing photography in Australia as the primary use, then the EOS R7 with it's crop sensor means surfers will be larger in the frame thanks to the cropping effect of the small sensor. Also you have plenty of bright light, which is what the EOS R7 really likes. It's not great in low light and for that the EOS R8 would be a better choice. 

I would suggest that the marry the lens system idea is good, and in genera it's worth picking RF not RF-S lenses for the EOS R7 so that they will work on full-frame bodies in the future. One exception would be something like the RF-S 10-18mm as this gives a similar field of view as a 16-35mm on full frame. Also the RF-S 18-150mm kit lens is pretty good too, I have one on my EOS R10. 

[ctitanic]

For Surfing the RF70-200 may serve you well, it's compact and good reach and you may be able to fit it in a bell. But all depend on how are you going to be shooting surfing. If you are going to be in the beach then you will need more zoom and I would recommend using the RF100-500.

[Tronhard]

One cannot consider the body or the lens in isolation.  They work as a team.   I did some research and came up with article from a professional surfing photographer that might be helpful.  The big question is: are you shooting from the water or the shore.  If it is the latter, then you want reach, as suggested by the writer: The right Lens for Surf and water sport Photography (urimagnus.com)

I prefer to avoid the R7, and the reason is given by one of your fellow countrymen, who identified issues with the R7 pulsing.  People originally blamed the lenses but when he sent his camera in for a check, he was told the focusing system was not as sophisticated as those on the Full-Frame bodies.
CANON RESPOND, THEIR ADMISSION SURPRISED ME! (youtube.com).  His experience aligns with mine and I can expand on that at some length in a personal message if you like.

Much depends on what you want to produce, but if you are shooting for social media, digital display or even moderate prints, then the R6II should be fine.  It has an excellent 24MP sensor, with great dynamic range, brilliant IBIS, focus tracking etc.-  they are on sale right now at great discounts.

Logic suggests if you are on the shore, and you want the subjects reasonably large in the frame, you need focal length.  Still, as they get closer you need zoom capability, so we are looking at decent quality zooms, and likely you want weather sealing since you are on the foreshore and there will be a lot of sand and salt air about.
I would hazard at any of the following:
All-in-one:  Sigma 60-600s via a Canon EF-RF adapter.  I use one frequently and it has worked flawlessly.  It is weather sealed.
Canon RF 100-500L, fully sealed and brilliant optic.  I has dual nano-USM motors for lightning focus and tracking.
Canon RF 200-800, not as well sealed but has some. The focal range here is the longest you will get without an extender (which I personally avoid).

[SandraMaldonado]

Thank you so much for your help.

[stevet1]

Would either one be more resistant to salt water and sand than the other?

Steve Thomas

[kvbarkley]

Nope, only "Tough" style cameras have any kind of "hard" protection, everything else is marketing.