Canon has unveiled the EOS R8 Mark II, a new full-frame mirrorless camera that combines a redesigned body inspired by the company’s film-camera heritage with a line-up of new features and a lightweight form.

The 24.2-megapixel camera takes design cues from Canon’s classic EOS 650 SLR, featuring a more angular body instead of the rounded styling of the original EOS R8. Canon says the new design combines its heritage with modern ergonomics.

Beyond its retro-inspired style, the EOS R8 Mark II is positioned as a high-performance entry camera into Canon’s full-frame EOS R system.

One of the biggest upgrades is the addition of five-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS). Combined with compatible lenses, it provides up to 7.5 stops of shake correction. The body weighs just 546 grams and Canon says the R8 Mark II is its lightest full-frame camera equipped with IBIS.

The camera can shoot at up to 40 frames per second using its electronic shutter, with continuous autofocus and automatic exposure. Canon has also increased burst capacity compared with the original R8, with the new model able to capture 58% more JPEG images and 30% more RAW images in uninterrupted shooting.

The autofocus has also been upgraded via Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, providing subject tracking across the full frame whether the user is shooting people, animals or vehicles. Photographers get more direct control of the autofocus point selection too, with a new multi-controller joystick. And a pre-continuous shooting mode can capture up to 20 frames before the shutter is fully pressed.

For those interested in video, the camera supports uncropped 4K recording at 60 frames per second, oversampled from the sensor’s 6K data, as well as Full HD recording at up to 180fps. Canon Log 3 and 10-bit 4:2:2 recording are also supported.

With analogue and vintage cameras increasing in popularity, the launch gives Canon a camera option with a heritage look and a clear point of differentiation from its previous R8 style in the growing, competitive full-frame mirrorless market. 

Its lightweight full-frame body is another point of difference, it is expected this camera will be interesting to enthusiasts, creators and photographers moving into the EOS R system.

The Canon EOS R8 Mark II body is priced at A$2,529, EOS R8 Mark II with RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM, A$2,859, and Extension Grip for EOS R8 Mark II is A$169. Preorder is available now with the new releases available in Australia from mid-October.