The Canon EOS RP made waves when it launched in 2019 as one of the most affordable full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market. It promised a lightweight design, excellent image quality, and access to Canon’s growing RF lens lineup—all at a budget-friendly price. Over the years, it has been a popular choice for beginners, hobbyists, and even some professionals looking for a compact full-frame option.
But technology evolves quickly. In 2025, is the Canon EOS RP still a good investment, or has it been outclassed by newer models?
Let’s take a deep dive into its specs, performance, and who should still consider it, while also exploring alternative options. By the end, you’ll have a clear answer on whether the EOS RP is worth buying this year!
Table of Contents
- Canon EOS RP Key Specs and Features
- Canon EOS RP Performance in 2025: Still Competitive?
- Who Should Buy the EOS RP in 2025?
- Alternative Cameras to Consider
- Is the Canon EOS RP Still Worth It
Canon EOS RP Key Specs and Features
The Canon EOS RP was designed as an entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera, offering solid specs at an attractive price. Here’s a quick rundown of its core features:
- Sensor: 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- Processor: DIGIC 8 image processor
- Autofocus: Dual Pixel AF with 4,779 selectable points
- ISO Range: 100-40,000 (expandable to 102,400)
- Video: 4K at 24p (with a 1.6x crop), Full HD 1080p at 60p
- LCD & EVF: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 2.36M-dot EVF
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Weight: 1 lb. 1 oz. (with battery and memory card)
On paper, these specs still hold up reasonably well, especially for photographers who prioritize image quality and ease of use. However, certain limitations, like the cropped 4K video and older autofocus system, may be deal breakers for some users in 2025.
Canon EOS RP Performance in 2025: Still Competitive?
In terms of image quality, the Canon EOS RP remains a strong performer. The 26.2MP full-frame sensor delivers great detail, dynamic range, and color science—hallmarks of Canon’s imaging technology. For still photography, it’s more than capable of producing stunning images, whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or street photography.
However, when it comes to autofocus, the EOS RP starts to show its age. While it has Dual-pixel AF, it lacks the improved subject detection and tracking that is found in newer Canon models like the R8 or R6 Mark II. In good lighting conditions, autofocus is reliable, but in low light, it can struggle to keep up.
Video performance is one of the biggest drawbacks of the Canon EOS RP. The 4K mode has a heavy 1.6x crop and relies on contrast-detect autofocus, making it less appealing for serious videographers. If video is a major part of your workflow, you may find better options elsewhere.
Another downside is battery life. With only around 250 shots per charge, you’ll likely need extra batteries for extended shoots—something to consider for travel and event photography.
Who Should Buy the EOS RP in 2025?
Despite its age, the Canon EOS RP still has a place in the market. It’s a great choice for certain types of photographers…
Beginners and Budget-Conscious Shooters
If you’re looking to enter the full-frame world without spending a fortune, the EOS RP remains one of the most affordable options. Its simple controls, touchscreen interface, and compact size make it an excellent learning tool.
Travel and Casual Photographers
Weighing only 1 lb., 1 oz. with a battery and memory card, the EOS RP is perfect for travel photography. It pairs well with compact RF lenses, making it easy to carry around all day. If you primarily shoot stills and don’t require cutting-edge autofocus, it’s a great travel companion.
Content Creators Focused on 1080p Video
While its 4K capabilities are limited, the EOS RP still performs well in Full HD 1080p, making it a viable choice for vloggers and content creators who prioritize image quality over high-resolution video.
Alternative Cameras to Consider
If you’re unsure whether the Canon EOS RP is right for you, here are a few alternative cameras to consider:
- Canon EOS R8 – If you like the compact size of the RP but want better autofocus, faster performance, and uncropped 4K video, the R8 is a fantastic alternative.
- Canon R50 or R10 – If budget is a concern and you don’t mind an APS-C sensor, the R50 and R10 offer excellent autofocus and video features at a lower price.
- Used Canon R6 or Sony a7 III – If you’re open to buying used or discounted models, the R6 or a7 III provide much better autofocus, battery life, and video capabilities while keeping costs reasonable.
Each of these alternatives addresses the Canon EOS RP’s shortcomings while still providing excellent value, so it’s worth considering them based on your specific needs.
Is the Canon EOS RP Still Worth It?
So, is the Canon EOS RP worth it in 2025? The answer depends on what you need in a camera.
If you’re a beginner looking for an affordable full-frame camera with solid image quality and ease of use, the EOS RP remains a great entry point. It’s compact, lightweight, and pairs well with Canon’s RF lenses.
However, if you need fast autofocus, uncropped 4K video, or better battery life, there are now better options available—both within Canon’s lineup and from other brands. The EOS R8, for example, offers a more future-proof experience for only a little extra investment.
Ultimately, if you find the Canon EOS RP at a steep discount and don’t mind its limitations, it can still be a worthwhile purchase in 2025. But if you want a more capable camera that will last you longer, it may be worth exploring newer alternatives.
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Photo by Aunnop Suthumno on Unsplash (license)
