First Camera For Creators: Canon R8

I get asked frequently about cameras. Mostly, I’m asked “what camera should I buy?” I always respond with “what’s your budget?” That’s what matters for most people. Sure, there are other qualifiers that matter. Ideally, that’s a question asked by someone looking for their very first camera body. But in some instances, it comes from someone that has an “old” camera looking to upgrade. Makes sense. Camera tech has vastly improved over the years. Today, the masses are learning that creativity really is for ANYONE. If you want to capture images or video and publish it online, YOU CAN. What’s great is there are many cameras and various price points one can utilize as well as specified camera bodies for the task. For example, the Canon R8* is one I’d recommend for SERIOUS, aspiring creators.

Canon R8 - Image credit: Ant Pruitt

While at CES 2024, I had one booth in particular that I HAD to see and that’s the folks at Canon. No, I’m no Canon Explorer of Light, but I do feel nothing but love and support from the team at Canon. While at the booth, I wanted to get my hands on the R8 mirrorless camera. I’ve played with several camera bodies from Canon, but this one has gotten away from me. I was interested because it is a full-frame mirrorless body that’s priced just right for aspiring creators at $1500.

Sticker shock?

I know some of you have sticker shock when I toss out $1500. Don’t fret, it’s worthy of that price point if you’re someone that’s SERIOUSLY wanting to shoot more quality photos and videos for your own personal brand. The full frame sensor will be much better in low light situations. The sensor tech in general will offer great autofocus performance and 24-megapixels offering crispy images and vibrant colors. (Note: I’m not against APS-C sensors, don’t start an argument with me over that)

Previously, I thought the R7* would be a better camera for aspiring creators looking to get both quality video and images. The R7 is a nice camera, but in my experience, I couldn’t lean on it for all of my photo needs. It was totally fine for portraits, but it wouldn’t keep up with me when trying to capture images of fast moving objects or people. As you know, I shoot photos of my son in action. You can learn more about the R7 here where I discussed it on TWiT TV.

Back to the R8. In my hands, the camera felt great. Lightweight, solid build and great ergonomics. Weather sealing on it isn’t pro grade, so don’t take it out in rain storms. Don’t take it to your favorite sandy beach, either.

Spec wise, you can capture 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. In addition to that high framerate, you can shoot in Canon Log3. Canon Log3 is an awesome gamma for video editors looking for flexibility in color grading footage. I’ve been shooting video for a long time and prefer Canon Log2 over Log3, but I respect what Log3 is doing for creators getting their feet wet in the space. It is easier to get into color grading with it. Also, you can shoot video for longer than 30 minutes with this camera. Most video cameras have a mandated lockdown on recording time. Look it up.

I hope to get my hands on an R8* for a more extended look, so make sure you’re following me here or on social media. I wanna see what I can do with it myself. But on paper, it’s looking like a great option for a serious content creator that wants to get started until they upgrade to the likes of the R6* or R5*.

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What To Expect at CES 2024

CES is here and some of you care, most of you don’t care, most of the world really cares. For those that don’t know, CES is a massive trade show that happens each year in January at Las Vegas. Thousands of companies large and small come here to show off their products to corporate buyers and consumers alike. For the tech nerd, it’s a pretty cool event to attend. You can get hands-on time with some of your favorite tech items of the previous year that you may not have had access to. Or, you can get a glimpse of new releases for the current year or even concept products. It’s not just laptops, headphones, or even smartphones. It’s all that, everything in between and then some. Cars, agriculture equipment, smart home tech, TVs, circuit boards, doo-hickies to neatly wrap your mic cables around. Seriously. EVERYTHING.

I’ve always enjoyed CES. As a matter of fact, this year I was reminded that my very first time to Las Vegas and CES was ten years ago. It was an incredible experience and opened a lot of doors for me professionally. Gina Smith and team brought me, Mat Lee and others out to cover the event. I remember taking this picture in the central hall because it really encapsulated what I always imagined CES would look like. I’m forever grateful for that trip out here.

Image: Ant Pruitt

Anyway, what to expect at CES this year? Easy, pretty much the same marketing gibberish from 2023 around the world of AI. I swear, EVERY SINGLE EMAIL I’ve gotten from marketing and PR departments about attending CES has had them pitching some form of AI within the first three sentences. Some of it sounds “ok,” and some of it sounds cringy. They should have lead with the second paragraph in this email. . . .

Let me be straight with you, as I always am, I’m pretty tired of talking bout AI. Most of the time when AI is discussed it’s around some gloom and doom or it’s “flowers and sunshine.” There’s hardly any coverage of the middle ground. Quite frankly, the middle ground is rather interesting and worthy of discussion. I spoke previously about AI on Marina Franklin’s podcast. As a comedian and creator, she had great concerns about AI. And I get that. But not all AI is bad, just as not all AI is good. Far as what’s been pitched to me in all these emails from marketing teams, it’s mostly content that makes me ask why is AI even needed for that. “We’re announcing an AI-driven soaker hose for your garden.” Is there something wrong with the timers used on current soaker hoses?

In a bit of better/useful announcements, I did see that Withings launched a new product. I’ve dealt with Withings before as they make smart watches and other smart tech such as scales to aide in fitness tracking. They’ve announced what they’re calling a “multiscope” to assist with home health checkups. Granted, you should always lean on a medical professional, but this BeamO tool can be used for getting vital signs and more.

Image via Withings

I know there will be more than AI discussed at CES, so I still look forward to what’s to come. Samsung announced it’s using AI to upscale what’s seen on your favorite broadcast to almost 8K. I need to see it to believe it. Granted, upscaling AI tools that are currently in place are pretty dadgum good. One of my favorites is Upscayl. But to see upscaling done on-the-fly with a live broadcast (of MOVING frames) will be fascinating. I’ll see if I can get my eyes on it.

I decided to take the trip to Las Vegas and attend CES this year after not being here the last two years. But, this will be a different approach. Usually, when I come to CES it is a GRIND. I’m running around the floor trying to gather images, video, audio, notes to get content created almost on-the-fly. Not this time. I’m here to do my best to shake some hands and do a mental/physical reboot.

Real talk, I need work. I’ve applied for several jobs and gigs. I’ll continue to do so. But I came here because of the relationships. And I’m grateful for the relationships I was able to create over the years at previous CES events. It opened doors. Relationships such as Canon. Real talk, I’m pretty much a NOBODY, but Canon has been REALLY SUPPORTIVE of me for YEARS. I look forward to shooting some street photography with my Canon camera.* So yeah, I’m here to find myself something that will contribute to paying my day-to-day bills and supporting my family’s needs. Then, I’m gonna lay low and just chill out. Maybe go take some pictures here and there, but I’m NOT going to go 200mph like I used to out here. Only about 25mph. My body has been wrecked recently. From having finally catching COVID a couple weeks ago to digestive issues and overall “not quite right” feeling. It’s time to chillout. Side note, be mindful of those “something’s not quite right” moments. I noticed something wasn’t right when I was in the gym. I felt fine, but the lifts I performed were much harder than usual. My body was wrecked and I needed to sit my ass down.

I didn’t tell anyone I was coming to CES because that leads to “hey let’s meet up at ABC or at XYZ and chat.” Granted, it’s nice to see some of the folks I’ve met over the years in person at this annual event, but that usually equated to a LOT of running around and a pretty flooded calendar for me. I have two things on my calendar that I set for myself as MUST DO events. That’s it. I’ll catch up with my man Tom Merritt while here. I’ve already scheduled an appearance on his show next month. That cat has been so supportive of me and other creators of color over the years doing what he can to help provide a bigger megaphone if you will. Nothing but love for him.

But anyway, those are my thoughts and plans for CES 2024. For the rest of the day, I’ll continue to roam the convention center checking out everything get set up up the official open on January 9, 2024. Pretty crazy seeing this perspective. Be well, folks. Do something nice for yourself because you deserve it. Do something nice for someone else. Even if it’s just offering an ear to allow someone to vent for a minute. And, if there’s a creator out there you enjoy, but sure to let them know and share their content with the masses. Not that stupid video of some idiots fighting in Walmart. Share creator’s works to everyone and donate to their funds if you can. It helps.

#CreateAndDominate

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a GREAT Autofocus Explanation With Rudy Winston of Canon and Steve Brazill

So my man Steve Brazill is not only an amazing photographer but also a great podcast host. He hosts a show called Behind The Shot which features great images and the photographers explaining the thought process of the image captured. This particular episode is a bit different. Brazill is joined by Canon’s Technical Advisor Mr. Rudy Winston and he does a ridiculously THOROUGH explanation of the way Canon’s autofocus system works in its new mirrorless cameras. But don’t worry, this explanation is applicable to most cameras today. Not just the Canon system. Definitely worth a watch. Check it out below.

Browse new photography gear for rent at Lensrentals.

Canon Announces the EOS R5 C (Hybrid) Cinema Camera

Canon has announced its new cinema camera. Actually, it’s more of a hybrid camera. It’s the EOS R5 C.* It was rumored a handful of times previously and I gotta tell ya, I’m excited and also a bit confused about this. But then again, maybe this is Canon’s way of continuing to add SOMETHING to its RF mount system. Anyway, some quick tech specs.

Cine Features in a Mirrorless Body

The R5 C boasts a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor capable of shooting up to 8K RAW cinematic video at 60 frames per second. Woah. This also includes Canon’s magical dual pixel autofocus system that’s nothing short of amazing when it comes to tracking and eye detection for portraiture and action shots. You’ll also get 20 frames per second image capture if needed.

Those are the basics, but the finer points on the spec sheet include:

• 4K 120 frames per second for slow motion in 4:2:2 10-bit

• Ability to record audio while shooting high frame rate (slow mo) footage

• C-Log3 picture profile for more flexibility in color grading and maximizing the dynamic range

• Internal cooling fan for non-stop 8K recording (this was a big problem on the R5)

• Two card slots for recording (Qty 1 CFExpress Type B, qty 1 UHS-II SD)

• Internal RAW 8K recording up to over 800Mbps at 23.98 fps

But why?

These specs sound REALLY good. But one has to ask “why” on this. Canon’s R5* is a highly capable camera for stills and video at a hybrid level. Especially after the firmware updates. No, you’re not getting all of the RAW video capabilities, but you’re able to get RAW video on another cine camera from Canon - the C70.* I absolutely loved the C70, but it’s strictly a cinema camera. No photography involved. Maybe Canon is trying to offer something slightly more portable than the C70 all while including high quality video and photo capabilities? I’m not sure. Wil the C70 have more firmware updates for the super 35 senor’s capability?

You can preorder the R5 C here today over at Adorama. Let me know your thoughts and if you plan on grabbing one. I think the $4500 price point is fair.

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CANON C70: Not Your Average Cinema Camera

So for about two weeks, I had the chance to play around with the Canon C70* cinema camera. I wish I had more time with it because during those two weeks, I was pretty busy with some other stuff. Lol! Funny how that works out, right? Anyway, I shot a segment for our show Hands On Tech at work regarding this camera from Canon. It’s a 4K cinema camera* that’s built about like a beefy DSLR. Click on the image below to check out my video and thoughts on this. I appreciate Canon* showing me some love by sending over the loaner for me to play with. I appreciate all of you supporting me and the content I create. Be well, yall. Do well, yall.

#CreateAndDominate

Image by Ant Pruitt all rights reserved

(*) Affiliate link used. When you use my affiliate links, I receive a small commission from your purchase at no additional cost to you as the consumer. Thank you for your support

Canon Controversy and More Discussed with Don Komarechka

This week I had the honor and pleasure of joining my friend Don Komarechka on his podcast, Photo Geek Weekly. The discussions ranged from light-hearted to heavy to geektastic around the world of photography. I also share my pick of the week, which is a camera I absolutely loved. I really enjoyed being on his show. Click through here to check out the show notes of the episode on his page. Or you can just click here to play the episode.

Also, make sure you check out his new book about the world of macro photography. I was gifted the book and it’s UNBELIEVABLE. Get it here. It’s truly a “universe at your feet” when it comes to macro photography

Image by Ant Pruitt All rights reserved