Canon EOS R8 Mark II camera adds IBIS and a joystick

Canon EOS R8 Mark II: Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera with Added IBIS and Joystick

The Canon EOS R8 Mark II is a compact full-frame mirrorless camera announced by Canon as the successor to its 2023 EOS R8 model. It is designed for photographers seeking a lightweight body with high-end features, solving the previous model’s lack of in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) and adding a multi-controller joystick for improved autofocus control. According to Canon, the new model is the “smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera with IBIS.”

Key Facts

AttributeValue

Product NameCanon EOS R8 Mark II Product TypeFull-frame mirrorless camera ManufacturerCanon Resolution24.2MP Image StabilisationFive-axis IBIS (up to 7.5 stops with Coordinated Control IS) Max Continuous Shooting Speed40fps (electronic shutter) Autofocus SystemDual Pixel CMOS AF II (100% frame coverage) Video Recording6K-oversampled 4K at 60fps; Full HD up to 180fps DimensionsApprox. 131.4 x 90.0 x 79.7mm WeightApprox. 546g US PriceUS$1,899 (~RM7,740) AvailabilityShipments scheduled to begin in late October (US)

What Design Changes Are Included?

The Canon EOS R8 Mark II adopts a squared-off design inspired by Canon’s classic EOS 650 SLR film camera, a departure from the rounded profile of its predecessor. The new body features a more horizontal shutter-button area and an angled right corner when used with the optional Extension Grip EG-E2, which provides a tripod mount and battery access. The multi-controller joystick is now integrated into the camera body, allowing for autofocus-point selection while using the electronic viewfinder.

How Does the Stabilisation and Burst Shooting Perform?

The EOS R8 Mark II adds five-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), a significant upgrade from the original EOS R8 which lacked this feature. When paired with compatible RF lenses, Canon’s Coordinated Control IS provides up to 7.5 stops of stabilisation at the centre and seven stops at the edges. The electronic shutter supports up to 40fps shooting with continuous autofocus and auto-exposure, and Canon states the camera can capture 58 percent more JPEG images and 30 percent more RAW images in a burst than the previous model. Pre-Continuous Shooting records up to 20 frames, or about half a second, before the shutter button is fully pressed.

What Autofocus Upgrades Are Included?

The EOS R8 Mark II uses Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, with autofocus coverage across 100 percent of the frame, supporting subject detection for people, animals, and vehicles. It introduces the Register People Priority feature, previously found on higher-end EOS R models, which allows users to register specific people for priority tracking. Canon claims improved tracking performance compared with the original EOS R8. The camera’s autofocus system now includes the ability to register specific people, ensuring they are prioritised for tracking in crowded scenes.

Which Creative Features Are Available?

The camera adds several in-camera creative controls, including the new Positive Filmtone and Negative Filmtone colour filters, joining the existing selection of Colour Filters. A Creative AUTO mode provides assistance through a simplified interface, and Background Blur is available in movie mode for a defocused effect. Slow & Fast Motion Movie and Cinema View modes are also included, with the interval timer expanded to feature exposure smoothing, timer priority, and delayed start options. The new Negative Filmtone and Positive Filmtone filters provide users with cinematic colour grading options without the need for post-processing.

What Are the Video Capabilities?

Video specifications are similar to the original EOS R8, recording 6K-oversampled 4K at 60fps and uncropped Full HD at up to 180fps. The camera supports 10-bit 4:2:2 recording with Canon Log 3 using HEVC or AVC codecs at bitrates up to 250Mbps. Enhanced stabilisation modes for video are included, and video autofocus benefits from updated subject detection. The camera supports four wired and wireless livestreaming options, including multi-angle livestreaming through the Live Switcher Mobile app, and Custom Picture includes Custom LUTs from Canon’s Cinema EOS range. The EOS R8 Mark II supports 10-bit 4:2:2 recording with Canon Log 3, with video stabilisation enhanced to support creators who film handheld.

How Does It Support VR and 3D Content?

The EOS R8 Mark II supports compatible full-frame and APS-C VR lenses for VR content creation, with a new VR Clear Mode designed to improve contrast and clarity when viewing footage through VR goggles. Canon is introducing Dual Pixel 3D Converter software that can turn still photographs into 3D models using distance information from the camera’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. The camera also features a 3-inch 1.62-million-dot vari-angle touchscreen and a 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder. The camera’s Dual Pixel 3D Converter software can generate 3D models from still photographs using distance data captured by the autofocus system.

Who Is This Camera For?

This camera is ideal for photographers and hybrid creators moving up from entry-level models who require a compact, lightweight full-frame body with advanced stabilisation and autofocus. It is suited for those who shoot a mix of stills and video, including content creators who livestream and travel, as it is designed to be the smallest full-frame camera with IBIS. The joystick and Register People Priority feature make it a natural upgrade for users familiar with higher-end EOS R models.

How It Compares to the Original EOS R8

Compared to the original EOS R8 from 2023, the Mark II adds IBIS, a joystick, and a more squared design. The new model is larger and heavier at 546g versus 461g and measures 131.4 x 90.0 x 79.7mm compared to the original’s 132.5 x 86.1 x 70.0mm. The maximum continuous shooting speed with the electronic shutter has increased to 40fps, and Canon states burst capacity for JPEG images has increased by 58 percent and RAW by 30 percent.

Common Questions

What is the price of the Canon EOS R8 Mark II?

In the US, the EOS R8 Mark II is priced at US$1,899 (~RM7,740). Canon Malaysia has not yet revealed its local pricing or availability as of the time of writing.

When will the Canon EOS R8 Mark II be available?

Shipments in the US are scheduled to begin in late October. No specific date was provided, and availability for Malaysia has not been confirmed.

Does the EOS R8 Mark II have in-body image stabilisation?

Yes, the EOS R8 Mark II features five-axis IBIS, which the original EOS R8 did not have. When paired with a compatible RF lens, it provides up to 7.5 stops of stabilisation.

Sources and Methodology

The information in this article is based on a press release from Canon Malaysia and the official Canon website, as reported by Lowyat.NET. Facts regarding dimensions, weight, price, and features were drawn directly from the source material. The price in Malaysian Ringgit (RM7,740) is an approximation provided in the source and is subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

This article was last updated on 13 September 2026.

Source: Canon Malaysia press release via Lowyat.NET (https://www.lowyat.net/2026/404591/canon-unveils-eos-r8-mark-ii/)