Well, my R and the RF 24-105mm f/4L came today and I have had a couple of hours to play around with it. I just want to do a quick list of what I like about it. There really isn't anything for me to not like at this point.
The R is a solid camera, works very well with the EF lenses, and delivers wonderful files. Those are my first impressions. I really like the camera. I have not activated the touch bar for anything yet. Probably won't.
I'll never use the video features.
- The size is a huge improvement over my Olympus M43 (of course). The ergonomics are far better. I've not decided yet whether I like the size of the R better than that of the 5D Mark III yet.
- I read somewhere that some people are having trouble using their EF 135mm f/2L lenses. I have had no problem and the eye detect works with it as well as with all my other EF lenses.
- The kit lens (RF 24-105 f/4L) works flawlessly and the focus is tack sharp. The focal length range of this zoom is very handy and I think people will like it for travel. However, f/4 can be a little too slow for my uses as I sometimes have to photograph indoor events (fashion and model boot camps) where I need to try and keep the ISO as low as possible. Most of the time, flash isn't an option because I have nobody to help hold everything or keep the light stands from blowing over. I will probably sell the kit lens to help finance an RF 85mm.
- Touch and drag work very well.
- Focus Peaking with my old manual lenses works well.
- The basic adapter (what I got) fits very tightly. There is no movement at all.
- IQ is wonderful with my lenses.
- The neck strap sucks, but we all probably order better ones anyway. This one could be a whole foot longer and it might then be useful.
- I shoot stills and mostly very slowly, so I had no problems with any lag.
- The EVF works beautifully.
- I programmed the control ring on the kit lens to change shutter speed.
- IQ seems to be a nice step up from my 5D Mark III.
- I am over the top happy with the flippy touch screen. That is a feature I have missed a lot since going from a 70D to the 5D Mark III.
- The battery grip for this camera would help it feel more balanced with larger lenses, I think.
- Two card slots would have been nice.
- Battery life is good and there are a few things that can be done to increase it. At a typical model boot camp I'll take maybe 800 images. Fashion shows run about 3,000 images. Once the camera is set up like you want it, battery life shouldn't be much of a problem if it ever is at all. Carrying extra batteries doesn't bother me anyway. I already do so with the 5D Mark III.
The R is a solid camera, works very well with the EF lenses, and delivers wonderful files. Those are my first impressions. I really like the camera. I have not activated the touch bar for anything yet. Probably won't.
I'll never use the video features.
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