Join Photo Insiders
The Joy Blog

Canon EOS R: NEW Firmware and UPDATED Mirrorless Camera (Real-world Review)

english photography gear
Canon EOS R

As a professional photographer, I'm always on the lookout for the best tools to help me capture the perfect shot. Recently, I had the opportunity to use the Canon EOS R on a client shoot, and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed. I've used the Canon R before, but never on a real job, so this was a great opportunity for me to put it to the test.

If you're switching from a DSLR to a mirrorless camera, be prepared for a learning curve. While there is a difference in the way you adjust ISO and white balance, I found the buttons on the EOS R to be quite intuitive, especially if you're familiar with other Canon cameras. The electronic viewfinder was also a pleasant surprise. I typically don't like using it, but in this case, I found that using the live view on the back of the camera helped me engage with my clients more effectively.

One of the biggest benefits of the EOS R is its autofocus. The camera is incredibly easy to focus, and with the recent firmware update, it's even better. You can simply tap on a face and the camera will follow it, freeing you up to engage with your subjects and capture the perfect shot.

I was also able to shoot at lower apertures than I normally would, as I was concerned about the accuracy of the focusing. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that the focusing was super sharp, even at lower apertures. This was a weight off my shoulders, as I could focus on capturing the perfect shot without worrying about the technical aspects.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the Canon EOS R. If you're a professional photographer looking for a high-quality mirrorless camera, I highly recommend giving it a try. And if you want to learn more about my personal branding, be sure to check out my free branding guide by clicking the link below. It's filled with plenty of inspiration and tips for your photography business.

Ready to learn more?

Take the free Speed Posing 101 class

Learn how to pose individuals, couples, and groups with precision and speed. This free class will help you shoot with confidence no matter the situation and consistently wow your clients with a variety of stunning images.

Take the free class

Latest from the blog

I used the WORST ISO on the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and got SHOCKING r...

My Photography Gear for an African Safari in Kenya

How to Hire Your FIRST Employee 👉 and how to know when you're ready


Meet Vanessa

Photography education that gives your art an edge

Vanessa has been photographing weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle for over 20 years.

She's a Canon Explorer of Light, an honor given to only 5 photographers in the United States, and her work has been published by Yahoo! News, Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Rangefinder and more.

With her practical and open-book style of teaching, she shares everything she knows with hundreds of thousands of photographers as an educator and influential sparker.

Work with Vanessa →

Join Vanessa Joy's Photo Insiders

Come sit at our “lunch table” and learn with top-notch video lessons released monthly, a private community and live photoshoots. Join our live group coaching calls, request videos, and get your individual questions answered.

Become a member

Free downloads

Don't leave without your goody bag
Free Preset

Steal my favorite preset

Save time editing with this preset that I personally use on my outdoor photos to brighten and warm up the scene.

i'm ready

Free guide

The Posing Inspiration Guide

Use my poses that your clients will love. Swipe ideas for posing individuals, couples, groups, and details.

yup, i need it

Free Class

Speed Posing 101

Struggling feeling confident shooting, delivering a variety of images, and posing with precision and speed? This is for you!

let's do this!

Get photography tips and resources

Join our email list to get it all directly in your inbox.