Is the Canon EOS RP Worth Buying for Your Price Range?
The 'worth it' value is different for everyone. I evaluate the worth-it value by determining how it compares to how happy I am with it and its necessity. For the necessity value, I like to think of whether I can take one picture using its greater or unique ability that is also a picture of a lifetime. So I will have an image that could only be made by that specific camera or lens and is of high quality. Then it is without a doubt worth it.
EOS RP Compared with Previous Models
If you already own EOS mount lenses, you might want to take a look at the APSc D90, which offers higher resolution and the ability to use your lens collection without an adapter. However, if you're building your setup from scratch, the Mirrorless RP body is Full Frame, but comes with a lower resolution. Image sharpness will depend more on your lens quality than the camera’s resolution. Resolution is a measure of the number of 'dots' used to form an image. More dots with a less than sharp lens just gets you more fuzzy dots. Add a sharp lens and you're able to take advantage of the higher resolution.
The EOS RP as an Entry-Level Full Frame Camera
Looks like an excellent camera to me for what it’s intended to be. The RF lens mount is the launchpad for Canon to combine their lens building prowess with the physical benefits of a mirrorless mount and their first 10 lenses are all excellent within their class and already confirm many of the promises of the mount. But lenses need a body to work on and the RP is an entry-level model to provide that. This encourages beginners or those with a limited budget into the RF mount. Bodies tend to be more transient than lenses, especially entry-level ones, and creating a good entry-level body is about balancing the right combination of features, performance, and price. The RP’s standout feature is simply that it's an affordable RF mount camera with excellent ergonomics.
Key Features and Benefits
As DPReview noted, the EOS RP stands alone in providing novice or budget-constrained users with access to the shallower depth-of-field that full-frame cameras offer over those with APSc or smaller sensors. It’s also a comparatively small and lightweight full-frame camera, designed for easy stowage and internal strap-lugs, and has a low, rounded profile to greatly reduce snagging points. Combined with the lower price, this makes it an excellent option for a full-frame mirrorless camera.
Conclusion
Deciding if the Canon EOS RP is worth buying truly depends on your intended usage. If you value the unique features that a Full Frame camera offers, especially at an affordable price, the EOS RP is definitely worth considering. With its excellent ergonomics and user-friendly features, it's a top choice for beginner and intermediate photographers alike. Let's dive deeper into the RP's features and benefits for a more detailed evaluation.