Selects: Top 4 Alternatives to the Canon EOS RP

If you're thinking of getting the 2019 Canon EOS RP, or you already have it and want a slightly different camera, this article compares three options worth considering. This article gives a quick reminder of the Canon EOS RP's capabilities and covers four alternatives, including:

• Sony A7 III

• Nikon Z6

• Canon EOS R

• Canon EOS 6D Mark II

About the Canon EOS RP

The Canon EOS RP is a solid camera with good resolution, features and handling. And it's one of the most affordable full-frame mirrorless cameras.

However, there's no in-body image stabilisation and continuous shooting is limited to 5fps bursts. Overall, it's a solid contender. But what else is out there?

Canon EOS RP alternatives

We're looking at four cameras — three mirrorless and one DSLR — released a few years before the Canon EOS RP. These all have full-frame sensors, offer similar megapixels and differing features and specifications.

1. Sony A7 III

If you’re looking to buy a mirrorless system that can do everything well, then the Sony A7 III should be at the top of your list. The various small improvements to the spec amount to quite a big step up from Sony’s previous model.

Sony continues a tradition of really listening to their customers, and it shows with the impressive Sony A7 III spec sheet. Many will say that 4:2:2 10-bit internal video would’ve been great, but the Sony A7 III really isn't meant to be a camera for video alone. It takes aspects of both video and stills and combines what most people will need, in an affordable package. If only they could give us a slightly bigger grip!

2. Nikon Z6

Why choose the Nikon Z6? If you're heavily invested in the Nikon system already, then being able to shoot with your Nikon glass is a massive plus. It might not be lightning fast, but it will work with an aftermarket adapter. The Nikon Z 6 is a direct competitor to the Sony A7III and Canon EOS R, offering a very similar price point and megapixel count (24.5 megapixels). Ergonomically, the Nikon Z6 is superior, offering DSLR comfort in your hand, in a slimmed-down package. If you have large hands, this will be a deal maker over the Sony A7 III.

The question, really, is affordability. There's no question whether or not the Nikon Z 6 is a good camera, but everyone judges a camera by different factors. What is most important to you: comfort, usability, image quality, autofocus or ISO capabilities?

3. Canon EOS R

The Canon EOS R offers similar levels of comfort to the Canon EOS RP, bar maybe a slight difference in balance once a lens is fitted. The image quality will be similar, with the Canon R having the edge with those extra megapixels. However, with the pricing being so aggressive, the lighter weight, and the inclusion of the EF to the R mount, this might be an easier decision to make than initially anticipated. Read our Canon EOS R review.

4. Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Why consider the Canon EOS 6D Mark II when all the other options have been mirrorless cameras? Perhaps the DSLR is just familiar, offering features that might help make shooting comfortable and intuitive. It has an optical viewfinder as opposed to an electronic viewfinder. The technology boasts decades of experience, and it works in harmony with one of the greatest lens lineups. This is also still a fairly recent release by Canon, so it’s packed with features. Perhaps this is all you’ll need. Read our Canon EOS 6D Mark II review.

If the resolution is the first thing you want to see when you look at specs, then you'll be pleased to know that the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is on par with the Canon EOS RP at 26.2 megapixels. Video isn't up to the same standard. The number of autofocus points seems to be the biggest difference between the two, but only in terms of usability. A big number doesn't always relate to a big performance, especially if you don't plan to put it to use. It’s worth thinking carefully about this, especially if you're already stretching your budget even before thinking about lenses.

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