The Weight of Canon’s R-Series: From Featherlight APS-C to Full-Frame Heavyweights
The Weight of Canon’s R-Series: From Featherlight APS-C to Full-Frame Heavyweights
Weight is one of those specs that photographers often glance over—until they’re halfway through a long day of shooting and their neck strap is digging in. Canon’s R-series is fascinating because it runs the spectrum, from ultra-light beginner models to professional full-frame bodies with real heft. Looking at just the body-only weights, the differences paint a clear picture of who each camera was designed for.
At the very bottom of the scale, the EOS R100 comes in at a mere 309 g. It’s so light you could toss it into any bag without hesitation. Just above it sits the R50, which adds barely a handful of grams at 328 g. Both of these APS-C cameras are made for portability first and foremost, and they succeed effortlessly.
The R10 edges things upward to 382 g, which still feels minimal but brings a sturdier presence in the hand. For those who want an APS-C camera with more power under the hood, the R7 stands out at 530 g. It’s the flagship crop body, and you feel that little bit of heft—it signals durability, confidence, and readiness for longer glass.
The real curveball is the R8. Despite being a full-frame camera, it only weighs 414 g body-only, which is lighter than the R7. Canon clearly engineered it as the stealthy full-frame option: all the sensor size, none of the bulk.
Things get more serious with the full-frame all-rounders. The original R6 tips the scale at 598 g, while the R6 Mark II manages to trim a touch, landing at 588 g. Both are balanced bodies—substantial enough to feel professional but not heavy enough to discourage all-day carry.
Finally, the upper end of the spectrum: the R5 at 650 g and the R5 Mark II at 656 g. These cameras are built for photographers who prioritize performance and ruggedness over weight savings. They feel like tools meant to last, not gadgets meant to vanish into your bag.
Here’s the consolidated body-only comparison:
| Model | Body Only |
|--------------|-----------|
| EOS R100 | 309 g |
| EOS R50 | 328 g |
| EOS R10 | 382 g |
| EOS R7 | 530 g |
| EOS R8 | 414 g |
| EOS R6 | 598 g |
| EOS R6 Mark II | 588 g |
| EOS R5 | 650 g |
| EOS R5 Mark II | 656 g |
Looking at the table, the story is obvious: the R100 and R50 are featherlight, almost playful in how little space and weight they demand. The R10 and R7 give you more substance without punishing you. The R8 is a marvel, delivering full-frame power in a package lighter than some APS-C bodies. And the R6 and R5 lines are the true workhorses, carrying the extra grams that serious shooters won’t mind when reliability and capability matter more than shaving weight.