It looks like the Canon EOS R8 has joined the ranks of the undead

I liked the Canon EOS R8 a lot while I owned it, and I was especially impressed by its thoroughly modern Dual Pixel CMOS AF and subject recognition, high-speed burst shooting and full-width 4K 60 video. Now Canon has replaced it with a new version that's better... kind of.

There are three key aspects to the new Canon EOS R8 Mark II:

1. Technical updates which include a bigger buffer for burst shooting, improved AF tracking and a new Register People feature – though the core specs remain much the same. The main addition, though, is IBIS – hurrah!
2. Ergonomic updates which include relocating the memory card slot from the base to the side of the camera, thank goodness, and a control joystick, which the old camera lacked.
3. A redesign which, according to Canon, references its design heritage and cameras like the F-1, A-1 and T80. I can't see it myself – I think the Mark II just looks a bit of a bland brick, but what do I know.

So does this mean the 'old' EOS R8 is now an obsolete relic? Hardly! Digital camera technology has clearly plateaued in the past few years, with camera makers having to introduce ever more specialised and esoteric AF and video capabilities to maintain the appearance of technical progress.

The 'old' EOS R8 is still a very modern, very technically advanced mid-range mirrorless camera. Apart from its lack of IBIS and its somewhat basic novice-orientated controls, there's absolutely nothing to date it against the best of its 2026 rivals. It's a shame Canon couldn't have kept the old design and just added IBIS. As it is, it's like Canon has replaced a modern design with an ugly and dated one.