The Ultimate Showdown: Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS RP – Which Camera Will Capture Your Heart?

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular options like the Canon EOS 90D with the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM and the Canon EOS RP with the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM. Both setups offer versatility and impressive image quality, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This detailed comparison will help you understand their strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

The Canon EOS 90D and EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM: A Classic DSLR Combination

The Canon EOS 90D is a powerful DSLR that caters to enthusiasts and professionals seeking high-quality image capture and reliable performance. Its 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor delivers exceptional detail and dynamic range, while the DIGIC 8 image processor ensures fast processing speeds and excellent noise control.
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is a versatile telephoto zoom that complements the 90D’s capabilities. It provides a flexible range for capturing distant subjects, from wildlife and sports to landscapes and portraits. Its image stabilization system helps minimize camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially in low light.

Pros of the Canon EOS 90D + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM:

• High-resolution images: The 90D’s 32.5MP sensor captures stunning detail and allows for large prints and crops.
• Fast autofocus: The camera’s 45-point all cross-type autofocus system ensures accurate and quick focusing, even in challenging conditions.
• Reliable performance: The 90D is built for durability and can withstand demanding shooting environments.
• Versatile zoom lens: The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM provides a wide range of focal lengths, allowing you to capture various subjects.
• Optical image stabilization: The lens effectively reduces camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially in low light.
• Affordable price point: This combination offers excellent value for money, making it accessible to a wider range of photographers.

Cons of the Canon EOS 90D + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM:

• Bulky and heavy: The DSLR body and lens combination can be cumbersome to carry around for extended periods.
• Limited video capabilities: While the 90D offers 4K video recording, it lacks some advanced features found in newer mirrorless cameras.
• No in-body image stabilization: The lack of IBIS makes hand-held shooting at longer focal lengths more challenging.

The Canon EOS RP and RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM: A Compact and Versatile Mirrorless System

The Canon EOS RP is a compact and lightweight full-frame mirrorless camera designed for photographers seeking a balance between image quality, portability, and affordability. It features a 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 image processor, delivering exceptional image quality and performance.
The RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM lens is a versatile all-in-one zoom that covers a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to telephoto. Its image stabilization system minimizes camera shake, enhancing sharpness, especially in low light.

Pros of the Canon EOS RP + RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM:

• Full-frame sensor: The EOS RP offers the benefits of a full-frame sensor, including improved low-light performance, shallower depth of field, and greater dynamic range.
• Compact and lightweight: The combination is significantly smaller and lighter than the 90D and EF-S 55-250mm, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.
• Advanced video features: The EOS RP offers 4K video recording at 25/30p and supports Canon Log for professional-grade video capture.
• In-body image stabilization: The IBIS system provides effective stabilization, even when using lenses without optical image stabilization.
• Fast and quiet autofocus: The EOS RP’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system offers fast and accurate autofocus, particularly for video recording.
• Intuitive user interface: The EOS RP’s menu system is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Cons of the Canon EOS RP + RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM:

• Lower resolution than the 90D: The 26.2MP sensor in the EOS RP offers a lower resolution than the 90D’s 32.5MP sensor.
• More expensive than the 90D: The EOS RP and RF 24-240mm lens combination is generally more expensive than the 90D and EF-S 55-250mm setup.
• Limited lens selection: The RF lens system is relatively new, and the selection of lenses is still growing compared to the extensive EF lens lineup.

Image Quality: A Detailed Comparison

Both camera and lens combinations deliver impressive image quality, but there are some key differences to consider.
Canon EOS 90D + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM:

• High resolution: The 90D’s 32.5MP sensor provides exceptional detail and allows for large prints and crops.
• Excellent dynamic range: The 90D captures a wide range of tones, enabling you to recover detail in highlights and shadows.
• Sharp images: The EF-S 55-250mm lens produces sharp images across the focal length range.
• Good low-light performance: The 90D’s sensor and DIGIC 8 processor deliver good noise control in low light.

Canon EOS RP + RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM:

• Full-frame advantage: The EOS RP’s full-frame sensor offers improved low-light performance, shallower depth of field, and greater dynamic range compared to the 90D.
• Excellent color reproduction: The EOS RP delivers vibrant and accurate colors.
• Sharp and detailed images: The RF 24-240mm lens produces sharp and detailed images across the focal length range.
• Superb low-light performance: The full-frame sensor and DIGIC 8 processor enable excellent noise control in low light.

Focusing Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Both cameras offer fast and accurate autofocus systems, but their strengths lie in different areas.
Canon EOS 90D + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM:

• 45-point all cross-type autofocus system: The 90D’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, especially for tracking moving subjects.
• Good low-light performance: The 90D’s autofocus system performs well in low light.

Canon EOS RP + RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM:

• Dual Pixel CMOS AF: The EOS RP’s autofocus system is extremely fast and accurate, especially for video recording and continuous shooting.
• Excellent eye detection: The EOS RP’s eye detection autofocus is highly accurate and reliable, making it ideal for portrait photography.
• Good low-light performance: The EOS RP’s autofocus system performs well in low light.

Video Capabilities: A Comparison of Features

Both cameras offer 4K video recording, but the EOS RP boasts more advanced features for professional-grade video capture.
Canon EOS 90D + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM:

• 4K video recording at 30p: The 90D can record 4K video at 30 frames per second.
• Full HD video recording at up to 120p: The 90D offers slow-motion video recording in Full HD at up to 120 frames per second.
• Limited video features: The 90D lacks some advanced video features found in newer mirrorless cameras, such as Canon Log and 4K recording at higher frame rates.

Canon EOS RP + RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM:

• 4K video recording at 25/30p: The EOS RP can record 4K video at 25 or 30 frames per second.
• Full HD video recording at up to 60p: The EOS RP offers slow-motion video recording in Full HD at up to 60 frames per second.
• Canon Log: The EOS RP supports Canon Log, which provides a wider dynamic range and more flexibility for post-production.
• Advanced video features: The EOS RP offers various video features, including focus peaking, zebra pattern, and time-lapse recording.

Ergonomics and Handling: A Look at User Experience

The 90D and EOS RP offer different handling experiences, catering to individual preferences.
Canon EOS 90D + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM:

• Traditional DSLR design: The 90D features a familiar DSLR design with a viewfinder and a deep grip, providing a comfortable and stable hold.
• Extensive button layout: The 90D offers a comprehensive button layout, allowing for easy access to various camera settings.
• Bulky and heavy: The 90D and EF-S 55-250mm lens combination can be cumbersome to carry around for extended periods.

Canon EOS RP + RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM:

• Compact and lightweight: The EOS RP and RF 24-240mm lens combination is significantly smaller and lighter than the 90D and EF-S 55-250mm, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.
• Comfortable grip: The EOS RP’s grip is well-designed and provides a secure hold.
• Simplified button layout: The EOS RP features a more streamlined button layout, which may be less familiar to DSLR users.

Choosing the Right Combination: A Decision Guide

The best choice between the Canon EOS 90D + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM and the Canon EOS RP + RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Canon EOS 90D + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM if:

• You prioritize high resolution and detail: The 90D’s 32.5MP sensor delivers exceptional detail and allows for large prints and crops.
• You need fast autofocus for action photography: The 90D’s 45-point all cross-type autofocus system is well-suited for tracking moving subjects.
• You prefer a traditional DSLR experience: The 90D’s familiar design and extensive button layout offer a comfortable and familiar shooting experience.
• You are on a tighter budget: The 90D and EF-S 55-250mm lens combination is generally more affordable than the EOS RP and RF 24-240mm setup.

Choose the Canon EOS RP + RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM if:

• You want the benefits of a full-frame sensor: The EOS RP offers improved low-light performance, shallower depth of field, and greater dynamic range.
• You prioritize portability and compactness: The EOS RP and RF 24-240mm lens combination is significantly smaller and lighter than the 90D and EF-S 55-250mm, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.
• You need advanced video features: The EOS RP offers 4K video recording at 25/30p, Canon Log support, and various other video-centric features.
• You prefer a modern mirrorless experience: The EOS RP’s compact design, intuitive menu system, and advanced autofocus system offer a modern and user-friendly shooting experience.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice

Ultimately, the best camera and lens combination for you depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. The Canon EOS 90D + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM offers a powerful and affordable DSLR experience, while the Canon EOS RP + RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM provides a compact and versatile mirrorless system with full-frame capabilities. Carefully consider your shooting needs and priorities to make the best decision for your photographic journey.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which camera offers better image quality?
A: Both cameras deliver excellent image quality, but the EOS RP‘s full-frame sensor gives it an edge in low-light performance, dynamic range, and depth of field.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The EOS RP offers more advanced video features, including 4K video recording at 25/30p, Canon Log support, and a faster autofocus system.
Q: Which camera is more portable?
A: The EOS RP and RF 24-240mm lens combination is significantly smaller and lighter than the 90D and EF-S 55-250mm, making it more portable for travel and everyday photography.
Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both cameras are suitable for beginners, but the EOS RP‘s intuitive menu system and advanced autofocus system might be more user-friendly for those new to photography.
Q: Which camera offers a wider range of lenses?
A: The Canon EF lens system is much larger and more established than the RF lens system. However, the RF system is growing rapidly, and new lenses are being released regularly.