Samy’s Camera is excited to introduce the Canon EOS R1 — the ultimate flagship mirrorless camera set to redefine professional photography and videography. Samy’s content creation team took the R1 to Willow Springs Raceway in California to put it through a real-world test in a high-speed environment.
Joining us was professional motorsports photographer Stan Kaplan, who shared his first impressions after shooting the vintage racing action with Canon’s groundbreaking new release.
If you're seeking the best camera for sports photography, wildlife, or professional filmmaking, the EOS R1 may be the one.
Canon EOS R1: Built to Perform in Any Environment
The Canon EOS R1 is a premium and professional camera, featuring Canon’s iconic dust and weather-sealed body, whichpros have trusted for decades. Whether you’re shooting in rain, snow, or the dusty tracks of a motorsport event, the EOS R1 gives you the confidence to create without limits.
Stan noted right away how robust and comfortable the camera felt, emphasizing: "It’s a workhorse, it’s a tool — you can tell the way it’s built and the way it works.”
Key Canon EOS R1 design features:
- Durable magnesium alloy body
- Full weather-sealing
- Integrated vertical grip controls
- Fully customizable buttons for personalized workflows
Cutting-Edge Autofocus for High-Speed Action
Canon is setting a new industry standard with its cross-type autofocus system — a first for Canon mirrorless cameras. Whether capturing high-speed race cars or unpredictable wildlife, the Canon R1’s autofocus locks on instantly, intelligently predicting and tracking subjects even during intense bursts.
During our shoot, Stan tested the R1’s electronic shutter and was thrilled to report no rolling shutter issues, even when capturing spinning wheels at high speeds — a true testament to Canon’s innovation.
Canon EOS R1 Specs: Power Meets Precision
Inside the EOS R1 is a 24.2MP back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor paired with a DIGIC X processor and a new DIGIC Accelerator, delivering:
- Ultra-fast readout speeds
- Virtually no rolling shutter
- 40 fps continuous shooting
- Stunning 96MP JPEGs via neural upscaling
- High dynamic range shooting (HDR PQ)
A Game-Changing OLED EV
The EOS R1 features a 9.44 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.9x magnification, offering what Stan called, "the best EVF I've ever used."
It’s bright, detailed, and virtually lag-free, giving photographers an almost optical viewfinder experience, even in challenging low-light conditions.
Canon EOS R1 for Video: A True Hybrid Powerhouse
If you're a videographer or hybrid creator, the Canon EOS R1 video specs are just as impressive:
- 6K RAW video recording
- 4K UHD, 2K, and Full HD up to 60fps
- 10-bit 4:2:2 HDR recording (HEIF and MP4 formats)
- Simultaneous video and still capture
Whether filming cinematic slow-motion or fast-paced action, the R1 ensures you never miss the shot.
Full Compatibility with RF and EF Lenses
Another major highlight is the R1’s versatility. It fully supports:
- Canon’s entire RF lens lineup
- RF-S lenses
- Legacy EF and EF-S lenses with the EF-EOS R adapter
That means whether you're investing in the latest Canon RF optics or using your trusted EF lenses, the R1 seamlessly integrates into your system.
At Willow Springs, Stan paired the EOS R1 with Canon’s RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens, and the results were nothing short of breathtaking.
Storage and Connectivity for Professionals
The Canon EOS R1 includes dual CFexpress Type B card slots for high-speed, high-capacity storage — essential for the R1’s blazing 40fps bursts and 6K video recording.
Additionally, the camera offers full professional connectivity options:
- Full-size HDMI port
- 3.5mm microphone and headphone jacks
- USB-C
- Ethernet LAN
- Wi-Fi 6
Final Thoughts: The Canon EOS R1 Redefines Professional Imaging
The Canon EOS R1 isn’t just a new flagship — it's a vision of the future. From its unparalleled autofocus system and outstanding burst speeds to its next-generation EVF and hybrid shooting capabilities, Canon has created a camera that meets the evolving demands of professional photographers and videographers.
Visit your nearest Samy’s Camera location in Southern California or shop online at www.samys.com to order the Canon EOS R1 today.
