Canon has announced the second generation of its EOS R8, the EOS R8 Mark II, which features a redesigned look and adds in-body image stabilization. The camera was originally released in 2023 as a more affordable, smaller alternative to the Canon R6 Mark II. The new model addresses a key limitation of the original R8 by incorporating stabilization, making it slightly heavier at 1.2 pounds but still more affordable and lighter than the higher-end EOS R6 Mark III. The R8 Mark II is expected to be available in late October, priced at $1,899 for the body only or $2,099 when bundled with a Canon 24-50mm stabilized lens. This places it above the original R8's $1,499 price but well below the $2,799 of the R6 Mark III. The R8 Mark II retains the same 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor as the R6 Mark II, while the R6 Mark III uses a higher-resolution 32.5-megapixel sensor. The new model exclusively uses an electronic shutter, allowing for high-speed captures up to 40fps. It also includes a pre-continuous shooting mode that takes up to 20 photos before the shutter is pressed, useful for capturing fast-moving subjects. The five-axis in-body stabilization provides up to 7.5 stops of shake correction, which can be enhanced further when paired with a lens that also has stabilization. The R8 Mark II features Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system, which offers improved subject tracking compared to the original R8. This system can recognize people, animals, and vehicles, with the option to register up to 10 different faces for priority tracking. Video capabilities reach up to 4K at 60fps, with the option to shoot 1080p at 180fps. Additional features include 16 color filters, tools for adjusting depth of field, and creative bracketing that captures three photos with varying brightness and color tones. The design of the R8 Mark II is more boxy and angular, drawing inspiration from the classic EOS 650, a model from nearly 40 years ago. Other improvements include a multi-controller joystick for easier focus point selection and a relocated SD card slot for better access when using a tripod. Canon also offers an optional $99.99 grip extension to improve ergonomics when using larger lenses. In October, Canon will release a free Windows app called Dual Pixel 3D Converter, which uses data from the autofocus system to generate 3D images from 2D photos. The R8 Mark II is now available for pre-order at $1,899, with shipping beginning in late October. It can also be purchased with Canon’s RF24-50mm F/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens for $2,099. Additional accessories include the EG-E2 Extension Grip for $100 and the Speedlite EL-5 Ver.2 flash for $379. The camera will be available in Europe on October 20 at 1,799 euros body only or 2,199 euros with the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 lens. The original R8 will remain in the catalog for those seeking the most affordable full-frame Canon option. While the R8 Mark II shares the same battery as its predecessor, its image stabilization feature reduces battery life, and the camera lacks weather resistance and a more durable build compared to the R6 Mark III.