How four professional photographers and content creators have grown with the EOS R System

For many of today's most prolific photographers and content creators, switching up their gear to the Canon EOS R System has been life-changing. Launched in 2018, the range of EOS R System mirrorless cameras and RF lenses continues to grow steadily. That means there's always a perfect model to upgrade to, from the compact APS-C sensor Canon EOS R100 to the EOS R6 Mark II – a hybrid full-frame powerhouse.

Here, four professional photographers share how they have taken their careers and skills further than ever before by switching to the EOS R System. Each image-maker is unique and specialises in different areas, but the EOS R System kit blends technology with sheer usability and gives them all the features they need to flourish and progress.

UK-based Verity Milligan is best known for shooting atmospheric landscapes. After four productive years with her Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, she upgraded to the EOS R System. "With the range of adapters available, it was the obvious choice to upgrade to the EOS R5," she says. "The autofocus features make it possible to seamlessly set the camera up for whatever the job is that day. This is especially true for photographing people. The face detection and tracking AF method is one of my favourite modes."

Verity is always looking for stunning compositions, and her most-used feature of the EOS R5 is the 2.1m-dot vari-angle LCD touchscreen. "The fact that I can flip, rotate or manipulate it to pretty much any angle I need is super useful, and something that has elevated my photography experience," she says.

She also found the choice of RF lenses compelling. "The lens that has changed everything is the Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM. The constant aperture and the leverage of being able to shoot at f/2 across the range meant that it ultimately replaced all the EF prime lenses I'd owned." Verity now has her sights set on the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM lens. In addition to this, adding the Canon RF 15-35MM F2.8L IS USM lens to her kitbag would give her the option of extending the focal length range in both directions.

Often on the go creating luxury travel content, Diana Millos needs her camera to be portable. She upgraded to the Canon EOS R10 in 2022 for its compact size and rapid autofocus. "I achieved great results with the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, but it wasn't as easy and fast as the EOS R10 to get every photo in perfect focus," she shares. "I'm obsessed with eye-detection technology and can't live without it anymore."

The EOS R10 inherits the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system as higher-end EOS R System cameras such as the EOS R3. The camera can also focus down to -4 EV, enabling Diana to shoot sharp images in low light. "When you're taking photos from sunrise to sunset and exploring for hours, having lightweight equipment is ideal," she says. "The EOS R10 fits in a handbag and enables me to keep a low profile so others don't realise that I'm taking amazing photos with such a small camera."

Diana loves shooting with a wide-angle perspective and didn't have to replace her EF lenses when she upgraded. "I can still use my Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lenses with my EOS R10 via the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R and they work perfectly," she says. If you're looking for RF equivalents of these lenses, you can choose from the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM and the Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM. Diana only has one RF lens so far – the Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens – but has used other RF lenses while on a travel shoot in Seville and says she loves how crisp the photos are.

The EOS R10 is capable of livestreaming, particularly on YouTube, and creating video content is another way that Diana has grown her followers. "It allows me to shoot in HD and 4K with incredible results," she says. "I recommend it to every creator out there. Next, I want to add the Canon EOS R6 Mark II because of its full-frame capabilities."

The EOS R50 is also a great option if you want to shoot high quality-video for your social media channels. You can discover the key differences between the EOS R50 and the EOS R10 in our handy guide to help you make the right decision.

Based in Glasgow, Scotland, Andres McNeill shoots commercial work, portraits and sports, but he's passionate about street photography, using dramatic architecture as a backdrop. He has fond memories of trying out a friend's old Canon DSLR and loving the way it looked and felt in his hands. "The Canon EOS 400D was my first camera and went with me everywhere as I learnt how to take photos," he shares. "I loved the Canon EOS M50 for the even smaller form factor, great autofocus and fantastic video quality."

Andres switched to the Canon EOS R System when he wanted to turn pro. His full-frame Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 immediately allowed him to focus on lighting and composition. "Being able to track subjects' eyes and faces from across a street is a game changer, as it enables me to concentrate on other aspects of my shots," he says. "Having reliable autofocus and high burst shooting speeds is also a no-brainer when working with pro athletes."

Both cameras deliver 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS) – extending up to 8-stops with compatible lenses – and this enables Andres to work in poorly lit spaces without a tripod. "Being able to shoot slower shutter speeds handheld for street photography is incredible," he says.

Andres has a mix of RF and EF lenses, but has slowly been switching fully to RF. "I love the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM lens' small form factor as it's perfect for street photography, and the fast f/1.8 aperture is great for low-light scenarios as I like shooting at dusk or night," he explains. "The other lens I use is the Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM which is a great all-round lens. It’s super handy being able to go wide with 24mm all the way to 105mm, especially in street photography as it’s good to take a wide shot and then zoom in to the same scene and capture a different look." Andres also uses the Canon RF 100mm F2.8L MACRO IS USM which he says is incredibly sharp. "It's my go-to lens for product photography and professional work that requires a lot of detail," he adds.

But Andres says his workhorse lens is the Canon RF 24-70MM F2.8L IS USM. "I use this for events, weddings and street photography," he says. "Having the 24-70mm focal range with a fast f/2.8 aperture is the ultimate combination."

London-based director, videographer and photographer Chris Priestley creates high-end visuals for social channels and brands around the world. He's constantly pushing his content and his cameras. "My kit helps me to achieve big-budget results," he says.

As Chris' career has progressed, so have his clients' requirements. "I was consistently being asked to supply 4K video and higher quality images for print when the EOS R5 was being announced," he says, "So it was the perfect time to upgrade."

He often shoots stills and video assets simultaneously, and the hybrid EOS R5 delivers uncompromising performance in both areas. "The EOS R5 can shoot 8K 30p – not that I need to use that yet, but I use the full-frame 4K 120p regularly," he says.

The EOS R5's 45MP sensor is a huge benefit, and more than double that of his previous DSLR. "In situations where I can't control my subject, I don't always have the privilege of framing my shot perfectly," he continues. "The higher resolution gives me the ability to reframe my shots in post-production and still deliver high-quality images."

For many, the Canon EOS R System has redefined what it means to be a photographer and creator. Offering affordable beginner models to powerhouse flagships, plus a suite of industry-leading optics, the system can grow with you – whether you're taking your first steps in vlogging or are trying to enter the world of pro photography and are on the hunt for your next workhorse.