Entry Full-Frame Stills Photography — EOS RP (2019): An affordable gateway into the RF system. The RP makes sense as a stepping stone camera — if you're committed to Canon RF glass, this is the cheapest full-frame body to buy those lenses for. Just manage expectations on video and battery life.
Compact Street & Travel Photography — X-E4 (2021): The X-E4 is for photographers who want the minimum camera that still delivers maximum image quality. If you love shooting from the rear screen and want the smallest possible X-mount body, this is your camera. If you need a viewfinder or IBIS, look at the X-S20 or X-T30 II.
Full-Frame Value — Z5 II (2024): The most accessible full-frame mirrorless — dual card slots, weather sealing, and Nikon colour at a sensible price.
Who should buy what
EOS RP (2019)
X-E4 (2021)
Z5 II (2024)
Quick take: The eos rp has the highest resolution at 26mp; the x-e4 is the most affordable; only the z5 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | EOS RP (2019) | X-E4 (2021) | Z5 II (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £799 | £699 | £1,299 |
| Sensor | 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS IV | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 26.2MP | 26.1MP | 24.5MP |
| Video | 4K/24p (with 1.7× crop), 1080p/60p | 4K/30p, 1080p/240p slow-motion, F-Log | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF, 4779 manually selectable positions | Phase-detect, 425 points, face/Eye detection | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | None (no IBIS) | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops |
| Burst Rate | 5fps mechanical | 8fps mechanical, 20fps electronic | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~250 shots (CIPA) — very limited | ~460 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 485g (body, battery, card) | 364g (body only) | 700g body only |
| Dimensions | 132.5 × 85.0 × 70.0mm | 121.3 × 72.9 × 32.7mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.70× magnification | None — rear screen only (EVF accessory available) | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.0" fixed touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Canon RF-mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
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