The Canon EOS R1 Price Drop: A Bigger Deal in Sweden and Europe?
UPDATE: The day after I posted this, the Canon R1 price jumped back up to 90,000+ SEK at every retailer. It’s clear Canon was deliberately trying to clear out existing stock. That said, I think it was a mistake. At 90k+ SEK, very few units are likely to move. At 64,900 SEK it was priced right, and photographers who didn’t buy before were actually buying it now.
If you’re a Canon shooter in Sweden or elsewhere in Europe, you’ve likely noticed the dramatic price drop on the EOS R1 lately. Here in Sweden, it launched at around 90 000 SEK and is now widely available for 64 990 SEK (or even a touch lower at some retailers). That’s a whopping 25 000 SEK off — about 27–28% reduction in just over a year.
This has sparked a lot of discussion (and some frustration) in photography communities. Early adopters feel the sting as their used R1 bodies have plummeted in value overnight. Swedish Facebook groups and forums are full of comments like “I paid full price last year…” I completely understand — it’s tough when you jump in early to support the brand and get the latest tech first.
But that’s the reality of being a gear enthusiast and early adopter: you pay a premium for being first, and resale takes a hit when prices adjust. The initial pricing always felt ambitious for a 24MP flagship, especially competing against higher-res bodies from rivals.
Why Does the Drop Feel More Dramatic in Europe/Sweden?
While there’s some discounting globally, the percentage cut seems sharper here. In the US, the R1 launched at $6,299 USD and current street prices hover around $5,700–$6,000 with trade-in deals (e.g., $800 credits bringing it under $6,000 effectively). That’s a solid saving, but proportionally less than the 27% we’ve seen in SEK.
Part of this could be currency fluctuations. The Swedish krona has strengthened significantly against the USD — from rates around 10–11 SEK per USD down to about 8.9–9 SEK now. A stronger krona means imported goods like cameras become relatively cheaper without the manufacturer even lowering the base price. Combined with retailer promotions and market competition, it amplifies the drop for us in Europe.
But honestly, after us early adopters — and yeah, the Canon loyalists who jumped in right away — I think sales have been pretty slow once those first batches of R1s shipped out.
My Personal R1 Story: Cancellation, Regret, and Love
I was almost not an R1 owner. I had a pre-order before launch but cancelled it on official launch — mainly because 24MP felt limiting, and the price didn’t quite justify it for me at the time.
Then the early reviews started rolling in from other wildlife photographers who got their units. They couldn’t stop praising the R1 in the field. I caved, reordered in late 2024, and have had mine since December. I’ve dragged it on trips across the Arctic, Africa, and more — and I absolutely love it.
The standout features for me? The form factor and ruggedness — it’s built like an absolute tank, weather-sealed to handle dust, rain, snow and knocks without worry. And the customization is next-level; I can map every button and dial exactly to my workflow after 20+ years in the Canon system. It’s fast, the Action Priority AF predicts subject movement brilliantly, and it just feels right in my hands.
The Honest Comparison: Sony A1 II Wins on Pure Specs
As a lifelong Canon user, this hurts to say — but if we’re talking strictly image quality and autofocus in the toughest conditions, the Sony A1 II is currently the better camera.
I experienced this firsthand on a recent trip to Canada photographing snowy owls. Heavy snowfall, low contrast — a white owl blending into a white blizzard background. The R1 performed well overall but struggled more than expected; it hunted for focus in those extreme low-contrast scenes, requiring some manual tweaks to get consistent hits.
Switching to my Sony A1 II paired with the 400mm f/2.8? It locked on and tracked flawlessly, even when I could barely see the subject in the viewfinder. On one brutal day, most of the group (shooting R1 or R5) were cursing missed focus bursts. I was using the Sony A1 II, fired away, and came back with nearly 100% in-focus shots.
The Sony just edges it in raw AF tenacity and image quality in tricky light. That said, the R1 is no slouch — and for me, the ergonomics, build and lens ecosystem keep it as my primary body most days.
Final Thoughts: Now’s the Time If You’re on the Fence
With prices at 64 990 kr in Sweden, the R1 is finally at a level where it feels like excellent value for a pro flagship. If you’ve been waiting, this drop (combined with the krona’s strength) makes it a no-brainer for sports, wildlife, or action shooters who prioritize speed and durability.
Early buyers like me might wince at the resale hit, but hey — we’ve been enjoying it for over a year while others waited. That’s the trade-off.
What about you? Did you buy early, or are you grabbing one now? Have you noticed similar drops in your country? Share in the comments.
Keep shooting!