Today, Canon has launched the EOS R5 Mark II – a much-anticipated update to its popular EOS R5 – and the EOS R1, a ground-breaking new camera aimed at sports, press, and wildlife photographers. I’ve been testing a pre-production version of the R5 Mark II for a week and now I’m able to share my thoughts on this fantastic new camera, why it’s such a good fit for me, and some of the images I’ve made while exploring its new features.
New Features of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II introduces several innovative features that set it apart from its predecessor. One of the most notable additions is the pre-capture shooting feature, which ensures you don’t miss the decisive moment. This feature is a game-changer for photographers who need to capture fleeting moments. Another significant upgrade is the Eye Control AF, allowing you to select people or points to focus on simply by looking at them in the viewfinder. This feature, borrowed from the R1 and R3, enhances the camera's usability in dynamic shooting environments.
The R5 Mark II also boasts a new stacked CMOS sensor, which allows for higher frame rates, better autofocus, wider dynamic range, and more accurate automatic white balance and metering. The improved electronic shutters offer frame rates up to 30fps and shutter speeds up to 1/32,000, reducing the need for ND filters in bright conditions. Additionally, the camera's video capabilities have been significantly enhanced, including a dual shooting option that allows you to shoot stills while recording video.
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Handling and Ergonomics
For photographers familiar with the Canon EOS R5, the R5 Mark II will feel comfortably familiar. The camera maintains a similar weight and button layout, with a few notable changes. One significant alteration is the addition of a stills-to-video switch on the top left of the camera, replacing the previous on/off switch. This change is particularly beneficial for hybrid shooters who need to switch modes quickly.
The R5 Mark II retains the 45MP file size, ideal for portrait photographers who require high-resolution images for large prints or cropping. The camera also features a new in-camera upscaling option, allowing images to be enlarged up to four times their original size. The dual card slots design, with one slot for CF Express cards and another for SD cards, remains unchanged, providing flexibility in file storage and backup.
The new LP-E6P battery offers improved performance, although the older LP-E6-NH batteries are still compatible with some limitations. Battery life is commendable, lasting through long shooting sessions without needing a recharge. The camera's weather sealing is similar to the R5, providing adequate protection in light rain but not suitable for submersion.
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Autofocus Capabilities
The autofocus system in the Canon EOS R5 Mark II has seen significant improvements, thanks to the new back-illuminated and stacked CMOS sensor. This upgrade results in faster focus lock and more accurate tracking, even in fast-moving situations. The continuous focus tracking features have been enhanced, allowing the camera to lock onto subjects' faces and avoid obstacles effectively.
The new autofocus modes, including People Priority AF, Action Priority AF, and Register People Priority AF, provide photographers with more control over their focus settings. The Eye Control AF feature, which allows you to select your subject by looking at it, is particularly useful in dynamic shooting environments. Although this feature may not work perfectly for everyone, it offers significant potential for improving focus accuracy.
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Video Capabilities
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II offers significant improvements in video capabilities, making it an excellent choice for hybrid shooters. The camera supports 8K video recording at 60fps and 4K recording at up to 120fps. The addition of a dual shooting option allows photographers to capture high-quality stills while recording video, providing greater flexibility in capturing moments.
The camera also features a new battery type, the LP-E6P, which unlocks the 8K video modes. The improved in-body image stabilization, combined with in-lens stabilization, provides up to 8.5 stops of stabilization, making it easier to capture smooth video footage. The camera's new cooling vents and optional cooling fan grip help to minimize overheating during extended video recording sessions. Source: Helen Bartlett
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High ISO Performance
Low-light performance is crucial for photographers who often work in challenging lighting conditions. The Canon EOS R5 Mark II excels in this area, offering impressive high ISO performance. The camera can shoot at ISO levels up to 51,200, with acceptable noise levels even at higher ISO settings. The new in-camera noise reduction feature further enhances image quality, making it possible to capture clean images in low-light environments.
During testing, the camera performed well at ISO 10,000, producing images with smooth tones and minimal noise. Even at ISO 51,200, the camera delivered surprisingly good results, especially when combined with the in-camera noise reduction feature. This high ISO performance makes the R5 Mark II a versatile tool for photographers who need to shoot in various lighting conditions. Source: Helen Bartlett
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Conclusion
With the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Canon has produced another exceptional camera. This camera is packed with new features that make it easier to take outstanding pictures. Dramatic improvements in autofocus along with higher frame rates and the astonishing new pre-continuous shooting feature allow us to produce beautiful images in every situation. The Canon EOS R5 Mark II will enable creativity like never before.
During the week that I’ve had the camera, I’ve found myself trying new things: experimenting, playing, taking pictures that are full of joy, and were a joy to take. The Canon EOS R5 Mark II allows me to bring my vision to reality but also makes me seek new visions by giving me the tools to expand my horizons.
I feel I’ve only scratched the surface of what this camera can do and how it will enable me to develop my photography. The further I’ve dug into the menus, the more I’m discovering and the more possibilities are opening up ahead of me. This is a camera that will improve my photography and can improve yours too. Source: Helen Bartlett
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