Since its release in July 2020, the Canon EOS R5 has been making waves in the photography and videography community. This highly anticipated mirrorless camera boasts impressive features such as a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, 8K video recording, and advanced autofocus capabilities. In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the Canon EOS R5 and see if it lives up to the hype.
Overview of the Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 is the latest addition to Canon’s line of full-frame mirrorless cameras. It is the successor to the popular EOS R and is positioned as a high-end camera for professionals and enthusiasts. The R5 features a 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, which allows for fast and accurate autofocus performance. It also has an ISO range of 100-51200, expandable up to 102400, ensuring excellent low-light performance.
One of the most talked-about features of the R5 is its ability to shoot 8K video at 30 frames per second (fps). This is the first time a mirrorless camera has offered this capability, making the R5 a game-changer in the world of videography. It also has a 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system that works in tandem with optical image stabilization (OIS) in select lenses for even smoother footage.
Design and Build Quality
As expected from Canon, the EOS R5 has a sleek and modern design. It has a sturdy magnesium alloy body with weather sealing, making it durable and suitable for outdoor shooting. The camera has a comfortable grip, and all the buttons and dials are well-placed for easy access. The R5 also features a fully articulated 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD, which is useful for shooting from different angles and for vloggers who need to see themselves while filming.
One of the most significant changes in the R5’s design is the addition of a second memory card slot. This is a welcome improvement from the single slot in the EOS R, as it provides more storage options and increases reliability for professionals who need to have backups of their images and videos. The R5 also has a new battery, the LP-E6NH, which offers a longer battery life than its predecessor.
Performance and Features
The Canon EOS R5 boasts impressive specs that translate into excellent performance in the field. The camera has a 1053-point Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, which covers almost the entire frame and has excellent tracking capabilities. It can shoot up to 20 frames per second (fps) with the electronic shutter and 12 fps with the mechanical shutter, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.
The R5 also has a new Animal Detection AF feature that allows for accurate and reliable autofocus when photographing animals. This feature is especially useful for wildlife photographers and pet owners who want to capture sharp images of their furry friends. Additionally, the camera has Eye Detection AF for both humans and animals, ensuring crisp focus on the subject’s eyes.
The R5 also has an impressive electronic viewfinder (EVF), with 5.76 million dots for a clear and detailed display. It has a high refresh rate of 120fps, which makes it feel like you’re looking through an optical viewfinder. The EVF also has a touch-sensitive feature, allowing you to adjust settings without taking your eye off the viewfinder.
Image and Video Quality
As expected from a high-end camera, the Canon EOS R5 delivers exceptional image quality. The 45-megapixel sensor produces detailed and sharp images, and the low-light performance is impressive, even at high ISOs. The colors are vibrant and accurate, and the dynamic range is excellent, allowing for a wide range of tones in both highlights and shadows.
When it comes to video, the R5’s 8K capability is a game-changer. The footage is stunning, with incredible detail and minimal noise. The camera also offers several video modes, including 4K at up to 120fps and Full HD at up to 60fps. The IBIS system works well for video, providing stable footage even when hand-held. However, it should be noted that shooting in 8K can result in the camera overheating, which can limit recording time.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Impressive image and video quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus performance
- Dual memory card slots
- Animal Detection AF feature
- 8K video capability
- In-body image stabilization
- Weather-sealed body
Cons:
- Overheating issues when shooting in 8K
- Expensive price point
- Limited battery life compared to other mirrorless cameras
- No built-in ND filter
Comparison with Other Cameras
The Canon EOS R5 has some tough competition in the full-frame mirrorless market, particularly from Sony’s A7R IV and Nikon’s Z7. Both these cameras offer similar resolution and features to the R5, but neither has the ability to shoot 8K video. However, they do have better battery life and don’t overheat as quickly.
Another comparison worth mentioning is the Canon EOS R6, the little brother to the R5. The R6 offers many of the same features as the R5 but at a lower price point. The main differences between the two are the resolution (20.1-megapixel on the R6) and the lack of 8K video capability in the R6. So, if you don’t need the high resolution or 8K video, the R6 is a more affordable alternative to the R5.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Canon EOS R5 is an impressive camera that lives up to its hype. It offers exceptional image and video quality, fast and accurate autofocus performance, and advanced features such as 8K video recording and animal detection AF. While it may have some limitations, such as overheating when shooting in 8K and a high price point, it is still a top contender in the full-frame mirrorless market. If you’re in the market for a high-end camera with all the bells and whistles, the Canon EOS R5 is definitely worth considering.
