A high-resolution mirrorless powerhouse
Canon’s initial foray into the mirrorless market wasn’t the most thrilling moment for long-time Canon users. However, the release of the Canon EOS R5 in 2020 marked a significant turning point. The R5, in particular, captured the attention of photographers worldwide, thanks to its impressive high resolution and a fast frame rate of up to 20 FPS.
While much of the discussion around the R5 focused on its advanced video capabilities, my perspective as a stills-only photographer offers a different angle on this camera’s merits. Having been a Canon shooter throughout my photographic career, with several 5-series DSLRs under my belt, I found myself naturally comparing the R5 to its DSLR predecessors.
From a stills photographer’s viewpoint, the Canon EOS R5 stands out for its exceptional image quality. The 45-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers stunning detail, rivaling the best of Canon’s DSLR lineup. This level of resolution offers immense flexibility, allowing for significant cropping without losing image integrity—something that is particularly valuable for portrait and landscape photographers.
The camera’s speed is another highlight. The ability to shoot at 20 frames per second with the electronic shutter is a game-changer for capturing fast action, whether it’s wildlife, sports, or fleeting moments in a portrait session. This speed, combined with the advanced autofocus system, ensures that you rarely miss a shot, and when compared to the 5-series DSLRs, the R5 feels like a significant leap forward in terms of responsiveness and accuracy.
Ergonomically, the R5 retains the solid build quality and comfortable handling that Canon users have come to expect. The body is robust, with weather-sealing that makes it suitable for shooting in a variety of conditions. The controls are intuitive, though there is a learning curve when transitioning from a DSLR, particularly with the electronic viewfinder and new button layouts.
While my focus is primarily on still photography, it’s worth noting that the R5’s dual card slots (CFexpress and SD) provide flexibility and security, especially during demanding shoots where you can’t afford to lose a shot. This is a feature that many 5-series DSLR users will appreciate, as it maintains a level of redundancy that’s critical in professional workflows.
In conclusion, while the Canon EOS R5 was widely celebrated for its video capabilities, from a still photographer’s perspective, it represents a significant evolution in Canon’s mirrorless technology. It combines the best aspects of the DSLR experience with the advancements of mirrorless design, making it a worthy successor to the 5-series for those looking to transition into the mirrorless world without compromising on performance or image quality.
Canon EOS R5 Specifications
Price (MSRP): $2999
Sensor: 45 MP CMOS Sensor, 4.4µm pixel size
Sensor Size: 36 x 24mm
Resolution: 8192 x 5464
Native ISO Sensitivity: 100- 51,200
In-Body Image Stabilization: Yes, 5-Axis
Image Processor: DIGIC X
Body Build: Polycarbonate Resin, Magnesium Alloy Internal Structure
Shutter: 1/8000 to 30 seconds
Shutter Durability: 500,000 actuations
Storage: 1x CFexpress, 1x SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II)
Viewfinder: 5.76 Million Dot OLED EVF
Viewfinder Coverage: 100%
Viewfinder Magnification: 0.76x
Speed: 12 FPS (Mechanical Shutter), 20 FPS (Electronic Shutter)
Built-in Flash: No
Autofocus System: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, 1053 Selectable Focus Points Areas
AF Sensitivity Range: -6 to 20 EV
LCD Screen: Touch-enabled 3.2″ Fully Articulating LCD with 2.1 Million Dots
Maximum Movie Resolution: 8K DCI @ 30 FPS
4K Video Crop: 1.0x
HDMI Output: 10-bit 4:2:2
GPS: No
WiFi: Yes, 802.11b/g/n / 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth: Yes, 4.2
Battery Type: Canon LP-E6NH/LP-E6N/LP-E6
Battery Life: 320 shots (CIPA)
USB Standard: Type-C 3.1 Gen 2
Weather Sealing: Yes
Weight: 650g (Body Only)
Size: 138.5 x 97.5 x 88mm
Here’s a comparison table of the Canon EOS R, EOS R5, and EOS R6:
| Feature | Canon EOS R | Canon EOS R5 | Canon EOS R6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 30.3 MP Full-Frame CMOS | 45 MP Full-Frame CMOS | 20.1 MP Full-Frame CMOS |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 8 | DIGIC X | DIGIC X |
| Autofocus System | Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 5,655 points | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 1,053 points | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 1,053 points |
| ISO Range | 100-40,000 (expandable to 50-102,400) | 100-51,200 (expandable to 50-102,400) | 100-102,400 (expandable to 50-204,800) |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 8 fps | Up to 20 fps (electronic shutter) | Up to 20 fps (electronic shutter) |
| Video Recording | 4K UHD at 30p | 8K DCI at 30p, 4K at 120p | 4K UHD at 60p |
| In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) | No | Yes (Up to 8 stops) | Yes (Up to 8 stops) |
| Viewfinder | 3.69M-dot OLED EVF | 5.76M-dot OLED EVF | 3.69M-dot OLED EVF |
| LCD Screen | 3.15-inch, 2.1M-dot vari-angle touchscreen | 3.2-inch, 2.1M-dot vari-angle touchscreen | 3-inch, 1.62M-dot vari-angle touchscreen |
| Card Slots | Single SD UHS-II | Dual (1x CFexpress, 1x SD UHS-II) | Dual SD UHS-II |
| Battery Life | Approx. 370 shots (CIPA) | Approx. 320 shots (CIPA) | Approx. 380 shots (CIPA) |
| Build and Weather Sealing | Magnesium alloy, weather-sealed | Magnesium alloy, weather-sealed | Magnesium alloy, weather-sealed |
| Weight | Approx. 660g (body only) | Approx. 738g (body only) | Approx. 680g (body only) |
| Price Range | $1,800 – $2,500 (body only) | $3,800 – $4,000 (body only) | $2,300 – $2,500 (body only) |
Summary
- Canon EOS R: A solid entry into the mirrorless market with a good balance of features, especially suitable for those upgrading from DSLRs.
- Canon EOS R5: A flagship model packed with high resolution, advanced autofocus, and cutting-edge video capabilities, making it ideal for professionals who require top-tier performance.
- Canon EOS R6: Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the R5, offering excellent speed, autofocus, and image stabilization, but with a lower resolution sensor, making it suitable for fast-paced photography like sports and events.
Pros:
- Outstanding 45MP full-frame sensor for incredible image quality
- 8K RAW video recording capability
- Fast and reliable Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system
- High-speed continuous shooting up to 20fps
- Durable, weather-sealed body
- Dual card slots (CFexpress and SD UHS-II)
Cons:
- High price point may be prohibitive for some users
- Overheating issues during extended 8K video recording sessions
- CFexpress cards are expensive
Final Verdict
The Canon EOS R5 is a groundbreaking camera that offers incredible value for professionals. Its blend of high-resolution stills, groundbreaking video capabilities, and advanced autofocus make it a versatile tool for any creative project. While it comes at a premium price, the performance and features it offers are well worth the investment for those who need the best in both photography and videography.
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