Sorry, Sony: Canon EOS R5 II is AMAZING! But...

Introduction

Breaking news: Canon has officially launched the EOS R5 Mark II, and it's been a crucial topic among photography enthusiasts. Despite receiving mixed reviews, I believe it stands as one of the greatest cameras ever made. However, let’s delve into a detailed, objective overview of its features and let you, the user, decide whether it's a game-changer or not.

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Canon EOS R5 Mark II: A Versatile Powerhouse

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is a full-frame mirrorless camera that aims to be the ultimate hybrid, excelling in both photography and videography. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

Image Quality and Speed

• 45 Megapixels: No improvement from the predecessor but already an excellent standard.
• 30 FPS RAW Shooting: Significantly improved from the original R5’s 20 frames per second. Silent shooting is an added bonus.
• Pre-capture Mode: Especially useful for wildlife photography and videography. It saves you valuable frames by capturing action before you press the shutter.
• Improved Readout Speed: Now with a stacked sensor, readout speed is down to 6 milliseconds from the original's 16 milliseconds. This reduces the rolling shutter effect greatly, albeit not as fast as some competitors.

Autofocus and AI Features

• Eye-Controlled AF: Inheriting features from the R3, though it still might require frequent recalibration.
• Generative AI Features: This includes noise reduction and upscaling images to 180 megapixels, though currently underwhelming and perhaps unnecessary for most workflows.
• Improved Autofocus Intelligence: Now recognizing specific sports scenarios like soccer and basketball.
• Face Priority Registration: Register up to 10 people for priority focusing, though not always practical.

Video Capabilities

• 8K at 60 FPS RAW: From the previous 30 FPS, a notable upgrade.
• 4K at 60 FPS in S RAW: Keeping high quality in a more manageable format.
• 4K at 120 FPS: Though sub-sampled, it provides great slow-motion footage.
• Pre-recording videos: Saves you time and storage by recording the action just before you hit "record".
• Heat Management: Improvements include longer recording times and optional fan-equipped vertical grips.

Miscellaneous Features

• Flash Sync Speed: \1/250th of a second.
• Electronic Viewfinder: 5.7 million dots for a sharp view.
• Body Weight: About 1.5 pounds, lighter than its competitors like the Nikon Z8 and Sony A1.

Next Steps: Hands-On Review

We’ll be testing a production copy from Adorama soon. In the meantime, if you're interested in pre-ordering and want to support independent reviews, use this link to shop at Adorama.

Comparison with Competitors

• R5 Mark II vs R5: Significant upgrades in readout speed, FPS, and video capabilities, though at a higher price point.
• R5 Mark II vs Nikon Z8: R5 offers higher FPS in RAW and better video quality with a flip screen.
• R5 Mark II vs Sony A1: Comparable in features but cheaper, though slightly behind in readout speed.

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Keywords

• Canon EOS R5 Mark II
• Full-frame mirrorless
• 45 megapixels
• 30 FPS RAW shooting
• Stacked sensor
• Improved autofocus
• Video capabilities

FAQ

1. How does the Canon EOS R5 Mark II compare to the original R5?

• The R5 Mark II offers significant enhancements in FPS, readout speed, and video recording, though at a higher price point.

2. Are the AI features in the R5 Mark II useful?

• Some AI features like noise reduction and upscaling have limited practical applications, but autofocus intelligence has improved.

3. How is the video recording capability different in the R5 Mark II?

• The R5 Mark II can shoot 8K at 60 FPS RAW, offers better 4K options, and improved heat management for longer recording times.

4. Is the eye-controlled autofocus reliable?

• The eye-controlled autofocus needs frequent recalibration and may not be practical for all users.

5. What makes the R5 Mark II stand out against competitors like the Nikon Z8 or Sony A1?

• The R5 Mark II provides high-quality video with a flip screen and better price point compared to the Sony A1, though it might be slightly behind in readout speed.

6. What about battery life and overheating?

• The R5 Mark II can extend recording times significantly when using the vertical grips with built-in fans, addressing previous overheating issues.

7. Should I purchase the vertical grip?

• The vertical grips enhance usability, add battery life, and help manage heat, making them a valuable investment for serious users.