Canon EOS R5 Mark II for Photographers: What You Need to Know
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is the latest iteration in Canon’s esteemed line of enthusiast/professional mirrorless cameras, following in the footsteps of the highly regarded EOS R5. Despite retaining the same 45-megapixel sensor resolution, the R5 Mark II boasts numerous enhancements that elevate its performance and usability.
Tracing its roots back to the iconic EOS 5D series, the R5 Mark II continues to cater to both stills and video shooters. The 5D Mark II was revolutionary for video, but the series has always been a staple for still photography, being Canon’s first full-frame digital camera outside of their professional 1-series. In this article, we’ll delve into the major upgrades and their implications for photographers.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II Store Links at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
Read more: Best Lenses for Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Fact Check
Given the EOS R5 Mark II’s extensive feature set and some inconsistencies in Canon’s spec sheets, there has been confusion regarding its specifications. We reached out to Canon US’s technical experts to clarify these misunderstandings.
First, the EOS R5 Mark II does not feature the cross-type autofocus system seen in the EOS R1. While some spec sheets incorrectly indicate it does, the R5 Mark II employs the same left/right pairs of photodiodes for vertical edge sensitivity as the original R5.
Additionally, the EOS R5 Mark II does not utilize a 14-bit readout for video capture. Similar to most cameras on the market, it drops to a 12-bit readout to expedite the process and reduce rolling shutter time, which is typically about twice as fast. This method still offers more than 12 stops of dynamic range, particularly in the 4K Fine modes where multiple pixels are combined to enhance image quality.
Moreover, the R5 Mark II lacks built-in GPS. Some spec sheets have been ambiguous about this feature, but GPS functionality is available only through a smartphone app or an external GPS accessory.
Eye Control AF
One of the standout features of the EOS R5 Mark II is the inclusion of Eye Control Autofocus, a significant improvement over the previous model. This system, initially revived in the EOS R3, has been further refined to track the photographer’s eye movements over a greater distance. It also includes a mode that detects whether the user is wearing glasses and adjusts accordingly.
Eye Control AF can be misunderstood. It does not continuously direct the focus based on eye movement; instead, it helps position an autofocus target. When you half-press the shutter button or press the AF-On button, the camera selects the subject nearest to the target and begins tracking it. This allows photographers to freely check composition or monitor other elements in the frame without disrupting focus. This feature promises to be one of the fastest and most intuitive methods for subject selection, making it a valuable addition to the R5 Mark II if it proves reliable across various scenarios.
Speed
The EOS R5 Mark II retains the same 45-megapixel sensor as the original but incorporates a new Stacked CMOS design that significantly enhances its electronic shutter speed. This design allows the sensor to read out 16 lines at a time in stills mode, reducing the readout time from 16.4ms to approximately 6.3ms. This improvement means the R5 Mark II can shoot at up to 30 frames per second, compared to 20 fps in the original, and exhibits much less rolling shutter distortion when capturing fast-moving subjects.
In addition to faster shooting speeds, the R5 Mark II introduces a pre-buffering mode. This feature begins buffering shots when the shutter button is half-pressed and saves up to half a second of images when the button is fully pressed. Unlike the R5, this implementation is more flexible, allowing the saved images to be in regular JPEG or HEIF format, with or without accompanying RAW files.
Autofocus
The autofocus system of the original EOS R5 was already highly regarded, but the R5 Mark II brings significant advancements. The Action Priority AF modes, in particular, have been enhanced to recognize key moments in sports like football, basketball, and volleyball. This allows the camera to intelligently shift focus between players, capturing critical moments with precision.
Furthermore, the R5 Mark II includes a mode that lets you teach the camera what a specific person looks like, prioritizing them in a scene. You can even set a hierarchy of recognized individuals, ensuring the camera focuses on the most important subjects.
Beyond these specialized modes, the R5 Mark II’s autofocus is generally more responsive and reliable. This improvement benefits from technology derived from the professional-grade EOS R1, although without the cross-type autofocus sensitivity. Coupled with the faster shooting rate, these advancements make the R5 Mark II a formidable tool for sports and action photography.
Handling/Layout
The handling of the EOS R5 Mark II remains familiar to users of the original model, with a few noteworthy changes. The power switch has been relocated to the top right of the camera, in front of the command dial. Meanwhile, the two-way switch on the left of the viewfinder has been repurposed to toggle between stills and video modes. These changes may primarily affect photographers using both generations of the camera simultaneously.
A more impactful update is the R5 Mark II’s brighter electronic viewfinder, which now includes the Optical Viewfinder Simulation mode from the EOS R3. This mode provides a more lifelike view by displaying a wider dynamic range, making it easier to assess the scene accurately. Additionally, the menu system has been revamped, with all customization options consolidated into an olive-colored tab for easier navigation.
Other Features
The EOS R5 Mark II introduces two AI-powered post-shot processing modes: one for denoising RAW images and another for doubling the resolution of JPEG or HEIF files. The resolution-boosting mode is particularly intriguing for a high-resolution camera, as it enhances detail without generating synthetic elements. Canon emphasizes that this mode interpolates what would exist between the captured pixels, providing a more practical alternative to multi-shot high-res modes that require a stable tripod and near-static subjects.
Our initial impressions of the neural network noise reduction are positive. The camera effectively distinguishes between areas that can be smoothed and details that should be preserved, resulting in reduced noise levels without compromising image quality.
The R5 Mark II is also among the first cameras to support the faster 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E) standard, promising quicker and more reliable wireless communication.
Image Quality
The true test of the EOS R5 Mark II’s image quality will come when we get our hands on a production model. While we can’t yet predict the impact of the new Stacked CMOS sensor, it’s worth noting that other fast Stacked CMOS sensors have shown slight increases in read noise, potentially affecting low-ISO dynamic range. However, this change is unlikely to significantly impact overall image quality.
The high-frequency flicker mode from the EOS R3 is another valuable feature, reducing banding by synchronizing the shutter speed with the flicker rate of LED lighting. This feature scans the scene to measure the flicker rate of fast-flicking LEDs and adjusts the shutter speed accordingly, minimizing banding and ensuring more consistent image quality.
Summary
The EOS R5 Mark II enters the market four years after the original R5, with substantial improvements that justify its $400 price increase to $4299. Its faster shooting speeds, enhanced readout capabilities, and advanced autofocus system make it a versatile camera, particularly suited for sports and action photography.
While the original R5 remains a capable camera, the R5 Mark II offers features that can significantly streamline the photographer’s workflow. For landscape and wedding photographers, the Eye Control AF and improved autofocus are notable upgrades. The R5 Mark II has the potential to surpass its predecessor, offering substantial advancements for a variety of photographic needs. Whether these improvements are worth the extra cost compared to the discounted original R5 is a personal decision, but the R5 Mark II stands out as a formidable and versatile tool for photographers.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II Store Links at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
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