Canon finally launches the high resolution R5 and here are my initial thoughts
Canon R5
45 Megapixel, 8K DCI Movie, 4k DCI 120 FPS
Like many other Canon Camera users I have been waiting with bated breath for the high resolution mirrorless replacement for the 5DS-R to be available. It has been close to 2 years since the launch of the uninspiring EOS R and over 4 years since the launch of the Canon 5D IV.
And finally now in 2020 in the middle of a Pandemic Canon has come out with some good news in the form of the Canon R5 and R6.
I watched the global online launch on the 9th of July and found myself beaming with pride for Canon when the specs were revealed for the R5 and R6 .
The specifications look mighty impressive at first look so let’s have a look at that.
For the R5 The headline specifications and Price at launch being
45MP full-frame CMOS sensor
Up to 8-stop In-Body Image Stabilizer X Optical Image Stabilizer
Up to 20 fps + Animal Detection AF for Photos
8K30 Raw and 4K120 10-Bit Internal Video
5.7 MPIX EVF
Sensor-Shift 5-Axis Image Stabilization
MRP INR 339,995 / USD $3,899
Canon R5
Improved 5D like Ergonomics compared to the EOS R
The R5 is a technological powerhouse. Powered by the latest DIGIC X image processor, the EOS R5 is able to swiftly process large amounts of data to handle high-speed shooting, 8K video and other outstanding achievements possible.
According to Canon it allows for ultra-fast, near-silent burst shooting capabilities of up to 20 fps. AF/AE tracking ensures that your shots are sharp and in focus.
Canon R5
Modern Mirrorless Functionality in a compact package
New for the Canon R5 is HDR PQ HEIF 10-Bit Recording which is supposed to help attain images with more colour and tone detail than conventional JPEG, without the need for post-processing.
HEIF files can be viewed on compatible displays and printed on HDR-compatible printers. They can also be converted easily to HDR-PQ-like JPEG format, either in the camera or on another device, using Digital Photo Professional.
The 8k Video shooting capability brings a bonus feature for photographers .Grab a high resolution still image of approximately 35.4MP from an 8K DCI movie recorded at 30p, which is equivalent to performing continuous shooting at 30 fps.
Canon R5
Equipped with 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz Wifi
USB 3 Data Transfer
Micro HDMI Port for external video capture
Mic and Headphone Jacks
And new for Canon is a new 5-axis In-Body Image Stabiliser in the EOS R5 that corrects image blur caused by camera shake, allowing for sharper handheld capture, even with a slower shutter speed.
This also works in tandem with the Optical Image Stabiliser in the lens, offering stability equivalent to shooting with a shutter speed up to 8 stops faster, effectively opening up more possibilities for low-light handheld shooting, super-telephoto and long exposure photography.
High-Precision EVF
A high resolution electronic viewfinder of approximately 5.76 million dots displays bright and clear images even at f/22, which comes in useful for ultra-telephoto shots.
It also has an increased display frame rate of approx 120 fps for faster response time to accommodate burst shooting.
The R5 is also equipped with a 3.2 in flip out screen which makes it easy for shooting self portraits and video recording.
Dual Card Slots
1. CF EXPRESS
2. SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual Card Slots
The EOS R5 doubles your memory capacity with dual card slots that fit one SD card* and one CFexpress (Type B) card, which is especially necessary when performing 8K recording or high-speed burst shooting.
*SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Samples of Images shot on R5 from Canon
My Thoughts
These are my initial thoughts from being a long time canon user (over 20 years) , having used all versions of the 5D from the original to the 5D IV and having watched the launch event, watched and read several YouTube Videos and blogs from those who have used the pre production camera are as follows.
With the launch of the Canon R5 Canon is now broadly technologically on Par with the likes of Sony, Leica, Panasonic and Nikon. All of the tech and features listed above means that Canon users are no longer left short changed in the features department.
With respect to video the 8K DCI 30 FPS and 4K 120 FPS allows hybrid shooters to access high end tech in a compact body.But what remains to be seen is how well the R5 is going to be able to handle the overheating issues form the 8K and 4K operation and whether filmmakers will be able to take advantage of the tech in meaningful ways. I am going to hold my opinion on this till I see the results of further tests by filmmakers.
Canon has been very silent regarding the Dynamic Range and overall image quality of the files files from the R5. As a photographer who primarily shoots Travel, Landscape and Fine Art Images this is an area of utmost importance for me. I hope to get my hands on a demo camera and do some real world testing and then make up my mind about the camera.
To summarise I feel Canon is finally moving in the direction required by users. I hope this camera really is what it promises to be.
