As a professional camera retailer, and Canon specialist for over 30 years, the launch of Canon’s EOS R1 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II feels like a significant moment in the world of photography and videography. These new models build on Canon’s robust heritage, bringing cutting-edge technology to both enthusiasts and professionals.
Here's our take on the latest features, a few of your frequently answered questions answered, and a summary of the pros and con's, so you can make an informed decision on whether it's time to invest in an upgrade.
Canon EOS R1: A New Flagship
The EOS R1 is Canon’s new flagship full-frame mirrorless camera. It’s designed to meet the rigorous demands of professionals in sports, news reporting, and hybrid video/stills production. Key features include a 24.2-megapixel back-illuminated stacked sensor and dual DIGIC processors delivering fast readout speeds and minimising rolling shutter distortions. The R1’s shooting speeds reach up to 40 frames per second (fps), and advanced dual pixel, eye control AF with Action Priority Mode make it ideal for capturing fast-paced action in sports and wildlife photography.
Canon EOS R1 FAQ
1. What type of sensor does the Canon R1 have?
The EOS R1 features a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor that uses a back-illuminated, stacked design to deliver superb sensitivity, brilliant resolution and incredible speed.
2. Does the Canon R1 support 8K video recording?
No, the maximum video resolution on the Canon R1 is 6K 60p. For 8K video recording, we'd recommend the EOS R5 Mark II, however the R1 is an amazing option for shooting stills and video simultaneously.
3. What is Eye Control AF?
Eye Control AF is a technology that allows photographers to select the autofocus point simply by looking at it through the viewfinder. The camera tracks the movement of the photographer's eye and focuses on the subject they are looking at, providing a faster and more intuitive way to achieve accurate focus.
4. What lens mount does the Canon R1 use?
The Canon R1 uses the RF mount, which is compatible with Canon's range of RF lenses and RF lens adapters.
5. What is the battery life of the Canon R1?
The Canon EOS R1 uses the same LP-E19 battery as the Canon EOS R3. On the R1, this battery delivers a CIPA-rated 700 shots per charge, up from 440 shots on the R3, an increase of nearly 60%. This improvement makes the R1 well-suited for extended shooting sessions.
6. Is the Canon R1 weather-sealed?
Yes, The Canon R1 is designed for reliability in harsh. Constructed with a lightweight yet sturdy magnesium alloy exterior, it provides exceptional dust and water resistance on par with the Canon EOS 1DX series.
7. What connectivity options does the Canon R1 offer?
The Canon R1 includes a range of connectivity options, such as lighting fast Wi-Fi6E, Bluetooth version 5.3, USB-C, HDMI type A and an RJ-45 Ethernet terminal for 2.5 GBASE-T wired LAN, for fast data transfer.
8. Does the Canon R1 have a dual card slot?
Yes, the Canon R1 features dual CFexpress type B slots. Maximum capacity 2TB each.
9. What does the Action Priority focus mode do?
The Action Priority focus mode uses deep-learning to identify and track fast-moving subjects accurately. This ensures precise focus, by predicting subject movements based on their actions. This mode is ideal for capturing sharp images in dynamic situations like sports and wildlife photography.
10. What is the stock availability date of the Canon R1?
The Canon R1 is expected to start shipping to customers in November 2024. Pre-orders can be placed today to secure a spot in the queue.
Canon R1 Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- High-Speed Performance: With up to 40fps still-image shooting and Action Priority focus, the R1 is perfect for sports and wildlife photographers who need to capture split-second moments.
- Advanced Autofocus (AF): The “Cross-type AF” sensor offers precise focus, even on subjects with linear detail, crucial for photojournalists and action photographers.
- Hybrid Video/Still Capabilities: The R1 supports up to 6K RAW video, providing videographers with exceptional quality and flexibility. With the EOS R1’s Dual Shooting function, a press of the shutter-release button while shooting Full HD video captures 17MP JPG stills at up to 10fps without interrupting video capture.
Cons:
- Price: As a flagship model, the R1’s advanced features come at a premium, making it a considerable investment.
- Complexity: The extensive features and controls can be overwhelming for beginners’ photographers, so we’d recommend this only to professionals seeking out the very best. At TFC we’re always keen to assist photographers on their journey, so if you do order an R1 from us, and need some help getting the best out of it, we’re only a phone call away.
- Size and Weight: The R1 is larger and heavier than most mirrorless cameras, making it less convenient for travel or casual shooting.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II: Mastering the Moment
The EOS R5 Mark II continues Canon’s tradition of excellence, offering a 45-megapixel sensor and improved video features, making it a versatile tool for a range of photo and video applications. Notable enhancements include neural network upscaling, in camera noise reduction, an enhanced AF system included new eye control AF, extended battery life, and 8k 60p video recording.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II FAQ
1. How does the Canon EOS R5 Mark II compare to its predecessor, the R5?
The EOS R5 Mark II builds on the R5 with improvements in autofocus performance thanks to a new stacked sensor and intelligent new autofocus modes. The R5 II also features enhanced 8k 60p video recording capabilities, and improved 30fps shooting speed.
2. What types of photography is the EOS R5 Mark II best suited for?
The EOS R5 Mark II is versatile and suited for a range of photography and videography styles including portrait, landscape, wildlife, and sports.
3. What is the maximum video resolution and frame rate the EOS R5 Mark II can record?
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II can record video in 8K resolution at up to 60 fps, 4K at up to 120 fps, and Full HD at up to 240 fps, providing flexibility for high-quality video production.
4. Does the EOS R5 Mark II have in-body image stabilisation?
Yes, the EOS R5 Mark II features in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), which helps reduce camera shake and allows for sharper images at slower shutter speeds, especially beneficial for handheld shooting.
5. What are the advantages of the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system in the EOS R5 Mark II?
The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system offers fast and accurate autofocus with 1,053 selectable AF points. It provides excellent performance in both stills and video, with improved tracking and subject recognition capabilities.
6. What types of memory cards does the EOS R5 Mark II support?
The EOS R5 Mark II has dual card slots: one for CFexpress Type B cards and one for SD UHS-II cards. This allows for flexible storage options and simultaneous backup recording.
7. Is the Canon EOS R5 Mark II weather-sealed?
Yes, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is weather-sealed, which provides protection against dust and moisture, making it suitable for use in challenging environmental conditions.
8. What is neural network upscaling?
Neural network upscaling enlarges images in camera without quality loss, increasing the EOS R5 Mark II's 45MP shots to 180MP. It improves clarity, avoids ghosting, and should perform better than third-party software due to its fine-tuning for the camera and lens used.
9.What does the R5 Mark II’s in-camera noise reduction feature do?
The R5 Mark IIs in-camera noise reduction, developed using deep learning, processes RAW images to reduce noise and maintain resolution. When paired with neural network upscaling, this allows users to achieve high-quality extreme crops by upscaling and cropping JPEGs without needing third party software.
10. What is the stock availability date of the Canon R5 Mark II?
The Canon R1 is expected to start shipping to customers from 20th August 2024.
Canon R5 Mark II Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- High-Resolution Sensor: The 45-megapixel sensor is ideal for landscape and studio photographers who require detailed and high-resolution images.
- Enhanced Video Functions: With up to 8K 60p video recording and professional-grade features such as Canon Log 2, waveform monitor, false colour, and zebra display, the R5 Mark II is a powerful tool for videographers.
- Advanced AF System: Eye Control AF and subject tracking make it easier to capture sharp images of moving subjects. Price: The R5 Mark II is significantly cheaper than the R1 while maintaining most of the tech and features with the higher resolution sensor.
Cons:
- Overheating: While improved, the R5 Mark II still faces some challenges with overheating during prolonged 8K recording. This can be mitigated with the CF-R20EP Cooling Fan Battery Grip (sold separately), which will enable more than 120 minutes of movie recording at 8K 30p.
- Large File Sizes: The high resolution and 8K video recording result in large file sizes, which can demand more storage space and processing power.
- Expensive Accessories: The cost of accessories such as CFexpress cards, RF lenses, extra LP-E6P batteries and compatible battery grips to extend battery life and cooling capabilities, can add significantly to the overall investment.
Final Thoughts
Both the Canon EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II push the boundaries of what’s possible in mirrorless camera technology. The R1 stands out for its high-speed performance and advanced autofocus, making it a top choice for sports and wildlife photographers. Meanwhile, the R5 Mark II’s high-resolution sensor and enhanced video capabilities cater to a wide range of professional photographers and videographers.
While these models bring significant improvements, they also come with higher price tags and complexity, which might be overkill for casual photographers. However, for professionals who demand the best in performance and image quality, the EOS R1 and R5 Mark II represent significant steps forward in Canon’s mirrorless lineup.
For more information, or to place an order, call us on 02078375649 or drop us an email sales@theflashcentre.com
