Canon EOS R5 Review

So, you’re eyeing the Canon EOS R5 and wondering if it’s the right camera for you? You’re in the right place. Let’s delve deep into this powerhouse of a camera to see what it offers and whether it lives up to the hype. The Canon EOS R5 is Canon’s flagship mirrorless camera, boasting impressive specs like a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, 8K video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It’s designed to cater to professional photographers and videographers who demand top-tier performance and versatility.

From the get-go, the EOS R5 has generated a lot of buzz in the photography community. It’s not just another camera release; it’s a significant step forward in Canon’s mirrorless journey. But with great power comes great scrutiny. There are questions about its overheating issues during video recording, battery life, and whether its high price tag is justified.

We’ll explore every nook and cranny of the EOS R5. We’ll discuss its design, build quality, image and video capabilities, and how it stacks up against its competitors. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur looking to upgrade, this review aims to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started on this deep dive into the Canon EOS R5.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Unboxing a new camera is always an exciting experience, and the Canon EOS R5 doesn’t disappoint. The packaging is sleek and professional, setting the tone for what’s inside. As you open the box, you’re greeted with the standard set of documentation—warranty cards, a quick start guide, and a more detailed manual. While it’s tempting to toss these aside, it’s worth keeping them handy for reference.

The box contains the EOS R5 body, a Canon LP-E6NH battery, a battery charger (LC-E6), a neck strap emblazoned with the EOS R5 logo, and a USB-C cable. There’s also a protective cover for the camera’s hot shoe and body cap. If you’ve purchased a kit that includes a lens, it will be nestled securely in the packaging as well.

Picking up the EOS R5 for the first time, the build quality is immediately apparent. The magnesium alloy body feels robust yet not overly heavy. Weighing in at around 738 grams with battery and memory card, it strikes a balance between heft and portability. The grip is substantial, allowing for a comfortable hold even during extended shooting sessions.

The button layout is familiar yet refined. Canon has listened to user feedback from previous models, resulting in a more intuitive interface. The multi-function bar from the EOS R has been replaced with a more traditional joystick, much to the delight of many photographers. The vari-angle touchscreen is bright and responsive, making it simple to navigate menus and review images.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the large electronic viewfinder (EVF). With a 5.76-million-dot resolution and a 120fps refresh rate, it provides a crisp and fluid viewing experience. It’s almost simple to forget you’re looking through an EVF and not an optical viewfinder.

Overall, the initial impression is that the EOS R5 is a well-thought-out piece of equipment designed with the professional user in mind. It feels like a tool built to perform under various conditions, and it’s eager to prove itself.

Design and Build Quality

Ergonomics

When it comes to ergonomics, Canon has a long-standing reputation for designing cameras that feel natural in hand, and the EOS R5 is no exception. The grip is deep and contoured, providing a secure hold that minimizes hand fatigue. The camera’s weight distribution is balanced, even when using heavier lenses, which is crucial for stability during handheld shooting.

The placement of buttons and dials is intuitive. The main mode dial is positioned on the top left, allowing quick access to shooting modes. The top right houses the LCD panel, which displays essential settings at a glance. The shutter button is responsive with a satisfying tactile feel, and it’s positioned for easy reach without straining your fingers.

The inclusion of a joystick for selecting focus points is a significant improvement over previous models. It falls naturally under the thumb and is responsive, making it easy to adjust focus without taking your eye off the viewfinder. The touchscreen interface complements the physical controls, offering another layer of convenience, especially when reviewing images or navigating menus.

Button Layout

Canon has struck a fine balance between providing ample control options without cluttering the camera body. The buttons are well-labeled and customizable, allowing you to tailor the camera to your shooting style. For instance, you can assign frequently used functions like ISO adjustment, white balance, or autofocus modes to specific buttons for quick access.

The rear of the camera features the traditional Canon layout, with the “Q” button for quick settings, playback controls, and a dedicated AF-ON button for back-button focusing enthusiasts. The menu system is comprehensive yet logically organized, so you won’t find yourself digging through endless submenus to find what you need.

One thoughtful addition is the lock switch, which prevents accidental changes to settings—a small but significant feature when you’re in the middle of a critical shoot. Overall, the button layout is designed to enhance efficiency, ensuring that every control is within easy reach.

Weather Sealing

For photographers who often find themselves shooting in challenging environments, the EOS R5’s weather sealing is a noteworthy feature. The camera is designed to withstand dust and moisture, thanks to sealing materials placed at critical points like buttons, dials, and seams. While it’s not entirely waterproof, it can handle a fair amount of adverse weather conditions.

I took the EOS R5 out during a light rain shower and had no issues. The camera continued to perform flawlessly, and there was no fogging in the viewfinder or LCD screen. Of course, it’s always advisable to exercise caution and use additional protective gear when shooting in extreme conditions, but the added durability is reassuring.

The build quality exudes confidence. The magnesium alloy chassis not only contributes to the camera’s sturdiness but also aids in heat dissipation—a crucial factor given the camera’s high-performance capabilities. The attention to detail in the design and construction indicates that Canon expects this camera to be a workhorse in any professional’s kit.

Sensor and Image Quality

45-Megapixel Full-Frame Sensor

At the heart of the EOS R5 lies a 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, a significant leap in resolution compared to previous Canon models. This sensor is capable of capturing incredibly detailed images, making it ideal for landscape photography, studio work, and any situation where high-resolution output is essential.

The increased pixel count provides more flexibility in post-processing. You can crop images without significant loss of quality, which is particularly useful when you can’t get as close to your subject as you’d like. The sensor’s design also incorporates a low-pass filter to reduce moiré patterns, ensuring that fine details are rendered accurately.

Dynamic Range Performance

Dynamic range is a critical factor for many photographers, and the EOS R5 performs admirably in this area. The camera captures a wide tonal range, preserving details in both shadows and highlights. This capability is particularly beneficial in high-contrast scenes, such as sunrise or sunset landscapes, where you want to retain detail across the entire image.

In practical use, I found that I could recover substantial detail from underexposed and overexposed areas during post-processing. This flexibility allows for greater creative freedom, enabling you to push the boundaries of your images without compromising quality.

Low-Light Capabilities

Low-light performance is another strong suit of the EOS R5. With a native ISO range of 100 to 51,200 (expandable to 102,400), the camera handles low-light scenarios with ease. Noise levels are well-controlled up to ISO 12,800, making it feasible to shoot in dimly lit environments without resorting to external lighting.

In my tests, images shot at higher ISOs retained a good level of detail with minimal color noise. The camera’s noise reduction algorithms are effective without being overly aggressive, preserving the natural look of the image. Combined with the camera’s in-body image stabilization, shooting handheld in low light becomes a more viable option.

The EOS R5 also features a “High ISO Speed Noise Reduction” setting, which can be adjusted to suit your preferences. While some photographers prefer to handle noise reduction during post-processing, having this option in-camera is convenient for quick turnaround times.

Autofocus System

Dual Pixel CMOS AF II

The autofocus system on the EOS R5 is nothing short of remarkable. Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology offers 100% coverage across the frame with 1,053 autofocus zones. This means you can focus on subjects located anywhere in the frame without recomposing, which is a significant advantage in fast-paced shooting environments.

The autofocus is lightning-fast and accurate, even in challenging lighting conditions. In practice, the camera locks onto subjects almost instantaneously, reducing missed shots due to focus hunting. The system also performs well when tracking moving subjects, maintaining focus with impressive reliability.

Eye and Face Detection

One of the standout features is the advanced eye and face detection autofocus. The EOS R5 can recognize and track human eyes, faces, and even heads when the face is turned away. This feature is incredibly useful for portrait photographers and anyone shooting events or street photography.

In addition to human subjects, the camera also offers animal detection for dogs, cats, and birds. This makes wildlife photography more accessible, as the camera can lock onto an animal’s eye and maintain focus as it moves. During my tests, the eye detection worked flawlessly, even when the subject was partially obscured or in motion.

AF Performance in Various Conditions

The autofocus system excels across a range of shooting conditions. In low-light scenarios, the EOS R5 maintains accurate focus down to -6 EV, which is roughly equivalent to shooting under moonlight. This capability opens up creative possibilities for night photography and indoor events.

When dealing with fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife, the camera’s continuous autofocus mode shines. The tracking is smooth and reliable, allowing you to capture sharp images even when the subject is erratic or moving rapidly. The customizable autofocus settings let you fine-tune the responsiveness and tracking sensitivity to match the shooting situation.

The touch-and-drag AF feature, which allows you to select focus points using the touchscreen while looking through the viewfinder, adds another layer of convenience. This is particularly helpful when you need to quickly shift focus without adjusting your grip or gaze.

Video Capabilities

8K RAW Video Recording

Perhaps one of the most talked-about features of the EOS R5 is its ability to shoot 8K RAW video internally. This feature is groundbreaking, offering videographers an unprecedented level of detail and flexibility in post-production. With 8K resolution, you can crop and reframe shots without losing quality, making it a valuable asset for professional video work.

Shooting in 8K RAW provides 12-bit color depth, capturing a vast amount of information that can be manipulated extensively during editing. The footage is rich in detail, with excellent dynamic range and color accuracy. However, it’s important to note that 8K RAW files are enormous, and you’ll need high-capacity, high-speed CFexpress cards to handle the data.

4K Slow-Motion Options

If slow-motion footage is part of your creative arsenal, the EOS R5 has you covered. The camera can record 4K video at up to 120 frames per second (fps), allowing for ultra-smooth slow-motion playback. This feature is ideal for capturing dramatic action sequences, nature footage, or any scenario where you want to emphasize motion.

The quality of the 4K 120fps footage is impressive, with minimal rolling shutter effect and excellent detail retention. Additionally, you have the option to record in various codecs, including Canon Log and HDR PQ, providing greater flexibility in color grading and dynamic range.

Overheating Concerns

While the video capabilities are impressive, they come with a caveat—overheating issues during prolonged high-resolution recording. The EOS R5 can overheat when recording 8K or 4K high-frame-rate video for extended periods. Canon has implemented a thermal management system, but there are limitations.

In practical terms, you can expect about 20 minutes of continuous 8K recording before the camera needs to cool down. The cooldown period can vary but may take up to 10-20 minutes. This limitation is significant for professionals who require long, uninterrupted recording sessions.

To mitigate this, you can use an external recorder via the HDMI output, which reduces the internal processing load. Additionally, planning your shoots to include breaks or opting for lower-resolution recording modes can help manage the overheating issue. It’s not an ideal solution, but it’s workable depending on your shooting requirements.

In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)

5-Axis Stabilization Effectiveness

The EOS R5 features a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system that provides up to 8 stops of correction when paired with compatible lenses. This is a game-changer for handheld shooting, significantly reducing motion blur caused by camera shake. Whether you’re shooting stills or video, the stabilization allows for sharper images at slower shutter speeds.

In my experience, I was able to capture sharp images at shutter speeds as low as 1/4 of a second handheld. This opens up new possibilities for low-light photography and creative effects like intentional motion blur while keeping the main subject sharp.

Compatibility with Lens IS

When used with Canon RF lenses that have built-in Image Stabilization (IS), the camera’s IBIS works in tandem with the lens IS for even greater stabilization. This coordinated system optimizes correction based on the focal length and shooting conditions. The result is smoother video footage and sharper still images, especially when using telephoto lenses where camera shake is more pronounced.

Even when using older EF lenses via an adapter, the IBIS still provides stabilization benefits. This ensures that you can advantage of the feature regardless of your lens lineup, making the EOS R5 a versatile tool in any photographer’s kit.

For videographers, the combination of IBIS and lens IS helps in achieving steady shots without the need for external gimbals or stabilizers, especially during run-and-gun shooting scenarios. The digital IS feature can further enhance stabilization, although it introduces a slight crop to the image.

Electronic Viewfinder and LCD Screen

EVF Resolution and Refresh Rate

The electronic viewfinder on the EOS R5 is one of the best in its class. With a 5.76-million-dot OLED display and a refresh rate of up to 120fps, it provides a clear and smooth viewing experience. The high resolution ensures that you can see fine details, making it easier to confirm focus and composition.

The color reproduction is accurate, and the brightness can be adjusted to suit different lighting conditions. There’s minimal lag, and the blackout time between shots is negligible, which is crucial for tracking moving subjects. The EVF also displays real-time exposure and color settings, so what you see is what you get in your final image.

Articulating Touchscreen Functionality

The 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD is another highlight. It offers a resolution of 2.1 million dots, providing a sharp and vibrant display. The screen articulates fully, allowing for flexible shooting angles, including high, low, and front-facing positions—a boon for vloggers and content creators.

The touchscreen functionality is responsive and intuitive. You can navigate menus, pinch to zoom during image playback, and select focus points with a simple touch. The touch-and-drag AF feature is particularly useful when composing shots through the EVF but wanting to change the focus point quickly.

The screen’s durability is also commendable. It feels solid and has a resistant coating to reduce smudges and fingerprints. In bright outdoor conditions, the screen remains visible, and you can adjust the brightness and color tone to improve visibility if needed.

Connectivity and Ports

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Features

Staying connected is essential in today’s workflow, and the EOS R5 offers robust wireless connectivity options. Built-in Wi-Fi (both 2.4GHz and 5GHz) allows for fast image transfer and remote camera control via Canon’s Camera Connect app. You can transfer images and videos to your smartphone or tablet for quick sharing on social media or backup.

Bluetooth connectivity provides a constant low-energy connection to your device, enabling features like geotagging and remote wake-up. The initial pairing process is straightforward, and the connection remains stable over extended periods.

For professionals, the EOS R5 supports FTP transfer over Wi-Fi, allowing for direct upload of images to a server—a valuable feature for event photographers who need to deliver images quickly.

USB-C and HDMI Outputs

The camera is equipped with a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port, enabling fast data transfer speeds when connected to a computer. This port also supports in-camera charging and power delivery, allowing you to extend shooting times with an external power source—a handy feature for long sessions.

The full-size HDMI port outputs a clean 4K signal, suitable for external recording or monitoring. This is beneficial for videographers who require higher bit rates or different codecs than what’s available internally. The HDMI output can also display camera settings, which can be toggled off if you prefer a clean feed.

Memory Card Slots

The EOS R5 features dual memory card slots—one CFexpress Type B and one SD UHS-II. The CFexpress slot is necessary to handle the high data rates of 8K video and high-speed continuous shooting. The SD slot provides versatility and convenience, as SD cards are more affordable and widely available.

You can configure the card slots to suit your workflow. Options include recording the same data to both cards simultaneously for instant backup, separating RAW and JPEG files, or assigning photos to one card and videos to another. This flexibility enhances efficiency and data management during shoots.

Battery Life and Performance

Real-World Usage Stats

Battery life is often a concern with mirrorless cameras due to the constant power draw of electronic viewfinders and advanced features. The EOS R5 uses the LP-E6NH battery, which offers a modest improvement over its predecessor. Canon rates the battery life at approximately 320 shots per charge using the EVF and about 490 shots using the LCD screen.

In real-world usage, these numbers can vary based on settings and shooting habits. During a typical day of mixed shooting—combining stills, video, and image review—I found that I could get around 300 to 350 shots before needing to swap batteries. Using power-saving modes and limiting image playback can extend battery life somewhat.

For extended shoots or professional work, carrying spare batteries is advisable. The camera also provides detailed battery status information, including charge levels and the number of shots taken since the last charge, helping you manage power consumption effectively.

Charging Options

One of the convenient features of the EOS R5 is its support for in-camera charging via the USB-C port. You can charge the battery using a compatible USB-C power source, such as a power bank or wall adapter. This is particularly useful when traveling or when access to traditional charging methods is limited.

The camera can also operate while being powered via USB-C, which can be a lifesaver during long video shoots or time-lapse photography sessions. However, it’s important to use a power source that supports USB Power Delivery (PD) to ensure sufficient power supply.

The included LC-E6 charger provides a traditional charging method, and it takes approximately two hours to fully charge a depleted battery. For those who require even more extended shooting times, Canon offers a battery grip (BG-R10) that holds two batteries and provides additional controls for vertical shooting.

Lens Compatibility and Ecosystem

RF Lens Lineup

The Canon RF mount is relatively new but has been rapidly expanding. Canon has been proactive in developing high-quality RF lenses that take full advantage of the mirrorless system’s capabilities. The RF lenses are known for their sharpness, fast apertures, and innovative designs.

Notable lenses include the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM, RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, and the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM. These lenses offer excellent image quality and build, matching the professional aspirations of the EOS R5. The RF mount also allows for unique lens designs, such as the compact RF 70-200mm, which is significantly smaller than its EF counterpart.

The Control Ring feature on RF lenses adds a customizable ring that can be assigned to adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, or exposure compensation, enhancing shooting efficiency.

Adapters for EF Lenses

For photographers with an existing collection of Canon EF lenses, the transition to the EOS R5 is seamless thanks to Canon’s EF-EOS R mount adapters. There are several adapter options, including a basic model and versions with added features like a control ring or drop-in filter capability.

The adapters maintain full functionality of EF lenses, including autofocus, image stabilization, and metadata transmission. In many cases, EF lenses perform even better on the EOS R5 due to the advanced autofocus system and in-body image stabilization.

This compatibility ensures that you can continue to use your existing lenses while gradually investing in RF glass. It’s a cost-effective way to access the latest camera technology without rendering your current equipment obsolete.

Pros of the Canon EOS R5

• High Resolution: The 45-megapixel sensor delivers exceptional image quality with fine detail and dynamic range, making it suitable for large prints and extensive cropping.
• Advanced Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II provides fast, accurate, and comprehensive autofocus coverage, with excellent eye, face, and animal detection capabilities.
• Video Prowess: The ability to shoot 8K RAW and 4K at 120fps opens up new creative possibilities for videographers, offering high-resolution and slow-motion options.
• IBIS: The 5-axis in-body image stabilization enhances both still photography and videography by reducing camera shake, allowing for sharper images at slower shutter speeds.
• Build Quality: The robust magnesium alloy construction with effective weather sealing ensures durability and reliability in various shooting conditions.
• Connectivity: Comprehensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, and HDMI, facilitate efficient workflows and remote operation.
• User Interface: Intuitive controls, customizable buttons, and a responsive touchscreen make the camera user-friendly and adaptable to different shooting styles.

Cons of the Canon EOS R5

• Overheating Issues: The camera can overheat during prolonged high-resolution video recording, limiting its use for extended shoots in 8K or 4K 120fps modes.
• Battery Life: The battery performance is average, necessitating the need for additional batteries or external power solutions for extended shooting sessions.
• Price Point: The EOS R5 is a significant investment, with a price that may be prohibitive for hobbyists or those not requiring its full feature set.
• Memory Card Requirements: The need for expensive CFexpress cards to utilize the camera’s full capabilities adds to the overall cost of ownership.
• File Sizes: High-resolution images and 8K video files consume substantial storage space, requiring additional investment in storage solutions and powerful computing hardware for editing.
• Limited Lens Selection: While the RF lens lineup is growing, it still lags behind the extensive options available for Canon’s EF mount or competing systems like Sony’s E-mount.

Comparisons with Competitors

When comparing the Canon EOS R5 to its main competitors—the Sony A7R IV and Nikon Z7 II—it becomes evident that each camera has its strengths and weaknesses.

Sony A7R IV:

• Resolution: The A7R IV boasts a 61-megapixel sensor, offering higher resolution than the EOS R5.
• Lens Ecosystem: Sony’s E-mount has a more extensive native lens lineup, providing more options across various price points.
• Battery Life: Generally better battery performance compared to the EOS R5.
• Autofocus: Excellent autofocus system but lacks some of the advanced animal detection features of the EOS R5.
• Video Capabilities: Limited to 4K video, without the 8K or high-frame-rate options of the EOS R5.

Nikon Z7 II:

• Image Quality: The Z7 II offers excellent image quality with a 45.7-megapixel sensor, closely matching the EOS R5.
• Dual Card Slots: Features dual card slots, both supporting SD UHS-II cards, which are more affordable.
• Autofocus: Improved over its predecessor but still trails behind the EOS R5 in terms of eye and animal detection.
• Video Features: Capable of 4K video but lacks the 8K and 4K 120fps options.
• Lens Selection: Nikon’s Z-mount lens lineup is growing but remains limited compared to Canon and Sony.

Canon EOS R5:

• Autofocus: Arguably the most advanced autofocus system among the three, with superior subject detection and tracking.
• Video Capabilities: The only camera offering internal 8K RAW recording and 4K at 120fps.
• IBIS: Comparable in-body image stabilization performance.
• Overheating: The overheating issue during video recording is a significant drawback.
• Price: Positioned at a premium price point, potentially limiting its accessibility.

Canon EOS R5 stands out for its advanced autofocus and video capabilities, making it a versatile tool for hybrid shooters who require top-tier performance in both stills and video. However, if your primary focus is high-resolution photography without the need for advanced video features, the Sony A7R IV might be more appealing. The Nikon Z7 II offers a balanced feature set at a slightly lower price point but doesn’t excel in any particular area over the EOS R5.

Conclusion

After an in-depth exploration of the Canon EOS R5, it’s clear that this camera is a formidable tool packed with cutting-edge technology. It excels in delivering high-resolution images with exceptional detail and dynamic range, making it a top choice for professional photographers who demand the best in image quality.

The advanced autofocus system sets a new standard, providing reliable and intelligent subject tracking that enhances the shooting experience across various genres, from portraiture to wildlife photography. The video capabilities are groundbreaking, offering 8K RAW and high-frame-rate 4K recording that opens up new creative possibilities for videographers and hybrid shooters.

However, the EOS R5 is not without its shortcomings. The overheating issue during extended high-resolution video recording is a significant concern that can hinder professional workflows. The battery life, while manageable, requires careful planning for longer shoots. The high cost of the camera and necessary accessories, such as CFexpress cards and potentially new RF lenses, represents a substantial investment.

So, who should consider buying the Canon EOS R5? If you’re a professional photographer or videographer who needs cutting-edge features and is willing to invest in the best equipment, the EOS R5 offers unparalleled performance. It’s also suitable for enthusiasts who prioritize image and video quality and want a camera that can grow with their skills.

On the other hand, if your work doesn’t require 8K video or the highest resolution stills, or if budget constraints are a concern, there are other options on the market that may provide better value for your specific needs.

The Canon EOS R5 is a remarkable achievement in camera technology, embodying Canon’s commitment to innovation. It’s a powerful tool that, despite some limitations, stands as a testament to what’s possible in modern photography and videography.