Canon launches flagship EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II cameras

The EOS R5 Mark II (left) and EOS R1 (right); new flagship cameras in Canon’s full frame mirrorless line-up. (Source: Canon.)

Both cameras have been designed to take professional photography and videography to higher levels, introducing new technologies, advanced features and more streamlined workflow processes. The EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II feature new high-speed back-illuminated stacked image sensors, which deliver faster shooting speeds and faster sensor readout. This results in a 40% reduction  of rolling shutter in the EOS R1 compared to the EOS R3 – putting it on the same level as the mechanical shutter in the EOS-1D X Mark III. With a similar 60% reduction in the EOS R5 Mark II compared to EOS R5, both cameras excel for capturing action with high image quality and wide dynamic range.

Thanks to the new imaging platform, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II and Deep Learning technologies, in-camera image upscaling and noise reduction, can provide an additional quadrupling of resolution or reduced noise in-camera when using JPEG or HEIF formats. Users can also crop and upscale in-camera making it that much easier to send out photos without editing via separate applications.  Both cameras also feature up to 8.5 stops of image stabilisation performance in the centre of the frame and 7.5 stops at the periphery, extending their low light shooting capabilities.

The new Action Priority AF mode can be set to automatically lock onto the main subject in one of three popular sports. (Source: Canon.)

Both cameras also come with the latest version of Dual Pixel CMOS – Dual Pixel Intelligent AF, which can track subjects more accurately by locking onto the faces and upper bodies of players and avoiding obstacles or other players. User can also register specific faces and track and prioritise them consistently over other players. A new ‘Action Priority’ mode automatically identifies common actions in basketball, soccer and volleyball, identifying and tracking the main subject in fast and dynamic situations and capturing the headline-grabbing moment of action. Eye-control AF is offered in both models with improvements over the system found in EOS R3 that include a higher pixel count sensor, enhanced LEDs, a larger eye detection area, and an updated detection algorithm allowing a unique and instinctive way to select a subject to track in a complex scene.

For videographers, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II can record video in 12-bit RAW format internally to a memory card as well as supporting Cinema EOS Movie Recording formats alongside Canon Log 2 and 3 with proxy video recording that is now fully supported between two cards, and four channel audio. This makes them ideal for professional video production. The cameras can also record high resolution stills and Full HD video simultaneously, with the option to record externally via the HDMI type A ports in both cameras. To support the workflow of professionals, several features ensure fast and stable connectivity and failsafe options, with multiple routes to image/video destinations for filing news with support for the C2PA content authenticity format or reviewing the first rushes of a film. Industry standard file naming, separate photo/video folders, and advanced tagging in News ML-G2 standard are also supported. Both cameras support Wi-Fi6E/11ax 6GHz in-body, making them the first EOS series cameras to offer new levels of transfer speed, with the EOS R1 additionally supporting 2.5Gbps Ethernet connectivity and dual-threaded FTP in the body and the EOS R5 Mark II providing 2.5Gbps Ethernet via an optional grip.

Key specifications of both new cameras

EOS R1	EOS R5 Mark II
24.2 MP full frame back-illuminated stacked sensor Pre-continuous shooting up to 20 frames 40fps continuous shooting rate Customisable continuous shooting speed Blackout-free EVF 9.44M dots	45 MP full frame back-illuminated stacked sensor Pre-continuous shooting up to 15 frames 30fps continuous shooting rate Customisable continuous shooting speed Blackout-free EVF 5.76M dots
New processor DIGIC Accelerator and Accelerated Capture In-camera upscaling and Neural Network Noise Reduction	New processor DIGIC Accelerator and Accelerated Capture In-camera upscaling and Neural Network Noise Reduction
Integrated vertical grip	Compact and lightweight Optional grips available
Dual Pixel Intelligent AF Registered people priority Action priority Enhanced eye-control AF performance Focus down to -7.5EV Cross AF 2-Stage AF-ON button	Dual Pixel Intelligent AF Registered people priority Action priority Enhanced eye-control AF performance Focus down to -6.5EV
Up to 8.5 stops of Image Stabilisation	Up to 8.5 stops of Image Stabilisation
6K 60p RAW with 4K video at up to 120p and 60p oversampled from 6K	8K 60p RAW with 4K video at up to 120p and 60p oversampled from 8K Extra compatibility with EOS VR System
Custom Picture support XF-HEVC S/XF-AVC S Canon Log 2/Log 3 LPCM/24bit/4CH audio Dual shooting (still and movie) Proxy movie support	Custom Picture support XF-HEVC S/XF-AVC S Canon Log 2/Log 3 LPCM/24bit/4CH audio Dual shooting (still and movie) Proxy movie support Waveform monitor
Wi-Fi 6E 2.5Gbps Ethernet in-camera Dual threaded FTP transfer	Wi-Fi 6E Dual threaded FTP transfer

 

The EOS R1 is priced at AU$10,999 RRP (including GST) and is scheduled to be available in Australia from November 2024, while the EOS R5 Mark II has an RRP of AU$6,699 and will be released in August 2024. An EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless camera kit with an RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM lens will also be available from August for AU $8549 (RRP). The cameras will be supported by Canon Australia’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised Canon Australia reseller.

Canon, in collaboration with Lucky Straps and artist Kentaro Yoshida, has designed an exclusive, limited edition camera strap in celebration of the launch of the EOS R5 Mark II. The strap is available to the first 1,000 customers who purchase the EOS R5 Mark II body and/or kit options through pre-order from 17 July 2024 (terms and conditions apply). Pre-orders, can be made by visiting: https://www.canon.com.au/cameras/eos-r5-mark-ii.