Canon R5 Mark II Review

Short answer: Should you upgrade to the Canon R5 Mark II?

Upgrade if you shoot fast action, wildlife or hybrid stills and video, because the R5 Mark II adds a stacked sensor, much faster electronic-shutter bursts, better subject tracking and improved heat handling for video. Stay with the original R5 if you mostly shoot landscapes, portraits or studio work, because both cameras share a 45-megapixel resolution and the original remains very capable. The Mark II launched at $4,299 body-only, so the upgrade is a real cost.

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What is new in the Canon R5 Mark II?

According to Wikipedia's entry on the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, the camera is a full-frame mirrorless body with a stacked CMOS sensor, a 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder and shutter speeds up to 1/32,000 s with the electronic shutter. It weighs about 746 g with battery and card and is weather-sealed. Canon lists a launch price of $4,299 for the body.

The main upgrades over the original R5 are:

• Stacked sensor. It reads out faster, which reduces rolling-shutter distortion with the electronic shutter and supports much faster bursts.
• Autofocus. Newer subject detection recognises people, animals and vehicles, and Canon's Eye Control AF lets the photographer pick a focus point by looking at it.
• Pre-capture. The camera can start recording frames a fraction of a second before the shutter is fully pressed, which helps with unpredictable action.
• Video. Canon lists 8K RAW recording and higher-frame-rate 4K, with improved heat management compared with the original R5.
• Stabilization. In-body image stabilization is rated higher than on the original body.

Original R5 or R5 Mark II?

Both cameras have a resolution of 45 megapixels, so image detail for static subjects is similar. The Mark II is the better tool for moving subjects and demanding video, while the original R5 stays a strong option and is often cheaper, particularly used. Check the maker's page for current specifications.

Who should upgrade?

• Wildlife and sports shooters. Faster bursts, pre-capture and subject tracking improve keeper rates.
• Hybrid shooters. Better heat handling and higher frame rates help video work.
• Anyone who needs a new body. If an older body is failing, the Mark II is the better buy.

Who should keep the original R5?

• Landscape, portrait and studio photographers. The resolution is unchanged, so the picture will look similar.
• Buyers on a budget. The saving buys a fast lens, which often matters more than a body upgrade.
• Occasional video shooters. The original R5 already records high-quality video.

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Lenses for the R5 Mark II

A 45-megapixel body shows lens weaknesses, so sharp lenses are the best match. See the best lenses for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and the comparison of the Canon R6 Mark II and R5 Mark II.

Check the Canon R5 Mark II on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

Is the R5 Mark II worth the price? For action and video professionals, yes. For photographers who shoot mostly static subjects, the original R5 or the R6 Mark II is better value.

Does it have more megapixels than the R5? No. Both cameras are 45 megapixels. The change is the sensor design and speed.

Does it overheat when recording video? Canon lists improved heat management compared with the original R5, but long high-resolution recordings still depend on conditions. Check the maker's recording limits.

What cards does it use? Canon lists a CFexpress Type B slot and an SD UHS-II slot.