Meet the Canon EOS R5 Mark II - The ultimate hybrid camera

Meet the Canon EOS R5 Mark II
The ultimate hybrid camera

Introducing the EOS R5 Mark II, the pinnacle of hybrid cameras designed to elevate your photography and videography experiences. This advanced camera is equipped with a remarkable 45-megapixel full-frame sensor and can shoot continuously at an impressive 30 frames per second. It supports 8K 60P RAW internal video recording and features Canon's new DIGIC accelerator, which enhances focusing capabilities. All of this is housed within a compact and lightweight body, ensuring portability without compromising performance.

Recently, Canon invited us to Munich for the European announcement of both the EOS R1 and the EOS R5 Mark II. The event kicked off with an insightful presentation from product experts and seasoned professionals who have already put these cameras to the test. The following day, we got hands-on with the EOS R5 Mark II at a local sports arena, where various scenarios were set up for us to explore the camera's capabilities.

For years, the Canon 5 series has been the go-to choice for professionals across various genres, thanks to its exceptional video and stills performance. The EOS R5 Mark II proudly continues this legacy.

Cutting-Edge Sensor Technology
At the heart of the EOS R5 Mark II is a brand new 45-megapixel, full-frame, back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, a first in the EOS R5 series. This stacked sensor technology offers numerous advantages, with speed being the most significant. The faster readouts reduce distortion and enhance the camera's Dual Pixel autofocus performance.

Accelerated Capture
Canon's new Accelerated Capture technology unlocks the full potential of the EOS R5 Mark II. By combining the DIGIC X processor with a new DIGIC accelerator, which acts as an additional processor, the camera can analyse vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently. This synergy, coupled with Deep Learning Technology, brings substantial improvements to autofocus, image quality, and overall camera reliability.

Advanced Focus, Low Light, and Tracking
The EOS R5 Mark II features the latest Dual Pixel CMOS technology, known as Dual Pixel Intelligent AF. This advanced autofocus system offers significant improvements, including more accurate subject tracking, head and upper body recognition, and obstacle avoidance. You can register up to 10 faces on the camera, prioritising them within your frame. This feature is invaluable for events like weddings, sports, or crowded scenes, ensuring that key subjects remain in focus.

One standout aspect is the low-light performance of the autofocus. During our tests with break dancers, the camera consistently locked onto subjects, even as they moved from spotlight to darkness, maintaining accurate tracking of their heads and faces.

Action Priority Mode
A newly introduced Action Priority Mode allows users to tailor the camera's focus based on specific scenarios. Developed through extensive research, this mode can track spherical objects like balls and predict player movements in sports such as football, basketball, and volleyball. As seen through the viewfinder, the camera intelligently switches focus between players, even with multiple balls in the frame.

Continuous Burst Shooting
The high-resolution sensor enables the EOS R5 Mark II to shoot up to 30 frames per second, perfect for capturing fast-paced action. This capability, combined with a 60% reduction in rolling shutter distortion compared to its predecessor, ensures minimal distortion when using the electronic shutter. Users can also customise the burst rate, adjusting it to suit various situations, from weddings to sports events, with options ranging from 2 to 30 frames per second.

Pre-Capture Mode
The Pre-Continuous Shooting feature allows the camera to capture up to 15 shots before fully pressing the shutter button, ensuring you never miss a critical moment. This feature is ideal for capturing fleeting events, such as a penalty kick, race start, bouquet toss, or bird in flight.

Unmatched Video Capabilities
Canon's 5 series cameras have always set high standards for video, and the EOS R5 Mark II is no exception. It supports 8K video recording at up to 60P in RAW, using the full width of the sensor. With 12-bit RAW, 8K 30P in MP4, and 4K up to 120P with audio capture, the camera offers a range of options for high-quality footage. An improved heat dissipation design featuring graphite sheets and aluminium plates allows for longer recording times without overheating. The camera's rugged build, with vents and an optional battery grip with a built-in fan, ensures it can handle extended shooting sessions.

Superior Stabilisation
Stabilisation is crucial for a hybrid system, and the EOS R5 Mark II excels in this area. It offers up to eight and a half stops of compensation in the centre of the frame and seven and a half stops around the periphery, utilising both in-body and optical stabilisation.

In-Camera Upscaling
For professionals on the go, the EOS R5 Mark II includes a deep learning image upscaling feature. This allows you to upscale images directly within the camera, increasing resolution from 45 megapixels to an astonishing 180 megapixels while reducing noise thanks to Canon's Neural Network Noise Reduction.

Enhanced EVF and Monitor
The electronic viewfinder (EVF) of the EOS R5 Mark II has been upgraded, now featuring eye control autofocus for the first time in an EOS R5 camera. This system, which is twice as effective as the version in the EOS R3, detects where you are looking and adjusts the focus point accordingly. The EVF is nearly twice as bright as the previous model and offers a blackout-free experience, making subject tracking seamless.

Power and Storage
The EOS R5 Mark II is powered by a new LP-E6P battery, providing higher output for power-hungry features like 8K video recording. It features dual card slots: one CFexpress Type B and one UHS-II compatible SD slot, allowing for flexible media management and optimal performance.

Weighing 746 grams with memory cards and battery, the EOS R5 Mark II is dust and water-resistant, thanks to its rugged magnesium alloy body, making it reliable in harsh environments.

Final Thoughts
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is a game-changer for photographers and videographers alike. Its 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, rapid 30fps burst shooting, and stunning 8K 60P RAW video recording redefine what’s possible. The new DIGIC accelerator enhances focusing capabilities, and its compact, lightweight design makes it a perfect choice for hybrid shooters. This camera is poised to take your creativity to new heights, continuing Canon's legacy of excellence in the 5 series.