Canon EOS R5 Mark II: specs, speculation and expectation for the new camera (2024)

By James Artaius

published

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is the worst-kept secret in the industry. Here's what to expect from the new 5-series beast

Canon EOS R5 Mark II: specs, speculation and expectation for the new camera (1)

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II has been heavily rumored all year, with an announcement believed to be imminent.

Everyone knows that the original Canon EOS R5, launched in 2020, was a gigantic success for the company. The 5-series has long been the backbone of Canon's business when it comes to stills cameras, dating back to the EOS 5D DSLRs and EOS 5 SLR film cameras before that. But the EOS R5 took things to the next level by being the first consumer camera to offer 8K video.

The R5 was such a success, and so future-proof, that four years later it's still on sale– and still very much a cutting-edge camera, even by today's standards. So what are we realistically looking at from an R5 Mark II?

Well, in terms of specifications, this is what we're supposedly looking at:

•45MP stacked sensor
•Fully electronic shutter
•60fps continuous shooting
•8-stops in-body image stabilization system
•Dual Pixel AF II with AI-powered autofocus
•New Digic X family processor
•8K 60p / 4K 120p video
•400MP IBIS Hi-res shot

No huge surprises there, and it all rings true to me – and brings the camera even more in line with the Nikon Z8 / Z9, the flagship camera from its key rival. I always felt that the R5 was pretty much in line with the Z8 / Z9 anyway, but the addition of 8K 60p really does present feature parity (provided that the heating dissipation is as robust) –and the continuous shooting takes it to feature superiority.

Canon EOS R5 Mark II: specs, speculation and expectation for the new camera (2)

Yes, the Nikons do offer a top burst speed of 120fps, but only for 11MP JPEGs; they only shoot full 45.7MP JPEGs at 30fps, and 45.7MP RAWs at 20fps. While the R5 Mark II may not match the crazy top speed (which will be the job of the EOS R1), it will drastically outgun them in terms of standard full-resolution shooting. An improved stacked sensor will give the R5 Mark II the necessary speed for stills and video without sacrificing sensitivity the way global shutters do.

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There has been speculation that the camera will also introduce C-Log2, Canon's best log profile, in addition to C-Log1 and C-Log3. Personally I'm skeptical about this; as much as Canon has got better at not segregating camera specs these days, I feel that it will continue reserving C-Log2 for its Cinema EOS bodies (it may show up in the EOS R5C that will no doubt follow in due course).

I'm intrigued as to what the new AI autofocus features will be, though it makes sense that a new image processor will be required to power them. Canon has previously talked about scene and environment recognition, but perhaps it will offer something similar to the "human pose estimation technology" seen in the Sony A9 III, which is designed to offer predictive tracking based on skeletal movements.

Whatever it ultimately involves, this AI AF feature is the only part of the camera that proposes real revolution to me. Yes, tripling the burst rate is nothing to be sniffed at, but in terms of core specs –the things that most of the market pays most attention to –we're still looking at the same 45MP resolution and 8K video that was the original R5's calling card.

Evolution is perfectly fine, of course. This is, after all, Canon's most important camera; if it ain't broke, ain't no need to fix it.

Take a look at the best Canon cameras, along with the best Canon lenses for DSLRs and the best Canon RF lenses for mirrorless.

Canon EOS R5 Mark II: specs, speculation and expectation for the new camera (3)

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James Artaius

Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine,PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine,N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine,Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show.He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes –and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.

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Canon EOS R5 Mark II: specs, speculation and expectation for the new camera (2024)

FAQs

What is the expected shutter life of Canon R5? ›

Canon EOS R5 shutter rated lifespan is 500000 actuations. Shutter count histogram.

Does Canon R5 overheat when taking pictures? ›

Most of the overheating will occur in 8K resolution, 4K 100p, 4K 50p, and 4K 25p HQ. The Dutch menu of movie format settings on the Canon EOS R5. There is a lot to choose from, some of which are sensitive to overheating. The overheating also depends on the way the camera is used.

What is the purpose of the Canon EOS R5? ›

The Canon EOS R5 can shoot full-frame 8K 30p 12-bit RAW and full-frame 4K 120p (4:2:2 10-bit) video footage, internally. Additionally, a 4K HQ mode uses a high quality debayering algorithm for 8K oversampling, generating individual full 4K Red, Green and Blue channels from the 8K RGB Bayer pattern filter on the sensor.

Is Canon releasing a new camera in 2024? ›

Fortunately, Canon fans itching for new gear might not have to wait much longer – according to Canon Rumors, the second half of 2024 could be busier than ever with no fewer than five Canon cameras set for launch.

Does Canon R5 have eye detection? ›

On the Canon EOS R5, Canon EOS R6, Canon EOS R and Canon EOS RP, Eye AF works in One Shot AF mode, Servo AF mode and Movie Servo AF, ensuring both static and moving subjects are captured with their eyes clearly in focus.

What is the lifespan of a shutter? ›

Shutter counts vary based on camera models and manufacturers. Entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras often have a shutter rating of around 50,000 to 100,000 actuations. Meanwhile, professional-grade cameras can range from 200,000 to 400,000 actuations.

How many photos can Canon R5 take? ›

The EOS R5 is powered by an advanced LP-E6NH battery, which adds 20 per cent more capacity than older LP-E6N batteries, letting you capture 490 shots on a single charge under strict testing conditions* – and significantly more in real world shooting conditions.

How long do Canon cameras last? ›

The typical DSLR camera lasts five years when all things are equal. However, just like any other machine, the manner you shoot, how you store and care for your camera, and whether or not you have it serviced can all significantly impact how long it performs.

Can heat damage a Canon camera? ›

Do not leave the camera in excessive heat, such as in a car in direct sunlight. High temperatures can cause the camera to malfunction.

Why do most photographers use Canon? ›

Depth of Field in lenses – This is a huge perk for some people that love a lens that can go to 1.2 and get that extra depth of field. Canon Glass has also been at the top of the list for many photographers. Workhorse Bodies – Canon builds them strong and they feel strong!

How old is the Canon EOS R5? ›

Canon EOS R5
Overview
TypeFull-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera
ReleasedAnnounced July 9, 2020
Intro price$3899 (body only)
Lens
24 more rows

Is the Canon R5 good for portraits? ›

In conclusion, both the R5 and R6 are great cameras for low-light portrait photography, and it really depends on what you're looking for in terms of image quality and lens options.

Is there a successor to the Canon R5? ›

This means the most likely candidates are the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, which would be a full-frame successor to the popular Canon EOS R5, and a Canon EOS R1 flagship for sports photographers at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

When did the Canon Mark II come out? ›

November 2008

What is replacing the Canon M50 Mark II? ›

Canon R50 5811C012 Replacement for Canon M50 Mark II 4728C006 | B&H Photo Video.

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