Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 is a powerhouse that finally delivers on the promise of the RF mount. With 8K video, 45MP stills, and class-leading autofocus, it's a true hybrid flagship. Overheating in 8K is a concern for long takes, but for 99% of shooters, this is the camera to beat.
Canon EOS R5 Review: The Empire Strikes Back
Pros
- Incredible 45MP sensor with great dynamic range
- Class-leading Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
- 8K 30p and 4K 120p video recording
- Excellent ergonomics and build quality
Cons
- Overheating limits in highest quality video modes
- Expensive CFexpress Type B cards required
- Battery life could be better
Introduction
The Canon EOS R5 is arguably the most important camera Canon has released since the 5D Mark II. After the lukewarm reception of the original EOS R, Canon needed a home run—and they delivered a grand slam. This is a camera that aims to do everything: high-resolution landscape photography, high-speed sports shooting, and 8K cinema production.
Body and Handling
In the hand, the R5 feels immediately familiar to anyone who has used a 5D series DSLR. The grip is deep and substantial, providing a secure hold even with heavy RF telephoto lenses. The joystick is back (thankfully replacing the controversial touch bar of the EOS R), and the button layout is logical and customizable.
Key handling notes:
- EVF: The 5.76M-dot OLED viewfinder is stunning. It's high-resolution and refresh rate (120fps) make it almost indistinguishable from an optical viewfinder in many scenarios.
- Build Quality: It features full weather-sealing and a magnesium alloy chassis. It feels like a tank.
- Card Slots: Dual slots (1x CFexpress Type B, 1x SD UHS-II) provide the redundancy pros need, though the mixed format can be annoying for media management.
Image Quality
The heart of the R5 is a brand new 45MP Full-Frame CMOS sensor. It sits in a "Goldilocks" zone—offering huge resolution for cropping without sacrificing low-light performance excessively.
Dynamic Range
We found the R5 to have excellent dynamic range, easily recovering 3-4 stops of shadow detail at base ISO. It is on par with the Sony A7R IV and Nikon Z7 II.
ISO Performance
Noise is well-controlled up to ISO 6400. Images are usable for web use up to ISO 25600, which is impressive for such a high-pixel-count sensor.
Autofocus
This is where the R5 truly shines. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system covers 100% of the frame and features Deep Learning-based subject recognition.
- Human Eye AF: Sticks like glue, even when the subject turns away.
- Animal AF: Recognizes dogs, cats, and birds (eyes, faces, and bodies) with eerie accuracy.
- Vehicle AF: Tracks race cars and motorcycles reliably.
Video Capabilities
The headline feature is 8K RAW internal recording. Yes, it overheats. In our testing, we got about 20 minutes of 8K 30p before the warning appeared. For standard 4K HQ (oversampled from 8K), the limit is roughly 30-40 minutes depending on ambient temperature.
However, for 99% of shooters who don't shoot continuous long-take interviews in 8K, this is a non-issue. The 4K 120p is glorious for slow motion, although it does not record sound.
Verdict
The Canon EOS R5 is a technological marvel. It is expensive, yes, but it replaces the need for separate high-res and high-speed bodies. It is the ultimate hybrid camera for the Canon shooter.
Pros:
- Incredible 45MP sensor
- Class-leading autofocus
- 8K and 4K 120p video
- Excellent ergonomics
Cons:
- Overheating limits in highest video modes
- Expensive media (CFexpress)
- Micro-HDMI port (flimsy for video work)