Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we may receive a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and services that we have personally used or thoroughly researched. Thank you for your support.
Canon has been on the cutting edge of camera technology for decades, and its flagship mirrorless cameras are no exception. The Canon EOS R5, released in 2020, has been a top performer in the mirrorless camera market since its release. But rumors of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II are swirling, with a potential release in Q2 of 2023. So, how will the R5 Mark II compare to its predecessor, and is it worth the upgrade? Let's take a deep dive into the rumored specs of the R5 Mark II and compare them to the features of the Canon R5.
Sensor and Processor
The Canon R5 Mark II is rumored to feature a new 61MP CMOS BSI sensor and a Dual DIGIC X processor, which would be a significant upgrade from the R5's 45MP sensor and DIGIC X processor. This means that the R5 Mark II would be capable of capturing even more detail in photos and videos and handling more processing power for faster performance. With this upgrade, photographers can expect better low-light performance, a more comprehensive dynamic range, and overall sharper and more detailed images.
Autofocus
The Canon R5 features Dual Pixel CMOS AF II covering approx—100% area with 1,053 AF areas. The R5 Mark II is expected to feature the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF II from the EOS R3 and EOS R6 Mark II, a slight upgrade from the R5. However, the exact improvements in AF performance and accuracy remain to be seen. Nevertheless, the AF system on both cameras should be among the best in the market.
Shooting Speed and Burst Rate
The Canon R5 features high-speed continuous shooting of up to 12 fps with a mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with an electronic (silent) shutter. The R5 Mark II is rumored to have a faster 30 fps electronic shutter with tracking and a 12 fps mechanical shutter. This would be a significant improvement for sports and action photographers and videographers who need to capture fast-moving subjects.
Video Capabilities
Both cameras offer impressive video capabilities, but the Canon R5 Mark II is rumored to have even better specs than the R5. The R5 can shoot 8K RAW, 4K, and full-HD up to 120fps, with 10-bit 4:2:2 with Canon Log, Canon Log3, or HDR PQ, which can be recorded internally. The R5 Mark II is expected to have internal 8K 60p video recording and internal 4K 30p/60p/120p video recording, all by oversampling. It will also have FHD 240p video recording, making it an excellent choice for videographers who need high-resolution footage.
IBIS and Overheating
Both cameras have a robust 8-stop in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system that allows you to shoot handheld in low light and at slower shutter speeds without experiencing camera shake. Additionally, the R5 Mark II is expected to have a new overheat prevention design, similar to the EOS R6 Mark II, that will allow for at least 40 minutes of 8K video recording and over 60 minutes of 4K video recording. This should be a welcome addition for those who shoot long-form video content.
Other Features
The Canon R5 features a 5.76M-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a 3.2-inch LCD monitor with a 2.1M-dot resolution, which can be tilted and swiveled for easy shooting at different angles. The R5 Mark II is expected to have a new design of a vari-angle LCD monitor optimized for video shooting and a 9.44M-dot EVF, providing photographers and videographers with an even clearer viewfinder experience. The R5 Mark II is also rumored to have a new high-resolution mode similar to pixel shift shooting found on Sony/Fujifilm, enabling even greater photo resolution and detail.
Finally, the R5 Mark II is expected to have a new 2x/4x/8x digital tele-convertor, allowing for additional zoom range without sacrificing image quality. This could be a handy feature for photographers who need to capture distant subjects without carrying extra lenses.
Based on the rumored specifications, the Canon R5 Mark II is a significant upgrade from the already impressive Canon R5. The improved sensor and processor, faster burst rate, upgraded autofocus system, and enhanced video capabilities all make for an enticing package. However, until the camera is officially announced and tested, we can only speculate about its performance and features.
If you're a photographer or videographer looking for the latest and greatest in camera technology, the Canon R5 Mark II may be worth the upgrade when and if it's released. On the other hand, if you already own the Canon R5, you should hold off and wait for reviews to see if the improvements are worth the investment.
In any case, Canon has set the bar high with both the R5 and the potential upcoming R5 Mark II. It will be interesting to see how other camera manufacturers respond in the ever-evolving mirrorless camera market.
At the time this article was written you can buy a new Canon R5 from the Canon store on Amazon.com for $3,699.00.