For the first time, both cameras feature the new ‘Accelerated Capture’ imaging platform, which includes the DIGIC Accelerator, the high-performance DIGIC X image processor and newly developed high-speed image sensors.
Canon Europe has announced the launch of its latest flagship models for the EOS R System, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II, during a special showcase in Munich, Germany. Attendees had the opportunity to test both cameras in various settings, including sports, dance and portrait photography, using a wide range of Canon lenses. Alongside this, Canon also made available a wide range of its lenses so attendees could experiment with different combinations of cameras and lenses. Both products offer the streamlined workflow processes and intuitive user experience ever, with assistive technologies powered by a new Accelerated Capture imaging platform and Deep Learning.
The EOS R1 is designed for news and sports photographers, providing cutting-edge features to capture critical moments, while the EOS R5 Mark II caters to hybrid professionals working on diverse creative projects.
This launch marks a significant milestone for Canon, with the EOS R1 being the first camera in the EOS R range within the EOS-1 series, known for its high performance and reliability. The EOS R5 Mark II follows the EOS R5, known for its high resolution and 8K video capabilities.
Both cameras feature the new ‘Accelerated Capture’ imaging platform, which includes the DIGIC Accelerator processor and the high-performance DIGIC X image processor, along with newly developed high-speed image sensors. This platform enhances performance in autofocus, continuous shooting and image quality, supported by Deep Learning technologies.
The EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II both boast Dual Pixel Intelligent AF, which tracks subjects, including faces and upper bodies, even in challenging scenarios. This is further enhanced by the ability for users to register specific faces and track and prioritise them consistently over other players.
The new ‘Action Priority’ mode identifies and tracks common action poses in sports, ensuring key moments are captured.
The EOS R5 Mark II introduces Eye-control AF for the first time, with significant improvements over the EOS R3. It features a higher pixel count sensor, enhanced LEDs, a larger eye detection area and an updated detection algorithm, allowing users to instinctively select subjects to track in complex scenes.
Both the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II are equipped with new high-speed image sensors that enhance shooting speeds and sensor readout. The EOS R1 achieves a 40% reduction in rolling shutter compared to the EOS R3, matching the performance of the mechanical shutter in the EOS-1D X Mark III. The EOS R5 Mark II sees a 60% reduction in rolling shutter. The cameras also feature a pre-continuous shooting function, capturing up to 20 frames for the EOS R1 and 15 frames for the EOS R5 Mark II in HEIF/JPEG or RAW format before the shutter is pressed, ensuring that key moments are never missed. Both models boast large, high-brightness, high-resolution, blackout-free viewfinders, with the EOS R1 offering the highest resolution at 9.44M dots and the EOS R5 Mark II providing twice the brightness of its predecessor, the EOS R5.
The new imaging platform enhances the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II with Deep Learning-powered in-camera image upscaling and noise reduction. This results in up to four times the resolution or reduced noise when using JPEG or HEIF formats. Users can also crop and upscale images in-camera, simplifying the process of sending out photos without needing additional editing applications.
Both cameras feature up to 8.5 stops of image stabilisation with effective shooting capabilities particularly in low light or in other difficult conditions.
For videographers, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II provide 12-bit RAW video recording directly to memory cards, along with support for Cinema EOS Movie Recording formats and Canon Log 2 and 3. Both models now fully support proxy video recording across two cards and offer four-channel audio, elevating professional video production with better quality and creative flexibility. Additionally, the cameras can simultaneously record high-resolution stills and Full HD video, with external recording options available via HDMI type A ports.
To enhance professional workflows, these cameras offer features ensuring fast and stable connectivity with multiple options for image and video transfer. They support the C2PA content authenticity format for news filing and reviewing film rushes, as well as industry-standard file naming, separate photo/video folders and advanced tagging in the News ML-G2 standard. Both models are the first in the EOS series to support Wi-Fi 6E/11ax 6GHz, providing new levels of transfer speeds. The EOS R1 also includes 2.5Gbps Ethernet connectivity and dual-threaded FTP within the body, while the EOS R5 Mark II offers 2.5Gbps Ethernet via an optional grip.
Engineered for elite sports photographers, the EOS R1 is designed to ensure no moment is missed in the fast-paced world of sports and news photography. The EOS R1 features a new Cross Type AF system, meaning it excels in challenging conditions such as shooting through a tennis net, picking out smaller subjects, and locking onto vertical details when horizontal details are absent. This new Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor arrangement rotates individual Gb pupil divisions by 90 degrees, enhancing autofocus tracking sensitivity along both axes.
The camera boasts a 40fps silent electronic shutter with AF tracking and 20 frames of pre-continuous shooting, allowing users to follow a scene without sacrificing image quality. Its 24.2-megapixel resolution provides high-speed performance and can achieve up to 96 megapixels in-camera with Deep Learning upscaling and noise reduction. Enhanced flash sync speeds up to 1/400th of a second and improved white balance and image exposure evaluation offer consistency and versatility across various genres.
The EOS R1 also supports hybrid multimedia functionality, offering 6K resolution at 60fps or 4K at 120fps, and Full HD at 240fps. Designed to withstand the toughest conditions, it features a weather-resistant body with a renewed outer texture and integrated vertical grip. The newly added two-stage AF-ON button allows instant activation of two programmable functions within one button, enabling photographers to respond quickly to changing actions.
Building on the legacy of the EOS R5 and pushing the boundaries for emerging genres, the EOS R5 Mark II is aimed at creative storytellers and hybrid users ready to elevate their craft. It is a tool for various applications, from wildlife to weddings, event coverage, filmmaking, and news reporting.
Designed to capture fast-moving subjects without compromising on high-quality detail, the EOS R5 Mark II features a new back-illuminated, stacked sensor with a stunning 45-megapixel resolution. Autofocus tracking and an electronic shutter capable of 30fps with a low rolling shutter enable users to excel in fast-paced action situations. The pre-continuous shooting mode captures 15 frames before the shutter is pressed, while advanced image upscaling can achieve up to 180 megapixels with noise reduction, preserving fine details.
Seamless hybrid multimedia functionality is at the heart of the EOS R5 Mark II, with greater synergy with Canon’s Cinema EOS line, featuring shared formats and features. Improved from the EOS R5, the EOS R5 Mark II offers 8K 60p resolution from the full width of the sensor and 12-bit RAW recording internally, along with 4K video at up to 120p with sound. The newly introduced Cooling Fan Grip extends shooting periods for event coverage, interviews, and high-quality live streaming.
The ability to record video proxies, industry-standard file naming, and structured folders enhances post-production workflows. Shooting Virtual Reality is also made simpler with enhanced preview and playback navigation.
A new LP-E6P battery and a heat-dissipating, durable magnesium alloy body ensure the EOS R5 Mark II is ready for any challenge, even in unpredictable weather conditions.
The EOS R5 Mark II maintains a compact and lightweight design, but with key enhancements such as a fog-resistant, twice-as-bright viewfinder and a larger opening, making it indispensable for hybrid creatives seeking top-grade performance and versatility in one package.
