Canon R5 Anticipation for R5 Mark II?

[jcass]

Having been on an upgrade cycle of 7 to 8 years, I confess that I am likely to purchase an R5 Mark II on introduction after having my R5 for a year and half. That'll be two firsts for me: upgrading after only 1 1/2 years, and buying a camera at intro. Of course, this is depending on an actual release and the final specifications of the camera.

I love my R5 and plan to keep it as a second body. There are a couple of features though that just keep tugging me down the road to upgrade:

1. Pre-buffer shooting. I always miss birds launching by a hair and would like to take photos of lightning. In sports, I have a good sense for the moment of the action, this can only help.
2. Auto-focus improvements, especially QPAF and low light AF. The R5 is fantastic, but it does hunt in low light and improvements in the R6 II and R8 AF have been lauded. I admit, this is a weakness of mine and I can use all the help that I can get.
3. Increased resolution/size of viewfinder and display. My eyes just ain't what they used to be. My unicorn is the articulating viewfinder.
4. Multi-function hot shoe. My old flashes suffice, but the incompatibility moving forward is frustrating.
5. Stacked sensor... dynamic range... improved low light image quality. No complaints in my R5, but can you imagine it being better!

I'd like to know what other folks think about the Mark II... should the February announcement actually occur. I think it will. What features do or don't matter to you?

 

[SO8]

I have not experienced this.

I never did either.

 

[MrSparks999]

If its anything like the RF200-800 then order as soon as it is announced, you may get it sometime in 2027 if you are very lucky.

 

[Dave Williams]

If its anything like the RF200-800 then order as soon as it is announced, you may get it sometime in 2027 if you are very lucky.

All good things to those who wait!
I got my 200-800 within 10 days of deciding to buy one albeit only a month or so ago. Let others rush in and buy the new releases, sit back , wait for the appraisals then decide if you want one.That's what I'm going to do. Besides the price will come down a few weeks after release depending where you buy from..

 

[Jake Shoots Birds]

If its anything like the RF200-800 then order as soon as it is announced, you may get it sometime in 2027 if you are very lucky.

I got on a list the day before the announcement in the US and it took about 5 months for the 200-800mm, and I was 3rd on the list at my shop. That said, I could find them on websites in the EU and Oz for the last 3 of those months on the regular (not willing to pay more plus shipping), so I'm not sure what the complaint is over there. They're literally hens teeth in the US, still, but if you look at the 200-800mm thread you'll see folks elsewhere saying they can just walk into a shop.

That said, I had my shop put me down for the R5ii months ago, which is one of the nice things about dealing with a smaller shop - I will likely get one from the first batch. I didn't have to put a deposit down, and if I don't take it (I'm under no obligation) there's the next guy on the list who will. I admit to snoozing on the 200-800mm and should have moved on first rumor, but I know the manufacturing process for bodies and glass is different enough to expect longer waits on lenses.

If you know you want one find a place that will take your name now, even if it requires a refundable deposit. Chip manufacturing is still the pain point in everything Canon is making, but I suspect the R5's will flow much more quickly than a consumer lens - albeit with a MUCH higher demand.

 

[RedCobra]

I thought the R5MkII was going to be DPAF, not QPAF.
If it is QPAF that will be great. I have that on my OM-1. The AF on that camera is better than the R5. (I have both)

 

[josephandrews222]

I thought the R5MkII was going to be DPAF, not QPAF.
If it is QPAF that will be great. I have that on my OM-1. The AF on that camera is better than the R5. (I have both)

Can you describe a specific circumstance where the focus ability of the OM-1 is superior to that of the R5?

I think there is a whole lotta smoke about QPAF and the R5MkII...

 

[RedCobra]

Can you describe a specific circumstance where the focus ability of the OM-1 is superior to that of the R5?

I think there is a whole lotta smoke about QPAF and the R5MkII...

Anecdotally, I shoot Eagles at Conowingo Dam. I take my R5 with the RF 100-500 and my OM-1 with the 150-400 f/4.5TC. The hit rate on the OM-1 is greater than with the R5.

 

[Dave Williams]

To be fair you are using a 1.4TC on the 100-500 which will slow it down considerably. The the TC off and you have 500mm and 45mp to play with. The OM 1 might have 800mm of lens but only 20mp for cropping. It's an approximately even match.
I do think that the R5 struggles on occasion when you have a cluttered background but in open sky it doesn't miss.

I was out photographing the local Peregrines again the other day and I locked on and stayed locked on for around 30 shots for this low fly past

Whereas my friend failed with his R7.
We both got a full sequence of the second fly past and because he has the extra 1.6 crop sensor his best image was more pleasing than mine as it was further away so more of a coming towards us POV.

That said I'm seeing some great OM-1 flight shots but I'm hearing what I have suggested. The images don't stand up to much cropping. Total heresy of course, you have the hands on experience @RedCobra

 

[Dave Williams]

@RedCobra You have added the OM Eagle shot which wasn't there when I posted my comment.
Let's be fair, the Eagle is probably a lot closer and a sky shot which is pretty easy.

 

[RedCobra]

@RedCobra You have added the OM Eagle shot which wasn't there when I posted my comment.
Let's be fair, the Eagle is probably a lot closer and a sky shot which is pretty easy.

Eagle shot was heavil;y cropped.

 

[Dave Williams]

Looks good considering the size of crop @RedCobra although I had already guessed at sky replacement !

 

[Jake Shoots Birds]

The only reason to compare 4 year old technology to something introduced only months ago is to point out how far cameras have advanced and where an R5 Mkii might land. Otherwise I struggle with how pointing out that a 4 year old camera shooting at f10 lens doesn't grab focus as well as a new one at f4.5 is relevant, because it's one of those, "Well I sure hope it would be superior", moments.

We know nothing until we know something for sure. For me, the idea that it is coming in with the R1 tells me that we have a similar scenario with the R3/R7 launch - the tech developed for one will certainly be on the other, the only question is "At what level of handicapping?". I do not expect the same gulf as with my example, but the presence of a mechanical shutter tells me that there are likely some specific situations where a larger sensor may require it. Funny but that's the least of my complaints on the current R5. Give me a focus system that's a step up from the R3 and a usable pre-shot implementation and I'm sold (even though I'm already down for one as soon as I can get it).

 

[jcass]

It appears that we're finally in the home stretch. The announcements of the R5 II and the R1 are expected next Wednesday and Canon Europe has an announcement teaser on their website. While the teaser doesn't state that it's the R5/R1 announcement, it seems this is the case.

CanonRumors is giving a little more information on expected specs, not much but interesting. It could be an early morning for me next Wednesday.

 

[BasilFawlty]

Really love my R5 but looking forward to the final confirmation of R52 features and capabilities.

 

[jcass]

This may be pretty long a stretch and pure ignorant speculation, but please bear with me. I was curious when I saw that the R1 rumor said that'll have a version of a "DGO" sensor. So, I searched for what a DGO sensor is. The canon Europe site had an article, https://www.canon-europe.com/pro/stories/dgo-sensor-explained.

This article claimed "16+ stops of dynamic range" in big bold letters. So, I wonder if the update, rumored R5 II specs may be hinting that the R5 II will also have a version of a DGO sensor.

 

[Jake Shoots Birds]

So, tomorrow's the day we find out what we've been waiting for. One bit of news today from Canon rumors, "The Canon EOS R5 Mark II will begin shipping in August, and there is going to be a lot of initial inventory." As someone who got on a list months ago that's good news, indeed. Better to wait on the announcement when there's already inventory than to talk about something you know about but can't hold in your hand.

 

[jcass]

So, tomorrow's the day we find out what we've been waiting for. One bit of news today from Canon rumors, "The Canon EOS R5 Mark II will begin shipping in August, and there is going to be a lot of initial inventory." As someone who got on a list months ago that's good news, indeed.

Where did you get on a list? I was planning to do my pre-order tomorrow morning from B&H or Adorama.

 

[Jake Shoots Birds]

Where did you get on a list? I was planning to do my pre-order tomorrow morning from B&H or Adorama.

I'll PM you, but it's the same local shop I've been dealing with for years.

 

[StevenAunan]

I'm #6 on the list at my local camera store, so I'll skip the feeding frenzy at B&H 12 hours from now...

 

[jcass]

1. Pre-buffer shooting. I always miss birds launching by a hair and would like to take photos of lightning. In sports, I have a good sense for the moment of the action, this can only help.
2. Auto-focus improvements, especially QPAF and low light AF. The R5 is fantastic, but it does hunt in low light and improvements in the R6 II and R8 AF have been lauded. I admit, this is a weakness of mine and I can use all the help that I can get.
3. Increased resolution/size of viewfinder and display. My eyes just ain't what they used to be. My unicorn is the articulating viewfinder.
4. Multi-function hot shoe. My old flashes suffice, but the incompatibility moving forward is frustrating.
5. Stacked sensor... dynamic range... improved low light image quality. No complaints in my R5, but can you imagine it being better!

I pre-ordered the R5ii this morning from B&H. The final specs were a mixed bag compare to my wish list. I'll continue to think about and watch hands-on reviews, but most likely I'll keep the order. Here are my initial thoughts now that we have the specs.

1. Good. A half second of prebuffer is fine, though I would prefer a longer buffer based on the framerate selected.
   1. Bonus point for selectable framerate.
2. Leaning Good. DPAF, not QPAF or cross-point. The AF priority modes are interesting. This is one where I'm waiting for reviews that put it to the test.
3. Disappointed. I was hoping for a bump in resolution compared to the R5. The brighter EVF should be a plus. Hopefully the LCD screen will be brighter too.
4. Neutral - at least it should work with the EL-5 (which I don't have, but it's an option)
5. Good. I'm not expecting big differences here. I'll be satisfied with a noticeable improvement as ISO increases and better autofocus in low light

 

[SO8]

I pre-ordered the R5ii this morning from B&H. The final specs were a mixed bag compare to my wish list. I'll continue to think about and watch hands-on reviews, but most likely I'll keep the order. Here are my initial thoughts now that we have the specs.

1. Good. A half second of prebuffer is fine, though I would prefer a longer buffer based on the framerate selected.
   1. Bonus point for selectable framerate.
2. Leaning Good. DPAF, not QPAF or cross-point. The AF priority modes are interesting. This is one where I'm waiting for reviews that put it to the test.
3. Disappointed. I was hoping for a bump in resolution compared to the R5. The brighter EVF should be a plus. Hopefully the LCD screen will be brighter too.
4. Neutral - at least it should work with the EL-5 (which I don't have, but it's an option)
5. Good. I'm not expecting big differences here. I'll be satisfied with a noticeable improvement as ISO increases and better autofocus in low light

I think you will notice a big difference in the focusing. My R8 was loads better than my R5 and the who camera feels so much newer in terms of software and ability than an R5. I can only imagine the R5 ii will take this and move on a lot more than the specs show. I look forward to trying one and hopefully in due course getting one.

 

[Dave Williams]

A couple of nice features like the easy switch to video and the selectable fps are nice to have but not reasons to splash the cash. I need to be convinced about the improvements in af acquisition before I jump in. The R5 is still a great camera but I still look at Sony and Nikon offerings and wonder if I should!

 

[Photofarmer]

Guess if i ever upgrade to anything will R6iii if and when it happens in 3 or 4 yrs time and if i do

 

[Jake Shoots Birds]

There's nothing I wanted that I didn't get in this, at least on paper. Preburst with Raw going direct to card is the biggest as I won't have to modify the workflow. Everyone is saying "greatly improved rolling shutter", but no one seems to have fully categorized if and when they're seeing it and what that looks like. I haven't scoured the available first look videos though, so there may be more.

As for the R6ii mentioned - glad I passed as well. What I'm waiting for is a pro-capable DX camera to go with these.

 

[jcass]

The first post in New, Rumors, and Deals has links to a couple of the first-look videos. Jared Polin of FroKnowsPhotos also did one. They all seemed very positive on the R5ii, less enthusiastic about the R1. For sports shooting, the R5ii looks like a winner. I hope that translates as well to our little fine feathered friends and other wildlife.

 

[Jake Shoots Birds]

The first post in New, Rumors, and Deals has links to a couple of the first-look videos. Jared Polin of FroKnowsPhotos also did one. They all seemed very positive on the R5ii, less enthusiastic about the R1. For sports shooting, the R5ii looks like a winner. I hope that translates as well to our little fine feathered friends and other wildlife.

I may have said this above/elsewhere, but a guy I know on the inside said, "The cameras are great, but the internet is going to hate them". I know enough news/sports photographers to know that the R1 would be a machine built for them - a workhorse with the capabilities required by the people who need to get the shot and get it online before the next shot. "Not a flagship" is a misnomer when you consider that Canon largely does not care about anyone who isn't holding a big white lens in the background of an event on TV (that's a truth based on observation, not a knock). You build your flagship for you best sailors. That they released it with the R5ii was somewhat brilliant in that it seems to be the flagship for the everyman/woman.

As for our feathered friends, I'll be asking my guy if there are plans to be able to substitute the top 10 faces to recognize with bird species. LOL

 

[jcass]

I may have said this above/elsewhere, but a guy I know on the inside said, "The cameras are great, but the internet is going to hate them". I know enough news/sports photographers to know that the R1 would be a machine built for them - a workhorse with the capabilities required by the people who need to get the shot and get it online before the next shot. "Not a flagship" is a misnomer when you consider that Canon largely does not care about anyone who isn't holding a big white lens in the background of an event on TV (that's a truth based on observation, not a knock). You build your flagship for you best sailors. That they released it with the R5ii was somewhat brilliant in that it seems to be the flagship for the everyman/woman.

As for our feathered friends, I'll be asking my guy if there are plans to be able to substitute the top 10 faces to recognize with bird species. LOL

I agree, the R1 "flagship" debate isn't relevant or any waters that I want to dip my toes into. So far, the biggest complaint about the R1 is its 24MP resolution. Even so, many argue the pluses and minuses... boiling down to a dedicated sports and journalism camera versus an all-rounder. If the R1 at a higher resolution sensor, more folks may crown it the king, but who knows if less pro's would rely on it.

I'll use my R5ii to photograph soccer. A place where I expect it to shine. But mainly I'll use it for birding, wildlife, landscapes, portraits, and events. Go figure why I'm more interested in the R5? Regarding sports, the downside is that, from the info so far, the AI enhancement require big balls. So baseball may come later or maybe never at all... probably not a problem for average R5ii shooter, but a big problem for a R1 shooter.

 

[RedCobra]

I agree, the R1 "flagship" debate isn't relevant or any waters that I want to dip my toes into. So far, the biggest complaint about the R1 is its 24MP resolution. Even so, many argue the pluses and minuses... boiling down to a dedicated sports and journalism camera versus an all-rounder. If the R1 at a higher resolution sensor, more folks may crown it the king, but who knows if less pro's would rely on it.

I agree, the R1 "flagship" debate isn't relevant or any waters that I want to dip my toes into. So far, the biggest complaint about the R1 is its 24MP resolution. Even so, many argue the pluses and minuses... boiling down to a dedicated sports and journalism camera versus an all-rounder. If the R1 at a higher resolution sensor, more folks may crown it the king, but who knows if less pro's would rely on it.

I have to say that I shoot a lot with a 20mpx sensor and since I have had it, I have not found any downside. Even for heavy crops where I can use Gigpixel if necessary. I don't print larger than 13x19 and most of my photos end up on the Internet. Here's a 20mp shot, heavily cropped and Gigapixel.

 

[RedCobra]

Here's a better example of the full view, then the crop.

 

[Dave Williams]

View attachment 29939View attachment 29938
Here's a better example of the full view, then the crop.

I see your point on the first crop, looks OK, not so the second imo. A smaller crop might look better with but this one is way too soft. Nothing wrong with the original shot though!