R5 Mark II or R3? Or am I overthinking this?

TeeJay626 · Mar 20, 2025

I'm thinking of changing camera bodies, going from 2 to just one. For reference, 90% of my photography is wildlife, and currently have the R5 and R6 Mark II. I am thinking I don't really need 2 camera bodies, so am thinking of trading both in for a single solution. Either the R5 Mark II or the R3.

As I mentioned, I shoot wildlife, and my main lenses for such are the RF 100-500L and the RF 200-800. Right now, both bodies are the same price at $3,999 US. My local camera shop is also running some extra trade in incentives that will save me about another $200. I do love the extra detain I'm getting on my R5, but the AF system on the R6 Mark II is clearly better. I'd also say it's about a 50/50 split between shooting birds and larger animals. I go out to Yellowstone several times a year for the larger animals.

Thoughts? I'm leaning towards the R5 Mark II due to the 45mp, latest AF system and pre-capture, but it's also a little worse in low light than the original R5. Then I look at the R3, which is an amazing camera in every way but obviously less mp.

Or, should I just stay with what I have and find a cure for my GAS?

(recent photo from a photo tour)

Ephemeris · Mar 20, 2025

TeeJay626 said:
I'm thinking of changing camera bodies, going from 2 to just one. For reference, 90% of my photography is wildlife, and currently have the R5 and R6 Mark II. I am thinking I don't really need 2 camera bodies, so am thinking of trading both in for a single solution. Either the R5 Mark II or the R3.

As I mentioned, I shoot wildlife, and my main lenses for such are the RF 100-500L and the RF 200-800. Right now, both bodies are the same price at $3,999 US. My local camera shop is also running some extra trade in incentives that will save me about another $200. I do love the extra detain I'm getting on my R5, but the AF system on the R6 Mark II is clearly better. I'd also say it's about a 50/50 split between shooting birds and larger animals. I go out to Yellowstone several times a year for the larger animals.

Thoughts? I'm leaning towards the R5 Mark II due to the 45mp, latest AF system and pre-capture, but it's also a little worse in low light than the original R5. Then I look at the R3, which is an amazing camera in every way but obviously less mp.

Or, should I just stay with what I have and find a cure for my GAS?

(recent photo from a photo tour)

I think the jury is still out regarding low light comparison between the two R5 systems. Personally and as a small SME we haven't found this. The R52 does (appreciate a slightly different topic) allow for full bit depth using ES.

I suppose of one wants an integrated grip then the R3, if one doesn't mind and add on or none at all then I can't add a benefit (other than price) to the R3. It is around 3.5 years old and I suppose superceded by the R1.

All that said both great cameras.

Andy01 · Mar 20, 2025

Just a question - if you are doing mostly wildlife with long lenses, then why not a APS-C to compliment one of your FF bodies ?

Perhaps R7 ii if/when it materialises ?

You could possibly then sell both R5 & R6 ii and buy R5 ii or R3 (or just keep R6 ii if the APS-C gives you the required pixels/duck). That way you might have the best of both worlds.

TeeJay626 · Mar 20, 2025

Andy01 said:
Just a question - if you are doing mostly wildlife with long lenses, then why not a APS-C to compliment one of your FF bodies ?

Perhaps R7 ii if/when it materialises ?

You could possibly then sell both R5 & R6 ii and buy R5 ii or R3 (or just keep R6 ii if the APS-C gives you the required pixels/duck). That way you might have the best of both worlds.

I had the original R7 for 2 years and while I did take about 80,000 shots, I much prefer the current FF bodies. I will definitely be interested in the R7 II if/when it comes out, and if the specs greatly improve on the original, I have no problem picking one of them up. Just too many shortfalls with the current R7 however.

Duane Burleson · Mar 20, 2025

I would stay with the two cameras that you have. But if you do upgrade I would choose the R5 Mark II. It is minimally noisier than the R5 and has incredible auto focus, this according to a friend who has one. He switch from an R5 and R3 shortly after they were introduced. I have looked through his but not shot it, and the EVF is much, much, improved (more contrast and more detail than my R6m2 and R3). I shoot mostly sports and some news stuff as a full time freelancer and really like what I have. I also shoot some wildlife for sanity and to get me out and in the woods.

R2D2 · Mar 20, 2025

Another vote for the R5 Mark II. The Subject Identification and Autofocus are on another level entirely. State of the art.

R2

Dracones · Mar 20, 2025

In a similar situation here, but I'm thinking to replace just the R5 with either the R5² or the future R6³, depending on what it brings to the table. I still need 2 bodies to avoid changing lenses.

MAC · Mar 21, 2025

TeeJay626 said:
I'm thinking of changing camera bodies, going from 2 to just one. For reference, 90% of my photography is wildlife, and currently have the R5 and R6 Mark II. I am thinking I don't really need 2 camera bodies, so am thinking of trading both in for a single solution. Either the R5 Mark II or the R3.

As I mentioned, I shoot wildlife, and my main lenses for such are the RF 100-500L and the RF 200-800. Right now, both bodies are the same price at $3,999 US. My local camera shop is also running some extra trade in incentives that will save me about another $200. I do love the extra detain I'm getting on my R5, but the AF system on the R6 Mark II is clearly better. I'd also say it's about a 50/50 split between shooting birds and larger animals. I go out to Yellowstone several times a year for the larger animals.

Thoughts? I'm leaning towards the R5 Mark II due to the 45mp, latest AF system and pre-capture, but it's also a little worse in low light than the original R5. Then I look at the R3, which is an amazing camera in every way but obviously less mp.

Or, should I just stay with what I have and find a cure for my GAS?

(recent photo from a photo tour)

R5II + your lenses + DXO PL8

R3 and R6II are lacking MPXL's for your 90% wildlife shooting

R2D2 · Mar 21, 2025

Dracones said:
In a similar situation here, but I'm thinking to replace just the R5 with either the R5²...

(IME) the upgrade from the R5 to the R5ii has been very substantial. It shows in my keeper count every shoot. I use this body for shooting action so I benefit from all of the improvements in the new version. However others' mileage may vary if they're not shooting as demanding of subjects.

The best way that I can describe the impact is that the R5ii's superior Subject Detection and Autofocus expand the shooting envelope, making possible shots that were heretofore far less likely or even unobtainable. With this kind of AF alacrity the shooting experience is also funner. You have to do much less coaxing!

Dracones said:
or the future R6³, depending on what it brings to the table.

The R6ii has been my second body since its release (taking over for the R6). It's always been Mr Reliable (I'm sure you know what I mean :-D ). I still love it for events etc. It simply gets the job done.

People have been predicting an R6iii for a while now (I've remained skeptical of the timing). 2024 release dates have now passed, and Q1 2025 also looks unlikely. IMHO 2025 is even iffy. If folks need something ASAP then the R5ii is currently the best bet (short of the mighty R1).

But if there's no rush then I'd expect an R6iii to get a stacked sensor and the new DIGIC Accelerator, plus all of the goodness these bring. Just not the R5ii's awesome UI and speed (what I need for wildlife).

Dracones said:
I still need 2 bodies to avoid changing lenses.

A big +1

Do you need the upgrade now? Or next year? Hmmmm

Best of luck!

R2

--
Good judgment comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgment.
http://www.pbase.com/jekyll_and_hyde/galleries

Ephemeris · Mar 21, 2025

R2D2 said:
Dracones said:

In a similar situation here, but I'm thinking to replace just the R5 with either the R5²...

Click to expand...

(IME) the upgrade from the R5 to the R5ii has been very substantial. It shows in my keeper count every shoot. I use this body for shooting action so I benefit from all of the improvements in the new version. However others' mileage may vary if they're not shooting as demanding of subjects.

The best way that I can describe the impact is that the R5ii's superior Subject Detection and Autofocus expand the shooting envelope, making possible shots that were heretofore far less likely or even unobtainable. With this kind of AF alacrity the shooting experience is also funner. You have to do much less coaxing!

R2D2 said:

or the future R6³, depending on what it brings to the table.

Click to expand...

The R6ii has been my second body since its release (taking over for the R6). It's always been Mr Reliable (I'm sure you know what I mean :-D ). I still love it for events etc. It simply gets the job done.

People have been predicting an R6iii for a while now (I've remained skeptical of the timing). 2024 release dates have now passed, and Q1 2025 also looks unlikely. IMHO 2025 is even iffy. If folks need something ASAP then the R5ii is currently the best bet (short of the mighty R1).

But if there's no rush then I'd expect an R6iii to get a stacked sensor and the new DIGIC Accelerator, plus all of the goodness these bring. Just not the R5ii's awesome UI and speed (what I need for wildlife).

R2D2 said:

I still need 2 bodies to avoid changing lenses.

Click to expand...

A big +1

Do you need the upgrade now? Or next year? Hmmmm

Best of luck!

R2

drdtmd · Mar 21, 2025

I know I will get bashed for saying this and I won't reply after this post. I have a r3 for a little over a year plus a z9 and thought I would maybe replace both with a r5m2 but after having it for a month I decided against it. 2 things I noticed 1- the image quality was not as good as my z9 and much more noise then I prefer. The autofocus of my r3 was better and more stickier. Again I will get slammed but I've read all about the settings to change and know my way around canon bodies. I did love the customization and did really want to keep it but ultimately the r3's feel in my hand and great reliable autofocus just won me over. Everything is personal preference and for me I decided to stick with what I have so ultimately you are the only one who can decide what you need. Good luck with whatever you choose they are all great cameras.

Dracones · Mar 21, 2025

R2D2 said:
Dracones said:

In a similar situation here, but I'm thinking to replace just the R5 with either the R5²...

Click to expand...

(IME) the upgrade from the R5 to the R5ii has been very substantial. It shows in my keeper count every shoot. I use this body for shooting action so I benefit from all of the improvements in the new version. However others' mileage may vary if they're not shooting as demanding of subjects.

The best way that I can describe the impact is that the R5ii's superior Subject Detection and Autofocus expand the shooting envelope, making possible shots that were heretofore far less likely or even unobtainable. With this kind of AF alacrity the shooting experience is also funner. You have to do much less coaxing!

R2D2 said:

or the future R6³, depending on what it brings to the table.

Click to expand...

The R6ii has been my second body since its release (taking over for the R6). It's always been Mr Reliable (I'm sure you know what I mean :-D ). I still love it for events etc. It simply gets the job done.

Actually the R5 became the second body, R6² being so reliable.

R2D2 said:
People have been predicting an R6iii for a while now (I've remained skeptical of the timing). 2024 release dates have now passed, and Q1 2025 also looks unlikely. IMHO 2025 is even iffy. If folks need something ASAP then the R5ii is currently the best bet (short of the mighty R1).

But if there's no rush then I'd expect an R6iii to get a stacked sensor and the new DIGIC Accelerator, plus all of the goodness these bring. Just not the R5ii's awesome UI and speed (what I need for wildlife).

R2D2 said:

I still need 2 bodies to avoid changing lenses.

Click to expand...

A big +1

Do you need the upgrade now? Or next year? Hmmmm

And that is the question.

R2D2 said:
Best of luck!

R2

--
Good judgment comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgment.
http://www.pbase.com/jekyll_and_hyde/galleries

R2D2 · Mar 21, 2025

Dracones said:
R2D2 said:

Dracones said:

In a similar situation here, but I'm thinking to replace just the R5 with either the R5²...

Click to expand...

(IME) the upgrade from the R5 to the R5ii has been very substantial. It shows in my keeper count every shoot. I use this body for shooting action so I benefit from all of the improvements in the new version. However others' mileage may vary if they're not shooting as demanding of subjects.

The best way that I can describe the impact is that the R5ii's superior Subject Detection and Autofocus expand the shooting envelope, making possible shots that were heretofore far less likely or even unobtainable. With this kind of AF alacrity the shooting experience is also funner. You have to do much less coaxing!

Dracones said:

or the future R6³, depending on what it brings to the table.

Click to expand...

The R6ii has been my second body since its release (taking over for the R6). It's always been Mr Reliable (I'm sure you know what I mean :-D ). I still love it for events etc. It simply gets the job done.

Click to expand...

Actually the R5 became the second body, R6² being so reliable.

Actually I meant that the R6ii acted as > a < second body for me. I used the R5 and R6ii in tandem when double-fisted.

Most of the time though, the R5 was primarily for birding/wildlife, and Mr Reliable (with its more advanced AF) primarily for events.

Dracones said:
Dracones said:

People have been predicting an R6iii for a while now (I've remained skeptical of the timing). 2024 release dates have now passed, and Q1 2025 also looks unlikely. IMHO 2025 is even iffy. If folks need something ASAP then the R5ii is currently the best bet (short of the mighty R1).

But if there's no rush then I'd expect an R6iii to get a stacked sensor and the new DIGIC Accelerator, plus all of the goodness these bring. Just not the R5ii's awesome UI and speed (what I need for wildlife).

Dracones said:

I still need 2 bodies to avoid changing lenses.

Click to expand...

A big +1

Do you need the upgrade now? Or next year? Hmmmm

Click to expand...

And that is the question.

If I had my 'druthers, I'd be shooting with two R5ii's, but I'm planning on cutting way back (maybe even retiring) within the next year.

You could indeed save some big bucks if you waited tho.

Dracones said:
Dracones said:

Best of luck!

R2

Click to expand...

KariP · Mar 21, 2025

TeeJay626 said:
I'm thinking of changing camera bodies, going from 2 to just one. For reference, 90% of my photography is wildlife, and currently have the R5 and R6 Mark II. I am thinking I don't really need 2 camera bodies, so am thinking of trading both in for a single solution. Either the R5 Mark II or the R3.

As I mentioned, I shoot wildlife, and my main lenses for such are the RF 100-500L and the RF 200-800. Right now, both bodies are the same price at $3,999 US. My local camera shop is also running some extra trade in incentives that will save me about another $200. I do love the extra detain I'm getting on my R5, but the AF system on the R6 Mark II is clearly better. I'd also say it's about a 50/50 split between shooting birds and larger animals. I go out to Yellowstone several times a year for the larger animals.

Thoughts? I'm leaning towards the R5 Mark II due to the 45mp, latest AF system and pre-capture, but it's also a little worse in low light than the original R5. Then I look at the R3, which is an amazing camera in every way but obviously less mp.

Or, should I just stay with what I have and find a cure for my GAS?

(recent photo from a photo tour)

A serious GAS case. ;-)

I must admit I had a serious R3 desire some time ago. Decided to live a happy life with R5. R 3 is a great camera , perhaps a new version is coming some day.

I understand that two camera bodies is often unnecessary, but sometimes it can be very useful. It is nice to have a backup even if you do not need it. In some places swapping lenses is too slow and has certain risks - the place can be too dusty or there is some saltwater spray.

I'm spending my time in a boat and archipelago when summer starts. Sometimes I will have my R5 + R6 in the backpack. just because ...

And is R5 MkII really so much better ?

--
Kari
I started SLR film photography in 1968. Now two systems: Fujifilm X-H1 + X-E3 and Canon FF gear R5 + R6

R2D2 · Mar 21, 2025

drdtmd said:
I know I will get bashed for saying this

Not bashed, assisted.

Most of us are very willing to lend a hand whenever it's needed!

drdtmd said:
and I won't reply after this post.

That part's certainly up to you.

drdtmd said:
I have a r3 for a little over a year plus a z9 and thought I would maybe replace both with a r5m2 but after having it for a month I decided against it. 2 things I noticed 1- the image quality was not as good as my z9 and much more noise then I prefer. The autofocus of my r3 was better and more stickier. Again I will get slammed but I've read all about the settings to change and know my way around canon bodies.

It indeed took me a while to find the Magic Formula to get the most out of the R5 Mark II. I've found that success with this camera is very dependent on both settings and technique. The software And the hardware have all been revamped with these newer models.

I've had my autofocus and related settings for the R5ii posted in this earlier thread...

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4779162

I'd highly recommend setting up the R5ii to (exactly) these settings as a starting point, and work from there. They've helped me to double my number of keepers by the end of the day. No exaggeration.

drdtmd said:
I did love the customization and did really want to keep it but ultimately the r3's feel in my hand and great reliable autofocus just won me over. Everything is personal preference and for me I decided to stick with what I have so ultimately you are the only one who can decide what you need. Good luck with whatever you choose they are all great cameras.

Most definitely. We all work through the trade-offs. Personally I just don't need the built-in battery grip (or else I might be holding an R1 right now :-D ).

Holler back with any questions!

R2

--
Good judgment comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgment.
http://www.pbase.com/jekyll_and_hyde/galleries

Ephemeris · Mar 21, 2025

KariP said:
TeeJay626 said:

I'm thinking of changing camera bodies, going from 2 to just one. For reference, 90% of my photography is wildlife, and currently have the R5 and R6 Mark II. I am thinking I don't really need 2 camera bodies, so am thinking of trading both in for a single solution. Either the R5 Mark II or the R3.

As I mentioned, I shoot wildlife, and my main lenses for such are the RF 100-500L and the RF 200-800. Right now, both bodies are the same price at $3,999 US. My local camera shop is also running some extra trade in incentives that will save me about another $200. I do love the extra detain I'm getting on my R5, but the AF system on the R6 Mark II is clearly better. I'd also say it's about a 50/50 split between shooting birds and larger animals. I go out to Yellowstone several times a year for the larger animals.

Thoughts? I'm leaning towards the R5 Mark II due to the 45mp, latest AF system and pre-capture, but it's also a little worse in low light than the original R5. Then I look at the R3, which is an amazing camera in every way but obviously less mp.

Or, should I just stay with what I have and find a cure for my GAS?

(recent photo from a photo tour)

Click to expand...

A serious GAS case. ;-)

I must admit I had a serious R3 desire some time ago. Decided to live a happy life with R5. R 3 is a great camera , perhaps a new version is coming some day.

I understand that two camera bodies is often unnecessary, but sometimes it can be very useful. It is nice to have a backup even if you do not need it. In some places swapping lenses is too slow and has certain risks - the place can be too dusty or there is some saltwater spray.

I'm spending my time in a boat and archipelago when summer starts. Sometimes I will have my R5 + R6 in the backpack. just because ...

And is R5 MkII really so much better ?

I think that's mostly situational. For us the answer is yes. Even offloading data in the field is much quicker, eye control AF, full bit depth es, es with flash, big step up in video capability, faster frame rates, and of course the totally new AF which is great. Recently used the register face feature at a child's party - I'm sure it's explainable by physics but it feels like sorcery.

KariP said:
--
Kari
I started SLR film photography in 1968. Now two systems: Fujifilm X-H1 + X-E3 and Canon FF gear R5 + R6

John Crowe · Mar 21, 2025

Canon insists on hanicapping it's cameras. They've been doing it ever since going digital. There are lots of excuses to not make a body that combines the R5 and R3/R1 series capabilities. We can only hope that as Nikon and Sony strive to do so that Canon will follow suit.

The R3/R1 is just too much money to get the AF to deliver images with less detail.

I doubt the improvements to the R5II will be significant, but if you can transition now with an acceptable loss, that is likely your best bet. Canon is certainly not on the verge of creating a truly awesome body.

drsnoopy · Mar 21, 2025

TeeJay626 said:
I'm thinking of changing camera bodies, going from 2 to just one. For reference, 90% of my photography is wildlife, and currently have the R5 and R6 Mark II. I am thinking I don't really need 2 camera bodies, so am thinking of trading both in for a single solution. Either the R5 Mark II or the R3.

As I mentioned, I shoot wildlife, and my main lenses for such are the RF 100-500L and the RF 200-800. Right now, both bodies are the same price at $3,999 US. My local camera shop is also running some extra trade in incentives that will save me about another $200. I do love the extra detain I'm getting on my R5, but the AF system on the R6 Mark II is clearly better. I'd also say it's about a 50/50 split between shooting birds and larger animals. I go out to Yellowstone several times a year for the larger animals.

Thoughts? I'm leaning towards the R5 Mark II due to the 45mp, latest AF system and pre-capture, but it's also a little worse in low light than the original R5. Then I look at the R3, which is an amazing camera in every way but obviously less mp.

Or, should I just stay with what I have and find a cure for my GAS?

(recent photo from a photo tour)

Setting aside the choice of bodies, it may not be such a good idea to have just one body, especially if you travel. Having a second body as a spare, or to have a standard zoom fitted for closer subjects, is a big advantage IMO.

Thomas Hegna · Mar 21, 2025

John Crowe said:
Canon insists on hanicapping it's cameras. They've been doing it ever since going digital. There are lots of excuses to not make a body that combines the R5 and R3/R1 series capabilities. We can only hope that as Nikon and Sony strive to do so that Canon will follow suit.

The R3/R1 is just too much money to get the AF to deliver images with less detail.

I doubt the improvements to the R5II will be significant, but if you can transition now with an acceptable loss, that is likely your best bet. Canon is certainly not on the verge of creating a truly awesome body.

The short answer is: No this would never happen.

Its a part of the business model and strategy.
You will never get top level specs in a low end product. Unless Canon changes everything. This would be the end of the R1/3 line.

Leigh A · Mar 21, 2025

I also shoot primarily Wildlife / Nature, currently with only an R5, but in the past I used two DSLR's, a FF 6D for Landscapes, and a 7D2 for most Birding / Wildlife.

So, for me, my thoughts would be to await the R7-2 which will likely be a more "PRO" oriented camera, similar to the 7D to 7D-2 advancements.

An APSC body gives you something that no FF body can, significant "reach" increase without "monster" size lenses, or TC, s.

R5 Mark II or R3? Or am I overthinking this?

Leading Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Leading Member

Forum Enthusiast

Forum Pro

Well-known member

Forum Pro

Forum Pro

Veteran Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Forum Pro

Veteran Member

Forum Pro

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Well-known member

Senior Member

Similar threads

Keyboard shortcuts