Considering the Canon EOS R5 Mark II – Worth the Upgrade?

[Charliekath]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently using the Canon EOS R5 and have been really happy with it, especially for wildlife and landscape photography. However, I've been hearing a lot of buzz about the upcoming Canon EOS R5 Mark II.

For those who might have some insider info or have followed the rumors closely, do you think the R5 Mark II will be a significant upgrade? I’m particularly interested in any improvements in image stabilization, autofocus, and video capabilities. Also, if there are any new features that might justify the switch, I'd love to hear about them!

Is anyone else considering the upgrade, or are you sticking with the original R5?

Looking forward to your thoughts!

 

[MarshallG]

In the US, it’s a very expensive upgrade, with the used R5 selling for about $2,000 and the new R5 Mark II costing over $4,000. The dilemma is that the R5 Mark II is certainly a better camera, but, for many of us, it’s not $2,000 better.

The resolution is the same and image quality is about the same.

Rolling shutter in Electronic Shutter mode is much improved. It has eye controlled autofocus. They say that autofocus is much better. It can shoot video longer without overheating. You can buy a grip with a fan that lets you shoot video even longer. And on and on… it’s a better R5, but you need to decide for yourself and your budget whether the added expense is worthwhile.

 

[Rudy Pohl]

In the US, it’s a very expensive upgrade, with the used R5 selling for about $2,000 and the new R5 Mark II costing over $4,000. The dilemma is that the R5 Mark II is certainly a better camera, but, for many of us, it’s not $2,000 better.

The resolution is the same and image quality is about the same.

Rolling shutter in Electronic Shutter mode is much improved. It has eye controlled autofocus. They say that autofocus is much better. It can shoot video longer without overheating. You can buy a grip with a fan that lets you shoot video even longer. And on and on… it’s a better R5, but you need to decide for yourself and your budget whether the added expense is worthwhile.

Don't forget to add on the extra cost of at least 2 more new model batteries, probably 3. Plus, most people live in areas where additional taxes are charged. So it's reasonable to add several more hundred dollars onto the upgrade cost.

 

[Leigh A]

There is no doubt whatsoever that there are "some" improvements with the R5-2 over the R5.

All you can do is check out the specs., & reviews, make comparisons, and decide for yourself.

It's not worth the upgrade for me, but no one can make a decision as to whether it's worth it for someone else.

 

[fredlord]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently using the Canon EOS R5 and have been really happy with it, especially for wildlife and landscape photography. However, I've been hearing a lot of buzz about the upcoming Canon EOS R5 Mark II.

For those who might have some insider info or have followed the rumors closely, do you think the R5 Mark II will be a significant upgrade? I’m particularly interested in any improvements in image stabilization, autofocus, and video capabilities. Also, if there are any new features that might justify the switch, I'd love to hear about them!

Is anyone else considering the upgrade, or are you sticking with the original R5?

Looking forward to your thoughts!

The R5 is a wonderful camera.

Would the R5 Mark II address any of your current unfilled needs?

It's would be hard to say right now with so little information.

IMHO it is a significant upgrade. Would it be justified for you? Only you can figure that out.

I have one on order but I'm sure my situation is totally different from yours.

 

[lecan]

I am only focusing on the photography aspects

Do you need a better AF than the R5 or are you (totally) dissatisfied with the AF of the R5? -> Buy it

Do you want to have the latest sensor technology? -> Buy it

Do you have the necessary funds for the R5 II? -> Buy it

Do you want to spend money to satisfy your GAS? -> Buy it

In all other cases: Stick with your R5

By the way, the R5 II is on the market and the specifications are known. They are no longer rumors.

 

[lokatz]

The R5 is a very capable body. Yet, I view the R5II as superior for many shooting scenarios.

For wildlife and action shooting, the biggest pro for me is the better AF, which seems to be quite a step up from the already-good R5. Closely behind is Pre-burst, which I've used on my Olympus/OMDS gear for years and is an absolute godsend for some types of bird photography and any other action that is unpredictable. The icing on the cake is the higher fps rate.

I'm not a video shooter, but those who are seem to be equally excited about the R5II's video capabilities, plus the fact that you can now shoot much longer videos due to the better cooling system.

Personally, I don't care about some of the new features, such as in-body upscaling or noise reduction, since I don't ever shoot JPEG. If you do, these might matter, as well.

The only group of photographers who seem disappointed are those who mostly shoot landscapes. The R5II does not offer more resolution, as those folks hoped, and its DR seems to the same or marginally below the R5.

If you shot only landscapes, I'd say it is not worth upgrading. For all others, there is a lot of appeal here. Whether or not that is worth it to you, only you can decide.

I have an R5 and expect to get my new R5II a week from today.

 

[Cristi CC]

R5II has a future. R5, only the present time and it will not receive any updates from now, but R5II it is at the beginning of a beautiful journey.

I am still waiting for the last information and as I need a second camera R5II it is on my list.

 

[bodeswell]

The R5 is a very capable body. Yet, I view the R5II as superior for many shooting scenarios.

For wildlife and action shooting, the biggest pro for me is the better AF, which seems to be quite a step up from the already-good R5. Closely behind is Pre-burst, which I've used on my Olympus/OMDS gear for years and is an absolute godsend for some types of bird photography and any other action that is unpredictable. The icing on the cake is the higher fps rate.

I'm not a video shooter, but those who are seem to be equally excited about the R5II's video capabilities, plus the fact that you can now shoot much longer videos due to the better cooling system.

Personally, I don't care about some of the new features, such as in-body upscaling or noise reduction, since I don't ever shoot JPEG. If you do, these might matter, as well.

The only group of photographers who seem disappointed are those who mostly shoot landscapes.

I have seen this observation several times and I don’t understand it. There aren’t only two kinds of photographers in the world: those who take pictures of fast moving, unpredictable subjects and those who shoot landscapes.

I would put it another way: if you have an original R5 then unless you are pretty sure that the modest improvements in AF and speed will seriously improve your results you should wait because you will be spending a lot of money for improvements that won’t make a difference to you, even if you mitigate the expense by trading in or selling your R5.

The R5II does not offer more resolution, as those folks hoped, and its DR seems to the same or marginally below the R5.

If you shot only landscapes, I'd say it is not worth upgrading. For all others, there is a lot of appeal here. Whether or not that is worth it to you, only you can decide.

I have an R5 and expect to get my new R5II a week from today.

 

[Alastair Norcross]

In the US, it’s a very expensive upgrade, with the used R5 selling for about $2,000 and the new R5 Mark II costing over $4,000. The dilemma is that the R5 Mark II is certainly a better camera, but, for many of us, it’s not $2,000 better.

The resolution is the same and image quality is about the same.

Rolling shutter in Electronic Shutter mode is much improved. It has eye controlled autofocus. They say that autofocus is much better. It can shoot video longer without overheating. You can buy a grip with a fan that lets you shoot video even longer. And on and on… it’s a better R5, but you need to decide for yourself and your budget whether the added expense is worthwhile.

Don't forget to add on the extra cost of at least 2 more new model batteries, probably 3.

Really? I almost never need to use a spare for my R6II or R7, even though I always have one with me. I'm planning on buying one extra battery for my R5II. On days when I shoot a lot, it's because I'm using a lot of bursts, and I can get over 6000 shots on one charge with burst shooting. Or are you talking about video? How long can you get on one battery charge? I never shoot video, so it's not a concern for me.

Plus, most people live in areas where additional taxes are charged. So it's reasonable to add several more hundred dollars onto the upgrade cost.

 

[KevinRA]

R5II has a future. R5, only the present time and it will not receive any updates from now, but R5II it is at the beginning of a beautiful journey.

Until it dies / becomes obsolete and a pile of garbage as soon as the R5 mark III comes out (with some incremental improvements)

 

[bodeswell]

R5II has a future. R5, only the present time and it will not receive any updates from now, but R5II it is at the beginning of a beautiful journey.

To where? I don’t think the R5 got any firmware updates worth writing home about. Why would the R5 II be any different? Wouldn’t that undercut sales of the mark III?

I am still waiting for the last information and as I need a second camera R5II it is on my list.

 

[spec68]

No need for "insider info" at this point. Plenty of pre-reviews on YouTube now and a few folks have a production model in-hand now.

I did pre-order at the "opening bell" and hopefully will get it next Tues, we'll see. It will replace my R5, which is still a damn good camera that hangs with newer competition. But, as you hinted the R5II is going to be improved and the main kicker for me is the updated focus zones, stickier AF and pre-shooting. Also finally fake shutter in ES. I'm going to sell (practically give away) my R5, but only because I'll have no use for it and it would just gather dust, an even more colossal waste of $.

I suspect a lot of local camera stores are going to start have demo days after release so that might be a good opportunity to handle it and see if it worth an upgrade to you. There is a big price gap between R5 trade-in values and R5 II MSRP so I can't say upgrading is a "no brainer." It may or make not sense for you. Certainly it's reception so far is mixed I think, some love it, others think Canon phoned it in.

 

[Light Pilgrim]

The R5 is a very capable body. Yet, I view the R5II as superior for many shooting scenarios.

For wildlife and action shooting, the biggest pro for me is the better AF, which seems to be quite a step up from the already-good R5. Closely behind is Pre-burst, which I've used on my Olympus/OMDS gear for years and is an absolute godsend for some types of bird photography and any other action that is unpredictable. The icing on the cake is the higher fps rate.

I'm not a video shooter, but those who are seem to be equally excited about the R5II's video capabilities, plus the fact that you can now shoot much longer videos due to the better cooling system.

Personally, I don't care about some of the new features, such as in-body upscaling or noise reduction, since I don't ever shoot JPEG. If you do, these might matter, as well.

The only group of photographers who seem disappointed are those who mostly shoot landscapes. The R5II does not offer more resolution, as those folks hoped, and its DR seems to the same or marginally below the R5.

If you shot only landscapes, I'd say it is not worth upgrading. For all others, there is a lot of appeal here. Whether or not that is worth it to you, only you can decide.

I have an R5 and expect to get my new R5II a week from today.

 

[Rudy Pohl]

In the US, it’s a very expensive upgrade, with the used R5 selling for about $2,000 and the new R5 Mark II costing over $4,000. The dilemma is that the R5 Mark II is certainly a better camera, but, for many of us, it’s not $2,000 better.

The resolution is the same and image quality is about the same.

Rolling shutter in Electronic Shutter mode is much improved. It has eye controlled autofocus. They say that autofocus is much better. It can shoot video longer without overheating. You can buy a grip with a fan that lets you shoot video even longer. And on and on… it’s a better R5, but you need to decide for yourself and your budget whether the added expense is worthwhile.

Don't forget to add on the extra cost of at least 2 more new model batteries, probably 3.

Really? I almost never need to use a spare for my R6II or R7, even though I always have one with me. I'm planning on buying one extra battery for my R5II. On days when I shoot a lot, it's because I'm using a lot of bursts, and I can get over 6000 shots on one charge with burst shooting. Or are you talking about video? How long can you get on one battery charge? I never shoot video, so it's not a concern for me.

Sorry Alastair, I should have specified that my context is one of shooting 80% videos and 20% stills. When I shoot wildlife videos in 4Kp120p, 4K 60p, and 4K 30p three fully charged batteries last a little more than half a day. I also, use a Rode VideoMicro external mic which doesn't have a battery but runs off the camera's power. My mistake for not clarifying.

Cheers,
Rudy

 

[Alastair Norcross]

In the US, it’s a very expensive upgrade, with the used R5 selling for about $2,000 and the new R5 Mark II costing over $4,000. The dilemma is that the R5 Mark II is certainly a better camera, but, for many of us, it’s not $2,000 better.

The resolution is the same and image quality is about the same.

Rolling shutter in Electronic Shutter mode is much improved. It has eye controlled autofocus. They say that autofocus is much better. It can shoot video longer without overheating. You can buy a grip with a fan that lets you shoot video even longer. And on and on… it’s a better R5, but you need to decide for yourself and your budget whether the added expense is worthwhile.

Don't forget to add on the extra cost of at least 2 more new model batteries, probably 3.

Really? I almost never need to use a spare for my R6II or R7, even though I always have one with me. I'm planning on buying one extra battery for my R5II. On days when I shoot a lot, it's because I'm using a lot of bursts, and I can get over 6000 shots on one charge with burst shooting. Or are you talking about video? How long can you get on one battery charge? I never shoot video, so it's not a concern for me.

Sorry Alastair, I should have specified that my context is one of shooting 80% videos and 20% stills. When I shoot wildlife videos in 4Kp120p, 4K 60p, and 4K 30p three fully charged batteries last a little more than half a day. I also, use a Rode VideoMicro external mic which doesn't have a battery but runs off the camera's power. My mistake for not clarifying.

Cheers,
Rudy

No worries. That makes perfect sense. It also makes me glad I don't shoot video.

 

[KiloHotelphoto]

I was waiting for the R1 and R5 II to see what direction I would go from my R3 and R5.

Neither impressed me much, I wasn't expecting much from the R5 II though. If it would've had the smart controller like the R3 I would've planned on upgrading. That along with the improved auto focus would've been worth it for me.

I ended up trading in the R5 and my RF100-500 on a Fuji GFX 100 II and 500mm F5.6 instead. I may pick up another R3 from Canon refurb to have a backup though.

I think for people who have been waiting to switch from DSLR's getting a R5 now at the discounted price makes more sense than buying the R5 II at a premium for no real stand out upgrade features.

 

[WJaekel]

The R5 II has inherited some of the sports-orientated features from the R1. e.g. the KI supported AF-modes for some team sports and registration of faces (persons). I haven't seen any specs and indications that those AF-modes and AF capabilities in any way translate into a significant superiority of the R5II over the R5 for nature/wildlife photographers. So I'm pretty surprised that some posters claim a generally better AF of the R5II, before the camera is even tested and compared to the R5 in the wildlife/bird/ nature department. The new features and progress of the R5II are obviously more targeted to sports/events - and maybe video. In my experience, the rolling shutter issue on the R5 is way overblown, too - and you can also use EFCS if neeed. So far, the Raw-preBurst function and flexible shooting rates would be the only major benefits of the R5 II in the field for me. If you're a sports shooter or Event photographer (e.g. Wedding shooter) - or more into video and need /want 8K/60 vs 8K/30 and the "new" movie formats, you 're free to come to another conclusion.

Given that you have to pay around €3000 here in Europe if you trade in or sell your R5 + BG -R10 + 2nd battery on the used market and buy the R5II ä BG -R20 + additional battery instead, that's currently not worth the upgrade for me. YMMV

Wolfgang

 

[Quarkcharmed]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently using the Canon EOS R5 and have been really happy with it, especially for wildlife and landscape photography. However, I've been hearing a lot of buzz about the upcoming Canon EOS R5 Mark II.

For those who might have some insider info or have followed the rumors closely, do you think the R5 Mark II will be a significant upgrade? I’m particularly interested in any improvements in image stabilization, autofocus, and video capabilities. Also, if there are any new features that might justify the switch, I'd love to hear about them!

Is anyone else considering the upgrade, or are you sticking with the original R5?

Looking forward to your thoughts!

You get nothing for landscape - there's no new landscape features from Canon, and the dynamic range will be slightly lower.

AF and video will be more advanced.

 

[GEwart]

I'm very happy with my R5 but the R5II has some features that I would appreciate. Such as pre-burst mode, improved AF and video.

I take a fair amount of video but in 2 years I've never had my R5 shut down due to overheating. I'm going to wait until I've read some in depth reviews and user feedback before going for the mk 2. By then the asking price should have dropped a bit.