Before I proceed further, this is NOT a review article. This article are my insights, thoughts, views from my short hands on experience along with my Q&A session with Canon Singapore Marketing. This article would be more like a continuation, Part Two of an earlier article that I published, “The Canon Mirrorless Journey from EOS M to EOS R”. Although it is NOT a review article, it’s a bit lengthy in content.

Through my session with Canon Singapore Marketing, I had a better understanding on the new EOS R cameras and RF lenses. In a nutshell, the EOS Family Hierarchy looks like this

EOS 1DX 

EOS R5 

EOS 5D 

EOS R + EOS R6 

Now let me share my thoughts and views of my short hands on experience with EOS R5, EOS R6 and new RF lenses. 

EOS R5

This is the Canon full-frame mirrorless camera that photographers want and have been waiting for. Canon has listened to photographers and customers feedback, this camera now has dual media cards slot. The iconic and well liked joystick and wheel controls are back on the EOS R5. The body and layout is similar to the EOS R. 

A hybrid camera, best of both worlds, for stills photography and videography, 8K video with no cropping and 45 megapixels. That’s a powerful camera for photographers, videographers and content producers.

8K video recording overheating concern? 

An issue that has been nitpicked by some overseas photography websites, a point to take note but with a wrong approach and mentality by the websites, probably a clickbait to drive web traffic to their website.

I brought up this topic for discussion as I was doing some homework and research from overseas websites and YouTube channels that are talking about this particular topic. From my understanding, maximum recording time is 29min 59 sec.

You can find Movie Shooting Time (or Movie Recording Time) Limit inside the camera’s manual by Canon. Raise your hands, how many of you read the whole manual, whether in pdf format or physical copy? 

When the Canon EOS R5 camera manual is available, I would download and have a read.

Points to take note from a photographer/videographer practical perspective:

• EOS R5 is a hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera that can do stills photography and videography. It’s not a standalone dedicated video camera recorder. 
• If you are looking to shoot non-stop 4K video for a long continuous period of time, you need to look at camcorders instead.The Canon Cinema EOS Camcorders and Camcorders are calling out to you.
• How often do you record video non-stop for 30 minutes and beyond? Unless you are mainly shooting conferences, major seminars presentation or live performances.
• Even if you are into producing vlogs, YouTube videos, short filmmaking, how often do you and can you video for 30mins or more without a break or pause, to check, reshoot? 

Should I have updated information and details on this, I might update it here or in my review article down the road.

In-Body IS + lens IS = holy combo, that’s what it should be, Canon now leads the way 

The photography industry was talking/discussing a lot on internet and social media a few years back. While it may seem that Canon took a much longer time to implement In-Body Image Stabiliser (In-Body IS), they didn’t want to put it in for the sake of putting it in. 

Yes, Canon listen to the feedback on the ground, from photographers and customers. This probably took them a bit longer than launching their full-frame mirrorless camera, a In-Body IS that works with the lens IS, with a new algorithm through new DIGIC X, “talking, coordinating and controlling” both IS on lens and camera body to work in tandem together simultaneously. 

That’s the way it should be for cameras utilising In-Body IS and lens IS, Canon now leads the way. 

Combining the best of the best together

This EOS R5 brings some of the best of the EOS Series, EOS 5D Mark IV (for its stills + video) + EOS 5DS or EOS 5DS R (MF quality stills photography) + latest DIGIC X + new sensor + revolutionary RF technology + EOS R series camera body, all together into that EOS R5.

EOS R6

For photographers who are a fan of the EOS-1DX series, you can go for the Canon EOS R6, it’s a mini EOS-1DX Mark III since it has inherited much of its hardware and technical specifications into the EOS R6 body. 

If you do not need the 8K video functions and high 45 megapixels, the EOS R6 is very suitable and more affordable, you can still shoot in 4K and with 20 megapixels, you can get most photography jobs done without too much worries. EOS R5 and EOS R6 have similar design,  layout and functionalities. The top layout is similar to the Canon EOS RP layout. 

The EOS R6 would be highly suitable for those wanting and ready to move into full-frame mirrorless cameras, whether you are an existing EOS DSLR user, or migrating from other brands, upgrading from APS-C cameras to full-frame camera.

RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens

This focal length range lens hasn’t really caught my attention previously as my setup is towards the holy trinity setup and big prime lens. However, I have to say that this focal length of 100-500mm range is versatile, lightweight and ideal for wildlife photography, sports and events photography too. 

I would love to try this lens out for wildlife photography when the opportunity arises to review this lens.

RF Extender 1.4x and RF Extender 2x

I sense exciting times ahead for the RF mount lenses. When would the RF300mm f/2.8 or RF400mm f/2.8 be out in the market? 

RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

We photographers and consumers need a mindset change that telephoto lenses must be at big apertures? Can telephoto lenses be lightweight, affordable and easy to use at f/11 aperture? The RF600mm and RF800mm are going to open up leisure (and maybe even commercial) photographers into owning telephoto lens.  

If you have the opportunity to try either one of the two telephoto lens, pair it with the RF Extender 2x and you would be able to see, feel and understand the power of Dual Pixel CMOS AF II in action, check out the AF at f/22. 

The materials used and built quality is pretty good for RF600mm and RF800mm lenses, considering that they are non L lenses. 

RF85mm f/2 IS STM

A popular focal length, the 85mm, ideal for portraits, can also be used as a macro lens as well. Affordable and lightweight. 

Final thoughts and views

Born to rule, a new era in the mirrorless camera segment, usability and durability, commitment to RF mount, EOS R full frame mirrorless. Excitement, Canon full-frame mirrorless is no longer playing catch up, it’s now leading the way.

Canon does listen to customers feedback and concerns, they are aware of the needs and wants of photographers. I still remember these two quotes that I wrote down, given by Canon Inc executives from my media sessions in 2016 at Canon EXPO Shanghai,

“We may look conservative but we know the trends” 

“We are not complacent”

Canon is and has always been committed to the mirrorless camera market, the messages were clear back then, even though there were no specific timeline nor indication of cameras to come. While Canon’s journey in full-frame mirrorless cameras, delivering the EOS R5 and EOS R6 to the market today in 2020, took a bit of a longer route and time, photographers now have a top range full-frame mirrorless EOS R5, accompanied by EOS R6, EOS R and EOS RP. Canon now has a range of different full-frame mirrorless cameras catering for most (if not all) photography genres.

The EOS R5 is highly suitable for production houses, commercial photographers, videographers, filmmakers, almost able to cover all genres of photography. A powerful hybrid camera for both stills photography and videography, the best of both worlds.

The price might be on the high side, yet given the power technical specifications, this is a worthy investment for the next 3-5 years, especially for those commercial photographers and production houses. 

What does the future holds for the EOS R and RF lenses family?

Canon has now set a high level benchmark for themselves and the full-frame mirrorless camera industry. Expectations would now be even higher. More RF lenses are on the pipeline, making the EOS R and RF mount series even more exciting in the very near future. 

An equivalent of the 1DX series EOS R? This would keep me very excited and interested.

On a personal/commercial photographer and videography/filmmaking approach

EOS R5, the hybrid camera for both commercial photography, videography and filmmaking. I always like the EOS 5D series and wanting to own a 5D Mark III or 5D Mark IV. The EOS R5 would be a great (almost perfect fit) as it covers both photography and videography. 

I have held back on getting a EOS 5D series as I am eagerly awaiting the next EOS R series camera even though I am using EOS RP and my trusted EOS-1DX Mark II. Now with the EOS R5 and R6, I have a good headache to plan, strategise and consider, how should I go about setting up my photography and videography combination, maybe it’s time to start my mini production house and digital marketing agency. 

The EOS R5 is the Canon full-frame professional mirrorless camera that many photographers are eagerly, anxiously or patiently waiting and wanting. It has finally arrived! Content creation and consumption of media is moving towards video in this current timeline and near future, the EOS R5 and R6 are going to be your trusted content creation gadgets.

I am most likely not buying the EOS R5 when it is officially out for sale in the market at the end of July 2020, as much as I would love to own this powerful packed (almost perfect) full-frame mirrorless camera, due to financial constraints and current economic downturn. However, I am looking at getting it some time down the road, maybe in 1 year’s time. The EOS R6 is good too, however my preference is the EOS R5. 

On the other hand, I do hope that I would be able to test and review the Canon EOS R5, EOS R6 and many more RF lenses that I would love to test and review, sharing with fellow photographers on Canon full-frame mirrorless photography through my Canon EOS RP Explorer Series Production. 

Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras journey has now transformed even further, setting a new standard for the full-frame mirrorless cameras industry. 

Born to Rule, the Canon EOS R5 has and will, leading the way for new full-frame mirrorless camera industry standards.

The post Short Hands on Experience with EOS R5, EOS R6 and new RF lenses appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

For this article, I would be sharing information and details of the two brand new full-frame mirrorless cameras, EOS R5 and EOS R6. As for more personal views and thoughts on those two new EOS R full-frame mirrorless cameras, I would publish it at a later date. With my coverage of Canon’s EOS cameras and lenses over the years, along with my own personal photography coverage from Canon’s first mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS M, to the EOS R5 and EOS R6 of today, this article would be too lengthy and heavy in content, thus it would be best that I split into two parts.

Now, let me bring you into the new world of the Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Born to rule, the Canon EOS R5, a highly capable camera with high quality resolution, high speed shooting, equipped with a new and improved AF system, in-body IS, a game changer for both stills photography and videography, with dual card slots. Partnering together with fellow Canon EOS R6 that was launched together with EOS R5, these two brand new full-frame mirrorless cameras are setting new standards and directions in the full-frame mirrorless camera market.

“The EOS R5 and EOS R6 will definitely surpass our advance and professional users’ expectations with their suite of features and technologies. In fact, the EOS R5 is not only Canon’s best mirrorless camera to date, but also one that is more than qualified as a filmmaking camera. With its fast burst shooting speed, 5-axis in-body image stabilization and ability to record 8k videos with its full-frame sensor, the EOS R5 will truly be an exciting product for our users,” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

New Generation Image Sensor – Unparalleled Imaging Performance

The EOS R5 is equipped with a 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, close to medium-format resolution, this would meet the high demands of professional photographers. From large format commercial printing to capturing intricate details in landscape photography, including intensive cropping frequently required in wildlife photography, the EOS R5 is up to the task and can do them all.

They are powered by the new DIGIC X image processor that debuted in Canon’s flagship EOS-1DX Mark III. The electronic shutter in both the EOS R5 and EOS R6 is capable of continuous shooting up to 20fps at full resolution, even with AF and AE tracking. The mechanical shutter is able at a continuous speed 12fps as well, putting both cameras among the fastest full-frame mirrorless cameras in the market.

The new DIGIC X imaging processor has also vastly improved in its noise handling capabilities. Even though the EOS R5 has 45 million pixels, its native ISO can go up to an incredible 51,200, with an option to expand up to 102,400. Despite having 50% more pixels as compared to the EOS R, the EOS R5 performs better in the ISO department.

As for the EOS R6, it is equipped with a 20-megapixel full-frame sensor, that is inherited from Canon’s flagship EOS-1DX Mark III. Sharing the same image sensor and image processor as the EOS-1DX Mark III, the EOS R6 is capable of achieving a native ISO of up to 102,400 (expandable to 204,800).

Enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF – Face and Animal Detection AF

Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF has been around for a few years, this technology has been a key component behind Canon’s core Auto Focus (AF) technology that are inside Canon’s best cameras. It’s designed to provide smooth, high-performance focus tracking in movies and fast AF acquisition when shooting still photography. This technology makes capturing a moving subject and retaining sharp focus easy.

For the EOS R5 and EOS R6, this proprietary technology by Canon has been upgraded to the next generation by enhancing the image-reading speed of the CMOS sensor. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II combined with the very fast processing speed of the new DIGIC X imaging processor has brought about several major improvements in AF capability.

For the first time ever in the EOS lineup, the AF coverage area has been expanded to cover the entire sensor (100% x 100%). This means focusing is available on any part of the frame, that would make focusing on subjects at the far edges a breeze.

As compared to the EOS R, the number of AF points for both EOS R5 and EOS R6 during automatic selection has increased sevenfold, to an impressive 1,053 points. Manually selectable AF positions on the EOS R5 is 5,940 while the EOS R6 has 6,072, which is 1.5x more than the EOS-1DX Mark III. This is a significant increase, thus improving the the accuracy in AF tracking dramatically.

Face Tracking with Eye Detection AF was first made available in the EOS R and EOS RP cameras. Now with the new Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, both EOS R5 and EOS R6 can enable AF Priority mode for either people or animals. In addition, the camera is able to recognise not just the body, but also the head and eyes of the subjects as well. All these advancements in AF would definitely be Delighting You (us photographers!) Always, in demanding photography genres such as sports and bird photography, helping and benefitting them tremendously.

In low light situations, do not fret. Never miss a moment even in a dimly lit situation with EOS R5’s low luminance AF sensitivity of EV -6 and EOS R6 at EV -6.5, a condition so dark that human eye would even find it difficult to see.

In-Body Image Stabiliser and Dual Card Slots

These two features are here, inside both EOS R5 and EOS R6 camera bodies, another first for the Canon’s EOS series cameras. They both incorporate a 5-axis camera-shake blur correction In-Body Image Stabiliser (In-Body IS) function. When they are used in tandem with an Optical Image Stabiliser (Optical IS) equipped RF lens, or even RF lenses that do not have IS, the camera-shake reduction is as effective up to 8-stops decrease in shutter speed. For Canon photographers using EF lenses that do not have Optical IS, they can also gain image stabilisation as well.

Both cameras use a new algorithm, made possible by the new imaging engine DIGIC X, to process gyro signal data and achieve higher image stabilisation effects. Coordinated control utilises the image stabilisation mechanisms of both the camera and lens, simultaneously. This coordinated control results in an optimised stabilisation across the entire zoom range, from wide-angle to telephoto, depending on the lens in use.

With this In-Body IS capability, photographers can shoot handheld of a 2 seconds exposure using RF lens with 100mm focal length, and get a sharp image with fluid water motion, without using a tripod.

Inside the compact size camera body, the EOS R5 has two card slots, one is a CFexpress, the other is a SD memory card. The CFexpress card supports high-speed transfer, allowing the camera to perform continuous shooting of 45-megapixel still images, at up to 20 fps, as well as internal recording of 8K RAW movies (without additional recording equipment). The EOS R6 has two card slots that accommodate both SD memory cards.

In-camera 8K video recording – Sharper and more colour-accurate videos

The EOS R5 can shoot in 8K, thanks to the incredible processing power of the DIGIC X combined with the ultra-fast CFexpress media, enabling the EOS R5 to record 8K movies at a smooth 30fps with full sensor readout. Shooting in 8K gives users the flexibility in cropping during post-production even for 4K delivery, allowing more creative expression through zooming or panning.

In addition, there is an option to record 8K RAW movies internally without any external accessories. The EOS R5 is able to record up to 120fps in 4K as well, a feature that is highly sought after in the industry. The EOS R5 is able to record in a variety of formats, including RAW, H.265 HEVC and H.264 MP4 in either ALL-I or IPB compression.

As for the EOS R6, it is able to shoot in 4K videos up to 60fps, and slow motion at 120fps in Full HD, all without crop, similar to the EOS R5.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF will be available for both EOS R5 and EOS R6 in all resolutions and formats. With all the above video features, making both cameras great tools for video makers and hybrid shooters.

External monitoring and recording are available via HDMI port at up to 4K 60fps with 10 bit, 4:2:2 for both cameras. For HDR shooting, both cameras have PQ and Canon log features that allow users flexibility in recording and grading for HDR content.

Advanced Wireless Features – Seamless Connectivity

The Canon EOS R5 currently has the most advanced wireless feature in any Canon cameras to date. It has native support for 5GHz and 2.4GHz wireless LAN without the need for any additional accessory, a first for a Canon camera. FTP and FTPS data transfer are supported as well.

With all these connectivity features, photographers can easily transfer image data from the camera to a smart device, PC or even FTP server. If the user requires even faster speeds, or SFTP with secured LAN, this optional accessory WFT-R10 is available. It comes with 2×2 MIMO and wired LAN for faster and more stable connections.

As for the EOS R6, it supports only the 2.4GHz band but retains FTP and FTPS functionality.

Both EOS R5 and EOS R6 support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and they are the first to work fully with the new image.canon cloud platform. Once configured and with a Wi-Fi connection established, the camera can automatically upload image and video files and store them in the image.canon cloud for up to 30 days with no limit in size. This includes original RAW files and 8K movies as well. Users can even configure image.canon to automatically transfer original image data to various cloud platforms such as Google Photos, Google Drive or Adobe Creative Cloud.

Intuitive to Handle, Built to Last

Both the EOS R5 and EOS R6 have a magnesium alloy body, dust and drip-proof construction. They are lightweight, it also prevent dust and water droplets from entering the camera body as well.

On the topic of shutter durability, the EOS R5 has the same shutter durability as the EOS-1DX Mark III at 500,000 cycles, while the EOS R6 has 300,000 cycles shutter durability. A point to take not is that, the shutter curtain of both EOS R5 and EOS R6 can be configured to either close or remain open when power is off. This is an extremely useful feature as it can prevent dust from entering the sensor chamber when photographers change their lens.

The EOS R5 has a top LCD panel while the EOS R6 has a Mode Dial. Canon photographers who are experienced and used to the EOS 5D series would greatly welcome the popular Multi-controller and Quick Control Dial that are available on both models. This combination allows quicker selection of AF points and change of settings on both cameras.

Both EOS R5 and EOS R6 are designed with the Vari-angle LCD with full touch screen convenience during AF and menu selections. The EOS R5 sports a 0.5-inch hi-res Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) with 5.76m dots, which is 1.5 times more than the resolution of EOS R’s EVF. The EOS R6 has a 3.69m dot EVF.

Display refresh rate of the EVF is now at 119.88 / 59.94fps for both cameras, which is twice of the EOS R. The smooth display makes tracking of moving subjects much easier. A new LP-E6NH battery has been created for both cameras, which has 15% higher capacity than LP-E6N, which lets users shoot for longer. Both cameras are compatible with existing LP-E6N and LP-E6 batteries. The BG-R10 battery grip (sold separately) is an optional accessory equipped with Multi-controller, designed for shooting in vertical orientation. The BG-R10 makes portrait photography easier and has a dust and drip resistant design which matches both cameras. It accommodates two battery units (LP-E6NH, LP-E6N, or LP-E6 batteries), allowing users to continue shooting for even longer periods with less concern about the remaining battery power. When combined with the PD-E1 adapter (sold separately), it is also possible to recharge batteries or supply power to the camera via USB cable.

Pricing and Availability

The EOS R5 will be available for pre-order from now to 28th July 2020 at Canon authorised dealers at the following recommended retail price.

Pre-orders will receive a complimentary Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R worth $319 and a SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC 64GB worth $43. The EOS R5 official sales launch will be 30 July 2020.

The EOS R6 will be available with two kit lens options, the EOS R6 Kit with the RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM or the EOS R6 Kit with the RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. The R6 will be available in the later part of Q3 2020, with pricing to be confirmed.

*** Updated 3rd August 2020 ***

The Canon EOS R6 is now available for pre-orders till 25 August 2020. Pre-orders can be made on https://shop.canon.com.sg/eosr6.html

The LP-E6NH Battery for the EOS R5 and EOS R6 will be available in August 2020 for $149.

The BG-R10 Battery Grip will be available by 30 July 2020 and will retail for $439.

The WFT-R10 Wireless File Transmitter for the R5 will also be available by 30 July 2020 and will cost $1,599.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and GLOO PR *

The post Canon announced EOS R5 and EOS R6 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.