Let me share with you more on my Canon EOS R5 review journey, photographs that I shot with the review camera, my thoughts and views on this new Canon full-frame mirrorless camera that is born to rule.

Aesthetics 

When you hold the Canon EOS R5 camera body, you would find it very familiar. The Canon EOS R5 body is similar to the Canon EOS R, it has a top LCD panel, slightly bigger in width with dual card slots and bigger battery. It has a magnesium alloy body: Strong, sturdy, durable and solid feel, not too heavy and easy to carry around. 

Canon photographers rejoice! Our favourite joy stick is back! Although it’s easy to use the LCD screen for moving and controlling the auto-focus (AF) point, the joy stick gives us photographers another option when using the camera especially when we are looking through the viewfinder to photograph our subjects. Fast and accurate AF point movement on both LCD screen and viewfinder, making our photography easier and faster.

Dual card slots are back, another feature that photographers would like to have it (the earlier EOS R and EOS RP have single card slots) back on the EOS R series cameras. With two card slots, 1 for SD and 1 for CFexpress, you can record them separately, this would be most welcomed by working professionals. The CFexpress would provide the incredible speed needed for your high fps RAW shots and for your 8K videography production. 

Powered by the LP-E6NH battery (you can still use the LP-E6 and LP-E6N batteries), providing more juice for your photography and videography. Just like the Canon EOS R, there is also a cover protecting the sensor when the EOS R5 is switched off. 

Technology 

Photography 

One of the key features that I like about the Canon EOS R5 is the auto-focus (AF) capabilities. It’s powered by the latest DIGIC X processor and 45MP CMOS sensor. AF speed is fast and accurate, up to 20 FPS. Animal detection AF is excellent in most cases. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II combined with the fast processing speed of the latest DIGIC X processor brought about big improvements in the EOS R5 AF capability.

The AF is responsive and fast when changing from viewfinder to LCD screen. Using the joystick allows easy movement of AF point/zone to the subject when looking through the viewfinder. The ISO is from 100 to 51,200, my personal tolerance level is around ISO 25,600 that I find it usable.

Eye tracking is fast and accurate, improved from Canon EOS R, making portraiture photography fast and ease of use to get the subject’s eyes sharp and accurate. The Animal detection AF is welcomed by wildlife photographers, fast AF speed, accuracy and ease of usage. 

AF – People / Animals / No priority 

AF – Eye tracking / Spot AF / 1-point / Expand AF area / Expand AF area : around / Zone AF / Large Zone AF : Vertical / Large Zone AF : Horizontal

The Large Zone AF: Vertical and Large Zone AF: Horizontal are two interesting AF selections that can be chosen by the photographer. These two selections would be helpful in animal/wildlife photography.

Servo AF 

Case 1 – Versatile multi purpose setting

Case 2 – Continue to track subjects, ignoring possible obstacles

Case 3 – Instantly focus on subjects suddenly entering AF points

Case 4 – For subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly

Videography

In the modern world today, video has risen in prominence and significance with the rise of social media and internet usage. A modern digital camera is no longer just for photography, it now can produce excellent videos as well. 

On the Canon EOS R5, it’s easy to navigate and use the movie recording function. You can shoot in different modes, from 8K to FHD that would be sufficient for most leisure and serious amateur users. As for those into filmmaking, commercial videography, you have the options of shooting and showcasing in 8K format, or shoot in 8K and export to 4K format, or shoot in 4K. The video AF is fast, accurate and responsive, easy to use too.  

8K-D 25p / 24p (8192 x4320) 

8K-U 25p (7680×4320)

4K-D 50p / 4K-D 25p / 4K-D 24p (4096×2160)

4K-U 50p / 4K-U 25p (3840×2160)

FHD 50p (ALL-I / IPB) / FHD 25p (ALL-I /Standard IPB / Light IPB) (1920×1080)

Videography works with EOS R5

I didn’t get to spend more time doing videography works with the EOS R5 as I probably shoot more stills photography doing wildlife photography with the RF100-500mm lens. However, I did manage to shoot short video clips of 30s and 1min for my documentary coverage of Tanglin Halt and Clementi Forest, both areas that I have been documenting and photographing since 2011. 

I shot the videos in 8K format, while I have no qualms about the 8K video quality, it’s very demanding on computer hardware and resources. My videos are edited by fellow photographer Isaac Ong and I would upload them into YouTube and share here when the videos are ready. I would add on Isaac’s thoughts and views on the suggested computing hardware, technical specifications and resources required, should you be looking at doing 8K video production with the Canon EOS R5. 

5-axis In-Body Image Stabiliser 

There is the new 5-axis In-Body Image Stabiliser, coupled with Optical Image Stabiliser on the appropriate lens attached, this powerful function and features helps us photographers and videographers in our shoots that we sometimes don’t realise about the two features in action when using the Canon EOS R5.

From low light handheld photography to handheld videography work, the new 5-axis In-Body Image Stabiliser coupled with an appropriate Canon lens with Image Stabiliser are going to be a huge asset for the photographer and videographer using the Canon EOS R5.

Connectivity 

The Canon EOS R5 has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity functions, allowing you to connect with your other smart devices such as your smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s for remote control shooting or file transfer, you can be assured of the seamless connectivity.

EOS R5 with RF lenses 

During my review of the Canon EOS R5, I took the opportunity to request for the Canon RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens for review as well, pairing this telephoto zoom lens with the EOS R5. I had a great and fun time with this camera and lens combination, Canon EOS R5 with RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens. 

This particular combination is very popular with Canon photographers who are into wildlife and sports photography, high megapixels paired with a versatile, quite portable and great quality telephoto zoom lens. For images shot at 500mm, and if you still require cropping, there are enough megapixels from the EOS R5 for the photographer to retain the quality and sharpness of the subject. 

It’s a breeze and ease to use the native RF lenses on the Canon EOS R5, and with more RF lenses coming into the market, Canon photographers now have a greater ease of mind on the RF lenses available, showcasing Canon’s commitment to the full-frame mirrorless camera market. 

TGH Photography x Canon EOS R5 Explorer Series Production

I brought the Canon EOS R5 for a revisit to Tanglin Halt estate, a HDB estate that I had covered, documented and photographed some years back. Soon, the old flats would no longer be around, I am glad to have capture it down into my memories, documentation, and archives with the Canon EOS R5 and my other Canon DSLR cameras that I shot some years back. 

Another location that I brought the Canon EOS R5 to photograph was the Clementi Forest and Old Jurong Railway line. I have been documenting and photographing this segment since 2011, I went back again when I was reviewing the Canon EOS R6 and back again for another round with the Canon EOS R5. 

Thoughts and views

One of the key factors that would attracts photographers to the Canon EOS R5 is the 45MP sensor.  It’s not just higher  and better quality, the sharpness and details of the images that you can produce and if you need more room for cropping, the 45MP is a breeze in the park. 

8K videography is an interesting topic, while the consumer world is not fully onboard using 4K, the commercial level is already preparing for 8K production. While some might view 8K as on overzealous feature based on current 4K usage rates, the Canon EOS R5 in my humble personal opinion is forward thinking. The EOS R5 is inclined towards the pool of commercial photographers, production houses, filmmakers and videographers. With both high quality stills photography and 8K videography capabilities, you have the best of both worlds. 

Some other quick pointers and short summaries

• Dual card slots: 1 for SD, 1 for CFexpress card. While the CFexpress would provide the incredible speed needed for your high fps RAW shots and for your 8K videography production, the costs to add those storage cards are going to increase your overall camera investment budget.
• New 5-axis In-Body Image Stabiliser x Optical Image Stabiliser: powerful function and features helps us photographers in our shoots.
• 45MP full-frame CMOS Sensor (new sensor) & Digic X processor, photographers would really appreciate the processing speed and output quality on your photos and videos.
• For photographers into wildlife photography – the EOS R5 has a much improved AF and Animal Detection AF (popular with wildlife photographers, EOS R5 with prime lens or RF100-500mm)
• The expanding EOS R family + RF lenses lineup is ushering in a new era of photography – Born to Rule

Although the Canon EOS R5 is an excellent camera that you may use for a longer period of time, you have to factor in the additional costs in the following areas to complement and support the Canon EOS R5, allowing it to unleash its full potential:

Additional hardware costs due to 

• Getting a new desktop computer setup that can handle 8K videos editing
• CFexpress storage cards are costly 
• Extra storage space on desktop computer, laptop, portable hdd or cloud storage 

Overheating issue

The topic on overheating on the Canon EOS R5 had been discussed quite a fair bit on the internet and social media. During my review of the EOS R5, I did encounter overheating when I was doing stills photography, I had to switch off, waited for it to cool down before I was able to resume. I made an adjustment, switching on Eco mode and slowing down the pace of my photography. Thereafter, I didn’t encounter any more overheating. 

Although I didn’t get to do as much videography with the Canon EOS R5 as I would like, I managed to shoot a few videos in 8K, keeping the clips to 30s and 1minute. During that time, I  encounter some heat dissipated, that is normal in recording videos. However, I didn’t encounter any major overheating issue. 

While the EOS R5 overheating issue has invited a number of discussions and debates, I feel that it’s a great camera overall. The full-frame mirrorless camera is a modern hybrid equipment for the modern photographer and videographer that is most welcomed by many creative professionals. Based on my understanding and research, the firmware update for the EOS R5 has improved the overheating issue. 

Understanding that the modern digital mirrorless camera is a hybrid camera, it’s not like a dedicated filmmaking/cinematic series camera if that’s what you are looking for. Cameras such as the EOS R5 gives us modern photographers (like me) to diversify and add videography/filmmaking into our services delivery. Knowing the engineering constraints of a hybrid camera, managing and adjusting how we shoot videos, might just be the small tips to manage the overheating issue (with the firmware updates applied as well).

Best of Both Worlds

In my personal humble opinion, The Canon EOS R5 at this current juncture in time, represents the best of both worlds together – Photography and Videography. From Reimagine Optical Excellence (EOS R), to Reimagine Your Potential (EOS RP) and now Born to Rule (EOS R5) and (EOS R6).

Although the upcoming Canon EOS R3 is going to open up more opportunities and diversity in Canon full-frame mirrorless line-up, the Canon EOS R5 might just suit your needs and requirements for your respective photography genres. 

A very powerful and fast mirrorless camera highly suitable and recommended for professionals, ideal for serious amateurs too. In a way, it’s similar to EOS 5D Mark IV, the Canon EOS R5 camera would be an easy transition for existing Canon photographers, the handling of the camera body and menu interface, it’s easy to use and get the hang of it. 

The Canon EOS R5 is recommended for

• Professional photographers moving over from DSLR setup to mirrorless setup upgrading from entry level DSLRs or entry level mirrorless cameras (choice of EOS R5, EOS R6 and EOS R to choose from and the upcoming EOS R3 as well)
• Professional photographers who need the higher megapixels and image quality 
• Portraiture, products, landscape
• Production houses 
• Filmmakers / Videographers  

Would this EOS R5 be my next camera upgrade/change? 

I am currently using Canon EOS-1DX Mark II and Canon EOS RP, there is a possibility that I might add either the EOS R5 or maybe the EOS R6 to my setup (or even maybe the upcoming EOS R3?). 

With the recent announcement on the development of the Canon EOS R3, how would this influence/change my plans for camera changes/upgrades? To be honest, I don’t have an answer yet (even though I secretly lust for the Canon EOS R3). The world of possibilities are out there for Canon photographers with choices to choose from EOS R5, EOS R6, EOS R, EOS RP and upcoming EOS R3.

However, I would still share my thoughts and views on the differences between Canon EOS R5 and R6 in my upcoming comparison article, for photographers who feel that the either the Canon EOS R5 or EOS R6 would suit their needs and usage. You can view more photographs shot with Canon EOS R5 here inside this Flickr photo album.

To all Canon photographers and those are thinking of coming on board the Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless cameras and RF lenses family, you can now have even more confidence to embrace, adopt and enter into this new family, welcome onboard! (You can even keep your EF lenses too!).

*I would like to thank Canon Singapore for the opportunity to review the Canon EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera.* 

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

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.