Canon has broken its silence on new cameras for 2024, and it did so in a big way. The company recently announced not one, but two exciting additions to its mirrorless EOS R lineup: the flagship EOS R1 and the EOS R5 Mark II.
The EOS R1 takes the reins as Canon’s new top-of-the-line mirrorless camera. Aimed at professional sports and wildlife photographers, it boasts exceptional speed, industry-leading autofocus, and impressive durability. The EOS R5 Mark II, on the other hand, positions itself as a versatile powerhouse. Building on the success of the R5, this Mark II version offers a significant leap in performance, making it ideal for photographers and videographers who demand a camera that can excel in various situations.
Both cameras share several key upgrades, including Canon’s latest autofocus technology, Dual Pixel Intelligent AF. This system integrates artificial intelligence, marking Canon’s most advanced autofocus to date. While primarily an evolutionary enhancement, the updated autofocus improves subject tracking precision and enables facial recognition to prioritize individuals within a group. Additionally, the sensor features cross-type pixels to enhance autofocus performance in vertical shooting scenarios, resulting in superior subject tracking and faster focus acquisition, particularly beneficial for capturing fast-paced action.
They also feature a stacked BSI CMOS sensor architecture with both mechanical and electronic flash sync, eye-controlled autofocus, and a dual processing system. This system includes the newly developed Digic Accelerator processor alongside the powerful Digic X chip. In-body image stabilization (IBIS) is enhanced, offering up to 8.5 stops of shake correction for sharper handheld shots and smoother video. Videographers will appreciate the 12-bit internal raw recording capability, providing greater flexibility in post-production.
Canon has finally introduced a neural network noise reduction mode exclusively available for Raw capture. This feature processes images after capture, rather than in real-time like the standard noise reduction engine, aiming to better preserve detail and color fidelity in JPG or HEIF outputs. While this mode is accessible only during image review, not during real-time capture, it can significantly enhance the clarity of low-light images straight from the camera.
Differentiating Factors
While both cameras boast impressive specs, some key differences cater to specific user needs.
- Sensor: The R1 features a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor optimized for speed and low-light performance. The R5 Mark II ups the resolution ante with a new 45-megapixel back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, promising even better image quality and faster readout speeds.
- Resolution: The R1 prioritizes speed over resolution, topping out at 6K video recording. The R5 Mark II steps it up to 8K/60p, a boon for high-resolution video projects.
- Viewfinder: The R1 boasts a high-resolution 9.44-million dot OLED electronic viewfinder, ideal for critical focusing in fast-paced scenarios. The R5 Mark II utilizes a still-excellent 5.76-million dot OLED viewfinder.
The EOS R1 commands a hefty price tag of $6,299 (body only), squarely aimed at the professional market. It competes head-to-head with the likes of the Sony Alpha 1 ($6,498) and Nikon Z9 ($5,499), offering comparable high-speed performance and advanced features essential for professional sports and wildlife photographers who prioritize speed, autofocus precision, and durability.
Meanwhile, the EOS R5 Mark II is positioned at a more accessible price point of $4,299 (body only). This places it in direct competition with models such as the Sony a7 IV ($3,998) and Nikon Z7 II ($3,399). While it doesn’t match the EOS R1’s top speed capabilities, the R5 Mark II offers a comprehensive feature set that appeals to a broader range of photographers and videographers. It delivers outstanding image quality and enhanced video capabilities, catering well to diverse shooting styles and professional-grade video production.
The EOS R5 Mark II is scheduled to arrive in stores first, aiming for availability by late August. Following that, the EOS R1 is expected to launch in autumn, likely arriving around November.
