When speaking about the Canon EOS R5, it is clear that after 5 years, this camera has become a permanently cherished possession I have no intention of parting with.
The Canon EOS R5, launched on July 9, 2025, has taken the photography world by storm. This innovative camera boasts a 45MP sensor, making it the highest resolution of any Canon camera, setting a new standard in image quality.
With its exceptional capabilities, the EOS R5 has proven to be an exceptional choice for wildlife photography, thanks to its ungodly good autofocus and in-body image stabilization that is absolutely stellar. The camera's autofocus system has been praised for its speed and accuracy, making it an ideal tool for capturing fast-moving subjects in sharp detail.
One of the standout features of the EOS R5 is its 8K Frame Grab feature. This innovative technology allows the camera to take high-quality screenshots from videos, providing photographers with an additional way to capture stunning images. However, extended 8K video recording can lead to overheating issues, limiting continuous shooting time to about 25 minutes. Canon has released firmware updates to optimize the temperature rise warning, reducing unnecessary alerts and improving the camera's ability to shoot without undue interruptions.
The EOS R5 primarily uses CFexpress Type B as its storage format, which provides the high-speed data throughput required for 8K capture and high-resolution burst shooting. For the best results, James Artaius, head of Digital Camera World and a renowned camera expert with 25 years of experience as a journalist, recommends looking at the best lenses for the Canon EOS R5 and the best Canon RF lenses in general. Some top picks include the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM for versatility, the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM for sharpness and low light, and the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM for telephoto reach with excellent image quality.
The Canon EOS R5 has faced criticism for its overheating issues, particularly when recording 4K or 8K video. However, the release of the EOS R5 Mark II has addressed these concerns substantially. Real-world tests in hot environments, like Bangkok, show the R5 Mark II maintaining reliable operation at high frame rates without overheating. Its firmware updates—such as version 1.1.1—also address overheating by lowering image capture frame rates during certain uses and generally improve stability and autofocus performance.
In conclusion, the Canon EOS R5 is a camera that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in photography and videography. Despite its initial overheating issues, firmware updates have significantly improved its performance, making it a reliable choice for photographers. The original EOS R5 is so good that it might not need to be replaced for a long time, but the release of the EOS R5 Mark II offers an even better option for those seeking a superior camera.
James Artaius, in his extensive experience with cameras of all makes, including Olympus, Canon, and Hasselblad, has found that the EOS R5 and its successor, the EOS R5 Mark II, can produce fantastic results even with vintage Helios lenses and older DSLR glass. This versatility, combined with its exceptional capabilities, makes the Canon EOS R5 and R5 Mark II stand out as game-changers in the world of photography.
Even outside of professional photography, James Artaius has a soft spot for instant cameras, demonstrating his passion for all things photography. The Canon EOS R5 has been consistently reliable in various shooting conditions over the past five years, having been used for numerous shoots, including portraiture, wildlife, sports, and odds-and-ends shots. The RF 85mm f/1.2 and the RF 85mm f/1.2 DS are considered the best Canon RF lenses, providing photographers with the tools they need to create stunning images with the EOS R5 and R5 Mark II.
- The Canon EOS R5, launched on July 9, 2025, has made a considerable impact in the photography world, setting a new standard in image quality with its 45MP sensor.
- This camera's exceptional autofocus and in-body image stabilization make it an ideal choice for wildlife photography.
- The EOS R5's autofocus system is praised for its speed and accuracy, making it an excellent tool for capturing fast-moving subjects in sharp detail.
- One of the standout features of the EOS R5 is its 8K Frame Grab feature, allowing high-quality screenshots from videos, opening up new ways to capture images.
- However, the EOS R5's extended 8K video recording can lead to overheating issues, limiting continuous shooting time.
- James Artaius, head of Digital Camera World and a seasoned camera expert, recommends looking at the best lenses for the Canon EOS R5, such as the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM and the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, for optimal results.
- The release of the EOS R5 Mark II has significantly improved upon the original model's overheating issues, making it a more reliable choice for photographers.
- In addition to their performance in professional photography, the EOS R5 and its successor, the EOS R5 Mark II, are versatile cameras that can produce great results with vintage lenses and older DSLR glass.
