Get to know R5, R6 and four essential RF lenses
EOS R5 and R6 mark a turning point in Canon’s legendary line of digital cameras. Each proves that mirrorless can meet—and exceed—the expectations of photographers and filmmakers in a world once dominated by DSLRs.
Canon EOS R5 Top Features
45MP Full-Frame CMOS
High-Resolution Imaging
8K 30p RAW/4K 120p
With Log and HDR function
Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
100% Coverage for Fast, Accurate Autofocus
8-Stop In-Body IS
Superior Image Stabilization
High-Res EVF
Crystal-Clear, Lifelike Viewing
Fast Continuous Shooting
Up to 20 fps with Electronic Shutter
Although previous mirrorless releases were designed for the everyday shooter, EOS R5 was designed for the professional photographer, with vastly improved image quality. But what really sets R5 and EOS R6 apart is their ergonomics. Additional dials and controls, including a joystick and an extra dial on the flagship R5, make operating these mirrorless cameras intuitive, while advanced high-resolution electronic viewfinders—perhaps the closest thing to an optical finder yet—unlock possibilities unavailable to DSLRs.
At the heart of every digital camera is its image sensor. It simply can’t make images without one. The R5 and R6 boast new full-frame sensors with 45MP and 20MP resolutions, respectively. Aiding this sensor is the DIGIC X Image Processor, unlocking continuous shooting up to 20 fps and expanded sensitivities of ISO 102400 for the R5 and ISO 204800 for the R6. This imaging pipeline will deliver sharp, rich imagery in nearly any situation. Wedding, landscape, event, sports, studio, and many other types of photographers will enjoy the improvements brought by these cameras.
Rapid-fire photography and excellent video quality mean nothing if your image is out of focus. Canon has made its already impressive on-sensor autofocus system even better, with the release of Dual Pixel CMOS AF II on the R5 and R6. Stepping far above the capabilities of DSLRs and many mirrorless cameras is the ability to select from one of 1,053 points anywhere in the frame. Literally anywhere. Look through the EVF and navigate with the joystick from corner to corner and enjoy rapid, accurate focusing. Canon also added advanced subject detection, including people, eyes, faces, and animals, which uses deep learning to track all your favorite targets accurately.
Not only is in-body image stabilization a brand-new feature for EOS cameras, it is arguably one of the best around. Canon claims 8 stops of stabilization, which puts it at the top of its class. Stabilization gets better if you pair the in-body stabilizers with a compatible RF- or EF-mount lens. This level of stabilization makes it easy to shoot handheld video, as well as work with long, telephoto lenses while still capturing crisp footage. When combined with the just-announced RF 600mm and 800mm lenses, you can even realize the dream of handheld super telephoto photography.
While stills are the mainstay of the Canon EOS R5 and R6, they also boast class-leading video specifications. The R5 takes the crown with the ability to record internally in up to DCI 8K (8192 x 4320) resolution at 30p in a raw video format. Tack on DCI 4K in 10-bit 4:2:2 with frame rates up to 120p, as well as options for C-Log and HDR gamma profiles, and you have an impressive video camera that can challenge some of the best camcorders and even some cinema offerings when it comes to pure image quality. Even the R6 is no slouch, offering recording modes up to DCI 4K at 60p. All of this is possible without any crop, with full AF, and more.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the R5 and R6.
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VS |  |
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EOS R5 |
EOS R6 |
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RESOLUTION |
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ISO 100-51200 |
SENSITIVITY |
ISO 100-102400 |
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VIDEO RESOLUTION |
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C-Log, HLG & PQ HDR |
LOG/HDR |
C-Log, HLG & PQ HDR |
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0.5” 5.76m-dot OLED |
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER |
0.5” 3.69m-dot OLED |
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3.2" 2.1m-dot Vari-Angle |
TOUCHSCREEN |
3.0" 1.6m-dot Vari-Angle |
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Yes |
TOP STATUS LCD |
No |
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2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi & Bluetooth |
WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY |
2.4GHz Wi-Fi & Bluetooth |
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1 x CFexpress, 1 x SD (UHS-II) |
CARD SLOTS |
2 x SD (UHS-II) |
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Yes |
WFT-R10A WIRELESS SUPPORT |
No |
With the R5’s spectacular image and video quality, impressive specs and a professional body that has dual card slots, you might mistake it for a 5D. But this is no 5D. It’s better.
Here’s where the EOS R5 and EOS R6 prove that they deserve your attention, even over the 5D Mark IV
Revamped sensor with more resolution (R5) or greater sensitivity (R6)
Class-leading 8K and 4K video options, with C-Log and HDR capture
Incredible speeds of up to 20 fps, matching or exceeding top-of-the-line DSLRs
A sharp EVF with high refresh rate that is the closest thing to an optical viewfinder yet
Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 100% coverage and advanced subject detection
Dual card slots, including one CFexpress on the R5 in addition to SD (UHS-II)
If you are a 5D owner looking for an upgrade (or a replacement), the R5 should be at the top of your list. It is completely deserving of the 5-series moniker. Also, the new RF mount is designed to work with your library of existing EF-mount glass. Through the use of Canon’s own adapters, you can enjoy a near-seamless transition to the latest Canon has to offer.
The RF mount offers two opportunities: the ability to develop brand-new RF system lenses that take full advantage of the short flange distance and being able to use a plethora of existing lenses—say, EF mount—via adapters. Some adapters even offer unique capabilities. Canon has three to help photographers with an existing collection of EF glass use their lenses with a near guarantee that the experience will match that of a DSLR.
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Mount Adapter EF-EOS R |
Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R |
Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R |
Four lenses and two teleconverters are available alongside the EOS R5 and R6, each showcasing unique, boundary-pushing optical designs.
Enjoy a double-purpose lens that is just as well suited to capturing portraits with smooth bokeh as it is to close-up imaging. A fast f/2 aperture helps create images with shallow depth of field while a minimum focus distance of less than 14" enables half-life-size macro imaging.
- Bright, f/2 mid-telephoto lens with smooth bokeh
- Half life-size macro capabilities with minimum focus of 1.15'
- Optical Image Stabilization with 5 stops of correction
Extra versatility and range are now available for super telephoto shooting with RF-mount cameras. It boasts a longer range than most zooms of this caliber—up to 500mm—while its variable aperture helps maintain L-series image quality at a reasonable size. Perfect for sports, action, and wildlife.
- High performance L-series super telephoto zoom
- OIS with 5 stops of correction and three selectable modes
- Dual Nano USM AF motors for fast, quiet focusing
- Compatible with RF Extenders
By using a retracting/extendable design, as well as Diffractive Optics, the RF 600mm and 800mm lenses deliver extreme focal lengths at a minimal size. Combined with a fixed f/11 aperture and built-in optical image stabilization, both of these super-telephoto primes can now offer adventurers and travelers super-telephoto reach in a compact, lightweight package that doesn’t skimp on quality.
- Extending/retracting design creates compact & lightweight super-tele lenses
- Gapless double-layer Diffractive Optics combat aberrations
- Fixed f/11 aperture for maximum quality
- OIS with 5 stops of correction and Lead Screw-type STM AF motor
- Compatible with RF Extenders
Compatible with the RF 100-500mm, 600mm, and 800mm lenses, the 1.4x and 2x RF Extenders enable even greater reach with minimal impact on image quality. Taking up minimal space in your bag, these teleconverters can effectively give you multiple lenses without weighing you down.
- Compatible with RF 100-500mm, 600mm, and 800mm lenses
- Magnifies image to effectively increase focal length by 1.4x or 2x
- Minimal impact to image quality and lens performance
One thing to keep in mind: the EOS R lineup is part of an ever-growing system. This means new accessories, tools, and capabilities that get even better when select optional devices are used in tandem with the cameras. With the R5 and R6, there is a brand-new battery to guarantee performance, an optional Wireless File Transmitter, and a standard battery grip. That is far from all you can choose. Here are some recommended options.
Of course, it isn’t just the 5D series that you want to compare to the R5. How about the EOS-1D X Mark III? Or even some competitors? Find out where the R5 fits into the larger photo world.
Canon’s full-frame EOS R mirrorless system is looking incredibly strong. With the EOS R5 and R6 cameras, as well as a beautiful bundle of unique and versatile lens optics, it’s sure to offer photographers and filmmakers of all types stellar imaging options.