Canon led the hybrid camera revolution with the 5D Mark II and now the EOS R5 Mark II is catapulting Canon’s mirrorless system into a whole new world of cinema-quality video capture. Revamped autofocus, souped-up processing, and enhanced image quality at up to 8K resolution are all key to the EOS R5 Mark II’s mastery of video and should put it at the top of the list for any serious filmmaker or videographer in search of their ideal mirrorless video camera.
Raw, 8K, 4K, and More
A newly developed 45MP full-frame stacked CMOS sensor is not just a boon for image quality, it also allows the R5 Mark II to offer even more resolution and frame rate options than its predecessor—including 8K 60p raw.
Raw video is a true professional feature for videographers as it unlocks the best possible quality possible from the camera. The R5 Mark II has multiple raw options, including the aforementioned 8K 60p and a new 4K SRAW mode, all in camera and at up to 60 fps. These are killer specs for any camera, and they are full width, meaning they make use of the full-frame area to get that dreamy large-format cinema look.
In addition to raw, the R5 Mark II offers plenty of 10-bit compressed recording options all the way up to DCI 8K and down to standard Full HD, which maxes out at an impressive 240 fps. Having such a high-resolution sensor also means that shooters will be able to record in proper 4K even when set to a Super 35 crop. Make use of all the cine lenses you can dream of with the R5 Mark II and enjoy top-notch quality.
The volume and variety of video options, as well as the quality behind them, make the R5 Mark II one of the most capable mirrorless cameras for video and one of the best spec’d video cameras around.
Canon’s Best AF Tech Yet
Packing in both the DIGIC X processor and the brand-new DIGIC Accelerator—which is also found in the top-of-the-line R1—the R5 Mark II offers flagship-level autofocus capabilities. Autofocus used to be taboo in video production, but ever since cameras have started offering impressive and reliable systems, it is now seen as a huge asset, especially for independent operators.
Tracking has been improved, including with cross subjects, and that is going to be critical for video. With AI-based subject recognition, the R5 Mark II will be able to lock onto people and more without issue and hold onto the subject. In video, this reliability in tracking is essential since missed focus can mean a missed shot.
Cinema EOS Monitoring Tools
Something long missing from mirrorless cameras when compared to more traditional cinema cameras are proper monitoring tools. Canon is rectifying this in the EOS R5 Mark II with the inclusion of waveforms. This is in addition to false color and zebras, which have been seen in earlier Canon mirrorless cameras. These are some of the most asked for features for mirrorless cameras that are used in high-end video applications and the R5 Mark II delivers.
The camera also has a full-size HDMI output (including raw output) that is useful for hooking up an external monitor if these tools aren’t enough for you.
Optional Cooling Fan Battery Grip
There have long been two shortcomings of mirrorless cameras due to their relatively small size: battery life and heat management. Canon has a new battery grip with a cooling fan that should relieve pressure from both issues. Battery life is obviously improved through the use of a second battery. The fan has some additional details that should make the R5 Mark II a much better pick from professional video environments.
Sans fan, the EOS R5 Mark II will record in 4K 60p for approximately 45 minutes or 8K 30p for about 26 minutes. Turning on the fan will allow you to record 4K 60p for as long as you have space on your cards. The 8K 30p recording will get increased to 106 minutes with the fan on. That is some serious improvement to recording time. If you combine this with the High setting for the auto power off temperature, then 8K 30p is possible for over two hours.
With 4K 60p and 8K 30p being among the more common choices the ability to record for lengthy periods should satisfy many videographers. The even more intense 4K 120p and 8K 60p modes see modest gains of about 15-20% (8K 60p raw up to 21 minutes from 18 minutes and 4K 120p up to 26 minutes from 22 minutes), which should ensure the camera keeps rolling during trying shoots and doesn’t limit the ability to capture slow motion when needed.
This is just a sampling of features that make the Canon EOS R5 Mark II an outstanding mirrorless camera for video production. It is one of the most versatile cameras around, so be sure to check out our landing page to learn how the R5 Mark II can excel in other photography disciplines.