Canon has announced the launch of the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II full-frame mirrorless cameras. According to a press release from Canon, the two new flagship models aim to take professional photography and videography to a whole new level.
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According to Canon, the heart of the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II is a new imaging platform. It includes the new “DIGIC Accelerator”, the “DIGIC X” image processor and a newly developed high-speed image sensor. Behind the DIGIC Accelerator is an AI accelerator that helps autofocus or enhances images directly in the camera. For example, it can denoise images – according to Canon, this should improve image quality by about two ISO levels – and upscaling JPEG or HEIF images up to four times the resolution (upscaling). The bottom line is that the AI accelerator should lead to higher performance and new functions in autofocus, continuous shooting and image quality.
The EOS R5 Mark II is scheduled to go on sale at the end of August 2024 for 4,800 euros. The EOS R1 will be available in November for 7,500 euros.
Improved autofocus and new image sensor
According to Canon, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II feature Dual Pixel CMOS AF, the latest version of Dual Pixel Intelligent AF. It should be able to track people even more accurately by recognizing the faces and upper bodies of players during sports photography – even if the line of sight is temporarily obstructed. According to Canon, a new “Action Priority” mode automatically recognizes common game sequences in football, basketball and volleyball and tracks the main subject in fast, dynamic situations.
Canon claims to have improved Eye Control AF, which is now also installed in the EOS R5 Mark II for the first time in both cameras compared to the EOS R3. This should allow for quick, natural subject selection, even in complex scenes.
According to Canon, the new image sensors of the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II enable higher recording speeds and faster sensor readout. Rolling shutter distortion has been reduced by up to 60 percent compared to previous models. A new pre-recording function also takes up to 20 images (EOS R1) or 15 images (EOS R5 Mark II) before the shutter button is fully pressed.
In video mode, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II offer the option to record video in 12-bit RAW internally onto a memory card with four-channel sound. Cinema EOS movie recording formats are supported along with Canon Log 2 and 3 along with proxy video recording.
To support professional workflows, both cameras offer a number of features for fast, stable connectivity. These include Wi-Fi 6E with radio in the 6 GHz band, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (optional with EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II), and dual-thread FTP (EOS R1).
Canon EOS R1 – professional camera for sports and news photography
The professional model EOS R1 comes with a folding display
(Image: Canon)
With the EOS R1, Canon presents a new professional camera that was developed specifically for the needs of sports and news photography. According to Canon, the EOS R1 inherits the legacy of the original EOS 1 series, which was introduced 35 years ago and has been considered a tool for professionals ever since.
According to Canon, the main focus while developing the EOS R1 was on powerful autofocus and high continuous shooting speed to capture the perfect moment even in dynamic situations. For this purpose, a completely new AF system with cross sensor has been developed, which is being used for the first time in a Canon camera.
Thanks to a new arrangement of pixels on the Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor, in which individual pixels rotate up to 90 degrees, autofocus can work both horizontally and vertically. According to Canon, this enables quick and accurate focusing even in difficult conditions, such as when photographing through a tennis net.
The EOS R1 also has a powerful electronic shutter that enables continuous shooting at up to 40 frames per second in RAW or in a combination of JPEG/HEIF. The full resolution of 24.2 megapixels can be used and tracking autofocus is supported.
Inside the camera, it is possible to enhance the AI-based image up to 96 megapixels, while reducing noise. The fastest shutter speed is 1/64,000 second, and the flash sync speed has been reduced to 1/400 second. Improved white balance and exposure metering algorithms aim to provide more stability and versatility.
In addition to the photo function, the EOS R1 also offers comprehensive video functions. It can record 6K RAW video up to 60 fps, 4K video up to 120 fps, and Full HD video up to 240 fps.
For use in adverse conditions, the EOS R1 is equipped with a newly designed, weatherproof housing and an integrated portrait grip. The electronic viewfinder is specially sealed against fogging and has a large eyepiece for comfortable photography over long periods of time.
An innovation is the two-stage AF-ON button, which can be used to directly activate two configurable functions to be able to react quickly to changing conditions.
EOS R5 Mark II – Hybrid camera for photos and videos
As a hybrid camera, the EOS R5 II aims to show its strengths in photography and video.
(Image: Canon)
The EOS R5 Mark II is based on the previous model EOS R5 and is said to be particularly suitable for creative storytelling and hybrid tasks. Canon is aiming a wide range of uses for the camera, from animal and wedding photography to event reporting, reports and video production.
The centerpiece is a back-illuminated full-format sensor with a resolution of 45 megapixels. With an electronic shutter, the camera can take continuous shots at up to 30 frames per second with full autofocus. The AI upscaler boosts images to 180 megapixels.
Videographers should also benefit from the EOS R5 Mark II. Canon emphasizes “seamless hybrid multimedia functionality” and promises better synergy with the Cinema EOS series. The camera records video in 8K at up to 60 frames per second across the entire sensor width, internally also in raw format with 12-bit color depth. In 4K, including sound recording, up to 120 frames per second is possible. For longer recordings during event reporting, interviews or live streaming, Canon offers the new CF-R20EP fan handle (570 euros).
Canon promises robustness and endurance with the new, more powerful LP-E6P battery and a heat-dissipating housing made of magnesium alloy, which can withstand even adverse weather conditions.
Despite the technical improvements, Canon says it was able to maintain a compact and lightweight housing. Other innovations include a viewfinder with twice the brightness and a larger eyepiece than the EOS R5.
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