Canon EOS R5 Mark II review
Key specs
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: 45MP full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor
Lens mount: RF/RF-SI
ISO range: 100-51200
Viewfinder resolution: 5.76m dot OLED
Video capability: 8K up to 60 FPS, 4K up to 120 FPS, 2K up to 240 FPS, FHD up to 240 FPS
Weight: 1.64 lbs / 746 g with card and battery
Size: 5.45×3.98×3.68 in / 138.5×101.2×93.5 mm
Memory card type: 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II), 1x CFexpress Type B
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II: A Versatile Camera
It’s safe to say that most cameras can be used to shoot any subject, while most are also best suited to a particular subject based on size and features. So, it takes a bold claim to market a camera as being suitable for all subjects, including video, but that’s exactly what Canon has done with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II.
Impressive Features of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Before we delve into the intricacies of this camera, we can be bold at this stage by exclaiming that the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is easily one of the best cameras for astrophotography. This impressive camera features a 45MP full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor and offers solid high ISO handling alongside up to 8K video capture.
It also features some of the same advanced features as the flagship Canon EOS R1. This includes the DIGIC Accelerator processor, the DIGIC X image processor and the high-speed image sensors each camera uses. This delivers assistive technologies and Deep Learning, including in-camera image interpolation and noise reduction, alongside incredibly fast autofocus.
Design and Build Quality
The R5 Mark II is a professional camera and as you’d expect, the build quality is excellent. It’s constructed with a heat-dissipating magnesium alloy body that also offers dust and moisture resistance. The control layout is also highly functional with plenty of direct access controls. This makes the operation quick, easy and most importantly, intuitive.
Professional cameras typically have an abundance of direct access controls for this reason and to avoid relying on menus to access commonly used settings. The menu is, however, easy and intuitive to navigate, despite having a high number of features and functions available, including customization options.
Functionality and Features
The EOS R5 Mark II features a new high-speed 45MP full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor that reduces rolling shutter. This is powered by dual processors: the DIGIC X and the DIGIC Accelerator, which allow for large volumes of data to be processed, fast image capture, fast AF and improved image quality, alongside Deep Learning technologies for in-camera image upscaling and noise reduction.
Noise reduction certainly works well but the results are less effective at higher ISO settings. High ISO noise handling is so good, and we’ll cover this later, that you may not want or need to use this feature.
Performance and Image Quality
The image quality possible with any camera will, in part, come down to the lenses that are used. Better quality glass produces superior image quality. Before going into detail about image quality specifically, the R5 Mark II produces beautifully sharp images with fantastic quality JPEGs straight out of the camera.
When capturing in Raw, there are several options available, which simply equate to large, medium and small. These options may be useful for some photographers, but it’s generally prudent to capture the highest resolution possible, which is 8192×5464 px, to take full advantage of the full-frame 45MP back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor.
Price and Availability
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is a professional camera designed for shooting all subjects you can imagine. Body only, the EOS R5 Mark II costs $4299 / £4499. You can also buy it in a kit with the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L USM lens for $5399 / £5749.
Users are typically reporting that the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is an ‘amazing upgrade’ with fantastic noise handling and offering stunning overall image quality. If you are looking for a high-resolution, professional camera, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is an excellent choice.
