Canon EOS R5 Review

Written by Antonio Cala.

Last updated on March 16, 2024

Table of Contents

Are you searching for a powerful camera that can capture stunning photos and videos? Look no further than the Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera.

With a 45 Megapixel full-frame sensor and DIGIC X Image Processor, this camera delivers exceptional image quality and 8K DCI cinematic movie capture. You can even extract 35.4 Megapixel still images from your videos.

One of the most impressive features of the EOS R5 is its ability to capture continuous shots at speeds of up to 20 frames-per-second with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II capability. Plus, with 1,053 Automatic AF zones, it’s easier than ever to photograph the eye of animals with Animal Detection AF.

The 5-axis in-body image stabilization can compensate for camera shake with approximately 8 stops of stabilization, making it easier to capture sharp and clear images. And with advanced connectivity options like 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, you can easily share and transfer your photos and videos.

Let’s dive into the details of this fantastic camera.

For a complete analysis of wildlife cameras, make sure to check out the ultimate guide to wildlife photography cameras. 

Canon EOS R5 Overview

We were impressed with the Canon EOS R5. It features a 45 Megapixel full-frame sensor that delivers excellent image quality. The camera can capture 8K DCI cinematic movie footage and extract 35.4 Megapixel still images. The EOS R5 is also capable of impressive continuous capture at speeds of up to 20 frames-per-second, thanks to its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II capability.

We found the 1,053 Automatic AF zones to be very useful when photographing  land animals or birds. The camera’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization can effectively compensate for camera shake, providing approximately 8 stops of stabilization with both non-stabilized and optically image stabilized lenses.

Overall, the Canon EOS R5 is a great choice for serious wildlife photographers who want excellent image quality, high-speed continuous shooting, and advanced autofocus capabilities.

Key Features

When it comes to the Canon EOS R5, there are a few features that really stand out. Here are some of the key features that we think you should know about:

45 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor

The Canon EOS R5 features a brand new 45 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor. This sensor is capable of capturing incredibly detailed images with stunning color and clarity. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or anything in between, this sensor is sure to deliver outstanding results.

DIGIC X Image Processor

In addition to the impressive sensor, the Canon EOS R5 also features a DIGIC X Image Processor. This processor is responsible for handling the massive amounts of data that the camera is capable of capturing, allowing for fast and efficient image processing. With an ISO range of 100-51200 (which is expandable to 102400×1), you can shoot in a wide range of lighting conditions and still get great results.

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Continuous Shooting & Autofocus

The Canon EOS R5 is also capable of high-speed continuous shooting of up to 12 fps with Mechanical Shutter and up to 20 fps electronic (silent) shutter. This means that you can capture fast-moving subjects with ease, whether you’re shooting sports, wildlife, or anything else. And with Dual pixel CMOS AF covering approx. 100% area with 1,053 AF areas, you can be sure that your shots will be sharp and in focus.

In-Body Image Stabilization

One of the most impressive features of the Canon EOS R5 is its In-body Image Stabilization. This feature allows you to shoot handheld with slower shutter speeds than you would normally be able to, without having to worry about camera shake. And with the ability to create 400 megapixel (approx.) files in camera, without the need for external software, you can capture incredibly detailed images with fine detail, which is perfect for art reproduction and building signage.

Overall, the Canon EOS R5 is an incredibly capable camera that is sure to impress. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just someone who loves to take photos, this camera is definitely worth considering. With its impressive sensor, powerful image processor, fast continuous shooting, and in-body image stabilization, you’ll be able to capture stunning wildlife images with ease.

Pros and Cons

When it comes to the Canon EOS R5, there are definitely some pros and cons to consider before making a purchase. Here’s a breakdown of what we found:

Pros

  • High Image Quality: The 45 Megapixel full-frame sensor provides exceptional image quality, making it perfect for wildlife photographers. The ability to extract 35.4 Megapixel still images from 8K DCI cinematic movie capture is a standout feature.
  • Fast and Accurate Autofocus: With Dual Pixel CMOS AF II capability, the camera can track split-second movements of even the most elusive of subjects. The 1,053 Automatic AF zones make it easier than ever to photograph people with the use of Eye, Face and Head Detection AF, or intuitively track the whole body, face or eye of mammals or birds with Animal Detection AF.
  • High Speed Continuous Shooting: With up to 12 fps Mechanical Shutter and up to 20 fps electronic (silent) shutter, the camera can capture fast-moving subjects with ease.
  • In-Body Image Stabilization: With approximately 8 stops of stabilization, the 5-axis in-body image stabilization can effectively compensate for camera shake with use of both non-stabilized and optically image stabilized lenses.
  • Connectivity: With 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the camera can easily connect to other devices for quick and easy image transfer.
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Cons

  • Cost: The Canon EOS R5 camera is definitely on the pricier side, making it a significant investment for most photographers.
  • Video Issues: While Canon has fixed some of the issues with the latest firmware releases, there are still some video issues that may affect those who rely heavily on video capabilities. However, if you don’t do video, this may not be a concern for you.

User Reviews and Testimonials

Cameras often receive negative online reviews due to technical issues, poor customer service or defective models.

However, the Canon EOS R5 receives some of the best reviews on the market.  

Canon EOS R5 Online Reviews
Canon EOS R5 Online Reviews
Canon EOS R5 Online Reviews

Canon EOS R5 vs Competitors

There are many competitors to the Canon EOS R5 that target the intermediate-level photographers. Here’s how they all compare.

-
Canon R5
Nikon D850
Sony Alpha 7R III
Olympus OM-1
Canon EOS 90D

CAMERA

Canon EOS R5

Nikon D850

Sony Alpha 7R III

Olympus OM-1

Canon EOS 90D

BEST FOR

Overall

Runner Up

Bird Photography

Best Value

Budget-friendly

BODY

Mirrorless

DSLR

Mirrorless

Mirrorless

DSLR

PRICE

$$$

$$$

$$

$$

$

WEIGHT

1.63 lbs

2.21 lbs

1.45 lbs

1.32 lbs

1.54 lbs

MEGAPIXELS

45.0 MP

45.7 MP

42.4 MP

20.0 MP

32.5 MP

BURST RATE

Up to 20fps

Up to 7fps

Up to 10fps

Up to 10fps

Up to 10fps

AUTOFOCUS POINTS

1053

153

399

1053

45

View at Amazon

View at Amazon

View at Amazon

View at Amazon

View at Amazon

Conclusion

After spending some time with the Canon EOS R5, we can confidently say that it is a fantastic camera for both photography and videography. The 45 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor and DIGIC X Image Processor produce stunningly detailed images and videos, and the camera’s ability to shoot 8K video is truly impressive.

While the cost of the camera may be a concern for some, we believe that the quality of the images and videos produced by the Canon EOS R5 more than justifies the price. Additionally, Canon has made significant improvements to the camera’s video capabilities with the latest firmware releases.

Overall, we highly recommend the Canon EOS R5 for anyone in the market for a high-end camera that can create stunning wildlife images and videos. It may be a bit pricey, but the quality of the camera is simply unmatched.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Canon EOS R5 perform in low light conditions?

The Canon EOS R5 is equipped with a 45 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and a DIGIC X image processor that allows it to perform exceptionally well in low light conditions. With an ISO range of 100-51200, which can be expanded to 102400×1, the camera can capture stunning images even in challenging lighting situations. Additionally, the in-body image stabilization system can effectively compensate for camera shake with approximately 8 stops of stabilization, making it easier to capture sharp images in low light.

What improvements have been made in the Canon EOS R5 over previous models?

The Canon EOS R5 is a significant improvement over previous models, with several new features that make it stand out. It has a new 45 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, which provides exceptional image quality, and the DIGIC X image processor allows for faster processing speeds. The camera also has a high-speed continuous shooting capability of up to 12 fps with a mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with an electronic (silent) shutter. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system covers approximately 100% of the area with 1,053 AF areas, and the camera can track people and animals using deep learning technology.

Can the Canon EOS R5 handle professional video shooting requirements?

Yes, the Canon EOS R5 is an excellent choice for professional video shooting requirements. It can capture impressive 8K DCI cinematic movie footage with the ability to extract 35.4 Megapixel still images. The camera also has a high-speed continuous shooting capability of up to 20 fps with an electronic (silent) shutter, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving action. Additionally, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system covers approximately 100% of the area with 1,053 AF areas, making it easier to track subjects while recording video.

What are the standout features of the Canon EOS R5 for wildlife photography?

The Canon EOS R5 is an excellent choice for wildlife photography, thanks to its advanced autofocus system and high-speed continuous shooting capability. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system covers approximately 100% of the area with 1,053 AF areas, making it easier to track even the most elusive of subjects. The camera also has a high-speed continuous shooting capability of up to 12 fps with a mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with an electronic (silent) shutter, making it easier to capture fast-moving wildlife.

How does the battery life of the Canon EOS R5 compare to its competitors?

The Canon EOS R5 has a battery life of approximately 320 shots per charge when using the viewfinder and approximately 490 shots per charge when using the LCD monitor. While this may not be the longest battery life on the market, it is comparable to other mirrorless cameras in its class. Additionally, the camera has dual memory card slots, which allows for extended shooting time without the need to change cards.

What are the key differences between the EOS R5 and the EOS R6?

The Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 are both excellent cameras, but there are a few key differences between them. The EOS R5 has a higher resolution 45 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, while the EOS R6 has a 20.1 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. The EOS R5 also has a higher maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds compared to the EOS R6’s maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds. Additionally, the EOS R5 has a higher continuous shooting speed of up to 12 fps with a mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with an electronic (silent) shutter, while the EOS R6 has a continuous shooting speed of up to 12 fps with a mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with an electronic (silent) shutter.

Other Models Reviewed

Other Camera Reviews

If you would like to read more about camera options for wildlife photography, make sure you check out our Master Guide to Wildlife Photography Cameras.

For even more specific options, you can check out our other reviews below:

 

Camera Type 

DSLR Cameras 

Mirrorless Cameras 

Compact Cameras 

Drones

 

Skill Level

Cameras for Beginners 

Intermediate-Level Cameras 

Pro Cameras

 

Budget

Cameras Under $1,000 

Cameras Under $2,000

 

Brand 

Sony Cameras 

Canon Cameras 

Nikon Cameras

 
 

Planned activitiy 

Cameras for Bird Photography

Cameras for Shooting Wildlife at Night

Travel-friendly Cameras

Cameras for Safaris

Canon EOS R5 Reviews Online

When doing your research, you might want to read what other publications have to say about the Canon EOS R5 camera. 

Here are some of the most popular reviews from the web. 

7 Reasons Why the Canon EOS R5 is My Ultimate Wildlife Cameraby the-digital-picture.com

In the Field: Canon EOS R5 for Wildlife and Bird Photographyby mpb.com

About the Author

Born and raised in Southern Spain, Antonio quit his job in 2013 to travel the world full-time with his wife Amanda for 10 years straight.

They visited 150+ countries, cycled 25,000km + from California to Patagonia, sailed over 10,000NM around the Caribbean & Sea of Cortez, rode their motorbikes 30,000 kms+ across West Africa (Spain to South Africa) and visited Antarctica, among many other adventure expeditions. 

Today Antonio runs Adventure Fix with Amanda, where they share their knowledge about the places they’ve visited and the ones still remaining on their list.

Antonio Cala

Co-Founder of Adventure Fix

Canon EOS R5 Review
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