The arrival of a new full-frame Canon EOS R model is always met with tremendous fanfare. The announcement of two in one day is cause for celebration. Let's get to the bottom of these two new releases from Canon — the EOS R1 and the EOS R5 II — and find out which one should be on your watchlist.
Canon EOS R1: The New Flagship
Are you looking for a professional mirrorless camera to capture fast-paced sports photography, candid documentary work, or high-end videography? You'll struggle to find a mirrorless camera that does a better job than the Canon EOS R1.
The EOS R1 features a brand new 24MP full-frame image sensor paired with a DIGIC processor with accelerator, delivering brilliant image quality in all scenarios — even in extremely dim lighting. With lightning-fast readout speeds and reduced rolling shutter, its performance is on par with the top-tier Canon EOS 1DX Mark III DSLR.
The EOS R1 sets a new benchmark for autofocus performance. It can track moving subjects at their maximum speed with precision and ease. In a first for an EOS R camera, the R1 includes cross-type AF — making it more effective on tricky subjects such as low-contrast scenes or those with strong horizontal lines.
For sports photographers, the EOS R1 is in a class of its own: up to 40fps continuous RAW shooting with AF/AE tracking, a maximum electronic shutter speed of 1/64,000s, and pre-shooting capability. An excellent in-body stabilisation system provides up to 8.5 stops of shake correction when used with compatible stabilised lenses.
As you'd expect from a flagship body, the EOS R1 is built tough with professional-grade weather sealing, dual CFexpress card slots for managing large workloads, and compatibility with the high-capacity LP-E19 battery — good for approximately 1,300 shots via the LCD screen.
Learn more about the Canon EOS R1
Canon EOS R5 II: A Highly Anticipated Update
Like the EOS R1, the Canon EOS R5 II arrives with an updated image sensor — this time a super high-resolution 45MP back-illuminated variant, delivering stunning image quality with incredible detail and low noise performance.
Another sports-capable body, the EOS R5 II offers up to 30fps continuous shooting, plus pre-continuous shooting that can capture crucial moments before you've even pressed the shutter — a function that also works during video recording.
Video is an area where the EOS R5 II truly excels — offering up to 8K60p RAW Light video, along with cinema-grade options including Canon Log 2 and Log 3, and proxy recording. For slow-motion work, 4K120p and Full HD 240p modes are available.
The EOS R5 II shares several key features with the R1, including advanced subject tracking with deep learning, up to 8.5 stops of coordinated Image Stabilisation, and improved Eye AF — which adjusts the focal point based on where you're looking in the EVF using specialised sensors.
Despite its already impressive resolution, the EOS R5 II can go further with in-camera image upscaling, generating up to 179MP images in post — a powerful option for isolating and cropping subjects without sacrificing detail.
The EOS R5 II is compatible with the new high-capacity Canon LP-E6P lithium battery, providing up to 630 shots via the LCD screen. The BG-R20 battery grip is also available for extended shooting sessions, and a separately available cooling fan supports lengthy video recordings.