Last Updated on 02/02/2020 by Mark Beckenbach
We’re hoping that’s not going to be the case because the Canon EOS R5 sounds amazing, but, this is Canon we’re talking about here.
Do you hear that? That loud noise is the racket being made around the web about the potential Canon EOS R5 (basically a Mirrorless 5D series camera), and while the specs that have been bandied about sound fantastic, let’s stay grounded and remember this is Canon we’re talking about. If the specs are accurate, hallelujah: it will be one phenomenal camera. But, as I have said before, Canon seems to go all in, but then they hold back by 1% and self-sabotage. Let’s talk about this and the potential Canon EOS R5 after the break.
A recent post over at Canon Rumors has brought specifications to light of a possible new camera called the Canon EOS R5. You’re correct in thinking that this Mirrorless camera would be the Mirrorless equivalent of a pro-series EOS 5D DSLR we have been waiting for. If the specs reported turn out to be accurate, then we are in for a treat.
Some of the specifications listed in the post have been rated as (CR3). CR3 basically means the powers that be over at that site deem the leaks they have received to be legit. So, just what are the specs of the possible Canon EOS R5?
You can expect a 45-megapixel sensor and IBIS with five stops, which, when combined with lens IS, jumps to 7 to 8 stops. The Canon EOS R5 could shoot 12fps from the mechanical shutter and 20fps from the electronic shutter, and it might have dual card slots (finally). The scroll wheel is apparently making a comeback (yay), there’s possibly going to be a new battery, no awkward touch bar, and maybe 8K video at 30 fps, 4K video at both 60 and 120fps, and 5GHz Wi-Fi.
As you can see from the specs, the Canon EOS R5 (or whatever it ends up being called) would be pretty impressive. An updated sensor would be very welcome, and the IBIS and Lens IS combined would be reaching Olympus levels of stabilization. The other standout features are, of course, 8K video at 30 fps, and 4K at 60 and 120 fps. How Canon will pull off 8K video is beyond us, unless they have come up with a unique, compact way of keeping the camera cool. Take a look at the Panasonic S1H and how beefy the fan and heatsink are on that, and it only shoots 6K. The 8K video will more than likely be a timelapse feature.
So, how might Canon screw up the EOS R5? Well, it the answer is in what’s missing from the list of specs. The Canon EOS R, RP, and the EOS Ra (our full, real-world review of the EOS Ra is coming next month) really could have used a joystick to help users navigate around the AF points and the menu system. It’s a little detail that makes a huge difference. If Canon includes the new ‘smart’ optical joystick from the Canon EOS 1DX III, then we would be incredibly happy.
For those who like video features, there’s no mention of just how heavy a crop there may be (if any, of course) on video modes. Cropping video modes is something Canon loves to do so that video shooters move up to their dedicated video cameras. There is no mention of technology like pixel shifting (which could be implemented thanks to IBIS), or built-in GPS (which is a godsend for some photographers). While these features may not seem necessary, they’re pretty much standard features in other cameras that will have a similar price point.
Canon has reached a point where they simply cannot afford to hold back when it comes to features in their cameras. The Canon EOS R5 will be one of the most critical camera releases ever for Canon, and if they get it wrong Sony will continue to pull further ahead in the Mirrorless race. We’re cheering for you, Canon. Give us all the stuff!
There is no indication of possible prices for the Canon EOS R5 yet. Still, it is supposedly going to be announced sometime in February, and will possibly start shipping in July. If I’m candid, it’s time for Canon to begin releasing some RF glass that is not L series as well. While the current lenses are genuinely fantastic, the lack of affordable RF mount lenses is probably hurting their camera adoption rates, and they really need to pull out the stops to reach the competition. There’s no doubt that cheaper glass will help Canon move a large number of cameras. What do you think about the much-hyped Canon EOS R5 spec sheet? Let us know in the comment section below.
