Canon R5 Mark II Rumors, Release Date & Specs | Late 2023
- By Sebastiaan van 't Hoog
- Updated 22 november 2023
Will the Canon EOS R5 II be the best camera in 2023? Of course, we all would like to know that. Nobody knows the answer, because the Canon R5 Mark II has not yet been launched.
However, there are a lot of specifications of the Canon EOS R5 II that will most likely be included in the production model. These specifications are not made up from scratch, this list has been carefully compiled through rumors, comparisons, and competitors.
We’re sure Canon is in the process of developing the R5 II, and there are rumors that it’s already in the testing phase. The R5 Mark II is a highly anticipated camera, so read on to see what we can expect from the Canon R5 II.
Canon R5 II: Everything you have to know
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When we look at the specifications, it looks like Canon is about to make the perfect camera. The Canon R5 Mark II will be the model that will replace the current Canon EOS R5.
Canon’s R5 II will get a new sensor, rumored to be a 61-megapixel sensor. This will mean that Canon will have to develop a completely new sensor to compete with the Sony A7R V.
The Canon R5 II will be able to take 62 MP, 31 MP, or 15.5 MP photos, all in RAW format which is made possible by pixel binning. We also see this with the Leica Q3 and M11.
Release date of the Canon R5 mark II
Little is known about the release date of the Canon R5 II. We do know, among other things, that the R5 Mark II is in the test phase, with several professional filmmakers and photographers testing the Canon R5 II.
Assuming there are no issues, the Canon R5 Mark II could be out within the next few months. As a result, we expect the camera to be available to everyone in Q4 of 2023 or Q1 of 2024, so we have to wait just a little longer. (Most certainly before the Canon R1!)
R5 Mark II video specs
In terms of video, we see major improvements over the original R5. Just like the R5, the R5 II can record 8K videos in RAW format. The R5 II can record 60 images per second, the R5 can record 30 images per second.
Of course, the Canon R5 Mark II has a 4K slow-motion option with no less than 120fps. It is unclear whether this is also in RAW format, but to compete with the Nikon Z8 this would be the most logical choice. Canon could achieve this by using Pixel binning.
The video specs of the R5 Mark II therefore change a lot compared to the R5, here are the specs listed:
- 8K60p RAW internal
- 4K120p (RAW?)
- Pixel binning for RAW video
- FHD240p
- Internal 4:2:2 10-bit recordings
- 90 minutes 4K60p
- 60 minutes of 8K recording
Canon R5 II has Pixel binning
Because the R5 II will have a resolution of 61 MP, you cannot shoot 8K RAW videos directly. A technique called pixel binning must be used for this. This allows you to use the entire sensor to film RAW videos without crop.
This technique is already being used by Nikon, so you can film videos at 4K120fps in RAW format on the Nikon Z8 and Z9. Pixel binning is also used to achieve this.
The best focus mechanism ever
The current Canon R5 is really good with focusing, I’ve used it myself and the speed is insane. That’s not to say Canon can’t improve it though, as the R6 II has an even better system.
Canon will therefore certainly update the focusing system with the arrival of the R5 Mark II. Of course, we don’t know yet how good it will be. What we do know is that the Eye-control system will come to the R5 II. This allows you to select topics as you look at them.
The Canon R5 II will recognize subjects such as people, animals, birds, and vehicles. No matter how small the subject, the Canon EOS R5 II will recognize it.
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Canon R5 II for action photography
Canon is really the leader when it comes to action photography because the Dual Pixel AF II is very accurate and there is almost nothing to criticize about it. We can, however, talk about the burst mode and buffer.
Because the Canon R5 Mark II has a resolution of 62 MP, it is likely that Canon will decide to keep the current burst mode. That means that the R5 II will have a burst mode of 20 fps.
Will we get a faster burst mode? Of course, that cannot be said with certainty. In addition, you really have to ask yourself whether you want a faster burst mode, because 20 photos at 62 MP per second seems like a lot to me.
The price of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Little is known about the price. The Canon R5 II is a successor to the EOS R5. As a result, the price will be between $4000 – $4500. A lower amount is unlikely because Canon will then already be at the level of the Canon R6 and the Canon R6 II.
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is also the competitor of the current Sony A7R V and Nikon Z8, which have about the same price. Everything indicates that this will be the final prize.
Viewfinder of the Canon R5 II
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II will feature a bright, very high quality viewfinder. The viewfinder will have 5.8 million pixels and you will have virtually no lag. Thanks to the 120 fps LCD screen, you can hardly tell that it’s a screen! You can also set the viewfinder in a 60Hz mode to save battery.
With the eye-control autofocus you can set the focus point with your eyes, very useful during complex situations. This is a feature we’ve already seen on the R3.
You can find a 3.2″ touchscreen at the back that is fully articulating. Taking pictures from below or above will be easy with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II.
Patent on tilting viewfinder
Canon has just filed a patent on a built-in tilting viewfinder. This means that you can tilt the viewfinder upwards so that the camera takes pictures from below, which can be useful for wildlife photography.
Chances are very high that this feature will be in the new Canon R5 II, many photographers would appreciate this feature.
Use EF-lenses on the Canon EOS R5 II
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II uses the Canon RF mount. Recently only new, good-quality lenses have been added. Canon is doing very well when it comes to the price-quality ratio. Of course, if you want perfect quality, you can buy the Canon L lenses, which are also expensive. However, you can now also buy professional lenses that are a lot lighter and cheaper.
You can mount the Canon EF-RF adapter on the Canon R5 II to have a wide choice of Canon EF mount lenses. This way you have more than a hundred extra lenses from which to choose.
Canon RF-lenses on the Canon EOS R5 Mark II
If you want quality then you should look at the Canon RF lenses. The range is expanding considerably every year, so there is plenty of choice for every professional and beginner. The lenses are becoming more and more affordable and lighter, which is of course to everyone’s advantage.
If you like shooting portraits with a blurred background, the Canon RF 50mm F/1.8 is perfect. When you prefer to go into nature and want to get close to wildlife, then the Canon RF 100-400mm may be the right choice. If landscapes are more your thing then the Canon RF 15-35mm is fantastic.
By the way, I’ve got many more rumors ready for you. Make sure to check them out to see upcoming cameras!
Canon R5 Mark II – Canon R1 – Nikon Z6 III – Nikon Z7 III – Nikon Z5 II – Nikon Z90 – Sony A7S IV
Competitors of the Canon
EOS R5 Mark II
The new Canon R5 Mark II is a professional high-end camera body, which is not yet on the market. There are a number of other cameras that compete with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. For example, you have cameras from Sony, Nikon and Fujifilm that also have very good specifications and may be worth considering.
The Canon EOS R3 is a good competitor of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. Both cameras have a full-frame sensor with a large number of megapixels and both cameras have a fast burst mode. The Canon EOS R3 can shoot 6K RAW video while the new Canon EOS R5 Mark II can shoot up to 8K video. The new R5 Mark II also has a larger megapixel sensor than the Canon R3.
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The new Canon EOS R5 Mark II competes directly with the also new Nikon Z8. Nikon’s Z8 has just been released, the specifications are very similar. The Canon EOS R5 II will have a 61-megapixel sensor, and the Nikon Z8 has a 45.7 MP sensor. Both cameras can also shoot 8K video, which allows you to create cinematic professional videos.
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The Sony A7R V is a very competent camera and there are many similarities between it and the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. For example, both cameras have a 61-megapixel sensor and you can record 8K professional videos. The A7R V has a sensor-shift high-res mode, where you can take 240-megapixel photos. It is not yet clear whether the Canon R5 Mark II will also have it.
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The last competitor is the Fujifilm GFX 100S, this camera has a 102-megapixel sensor that allows you to take detailed photos. The Canon EOS R5 Mark II has an improved video mode, the GFX 100S can record up to 4K video. The main difference lies in the purpose, the GFX 100S is intended for landscapes and portrait photography, while the Canon EOS R5 Mark II can also be used for sports and event photography.
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Most outstanding features of the
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
- Very high resolution sensor: 62 MP full-frame CMOS-sensor
- 62 MP, 31 MP or 15,5 MP RAW mode
- Details: wide dynamic range
- Super high resolution video: 8K video at 60 fps
- Slow motion: 4K video at 120 or FHD at 240 fps
- Compact: lightweight design
- Lightning fast burst: up to 20 fps shooting with full autofocus functionality
- Built-in stabilization: image stabilization up to 8 stops
- 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen
- Wide variety of lenses: choose from Canon RF- and EF-lenses (with converter)
- Transfer photos using WiFi
- Double storage slots
- Focus down to -7.5 EV in dark environments
Conclusion
All in all, we can say that there are a lot of new and important features coming to the Canon R5 Mark II. Of course, we cannot say with certainty that everything is true, but I am certainly very curious whether the R5 II will replace my current camera.
We will probably get a 62-megapixel sensor that can also take 31 MP and 15.5 MP photos. The autofocus system receives an update and upgrade, namely the Eye-control autofocus of the R3.
In addition, the R5 Mark II could shoot 8K60p RAW videos, to compete with the Nikon Z8. For slow-motion, the R5 II might get a 4K120p RAW function, but that is not certain.
When it comes to price, you will soon have to pay around €4000 and €5000 for the R5 II, which is a bit more expensive than the current R5. Please note, because before the launch of the R5 II, the original R5 will probably receive a discount.
We are all very curious about what is to come and if there are any updates, you will be the first to read them here!
By the way, I’ve got many more rumors ready for you. Make sure to check them out to see upcoming cameras!
Canon R5 Mark II – Canon R1 – Nikon Z6 III – Nikon Z7 III – Nikon Z5 II – Nikon Z90 – Sony A7S IV