Canon's new EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II cameras are an ode to technology

As it is already a reference in the world of photography and videography, particularly in professional photography, Canon is investing heavily in enhancing its equipment, taking its capabilities to new levels. We took a look at the brand’s latest products and, dear reader, get ready, because the new EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II cameras are a true ode to technology.

Canon Europe has launched the new EOS R System cameras – the EOS R1 it's at EOS R5 Mark IIdesigned to take professional photography and videography to new levels. With unique performance, both products simplify the workflow and make the user experience more intuitive. All this, thanks to the assistive technologies powered by the new 'Accelerated Capture' imaging platform and Deep Learning.

With the EOS R1 specifically designed for news and sports professionals, bringing together advanced features, the EOS R5 Mark II is designed for specialist professionals who need a device capable of tackling any creative project.

According to Canon itself, the launch of these full-frame mirrorless cameras "marks a monumental moment in the history" of the brand: the EOS R1 is the first camera in the EOS R range to enter the EOS-1 series – known for its legacy of high performance and reliability. In turn, the EOS R5 Mark II succeeds the EOS R5, which combined high resolution, speed and 8K recording performance.

With both cameras, Canon is introducing a completely new feature: the new 'Accelerated Capture' imaging platform, consisting of a new processor – the DIGIC Accelerator – together with the renowned high-performance DIGIC X image processor and newly developed high-speed image sensors, present in both new camera models.

DIGIC Accelerator is now added to support the processing of large volumes of data, along with Deep Learning technologies. This combination unlocks superior performance and new features in several areas, including autofocus, continuous shooting and image quality.

Thanks to this new imaging platform, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II feature the latest version of Dual Pixel CMOS – Dual Pixel Intelligent AF. This includes several improvements, such as the ability to track subjects more accurately, identify players’ faces and upper bodies (in sports photography, for example) and avoid obstacles or other players.

Additionally, the ability to register specific faces and track them, consistently prioritizing them over other players, is noteworthy.

The newly added 'Action Priority' mode automatically identifies the most common action poses in basketball, football and volleyball, identifying and tracking the main subject in fast-paced, dynamic situations and capturing the most attention-grabbing moment of action.

EOS R1: Canon's new flagship camera

Eye Tracking AF is offered for the first time on the EOS R5 Mark II and has been improved to twice the level of the EOS R3 on both models, including a higher pixel count sensor, improved LEDs, a larger eye detection area and an updated detection algorithm that enables a unique and instinctive way to select the subject to follow in a complex scene.

The EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II feature new high-speed image sensors, resulting in faster shooting speeds and faster sensor readout, with a 40% reduction in the rolling shutter in the EOS R1 compared to the EOS R3 – putting it on par with the mechanical shutter in the EOS-1D X Mark III.

With a similar 60% reduction on the EOS R5 Mark II, both models are capable of capturing action without any reduction in image quality or dynamic range. The cameras feature a new continuous pre-shooting function that allows up to 20 frames (on the EOS R1) and 15 frames (on the EOS R5 Mark II) to be captured in HEIF/JPEG or RAW format at any frame rate before pressing the shutter, making it possible to capture the key moment even if it has been missed.

EOS R5 Mark II: here to respond to creativity

Both cameras feature large, high-brightness, high-resolution, unobstructed views; the EOS R1 also has the highest resolution, with 9.44 million dots, and the EOS R5 Mark II offers twice the brightness of the EOS R5.

Thanks to the new imaging platform, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II benefit from enhanced image quality powered by Deep Learning, with in-camera image upscaling and noise reduction, providing four times more resolution or reduced in-camera noise when using JPEG or HEIF formats. Users can also crop and upscale in-camera, making it much easier to send unedited photos via separate apps.

Both cameras feature up to 8.5 stops of image stabilization for effective shooting capabilities, particularly in low-light or other challenging conditions.

For videographers, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II offer 12-bit RAW video recording internally to the memory card, as well as when using Cinema EOS Movie Recording formats, along with Canon Log 2 and 3 with proxy video recording, which is now fully supported between two cards, and four-channel audio.

The cameras are also capable of capturing high-resolution photos and Full HD video simultaneously, with the option to record externally via the HDMI Type A ports.

To support professionals' workflow, several features ensure fast and stable connectivity.

EOS R1: Canon's new flagship camera

After 35 years since the introduction of the original EOS-1, Canon introduces the EOS R1designed for elite sports photographers. It is designed to ensure they never miss a moment in the fast-paced world of sports and news photography, combining autofocus and speed.

EOS R1: Canon's new flagship camera

The EOS R1 is equipped with a revolutionary new cross-type AF system, which means it excels in challenging conditions, such as when shooting through a tennis net, by picking out smaller subjects and locking vertical detail in situations where horizontal detail is missing from the subject in the AF area. This technology is a first for Canon and requires an all-new Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor layout.

The camera offers an astonishingly quiet 40fps electronic shutter with AF tracking and 20 frames of continuous pre-shooting, meaning users can follow a scene without sacrificing image quality. Its 24.2 resolution, improved flash sync speeds up to 1/400th of a second, and improved white balance and image exposure assessment mean more consistency.

The EOS R1 also features hybrid multimedia functionality, with 6K resolution at 60fps or 4K at 120fps, in addition to Full HD at 240fps.

This camera features a durable body with a revamped exterior texture and an integrated vertical grip. The high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with an anti-fog design and the large viewfinder eyepiece make it a comfortable camera for shooting sports for long periods.

New is the two-stage AF-ON button that allows instant activation of two programmable functions with a single button, allowing photographers to respond quickly to action.

EOS R1: Canon's new flagship camera

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EOS R5 Mark II: here to respond to creativity

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