What’s up everybody? Yesterday, Canon dropped the bomb finally with all the specs and details on the R5 that was announced earlier this year. The thing that has had everyone talking the last 6 months has been 8k video. This makes the R5 a groundbreaking camera just as the 5d Mark ii was for HD video. They also finally acknowledged the long rumored R6. Both of these cameras look amazing and check off a lot of the boxes that the vocal online community have wanted. They both have Dual Card slots, Uncropped Video, IBIS, a joystick, and brought back the control dial on the back. Anyone who switches from a Canon DSLR should feel right at home. The Sony users are going to come back in droves. 😉
So as an R user do I feel the need to upgrade? That is a really complicated answer. I most certainly would love to just open up the bank account and say take my money, but at the same time I’ve been very happy with my R and upgrading camera bodies never makes you a better photographer. However, I do like my gear and as a tool, the new bodies do help make the process a little easier with getting the shots that I want even if the end image is basically the same.
Some of the questions I’m asking myself and you do to are:
Am I ever missing a shot because my shutter speed went too low? If yes, then the 8 stop IBIS would be a big help.
Do I need peace of mind with in camera backup? Then dual card slots are a must
Do I need uncropped video or higher video resolution? Then the 4k or 8k shooting options should be considered.
These would be strictly from an R point of view, but in going from DSLR there’s all the other mirrorless benefits to consider as well.
From strictly a photography standpoint, spec wise, both cameras are almost identical. The only main difference is the megapixel count. That being said though the R6 has the exact same megapixel/sensor as the Flagship 1DX Mark III and really shouldn’t be much of an issue unless you heavily crop which I’ve found myself doing much less now on mirrorless with the focus points covering the whole screen.
I think the main reasons to consider an R5 is if you want to further future proof the purchase and decide the price difference is worth that. The R5 certainly has more cutting edge tech with the higher resolution Electronic Viewfinder, the top LCD panel, 8K shooting modes, etc. It is now the flagship mirrorless camera, but I think if that price is hard to swallow, the R6 will still blow people away. I’m looking forward to seeing some real world reviews once more people get them in their hands.
Here’s a few of the early videos of the camera that I’ve found to be helpful along with a easy comparison on B&H’s website.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/canon-eos-r5-and-r6#paragraph-20261
