Introducing EOS R1 and
EOS R5 Mark II: all you need to know

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Canon EOS R1 are true creative powerhouses, showcasing some of the most advanced developments in camera technology today.

Both full-frame mirrorless cameras feature newly designed stacked CMOS sensors and a new DIGIC Accelerator processor that works in tandem with the DIGIC X image processor for phenomenal performance. Other features include cutting-edge deep learning technology, image enhancement capabilities and in-body image stabilisation.

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is not just an upgrade over its predecessor the Canon EOS R5, it also incorporates many features from the newer generation Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Canon EOS R3 models while introducing a host of brand-new features. It is designed to unleash your hybrid creativity, enabling creative storytellers to produce outstanding images and video.

The top-of-the-line Canon EOS R1 goes one step beyond, putting you ahead of the game. It is designed to meet and exceed the needs of professional sports and news photographers and videographers, with unrivalled performance, advanced video capabilities, and next-generation connectivity.

Here, we'll take a deep dive into the features of these two EOS R System cameras to help you decide which is best for your creative needs.

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Canon EOS R1 never miss a thing. Both cameras have Canon’s renowned in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), delivering up to 8.5 stops of stabilisation in the centre of the frame and 7.5 stops at the edges (depending on the lens you’re using) for sharp shots every time, even when you’re shooting handheld.

What’s more, both cameras incorporate the latest imaging technologies. Each has a newly developed full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor – with approximately 45 effective megapixels in the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and approximately 24.2MP in the Canon EOS R1. This is coupled in both cameras with a newly developed DIGIC Accelerator image processor in addition to the DIGIC X image processor, working alongside each other for phenomenal performance.

This combination of sensor and image processors enables faster electronic shutter operation – up to 1/32,000 sec in the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and up to 1/64,000 sec in the Canon EOS R1 – with fast signal readout, resulting in reduced rolling shutter distortion and helping ensure you get the shot even in fast-moving action environments.

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II offers high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 shots per second and Canon EOS R1 at up to 40 shots per second (both using electronic shutter), with full AE and AF tracking.

In addition, both cameras have a pre-shooting function so you can be confident of capturing the moment, whether you are photographing action sports or unpredictable wildlife. With continuous shooting and AF on, Canon EOS R5 Mark II captures 15 frames and Canon EOS R1 20 frames before the shutter is fully pressed, whether you are shooting in HEIF, JPEG or even RAW.

The speed of the new image processing system, combined with deep learning technology, has enabled unprecedented focus capabilities in both cameras.

The Canon EOS R1 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II both have Dual Pixel Intelligent Autofocus, an advanced new version of the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II used in other recent Canon EOS R System cameras such as the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6. This means that autofocus is now faster and smarter, and able to focus on much more granular details.

Subject tracking accuracy is improved so that the subject can stay in focus even when obscured. For example, if you’re shooting birds and tree branches obscure your view, or if you’re at a football match and players move into the field of view, the camera keeps focus on the main subject more reliably.

Both cameras include a new Action Priority AF mode and are trained by deep learning algorithms to recognise certain types of action in sports. Once it recognises the action, such as a header in football, a dunk in basketball, or a spike in volleyball, it automatically determines the player performing it. Ultimately, Action Priority AF mode shifts the AF frame onto the player performing the action, and you have fine-tuned control over this switching with three different sensitivity levels.

Both cameras feature an improved Register People Priority function (an advance over the feature in the Canon EOS R3), which can keep the highest priority person in focus without any effort from you once it is pre-configured. This is ideal for all kinds of shooting situations where there are many people in the scene, from news to red carpet events or weddings, as the camera will know which faces to focus on based on their registered priority in the camera.

Up to 10 faces can be registered and prioritised at once from images you take on the spot or from images stored on memory card. You can save 10 sets of 10 people, which means in total 100 faces can be pre-registered and used in different scenarios where necessary. If required, the priority of people can be altered in the camera.

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Canon EOS R1 both include a significant upgrade of the Eye Control AF system introduced in the Canon EOS R3. Both cameras can set or change the AF point by detecting where you are looking in the viewfinder – and, by extension, what you are looking at.

In the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Canon EOS R1, there are newly developed compact optics and a revised line-of-sight detection algorithm at double the previous sampling speed, which have expanded the range and accuracy in which line-of-sight detection is possible. The result of this is an improved Eye Control experience and a valuable benefit in fast-paced sports. For example, by keeping the camera in position and switching the AF by just looking through the viewfinder, then capturing two or three motorbikes passing you at speed – keeping each in full focus – is suddenly much easier.

One key difference between Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Canon EOS R1 is that the latter is the first camera with groundbreaking Cross Type AF – enabling it to detect phase difference not just vertically, like all other AF systems, but also horizontally at the same time. This means increased focusing accuracy and speed in low-light and low-contrast situations, and even more stable AF performance in continuous shooting mode.

Another difference in the Canon EOS R1 is the customisable AF-ON button which recognises the difference between a full-press and a half-press. You can assign different functions to each level, giving you more flexibility than ever to switch rapidly between AF modes or other functions you assign as presets.

Both the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Canon EOS R1 are truly hybrid by design – the first full-frame Canon mirrorless cameras to record video and stills simultaneously as an alternative to extracting stills from video footage.

In practice, this means when using the Canon EOS R5 Mark II you can capture 8K (16:9 JPEG) images at up to 7.5fps during video shooting (Full HD 25p/30p), making it possible not just to use the same camera for both stills and video, but to continuously record both still images and video footage of the same moment.

With the Canon EOS R1 you can capture 17MP (16:9 JPEG) images at up to 10fps during video shooting (Full HD up to 60 fps). This gives you high-resolution stills for use in professional print or other applications, alongside Full HD video at a manageable size for social platforms or fast news gathering taken at the same time.

In terms of dedicated video functionality, when you don’t need this Dual Shooting feature, the Canon EOS R1 can capture 6K RAW up to 60fps, while 4K at up to 120p is also possible internally, as well as 4K 60p oversampled from 6K. Canon EOS R5 Mark II offers 8K RAW at 60fps and 4K at up to 120p, plus 4K 60p oversampled from 8K. This wide range of capabilities means you’ll be able to create the footage you need for almost any social or professional video requirement.

With the Canon EOS R5 Mark II’s extended recording capabilities, a cooling fan accessory (available separately) allows for longer shooting times without the worry of overheating. For instance, when shooting 8K 30p with the camera, you can shoot almost 40 minutes before any signs of overheating, and the cooling fan will kick in to extend shooting time to around 120 mins, subject to video recording mode and fan settings.

To fit into a professional video production workflow, both cameras have full-size HDMI output and a Tally lamp, plus four-channel audio support and industry standard file naming, tagging and proxy settings. Both support Canon Log 2 and 3 to match professional colour grading needs, even up to 16+ stops of dynamic range when using Canon Log 2 and shooting 4K Fine 29.97p/25.00p, and both include pro video tools such as false colour display mode and focus assist functions. The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is also equipped with waveform monitor settings to make it even more suitable for use in small video productions.

Both the Canon EOS R1 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II also support the iris ring on compatible RF lenses, such as the RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, which is usable in both stills and video shooting.

In the life of a pro photographer, editing, tagging and sending photos can be just as important as capturing them. Sports and news photographers might be sending shots to an editor or picture desk during the shoot to hit the deadline or transmitting to a client or agency via direct FTP upload.

Both the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Canon EOS R1 have all the functions you need in all these scenarios.

These cameras are also the first EOS models to support Wi-Fi 6E (IEEE 802.11ax 6GHz) in applicable regions, including backwards compatibility with 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks. FTP multi thread capability utilises the full available bandwidth more efficiently, allowing you to send multiple files simultaneously. These features mean you can transfer files at a considerably higher speed and more securely than ever before.

Moreover, you can connect directly to your smartphone or mobile device over Wi-Fi, using a handy subscription to the Canon Camera Connect app. This can be used to transfer larger volumes of data with a more stable USB connection to 5G mobile devices, which can then transfer the files directly to FTP servers.

Another useful feature is voice tagging, enabling you to make audio notes that can be saved with your images to later be played back on computer or smart device, ensuring important information about images and the shoot isn't forgotten. Also, and more importantly, it allows you to give the client or agency additional information related to the content.

For hard-pressed professional photojournalists and sports photographers up against deadlines, the Canon EOS R1 is the first EOS camera to have built-in Ethernet wired connectivity up to 2.5G Base-T speed. The Canon EOS R5 Mark II can also deliver the same wired speed if fitted with the optional battery grip or fan grip accessories.

Both the Canon EOS R1 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II deliver cutting-edge new technologies and groundbreaking features. But which is right for you?

If you’re a creative storyteller looking to take your capabilities to the next level, then the Canon EOS R5 Mark II could be the perfect upgrade for you. It’s compact and lightweight, making it a great choice for taking out and about, from wildlife and landscape photography to fashion, portraits, and wedding and event photography. Like its predecessor the Canon EOS R5, it boasts good water and dust resistance plus longer battery life, making it a reliable camera on the road. Its seamless hybrid capability means it is ready when you need to extend into video in any of these areas, or as a key part of your corporate or independent filmmaking kitbag, empowering you to master the moment in shooting and to unleash your hybrid creativity.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS R1 is designed for the most demanding pro users in fields such as sports, news and wildlife photography, who require the absolute best to keep them ahead of the game. It’s the top-of-the-line choice for photography and videography when you simply must deliver and there are no retakes. Where quality performance, robust and reliable build, and support for your professional workflow are all priorities, the Canon EOS R1 is a solid choice and will deliver in even the harshest conditions.