Building upon the ground-breaking Full Frame mirrorless technology introduced with the Canon EOS R and RF lens range, two powerful new Full Frame mirrorless cameras bring the next level of EOS performance. Both offer expanded capabilities and boundless creativity, but which one is right for you?
The culmination of several years of development, the Canon EOS R5 is the flagship EOS R System camera for professionals, redefining what a mirrorless camera can be. The Canon EOS R6 is a hybrid powerhouse, offering the best performance yet in low light conditions across stills and video.
The two cameras share a market-leading level of Image Stabilization of up to 8-stops using a combination of lens and in-body IS, fast continuous shooting speeds of up to 20fps, and advanced tracking with the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system. Each camera also has its unique advantages, from the Canon EOS R5's incredible 8K RAW video to the Canon EOS R6's high ISO range.
Here we explore the main features of the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6, with Canon Europe's European Product Marketing Manager John Maurice and Product Specialist Mike Burnhill drawing out the cameras' shared strengths and key differences.
Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS R6: which camera is right for you?
A Canon EOS R6 e a Canon EOS R5 são adições potentes de próxima geração à gama de câmaras e objetivas mirrorless Full-Frame e ao revolucionário sistema EOS R da Canon.
1. Powerful Image Stabilization
The Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 are the first Canon cameras to feature in-body Image Stabilization, with an innovative new system delivering up to an industry-leading 8-stops of combined IS.2 This means sharper images and smoother, more stable footage, dramatically reducing image blur caused by camera shake.
The innovative RF lens mount, introduced on the Canon EOS R, enables camera and lens to communicate much faster, and when the Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 are used with IS-equipped RF lenses (excluding the RF 800mm F11 IS STM and RF 600mm IS STM), both RF and EF, then camera and lens each contribute to correcting shake in parallel and share information throughout. Lenses without optical IS still benefit from the in-body IS.
"The practical benefit is that you can use slower shutter speeds, in low-light conditions for example, even handheld," says John. The rule of thumb is normally that for sharp results you need to use a shutter speed equal to one over the focal length – so at 50mm, shoot at 1/50 sec or faster, at 100mm shoot at 1/100 sec, and so on – but not any more. "If you're shooting handheld with something like a Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM lens at the 105mm end, you can break the 'reciprocal rule' and still get a sharp shot even at shutter speeds of a second or more. This is a massive change from the traditional thinking.
Do you own Canon kit?
Register your kit to access free expert advice, equipment servicing, inspirational events and exclusive special offers with Canon Professional Services
"Many people want to take advantage of the wider aperture of fast f/1.2 or f/1.8 primes, which frequently don't have built-in optical IS," John adds. "With these cameras you're stabilising the result, for video and stills, even if you don't have IS in the lens and you can achieve up to 8-stops with a lens such as the RF 85mm F1.2L USM (according to the CIPA standard testing)."
A Canon EOS R5 eleva a fasquia para realizadores com a sua capacidade de gravação RAW interna de 8K a até 30p, bem como de 4K a até 120p.
A Canon EOS R6 é também uma escolha extraordinária para realizadores e inclui uma gama de funcionalidades de vídeo profissionais incluindo 4K UHD a 60p, a opção de apresentar padrões de zebra para orientar a exposição e suporte para o Canon Log.
2. Breakthrough video capabilities
With ground-breaking video capabilities, the Canon EOS R5 is the first Full Frame mirrorless camera to record 8K RAW internally and to shoot 4K at 120p. Shooting using the full width of the sensor at 8K resolution in RAW at up to 30p captures four times as much detail as 4K and gives the flexibility to crop hugely in post-processing, especially if outputting in Full HD.
"The Canon EOS R5 is very high resolution, and also offers features that serious video users are looking at, such as more compression options including All-I as well as IPB, the DCI aspect ratio, and up to 4K 120p and 24p alongside 23.98," says Mike. "That combination gives you video flexibility for present-day needs and for possible future demands."
What's more, the EOS R5 allows different movie formats to be recorded to two cards, saving a full-resolution RAW file and an 8K MP4 proxy file alongside each other, speeding up the workflow for professional video production.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF II works flawlessly while shooting in all 8K modes, getting subjects pin-sharp at such high resolutions. Combined with the camera's advanced IS system, this provides phenomenal video performance not available elsewhere in anything short of a pro cinema camera. The Canon EOS R5 also records up to 120p in 4K for super slow motion, plus time-lapse recording in 8K UHD or 4K UHD format, as well as 4K 30p oversampled from 8K capture for highest quality.
Beauty in motion: first video shoot with the EOS R6
Filmmaker and Canon Ambassador Javier Cortés films a dance journey through Sicily with Canon's hybrid mirrorless camera.
Both the Canon EOS R5 and the Canon EOS R6 offer recording using Canon Log for maximum dynamic range, making it straightforward to slot either camera into a professional production workflow. Also, for the first time in an EOS camera, both introduce the option to display 'zebras' to guide exposure and indicate any over-exposure when filming alongside the focus guide for assisted manual focusing. For audio recording and monitoring, there are ports for a microphone and a pair of headphones, spaced optimally for mounting in a flash hot shoe and separated to avoid the cables interfering with each other.
The Canon EOS R6 also offers diverse video options, shooting movies in 4K UHD at up to 60p – improving upon the Canon EOS R's 4K 30p, and reducing the video crop to cover virtually all of the sensor’s horizontal area (94%). Footage can be recorded internally in either the widely-used 8-bit H.264 format or the H.265 codec when used with the 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 formats for a huge depth of colour information. Canon EOS R6 also has the option of HDR PQ movies as an alternative to Canon Log for an HDR workflow. In addition, the movie self-timer function allows a short pause before recording starts after the button is pressed, so you can make sure you're ready to start your piece to camera and reduce the time you have to spend editing out those initial moments.
A Canon EOS R5 oferece um novo padrão em fotografias de alta resolução desde o seu sensor CMOS de 45 megapixéis, combinado com um sistema AF líder, uns rápidos 20 fps de velocidade de disparo contínuo e até 8 pontos de IS.
3. Intelligent autofocus with a flagship DIGIC X processor
Both the Canon EOS R5 and the Canon EOS R6 incorporate cutting-edge technology from Canon's flagship DSLR for sports and action photography, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. This includes the powerful DIGIC X processor and its intelligent autofocus advancements.
"The Canon EOS R5 and the Canon EOS R6 have a lot in common, because they share the DIGIC X processor, which is the brain behind the camera controlling the performance," says John. "With the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III a lot of people saw the new capabilities of the DIGIC X processor. The autofocus is much better at subject detection, and it's got deep learning technology built into it."
The advanced AF system can detect eyes, faces and heads – particularly useful for sports photographers tracking subjects such as skiers and racing drivers, who have their faces concealed – and, for the first time, animals, across both stills and video. Spot AF has also been added for more precise autofocus for macro and product photography.
Both the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 have 1,053 automatically selected AF areas, compared with 143 on the Canon EOS R. The EOS R6 has approximately 6,072 selectable AF points, compared with 5,655 on the EOS R, and the EOS R5 has 5,940, covering 100% of the frame in both directions on both EOS R5 and EOS R6 in Face + Tracking mode. As well as this fine control, both offer blazing AF speed: when paired with a lens such as the Canon RF 24-105MM F4L IS USM at 105mm, both cameras can focus in as little as 0.05 seconds.
O ecrã tátil de ângulo variável da Canon EOS R5 permite aos realizadores criarem efeitos de focagem controlada com facilidade, independentemente do ângulo do qual estejam a filmar.
O botão AF e o controlo de joystick AF encontram-se onde espera na Canon EOS R5. A Dual Pixel CMOS AF II funciona de forma perfeita em todos os modos de vídeo 4K e 8K, garantindo que os motivos permanecem totalmente nítidos a altas resoluções.
4. Fast continuous shooting up to 20fps
Both the Canon EOS R5 and the Canon EOS R6 offer new shooting possibilities, with blistering continuous shooting speeds of up to 20fps when using the electronic shutter or 12fps with the mechanical shutter.1 AF tracking is available either way. This takes performance to a new level and makes both cameras suitable for even more areas of use.
Matched with their next-generation sensors and full AF tracking, both the Canon EOS R5 and the Canon EOS R6 offer an optimum combination of speed and quality for enthusiasts and professionals. A reduced noise, ‘softer’ shutter mechanism helps prevent the sound of the shutter from disturbing wildlife and other sensitive subjects and, when total silence is needed, an electronic silent shutter option is available with reduced rolling shutter.
A Canon EOS R6 oferece a mesma velocidade rápida de disparo contínuo que a EOS R5, até 20 fps ao utilizar o obturador eletrónico ou 12 fps com o obturador mecânico, e acompanhamento AF completo em ambas as opções. A fotógrafa Wanda Martin descobriu que isto a torna numa escolha excelente para captar ação de movimento rápido, mesmo em situações de iluminação difícil.
5. Leading low-light performance
Thanks to their next-generation Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, both cameras can deliver astonishing low-light performance, focusing at light levels as low as -6EV on the Canon EOS R5 and an incredible -6.5EV on the Canon EOS R6 with the Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM or RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens. With their superb EVFs (3.69m dots on EOS R6 and 5.76m dots on EOS R5) and in-body IS, both cameras are capable of focusing and shooting in almost entirely dark situations where in the past cameras couldn't autofocus.
The Canon EOS R5 offers an ISO range up to ISO51,200, extendable up to ISO102,400, while the Canon EOS R6 truly excels in low-light performance and dynamic range, with a standout ISO up to ISO102,400, extendable up to ISO204,800. Offering comparable quality to the flagship pro Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, thanks to its similar sensor technology and the DIGIC X processor in both, the Canon EOS R6 delivers the highest quality results in low light, for everything from street shooting to sports, wildlife, reportage and weddings.
Both the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 also support HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) recording for exceptional HDR capture.
A Canon EOS R6 tem um seletor de modos em cima e um joystick multicontrolador AF, controlos que serão familiares aos utilizadores de outras câmaras Canon.
A Canon EOS R5 tem também um joystick AF mas, em vez de um seletor de modos, inclui um botão de modo e um visor LCD em cima, como os da EOS R.
6. Advanced CMOS sensors
With an advanced 45MP resolution sensor and shooting speeds of up to 20fps, the Canon EOS R5 delivers an unprecedented combination of speed and resolution. Its Full Frame CMOS sensor combines high resolution, high speed and stunning video performance, capturing new levels of detail when combined with high-performance RF lenses. The sensor also produces Dual Pixel RAW images with several new functions added such as portrait relighting.
"The Canon EOS R5 offers 45MP, so if you want to shoot for advertising or the ability to crop later, EOS R5 will be your choice, providing that additional flexibility for professionals who are used to working in higher resolutions and those whose clients demand additional post-processing and detail in the final output," says Mike. "It's also useful for enthusiasts who want the ultimate file to work with and have the hardware to handle this resolution."
The Canon EOS R6, meanwhile, has a 20MP Full Frame CMOS sensor comparable with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III pro DSLR, which allows more manageable file sizes, less processing time, and higher performance in lower light conditions. For many users it offers a substantial upgrade and an optimum balance, with ample resolution for large print sizes if required.
Tanto a EOS R5 como a EOS R6 permitem transferir imagens e vídeos em movimento graças ao Wi-Fi incorporado, que permite estabelecer ligação ao novo serviço image.canon. Com capacidade de transferência de imagens automática, permite-lhe fotografar e editar em movimento ou transferir automaticamente para o seu computador pessoal.
Além do mais, a Canon EOS R5 inclui, pela primeira vez, Wi-Fi 5 Ghz incorporado numa câmara EOS e um novo transmissor Wi-Fi, o WFT-R103.
7. Ultimate all-round connectivity
Both the Canon EOS R5 and the Canon EOS R6 offer enhanced image transfer capabilities, with built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi making for easy connection with a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and USB 3.1 gen 2 connections allowing the cameras to be tethered to a computer.
Both also include support for Canon's new image.canon cloud service, with an auto transfer option to automatically back up your images to the Canon cloud, to be synced to other services or automatically downloaded to your home computer.
For professionals, the Canon EOS R5 introduces support for built-in 5GHz3 Wi-Fi in an EOS camera for the first time, as well as featuring rating and voice tagging. It also supports a new Wi-Fi transmitter, the WFT-R10, to enable pro sports photographers and photojournalists to transmit images from the field using Gigabit Ethernet and Secure FTP, with the ability to save and restore network configurations and share them between EOS R5 and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III.
A Canon deu resposta aos comentários e a Canon EOS R6 inclui duas ranhuras para cartões SD (UHS-II SD).
A Canon EOS R5 tem duas ranhuras para cartões SD, uma ranhura para cartão CFexpress de alta velocidade e uma ranhura para cartão SD universalmente compatível.
8. Ergonomics and build
Canon has responded to feedback following the release of the Canon EOS R, and both the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 have a multi-controller joystick for quick and simple AF point selection – as seen on the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – and a quick control dial on the rear of the cameras for reviewing images and adjusting settings such as aperture. Both have high-res Vari-angle LCD screens ideal for vlogging and versatile shooting at unusual angles – 2.1m dots in the case of the Canon EOS R5 and 1.62m dots on the Canon EOS R6.
"Design-wise EOS R5 is more similar to the Canon EOS R, in that it has the top panel LCD and a high-resolution LCD, and a mode button rather than a mode dial like the EOS R6," says John. The Canon EOS R5's magnesium alloy body and weather resistance equivalent to the 5D series make it an ideal choice when durability is critical, shooting in tough conditions. The Canon EOS R6 is similar to the EOS 6D Mark II and is designed for enthusiasts and semi-professional users, with a lighter overall weight but still with a magnesium alloy chassis for rigidity and heat dissipation, and polycarbonate external parts, front cover, top cover and back cover, as on the Canon EOS RP and the EOS 6D Mark II.
Further building on feedback, both cameras have dual card slots. The Canon EOS R5 has one high-speed CFexpress card slot – to support the faster write speeds associated with the camera's shooting speed, resolution and video options – and one universally compatible SD card slot; the Canon EOS R6 has two SD card (UHS-II SD) slots. On both cameras, these ensure fast write times, responsiveness and the ability to duplicate images, save RAW files and JPEGs separately, or record video footage separately from stills, whether for extra peace of mind or a particular workflow.
When using studio flash, some photographers will appreciate the Flash PC terminal on the EOS R5, and some regular users or sports shooters using the maximum frame rates will be more assured to use the EOS R5 with its longer 500,000-shot shutter life compared to the 300,000 on the EOS R6.
Combinado com o peso leve da Canon EOS R6, o ecrã de ângulo variável torna a câmara uma escolha excecional para fotografar em situações complicadas ou em ângulos invulgares, bem como para o trabalho de vlogues e para tirar selfies.
9. Clarity of vision with EVFs
With high-quality 0.5-inch electronic viewfinders providing 100% coverage of the scene, both the Canon EOS R5 and the Canon EOS R6 offer a clear and smooth shooting experience. The Canon EOS R6 has a 3.69m dot viewfinder with a refresh rate of up to 120fps, bringing the same clarity as the Canon EOS R but with an increased refresh rate, while the Canon EOS R5 has a new 5.76m dot electronic viewfinder and a 120fps refresh rate, providing a viewing experience as near to an optical viewfinder as possible.
"For people who are used to shooting with the very best optical viewfinders, moving to a mirrorless viewfinder is an extremely important part of the experience," says John. "You need something that's high resolution and high frame rate, where looking through the viewfinder is close to real life and allows you to have a connection to your subject without the frustration of a lag. The Canon EOS R5 is pushing the envelope in that regard – it's becoming more like what you get through an optical viewfinder. The technology has reached a level that is more acceptable to professional photographers."
10. A powerful new battery
A new higher-capacity lithium-ion battery powers the Canon EOS R5 and the Canon EOS R6. The LP-E6NH is an evolution of the LP-E6 battery series, with approximately 14% greater capacity than the LP-E6N. Using the same LC-E6 charger introduced with the Canon 5D Mark II, the new battery is also backwards-compatible with all cameras that use the LP-E6 type battery dating back to the launch of the EOS 5D Mark II, which includes cameras such as the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Canon EOS R.
Both the Canon EOS R5 and the Canon EOS R6 also support USB charging or being powered via the USB-C connector using the PD-E1 USB power adaptor or other compatible USB-PD certified devices with high power output and a USB-C to C cable.
- Continuous shooting speed: Up to approx. 12 fps with AF/AE tracking*
When using RF lenses and some EF lenses. See Canon’s official website for a list of compatible lenses. Burst shooting speed varies in up to 3 stages, depending on the battery type, remaining battery charge, number of batteries, lens in use, temperature, setting of the built-in Wi-Fi (On/Off), and whether or not you are using a battery grip and WFT unit (EOS R5 only), DC coupler or USB power adapter. In addition to the above factors, the maximum burst shooting speed may decrease due to shutter speed, aperture, flash usage, flicker reduction processing, subject conditions, brightness (especially in a dark place).
Electronic shutter：Up to approx. 20 fps with AF/AE tracking
Applies to some RF/EF lenses, when the aperture is fully open. See Canon’s official website for a list of compatible lenses. Burst shooting speed varies depending on the shutter speed, aperture setting, aperture condition during continuous shooting, subject conditions, brightness (especially in dim conditions), and type of lens. - 8-stops based on the CIPA standard with RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM at a focal length of 105mm
- 5Ghz is not available in all regions.
Related Articles
Dancing into the light: shooting with the Canon EOS R6
Canon Ambassador Wanda Martin on her art-inspired fashion shoot, the first stills shoot with the Canon EOS R6.
Meet the next-generation Canon EOS R6
The Canon EOS R6, Canon's next-gen full-frame mirrorless camera, offers all-round excellence across stills and video, with up to 20fps, 8-stops of IS, 4K 60p and amazing low-light performance.
How the Canon EOS R5 changes everything with 8K video
Discover how the flagship Full Frame mirrorless camera’s video capabilities make it the future-proof choice for creative filmmakers and photographers.
Canon RF vs EF lenses: which should you choose?
For travel photographer Joel Santos, the Canon EOS R System makes a big difference, but mixing RF and EF lenses widens his creative horizons. Here's how...
Get the newsletter
Click here to get inspiring stories and exciting news from Canon Europe Pro