Canon EOS R5 Mark II - First Impressions

Introduction

As an enthusiast and long-time user of the Canon EOS R5, I'm thrilled to finally have my hands on the R5 Mark II. After unboxing the camera—paired with the 28-70mm F2 lens—I've started to explore its features and I'm eager to test it out. This article serves as my initial impressions, and I invite readers to share their thoughts on what they would like to see tested in future videos. Here are some ideas I have for upcoming reviews:

Dynamic Range: Exploring how to maximize dynamic range with the R5 Mark II.
Menu Setup: A complete breakdown of the best settings for both photo and video.
R5 vs. R5 Mark II: Discussing whether an upgrade from the original R5 is worth it.
Battery and Overheating Tests: Testing the battery life under various settings and monitoring overheating.
Shooting with Vintage Lenses: A guide for fans of vintage glass.
EF Lens Compatibility: Evaluating the autofocus capabilities with EF lenses on the Mark II.
Behind-the-Scenes Shoot: Documenting a photoshoot with a model and sharing my experiences on the R5 Mark II.

Unboxing

The unboxing experience was exciting. Inside the box, I discovered essential accessories such as paperwork, a strap, a charger, and a new battery. Canon has also embraced environmentally friendly materials, which is commendable. A USB-C cable and an HDMI locking piece were included as well.

Design and Ergonomics

The R5 Mark II has a slightly larger body than the original R5, primarily due to improved ergonomics. The grip is better than the original R5 but still doesn’t match the comfortable feel of the EOS R. The camera features a new dedicated photo and video switch, although I’m disappointed to find that the mfn button no longer allows quick switching between photo and video modes as it did on the R5.

The menu has undergone tweaks but remains user-friendly. A noteworthy feature is the camera's ability to remember focus points that were double-tapped. Additionally, improvements in autofocusing include the ability to track people’s eyes more efficiently.

The camera allows both highlight tone priority and auto lighting optimizer to be active simultaneously, which is a game changer for dynamic range. It also offers pre-shooting features beneficial for fast-action photography.

Videographers will appreciate the addition of C-log 2 for extended dynamic range, a removal of the 30-minute recording limit, and a more flexible codec selection tailored to various editing capabilities.

Photo and Video Quality

When evaluating photo quality, the R5 Mark II maintains the same 45-megapixel sensor as the original model. Although the readout speeds are faster, the image quality remains consistent with that of the original R5. In terms of video, both cameras deliver comparable quality, but improved autofocus and additional video settings may offer enhancements in specific situations.

Conclusion

The R5 Mark II is an exciting step forward for Canon enthusiasts, showcasing incremental improvements in both design and functionality. As I dive deeper into this camera, I look forward to sharing my experiences with it.

Keywords

Canon EOS R5 Mark II, dynamic range, autofocus, photo/video settings, unboxing, ergonomics, menu features, EVF, videography, photography, C-log 2.

FAQ

Q1: What are the main enhancements in the Canon EOS R5 Mark II compared to the original R5?
A1: The R5 Mark II offers better ergonomics, enhanced autofocus features, pre-shooting capabilities, C-log 2 for better dynamic range, and the ability to use auto lighting optimizer alongside highlight tone priority.

Q2: Is the photo quality improved with the R5 Mark II?
A2: No, the photo quality remains the same, utilizing the same 45-megapixel sensor as the original R5, although faster readout speeds may aid in performance.

Q3: Can I record video and take photos at the same time with the R5 Mark II?
A3: Yes, the R5 Mark II allows for simultaneous video recording and photo capturing, but the video must be 1080p and the photos will be JPEG.

Q4: Are there any environmental considerations with the R5 Mark II packaging?
A4: Yes, Canon has utilized biodegradable materials in the packaging, showing a commitment to environmental friendliness.

Q5: Will my old HDMI cables work with the R5 Mark II?
A5: No, the R5 Mark II features a full-size HDMI output, so you'll need to purchase new cables that support this connection.