Pros
– Super fast
and reliable autofocus.
– Clear
viewfinder that could be adjusted.
– Top quality
of the photos.
– Can be
carried easily due to lightweight.
– Eye control
autofocus for ease of navigation over the object being captured.
Cons
– Small grip
would be hard for larger hands.
– Price is
relatively high.
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II expands upon the Canon legacy
cameras that started with the Canon EOS 5D which was released in the year 2005.
It brings significant refinements to the earlier echoing EOS R5, rather than
complete overhauls since it had already established quite a standard previously
set by the 5D Mark IV. Canon R5 Mark II features eye-control autofocus by the
use of its viewfinder feature that has only been included in high-end EOS R1 of
Canon.
specifications, there is a question of whether it would remain popular amongst
existing Canon users or manage to ‘convert’ users of other brands.
Canon R5 Mark II with RF 24-105mm f4-7.1 IS STM lens
and EF – RF adapter was used for this review. With this setup I wanted to use
it for wildlife photography with a Sigma 150-600 mm lens.
Beautiful picture quality and Canon’s
practical color science
of the R5 Mark II offer great cropping versatility and high ISO performance.
Canon’s patented color reproduction comes through with good colors, while
dynamic range does well with highlights and shadows – especially in RAW files.
and 8K in RAW with 60 fps. All of this allows it to compete in the professional
cinematographic market for video frames. The pre capture feature is possible
for both the photos and video, which is a clear advantage than Nikon models,
which only offer it for stills. And the R5 Mark II has a 30fps shot speed in
RAW format, which is faster than Nikons’s Z8 and Z9 models.
The Compact and Lightweight Nature is
Convenient But Possibly Baneful for Large Hands
spec’d for its weight and size, so when used with the RF 24-105 f/4-7.1 lens it
can be a useful hiking partner that is easy to recommend. However, those with
large hands will find the grip rather restrictive since there is not a lot of
space for a pinky. Canon uses a range of grip materials and port covers that
seem to be built to last and withstand years of use. Its hinged display is
strong and will rather perform better than most if not all similar displays.
Intuitive Interface and Winning Autofocus
mirrorless menu system will face trouble but considering most Canon users are
familiar with this system, it should not be a big problem for them. It is well
thought out in terms of layout and eye-control autofocus comes in handy when
fast subjects need to be selected on impulsive terms. Calibration may take time
but offers an edge in quick subject shifts. Working through varying movements
is well planned, and the autofocus is fast enough as well whilst the eye-detection
autofocus will always be effective when taking portrait and nature shots.
Cost Aspects
compared to the Nikon Z8 and Sony A7R V which are the same category cameras
cost considerably less. This might give aversion to canon beginner users but
easily bridges the gap for existing RF users.
Lens Compatibility
works well with Canon RF in-built lenses. The testing unit’s RF 24-105mm f4-7.1
IS STM Tested lens delivers high sharpness with only noticeable peripheral
vignetting. But if a person could spend extra money investing in the RF lineup,
then there are more promising lenses like the RF 24-105 f2.8 L IS USM Z.
Conclusion
Canon R5 Mark II is a solid contender in the high end
camera segment especially across aspects of autofocus, image quality and camera
size and weight. Canon users will be very happy with this camera as an upgrade
even though the cost may be an obstacle to new users. The autofocus
performance, video quality and eye-control AF should be a great features for
professionals looking for a powerful hybrid mirrorless camera.
