Canon Europe has unveiled its additions to the EOS R System – the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II, aimed at elevating professional photography and videography to unprecedented levels. These two new cameras promise unmatched performance, streamlined workflow processes, and an intuitive user experience, driven by Canon’s new Accelerated Capture imaging platform and Deep Learning technologies, the tech firm declares.

The EOS R1 is designed with advanced features tailored for news and sports professionals, ensuring they capture the perfect shot every time. On the other hand, the EOS R5 Mark II is geared towards a diverse range of hybrid professionals, equipped to tackle any creative project.

EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II

The launch of the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II full-frame mirrorless cameras marks a pivotal moment in Canon’s history, with the EOS R1 becoming the first camera in the EOS R series to carry the prestigious EOS-1 designation, renowned for its high performance and reliability. Following the highly acclaimed EOS R5, the EOS R5 Mark II continues to deliver high resolution, speed, and 8K video capabilities.

Both cameras debut with the new ‘Accelerated Capture’ imaging platform featuring the DIGIC Accelerator processor alongside the powerful DIGIC X image processor and newly developed high-speed image sensors unique to each model.

The DIGIC Accelerator enhances processing capabilities for handling large volumes of data, complemented by Deep Learning technologies that boost performance in autofocus, continuous shooting, and image quality.

Powered by this new imaging platform, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II feature the latest Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, now upgraded to Dual Pixel Intelligent AF. This includes enhancements for more precise subject tracking, capable of identifying faces and upper bodies of athletes while navigating obstacles or other players. Additionally, users can register specific faces for consistent tracking and priority focus.

The new ‘Action Priority’ mode automatically identifies common action poses in sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball, effectively tracking and capturing pivotal moments with precision and speed.

The EOS R5 Mark II introduces Eye-control AF for the first time, offering twice the performance of the EOS R3 with enhancements including higher resolution sensors, improved LEDs, a larger detection area, and updated algorithms for selecting and tracking subjects in complex scenes.

Both cameras incorporate high-speed image sensors for faster shooting rates and reduced rolling shutter effects, achieving a 40% reduction in the EOS R1 compared to the EOS R3 and 60% in the EOS R5 Mark II. This ensures superior image quality and dynamic range even during fast-paced action, the company explained. The cameras also feature pre-continuous shooting functions that capture up to 20 frames (EOS R1) and 15 frames (EOS R5 Mark II) in HEIF/JPEG or RAW format before pressing the shutter, preserving critical moments.

Both models are equipped with high-brightness, high-resolution blackout-free viewfinders, with the EOS R1 boasting a resolution of 9.44 million dots, and the EOS R5 Mark II offering twice the brightness of the EOS R5.

Enhanced image quality is achieved through Deep Learning-based in-camera image upscaling and noise reduction, delivering up to four times resolution enhancement or reduced noise in JPEG or HEIF formats. Users can also crop and upscale images in-camera, simplifying post-processing workflows.

With up to 8.5 stops of image stabilization, both cameras excel in challenging lighting conditions, ensuring sharp and steady images.

For videographers, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II support internal 12-bit RAW recording to memory cards, alongside Cinema EOS Movie Recording formats, Canon Log 2 and 3, and fully supported proxy video recording across two cards, with four-channel audio. These capabilities elevate professional video production with outstanding quality and creative flexibility across diverse scenarios. Both models can simultaneously capture high-resolution stills and Full HD video, and support external recording via HDMI Type A ports.

To streamline professional workflows, the cameras offer robust connectivity options, ensuring fast and stable transfer of images and videos, according to the company. They support Wi-Fi 6E/11ax 6GHz in-body connectivity, with the EOS R1 additionally featuring 2.5Gbps Ethernet and dual-threaded FTP, while the EOS R5 Mark II offers 2.5Gbps Ethernet via an optional grip.

Introducing the EOS R1 

Marking 35 years since the introduction of the original EOS-1, the EOS R1 inherits a legacy of cameras that are synonymous with professional excellence, renowned for groundbreaking autofocus, speed, reliability, and durability.

Designed for elite sports photographers, the EOS R1 ensures no moment is missed in fast-paced sports and news environments. Its autofocus capabilities are revolutionized with a new Cross Type AF system, setting new standards for precision in challenging conditions like shooting through sports nets, capturing small subjects, and locking onto vertical details. This innovative technology, a first for Canon, requires a unique Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor arrangement that rotates individual pixel divisions by 90 degrees, enhancing autofocus tracking sensitivity along both vertical and horizontal axes for fast and accurate results, capturing images that were previously unattainable.

The camera achieves an impressive 40fps silent electronic shutter with AF tracking and includes a pre-continuous shooting mode that captures 24.2-megapixel resolution images, with up to 96-megapixel in-camera image upscaling and noise reduction capabilities. Enhanced flash sync speeds up to 1/400th of a second, improved white balance, and image exposure evaluation ensure consistency and versatility across genres.

The EOS R1 also excels in hybrid multimedia functionality, offering 6K resolution at 60fps or 4K at 120fps, along with Full HD at 240fps.

Built to withstand challenging conditions, the EOS R1 features a new weather-resistant body design with an integrated vertical grip and enhanced ergonomics. A high-resolution EVF with anti-fog design and a wide viewfinder eyepiece ensures comfort during prolonged sports shoots. The newly added two-stage AF-ON button allows instant activation of two programmable functions, enabling photographers to swiftly adapt to evolving action.

Introducing the EOS R5 Mark II – Peak Versatility and Hybrid Creativity

Building on the success of the EOS R5, the EOS R5 Mark II pushes the boundaries for emerging genres, catering to creative storytellers and hybrid users seeking to elevate their craft across wildlife, weddings, events, filmmaking, and news coverage.

Designed for capturing fast-moving subjects with exceptional detail, the EOS R5 Mark II features a revolutionary back-illuminated stacked sensor with a stunning 45-megapixel resolution. It boasts advanced autofocus tracking and a high-speed electronic shutter capable of 30fps with minimal rolling shutter, allowing users to excel in dynamic action scenes. The pre-continuous shooting mode captures up to 15 frames before the shutter press, while advanced image upscaling can achieve up to 180 megapixels with superior noise reduction, preserving intricate details.

The camera supports seamless hybrid multimedia functionality and integrates more closely with the Canon Cinema EOS line, sharing features and formats. Improved from its predecessor, the EOS R5 Mark II captures 8K 60p video from the full sensor width and offers internal 12-bit RAW recording, alongside 4K video at up to 120p with audio. The newly introduced Cooling Fan Grip extends shooting durations for event coverage, interviews, and high-quality live streaming.

Enhanced post-production workflows are facilitated with video proxy recording, industry-standard file naming, and structured folders. Enhanced preview and playback navigation streamline Virtual Reality shooting.

A new high-performance LP-E6P battery and durable magnesium alloy body ensure the EOS R5 Mark II is ready for any challenge, including unpredictable weather conditions, without compromising on its compact and lightweight design. Features such as a fog-resistant viewfinder with two times brightness and a larger opening make it indispensable for hybrid creatives seeking top-tier performance and versatility in a single package.

Ushering in a New Generation of EOS R System Products

The EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II represent a comprehensive professional pairing, combining unmatched reliability and speed with exceptional versatility and practicality. These flagship models join the recently announced EOS R System cameras and RF lenses, underscoring Canon’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology for creative storytellers across all genres of photography and videography.