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Canon R5 vs. R5 Mark II Compared
Annika Jansen
What is the difference between the Canon R5 and the Canon R5 Mark II?
The Canon EOS R5 was already groundbreaking at launch thanks to its high resolution, speed and impressive video capabilities. With the arrival of the Canon R5 Mark II, Canon takes this popular model to an even higher level. But what exactly are the differences, and when should you choose which model?
Here we compare the original Canon EOS R5 with the new R5 Mark II. You can read all about the improved sensor, faster autofocus, more powerful video features and many other upgrades — so you can easily find out which camera best suits your needs and photographic ambitions.
What are the key differences between the Canon R5 and the Canon R5 Mark II?
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is a significant upgrade over the original R5. Canon has made various improvements, particularly focused on image quality, speed and video capabilities. Here is a brief overview of the biggest differences:
- New stacked sensor: The R5 Mark II features a 45-megapixel stacked BSI sensor, greatly reducing rolling shutter and improving low-light performance.
- Faster burst mode: Electronic burst increases to 30 frames per second, while the mechanical shutter remains at 12 fps.
- Improved autofocus: With Dual Pixel CMOS AF III, the R5 Mark II offers better tracking, faster focusing and more accurate results in difficult lighting.
- Powerful video upgrade: The R5 Mark II now supports internal 8K RAW at 60 fps and offers significantly longer recording times thanks to improved thermal management.
- Advanced electronic viewfinder: The upgraded EVF features extras such as OVF simulation and waveform monitoring, ideal for video creators.
- New processor combination: Thanks to the dual processor (DIGIC X + Accelerator), everything runs faster and smoother — from autofocus to image processing.
The key differences at a glance:
| Specification | Canon EOS R5 | Canon EOS R5 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Canon EOS R5 | Canon EOS R5 Mark II |
| Sensor | 45 MP full-frame CMOS | 45 MP full-frame stacked BSI CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC X | DIGIC X + Accelerator chip |
| ISO range | 100–51,200 (expandable) | 100–102,400 (expandable) |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II | Dual Pixel CMOS AF III |
| AF sensitivity | -6 EV | -7 EV |
| Image stabilisation (IBIS) | Yes, up to 8 stops | Yes, up to 8 stops |
| Burst shooting (electronic) | 20 fps | 30 fps |
| Burst shooting (mechanical) | 12 fps | 12 fps |
| Video resolution | 8K 30p, 4K 120p | 8K 60p RAW, 4K 120p |
| Max. video recording time | 29 min 59 sec (heat limited) | Up to 120 minutes (improved cooling) |
| Viewfinder (EVF) | 5.76 million dots OLED | 9.44 million dots OLED (OVF simulation) |
| Screen | 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen | 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen |
| Dual card slot | Yes, CFexpress + SD UHS-II | Yes, CFexpress + SD UHS-II |
| Battery | LP-E6NH | LP-E6NH |
| Weight (incl. battery) | 738 g | approx. 770 g |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 97.5 × 88 mm | 138.5 × 97.5 × 88 mm |
| Recommended price (body) | €3,349 | €4,299 |
| Year introduced | 2020 | 2024 |
The Canon EOS R5 and R5 Mark II are both advanced full-frame mirrorless cameras within the Canon EOS R range, but the R5 Mark II offers important improvements in virtually every area. The R5 Mark II features an advanced 45-megapixel stacked BSI sensor, which greatly reduces rolling shutter and delivers better performance in lower light. The original R5 also has a 45-megapixel sensor, but without stacked technology, making it slightly less fast and efficient.
In addition, the R5 Mark II is equipped with improved autofocus through the Dual Pixel CMOS AF III system, a higher electronic burst speed of up to 30 fps, and more extensive video capabilities such as 8K RAW at 60 fps and significantly longer recording times without overheating. Both cameras feature dual card slots, in-body image stabilisation and a robust build, but the R5 Mark II adds a greatly improved electronic viewfinder and additional video features such as waveform monitoring. All in all, the R5 is particularly suited to photographers looking for top quality, while the R5 Mark II is an even better fit for professional photographers and video creators requiring maximum speed, reliability and creative flexibility.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon EOS R5?
Advantages
- 45-megapixel sensor for exceptional image quality and detail
- Powerful autofocus and advanced subject tracking
- Professional video features with 8K recording (30 fps) and 4K slow-motion (120 fps)
- In-body image stabilisation up to 8 stops
- Dual card slot (CFexpress + SD UHS-II) for flexibility and reliability
Disadvantages
- Video recording limited to a maximum of 30 minutes due to heat build-up
- Electronic shutter limited to 20 fps
- Rolling shutter can be visible during fast action
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon R5 Mark II?
Advantages
- 45-megapixel stacked BSI sensor for greatly reduced rolling shutter and better low-light performance
- Electronic burst up to 30 fps for capturing fast action
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF III for improved tracking and more accurate focusing in difficult light
- 8K RAW at 60 fps and up to 120 minutes of recording time thanks to improved thermal management
- High-resolution EVF (9.44 million dots) with OVF simulation and waveform monitoring
Disadvantages
- Slightly heavier than the original R5
- Higher introductory price
- Large files require more storage capacity and faster memory cards
What are the specification differences between the Canon EOS R5 and the Canon R5 Mark II?
| Specification | Canon EOS R5 | Canon EOS R5 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Canon EOS R5 | Canon EOS R5 Mark II |
| Sensor type | Full-frame CMOS | Full-frame stacked BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 45-megapixel | 45-megapixel |
| ISO range | 100–51,200 | 100–51,200 |
| Processor | DIGIC X | DIGIC X |
| Image stabilisation | In-body (up to 8 stops) | In-body (up to 8.5 stops) |
| Max. video resolution | 8K (30 fps) | 8K (60 fps) |
| Max. fps in 4K | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| Max. fps in Full HD | 60 fps | 240 fps |
| Max. burst rate | 20 fps electronic | 30 fps electronic |
| Autofocus system | Dual Pixel CMOS AF | Dual Pixel Intelligent AF |
| AF sensitivity | -6 to +20 EV | -6.5 to +21 EV |
| AF points | 5,940 | 5,850 |
| Viewfinder (EVF) | Electronic, 5.76 million dots | Electronic, 9.44 million dots |
| Screen | 3.2" tilt & swivel touchscreen, 2.1M dots | 3.2" tilt & swivel touchscreen, 2.1M dots |
| Dual card slot | Yes (CFexpress + SD) | Yes (CFexpress + SD) |
| Battery | LP-E6NH (2130 mAh) | LP-E6P (approx. 630 shots) |
| USB charging | No | Yes |
| Microphone | Stereo | Mono |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS |
| Built-in flash | No | No |
| Flash sync speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 138.5 × 97.5 × 88 mm | 138.5 × 101.2 × 93.5 mm |
| Weight (incl. battery) | 738 g | 656 g |
| Lens mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes |
Which Canon camera will you choose?
Both the Canon EOS R5 and the EOS R5 Mark II are impressive mirrorless cameras in the professional segment, but each targets a different user. If you are looking for a proven flagship with very high image quality, excellent video features and reliable performance, the EOS R5 has everything you need. If you are a photographer or video creator who always wants even better performance, extra speed, improved autofocus and extensive video capabilities, the EOS R5 Mark II is your ideal choice.
Whichever of these two models you choose, both cameras let you get the most out of the Canon RF ecosystem so you can keep growing as a visual creator. Thanks to broad compatibility with a wide range of Canon RF lenses, expanding your kit is straightforward — from all-round zoom lenses to specialised prime lenses. Still undecided, or would you like to try both cameras yourself? Visit one of our stores, or browse the full range online in our webshop.
