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new canon eos r5 and r6 compared

In this blog post we compare the impressive new Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless cameras, which have been released in July 2020. We also take it one step further to compare them to previous mirrorless camera models in the table below. This allows EOS R and RP users to see how much of a leap Canon have made with these new ground breaking bodies. We also include sample images and our own Gareth Evans reviews these in three insightful Youtube review videos.

Let’s start with the obvious. Canon has well and truly pushed the boundaries with this release. These two cameras (along with several RF telephoto lenses see our blog post here) ;are firmly at the top of Canon’s full-frame mirrorless game. They include several world first and class leading features implemented in both options. Here’s a quick list of show stopping technologies;

1. World’s first 8K 30p 12bit RAW full-frame video in a 35mm body (EOS R5)
2. World’s first 8EV stops of image stabilisation when combined with five of the current RF lenses (both cameras)
3. World’s fastest AF speed at 0.05 seconds (both cameras)
4. World’s first camera to be able to AF down to -6.5EV (EOS R6)

“It’s the best of both worlds for Canon users now and they can choose whether they prefer the ergonomics of mirrorless or DSLR. Of course it’s not quite that simple, but we’re definitely seeing Canon push to converge technologies.”

What Canon have done with both of these models is to combine the very best technology from their DSLR range with full-frame mirrorless and somehow squeeze it into these compact bodies. In fact both the EOS R5 and R6 share technology with the flagship 1DX Mark III DSLR, which in itself also blurs the line between mirrorless and DSLR systems.

TABLE COMPARING THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE LATEST CANON EOS R MIRRORLESS FULL-FRAME CAMERAS

Watch Our Video Review Comparing the EOS R5 and R6 Here:

And here is a standalone video review of the EOS R6 camera

Low Light Capabilities

Both mirrorless bodies are stellar low light performers, however the R6 just takes the lead here with its’ ground breaking -6.5EV AF ability, once again a world first on 35mm. The EOS R5 has a native ISO of 100-51,200 however the R6 sees even the tiniest glimmer of light in the dark with 100-102,400. These are both expandable by one further stop, but let’s be honest, you’d have to be pretty committed to any particular shot to push these ISO’s even further. I’d be inclined to get my sketchbook out at the point as it will probably give me a better result!

In summary, you can shoot in virtual darkness with either body and both are incredible low light performers. However if you spend the majority of your time shooting the night shift with perhaps documentary, street, certain sports and nocturnal wildlife, the R6 just pips its’ talented brother to the post.

High Speed Shooting

Photographers who need to capture every frame possible are rewarded with identically impressive stats at 12fps in mechanical shutter and 20fps in electronic shutter mode. I cannot think of too many situations where this won’t give us the option of shooting through action sequences and picking the perfect frame. High speed subjects in sports and wildlife are the big winners although high frame rates come into play for all types of genres when we want the best results available.

This brings us neatly onto autofocus capabilities. Canon has invested heavily into mirrorless AF technology and as mentioned earlier pulled technologies across from flagship DSLR’s. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF in either guise performs incredibly well and now features Eye, Face and body AF capabilities with humans and certain animals. Deep learning Ai will start to recognise more subjects, combat more distractions and provide even better AF capabilities as it learns more subjects. Both the R5 and R6 employ Dual Pixel CMOS II AF with advanced Ai deep learning capabilities. Acquiring a subject in 0.05 seconds is pretty mind blowing and any photographer will be happy with this world first capability in a 35mm body.

EOS R6 video review:

If you are tempted by either of these cameras, or indeed the Canon EOS R6 with RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens kit you can pre-order them today for earliest UK deliveries.

There are also some very special introductory offers being made available from Canon. Head over to our website here to be seriously tempted.

By Nick Dautlich on 09/07/2020