Canon EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera Body

Key Features

• 45MP stacked full-frame sensor with faster readout
• Up to 30fps blackout-free continuous shooting with electronic shutter
• Dual processing architecture supporting advanced AI autofocus and metering
• Internal 8K 60p RAW and 4K 120p 4:2:2 10-bit video recording
• Pre-shooting mode with direct access to captured stills
• Dual Pixel Intelligent AF with expanded subject detection and Eye Control AF
• In-body image stabilisation rated up to 8.5 stops
• Refined body design with deeper grip and revised control layout

Canon EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera Body Summary

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is a high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera positioned at the top end of Canon’s EOS R range, sitting below the flagship R1 while offering a strong balance of speed, resolution and hybrid capability. It replaces the original R5 with a focus on faster readout, improved autofocus behaviour and more dependable performance for demanding stills and video work.

A new stacked sensor and updated processing allow the camera to shoot at higher burst speeds with reduced rolling shutter, while autofocus benefits from deeper AI integration that improves subject detection and tracking accuracy. Workflow changes, including refinements to pre-shooting and handling, reduce friction when working with fast or unpredictable subjects.

The EOS R5 Mark II suits enthusiast and professional photographers who require a reliable all-round camera for genres such as wildlife, weddings, landscape, street and hybrid content creation. It is best suited to experienced users who want flexibility and performance rather than a simplified shooting experience.

Key improvements EOS R5 Mark II Vs Mark I

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II builds on the original R5 with clear improvements to speed, autofocus reliability, overall workflow and usability. A new stacked sensor and updated processor reduce rolling shutter and support fast, blackout-free shooting, while autofocus benefits from deeper AI integration that requires less manual refinement in everyday use.

Pre-shooting has also been refined, with captured frames saved directly as usable stills rather than being stored in a separate folders. For photographers working with unpredictable and fast moving subjects, this removes an extra step from their workflow. Ergonomics have been subtly improved too, with a slightly deeper grip and revised control placement that is intuitive especially when shooting quickly. Together these updates make the Mark II feel more responsive and easier to work with across both stills and video.

Canon EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera Body in More Detail

Sensor performance and readout speed

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II uses a new 45MP back-illuminated stacked full-frame sensor, which is paired with Canon’s latest processing architecture. In use, the faster readout reduces rolling shutter artefacts compared with the original R5, which is most noticeable when photographing fast-moving subjects such as wildlife or sport using the electronic shutter.

High-speed continuous shooting remains fast at up to 30fps, with consistent exposure and autofocus behaviour rather than the distortion or frame inconsistency seen with slower sensor designs. Metering and white balance have also been refined, contributing to more predictable results across changing light conditions without requiring frequent correction.

Pre-shooting has been improved with frames now saved directly as standard image files, rather than being stored in a separate folders, which simplifies workflows  when shooting subjects such as birds taking flight or fast action sequences.

Autofocus and subject tracking

Autofocus is one of the most noticeable improvements in the R5 Mark II. Dual Pixel Intelligent AF integrates deeper AI processing, but importantly it requires less manual refinement to achieve reliable results. Default settings perform well out of the box, while still allowing experienced users to fine-tune AF behaviour if needed.

Animal subject detection is particularly effective for wildlife photography. Focus locks quickly to animals and birds, while tracking is stable once acquired, even with unpredictable movement. This reliability reduces the need to intervene frequently with focus point adjustments, allowing more attention to be artistic aspects such as timing and composition.

Eye Control AF has also been refined. Detection is quicker and more consistent than earlier implementations, making it a practical option rather than a novelty for photographers who prefer direct focus control without moving AF points manually. It should be noted that it can take time to recognise certain subjects’ eyes.

Video recording

The EOS R5 Mark II is a true hybrid, and supports internal full-width 8K 60p RAW and high-frame-rate 4K recording, alongside Canon Log profiles for flexible grading. Importantly, recording is more dependable than the original R5, with improved thermal dissipation supporting longer continuous recording times.

Audio support includes 4-channel 24-bit recording, and file handling follows established professional conventions, which helps when working across multiple cameras. For hybrid shooters, the ability to capture high-quality video without immediately needing external recorders or cooling solutions improves flexibility on location.

New and improved video tools are available to support filmmaking with the inclusion of features such as Canon Log2, waveforms and a well positioned tally lamp.

Image stabilisation and handheld shooting

In-body image stabilisation is now rated up to 8.5 stops which provides tangible benefits for handheld shooting. This contributes to more consistent results in low light or when shooting without a support, rather than relying purely on shutter speed or ISO adjustments.

Handling, controls and connectivity

Canon has refined an already familiar camera body design. A slightly deeper grip improves purchase, especially with larger lenses, while revised button placement is more intuitive when adjusting settings quickly, especially between stills and video. The dedicated stills and video control layout reduces switching friction for hybrid creators who switch back and forth.

Connectivity supports both photography and video workflows with dual card slots for CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II, updated wireless options and a full-size HDMI port. Power is supplied by the new LP-E6P battery, with backwards compatibility for previous batteries where supported features allow.

Optional grips expand the camera’s use in different directions, from extended stills shooting to enhanced video cooling and wired connectivity. These include:

• CF-R20EP Cooling Fan Grip
• Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip
• Canon BG-R20EP Battery Grip With Ethernet Port

Who is the Canon R5 Mark II camera for?

Refinements make the EOS R5 Mark II a capable all-round camera for photographers and hybrid shooters who shoot anything from landscape and weddings, to wildlife, street and commercial. Its speed, autofocus reliability and ergonomics support demanding use without requiring constant setup adjustments.

It is not aimed at beginners. The depth of features and performance level suit users who already understand their requirements and want a camera that responds quickly in a wide range of shooting conditions.

Frequently asked questions

How does Pre-shooting work on the EOS R5 Mark II?

Pre-shooting records images before the shutter is fully pressed and now saves them directly as standard image files, removing the need to extract frames from a separate subfolder.

How effective is animal autofocus for wildlife photography?

Animal subject detection locks on quickly and tracks reliably, making it well suited to wildlife and bird photography where subjects move unpredictably.

Is autofocus complicated to set up?

No. Autofocus performs well with default settings, while still offering customisation for advanced users who want to refine behaviour for specific shooting styles.

Is the EOS R5 Mark II good for fast-moving subjects?

Yes. Fast readout, blackout-free burst shooting and reliable tracking make it effective for sports, wildlife and action photography.

How compact is the Camera Body?

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II measures approximately 139 x 101 x 94 mm, and weighs around 746 g with a battery and card, giving it a solid feel in the hand. The chassis uses a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, which provides rigidity and durability for frequent use in the field even in challenging conditions.  

What lenses are compatible with the EOS R5 Mark II?

The EOS R5 Mark II uses Canon’s RF mount, which supports the full range of Canon RF lenses, from wide-angle to super-telephoto. This includes L-series professional optics as well as lighter RF lenses for travel and hybrid shooting. Compatibility with extenders and mount converters expands lens options even further.

What connectivity is available?

The EOS R5 Mark II features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless transfer to smartphones, tablets or computers. Using Canon’s Camera Connect app, you can browse, preview and transfer images or videos directly. The camera also supports high-speed wired transfer over USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C and FTP/SFTP networking (with compatible setup), which is useful for large files or editorial deadlines

Read our First Look Canon EOS R5 Mark II review for more information, specs, video and more.

EOS R5 Mark II Sample images

Sample 1 captured with the RF 24-105mm f/4.0 L USM Lens @90mm. Camera settings: 1/800 sec. f/4.0 ISO 2000

Sample 2 captured with the RF 24-105mm f/4.0 L USM Lens @53mm. Camera settings: 1/1000 sec. f/4.0 ISO 5000

Sample 3 captured with the RF 24-105mm f/4.0 L USM Lens @70mm. Camera settings: 1/500 sec. f/4.0 ISO 200

Sample 4 captured with the RF 24-105mm f/4.0 L USM Lens @61mm. Camera settings: 1/1000 sec. f/4.0 ISO 12800

Sample 5 captured with the RF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS USM Lens @70mm. Camera settings: 1/1000 sec. f/2.8 ISO 2000

What's in the Box

• Canon EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera Body
• Shoe Cover ER-SC3 with lock mechanism
• Camera Cover R-F-5
• Strap ER-EOS R5 Mark II
• Battery Charger LC-E6E
• Battery Pack LP-E6P
• Battery Pack Cover
• Interface Cable IFC-100U
• EOS R5 Mark II Cable Protector
• Power Cable
• User Manual 
• Reduced Plastic Packaging