Canon R5 vs R5 Mark II: Which Should You Choose?

The Canon R5 and R5 Mark II represent significant milestones in Canon’s mirrorless evolution. As a camera store that’s helped countless photographers navigate these choices, we’ll guide you through the key differences to help you make an informed decision for your photography needs.
🎯 Quick Answer: Choose the R5 Mark II if you need enhanced processing power, 30fps shooting speed, and 8K 60p video capabilities. Pick the original R5 if you want a proven professional workhorse at a better value. Both cameras deliver the same impressive 45MP resolution and professional feature sets.
Table of Contents
Understanding The Differences Of The R5 & R5 Mark II Cameras
When choosing between the R5 and R5 Mark II, you’re selecting between two of Canon’s most capable mirrorless cameras. Both models showcase professional-grade autofocus, impressive video capabilities, and advanced image stabilization within the RF mount system.
Key Differences at a Glance
- R5 Mark II: 45MP stacked sensor, 8K 60p video, advanced AI processing
- R5: 45MP sensor, 8K 30p video, professional resolution
Perfect For:
- R5 Mark II → Sports, wildlife, advanced hybrid shooting, professional video
- R5 → Studio, landscape, commercial work, professional photography
💡 Pro Tip: While both cameras offer the same resolution, the R5 Mark II’s stacked sensor design provides significant advantages in eliminating rolling shutter and enabling blackout-free shooting at higher speeds.
What They Share
- Advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system
- Professional-grade 45MP resolution
- Up to 12 fps mechanical shutter
- Professional-grade image stabilization
- Weather-sealed construction
- Full compatibility with RF lenses
💬 Why Trust Us? At Campkins Cameras, we’ve helped countless photographers choose between these cameras and use them in real-world situations. Our insights come from hands-on experience and direct feedback from professional photographers.
Explore our full range of Canon cameras →
Core Specifications & Key Features

Understanding the technical differences between these cameras helps inform which one might better suit your needs. Let’s break down the key specifications and explore their real-world impact.
Feature | Canon R5 Mark II | Canon R5 |
---|---|---|
Sensor Resolution | 45MP Stacked CMOS | 45MP CMOS |
Image Processor | DIGIC X + DIGIC Accelerator | DIGIC X |
ISO Range | 100-51,200 (exp. to 102,400) | 100-51,200 (exp. to 102,400) |
Max Video Resolution | 8K RAW 60p | 8K RAW 30p |
EVF Resolution | 5.76M dots | 5.76M dots |
LCD Screen | 3.2″ Vari-angle Touch (2.1M dots) | 3.2″ Vari-angle Touch (2.1M dots) |
Max Frame Rate (E-shutter) | 30 fps | 20 fps |
Max Frame Rate (Mechanical) | 12 fps | 12 fps |
Buffer (RAW) | 230 shots (CFexpress) | 180 shots (CFexpress) |
Card Slots | 1x CFexpress + 1x SD UHS-II | 1x CFexpress + 1x SD UHS-II |
IBIS Rating | Up to 8.5 stops | Up to 8 stops |
Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
Understanding the Real-World Impact
These specifications translate into practical differences that affect your shooting experience:
Speed & Performance
- R5 Mark II’s stacked sensor enables faster readout and virtually zero rolling shutter
- Higher 30 fps shooting ideal for action and sports
- Improved buffer depth for longer burst sequences
Video Capabilities
- R5 Mark II offers 8K 60p RAW recording
- Both cameras provide professional-grade 4K options
- Mark II features improved heat management
For photographers considering these advanced features, it’s important to understand how they translate to different shooting scenarios.
💡 Pro Tip: The R5 Mark II’s stacked sensor design not only enables faster shooting speeds but also provides more reliable performance when tracking fast-moving subjects, making it particularly valuable for sports and wildlife photography.
Understanding how these cameras perform in different situations can help you make the right choice for your specific needs:
Real-World Performance Impact
High-Speed Applications (R5 Mark II Advantage)
- Sports photography
- Wildlife action
- Fast-moving subjects
- Event photography
Studio Applications (Both Excel)
- Commercial photography
- Portrait sessions
- Product photography
- Landscape work
💡 Pro Tip: When deciding between these cameras, consider your typical shooting scenarios. While both cameras excel in professional environments, the R5 Mark II’s enhanced speed and processing may justify the investment for action photographers.
For a deeper look at how these cameras perform in specific shooting scenarios, explore our detailed guides on Canon cameras for wildlife photography and the best Canon cameras for sports.
Key Features & Performance

Let’s dive into how these cameras perform in real-world shooting scenarios, examining their key features and capabilities in detail.
Video Features
Both cameras offer impressive video capabilities, though they target different levels of professional video work:
Canon R5 Mark II Video Features:
- 8K RAW 60p internal recording
- 4K 120p for slow motion
- Light RAW recording option
- Full-width 4K up to 60p
- Improved heat management
- Up to 4x longer recording times
Canon R5 Video Features:
- 8K RAW 30p internal recording
- 4K 120p for slow motion
- Standard RAW recording
- Full-width 4K up to 60p
- Basic heat management
- Standard recording times
💡 Pro Tip: The R5 Mark II’s improved heat management and Light RAW option make it significantly more practical for professional video production, especially for longer recording sessions.
Shared Professional Features
Both cameras include professional-grade features:
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with subject detection
- In-body image stabilization
- Professional-grade weather sealing
- Full-frame sensor benefits
- High-speed continuous shooting
- Dual memory card slots
Autofocus Capabilities
The autofocus systems on both cameras are class-leading, with some key differences:
R5 Mark II Advantages:
- Enhanced AI subject recognition
- More accurate eye detection
- Better low-light focusing (-6.5 EV)
- Action Priority AF mode
- Enhanced vehicle tracking
- Advanced subject tracking
R5 Features:
- Excellent subject tracking
- -6 EV low-light sensitivity
- Advanced face and eye detection
- Animal eye AF capability
- Subject recognition
💡 Real-World Insight: The R5 Mark II’s new Action Priority AF mode is particularly valuable for sports photographers, automatically adjusting tracking sensitivity based on specific actions in sports like football and basketball.
Continuous Shooting
Let’s examine the high-speed capabilities of both cameras:
High-Speed Performance:
- R5 Mark II: Up to 30 fps electronic / 12 fps mechanical
- R5: Up to 20 fps electronic / 12 fps mechanical
Buffer Performance:
- R5 Mark II: 230 RAW images (CFexpress)
- R5: 180 RAW images (CFexpress)
Real-World Performance
R5 Mark II Excels At:
- Fast-paced sports photography
- Wildlife action shooting
- Event coverage
- Hybrid photo/video work
- Advanced tracking scenarios
R5 Shines In:
- Studio photography
- Landscape photography
- Commercial work
- Portrait sessions
- Product photography
💬 Professional Insight: Sports and wildlife photographers particularly appreciate the R5 Mark II’s improved buffer capacity and faster frame rate, allowing them to capture longer sequences of action without interruption.
For more specific insights on how these cameras perform in different photography genres, check out our guides on Canon cameras for wildlife photography and best Canon cameras for sports.
Image Quality

Let’s explore how these cameras differ in image quality, examining their respective strengths in various shooting scenarios.
Resolution Comparison
Both cameras feature the same resolution, but with different sensor technologies:
R5 Mark II Resolution Benefits (45MP Stacked)
- Next-generation stacked sensor design
- Improved readout speeds
- Better rolling shutter control
- Enhanced dynamic range
- Neural network processing
R5 Resolution Features (45MP)
- Original sensor design
- Proven image quality
- Excellent dynamic range
- Strong detail retention
- Professional resolution
💡 Pro Tip: While both cameras share the same resolution, the R5 Mark II’s stacked sensor design and newer processor can provide cleaner high ISO images and better overall image quality in challenging situations.
Low Light Performance
Let’s examine how these cameras perform in challenging lighting conditions:
Real-World ISO Performance:
R5 Mark II advantages:
- Improved noise handling at high ISOs
- Better shadow recovery
- Enhanced dynamic range
- Cleaner images above ISO 6400
- More usable results in challenging light
R5 capabilities:
- Strong noise control up to ISO 6400
- Good dynamic range
- Reliable shadow recovery
- Consistent color reproduction
Practical Image Quality Applications
R5 Mark II Excels In:
- Fast-action photography
- Low-light event coverage
- High-speed sports
- Wildlife photography
- Hybrid shooting scenarios
R5 Shines In:
- Studio portraiture
- Landscape photography
- Commercial work
- Product photography
- Architecture
Dynamic Range and Color
Both cameras deliver Canon’s renowned colour science:
- 14+ stops of dynamic range at base ISO
- Excellent highlight recovery
- Strong shadow detail retention
- Consistent color reproduction
- Pleasing skin tones
💡 Pro Tip: The R5 Mark II’s newer DIGIC X processor combined with the Neural Network Processing engine can provide more precise color accuracy and better noise reduction in challenging lighting conditions.
For detailed examples of these cameras in action, visit our guides on Canon cameras for portrait photography and landscape photography.
Build & Design

Let’s examine the physical differences and similarities between these two professional cameras.
Control Layout
Key Physical Differences:
R5 Mark II Features:
- 3.2-inch 2.1M dot LCD screen
- 5.76M dot EVF
- Top LCD panel
- Enhanced heat dissipation design
- CFexpress Type B + SD card slots
R5 Features:
- 3.2-inch 2.1M dot LCD screen
- 5.76M dot EVF
- Top LCD panel
- Original heat management
- CFexpress Type B + SD card slots
Weather Sealing
Both cameras feature professional-grade weather sealing:
- Dust and moisture-resistant construction
- Sealed buttons and dials
- Protected card and battery doors
- Robust port covers
- Magnesium alloy chassis
💡 Pro Tip: Both cameras maintain the same high standard of weather sealing, making them equally capable of handling challenging weather conditions in professional environments.
Handling Characteristics
Button Layout & Customization:
- Extensive button customization
- Multi-function shoe compatibility
- Customizable AF-ON button
- Multi-controller joystick
- Quick control dial
Size & Weight Comparison:
- R5 Mark II: 656g (body only)
- R5: 738g (body only)
Shared Build Quality Features:
- Robust build quality
- Comfortable ergonomic grip
- Durable shutter mechanism
- Professional-grade lens mount
- Heat dissipation design
💬 Professional Insight: The R5 Mark II’s slightly lighter weight and improved heat management make it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions, particularly when recording video.
For a closer look at how these cameras handle in different professional scenarios, check out our complete guide to Canon professional cameras.
Storage & Power

Understanding storage requirements and power management is crucial for professional work. Let’s examine how these cameras handle memory cards and battery life.
Memory Card Systems
R5 Mark II Card Configuration:
- Slot 1: CFexpress Type B
- Slot 2: SD UHS-II
- Required CFexpress for 8K 60p
- High-speed buffer clearing
R5 Card Configuration:
- Slot 1: CFexpress Type B
- Slot 2: SD UHS-II
- Required CFexpress for 8K 30p
- Standard buffer clearing
💡 Pro Tip: While CFexpress cards are essential for the highest-quality video modes, both cameras can record most still photos to more affordable SD cards without compromising performance.
File Sizes & Storage Needs
R5 Mark II File Sizes:
- RAW: 45-55MB per file
- C-RAW: 30-35MB per file
- JPEG Large: 15-20MB per file
- 8K 60p RAW video: 2.6GB/minute
R5 File Sizes:
- RAW: 45-55MB per file
- C-RAW: 30-35MB per file
- JPEG Large: 15-20MB per file
- 8K 30p RAW video: 2.4GB/minute
Storage Requirements for Common Scenarios:
Full-Day Event (3000 images):
- R5 Mark II: 135-165GB (RAW)
- R5: 135-165GB (RAW)
1-Hour Video Session:
- R5 Mark II 8K 60p: 156GB
- R5 8K 30p: 144GB
Battery Life
Battery Performance (LP-E6NH):
R5 Mark II:
- Up to 680 shots (LCD)
- Up to 340 shots (EVF)
- Extended video recording times
R5:
- Up to 490 shots (LCD)
- Up to 320 shots (EVF)
- Standard video recording times
💡 Pro Tip: Both cameras support USB-C charging and can be powered while shooting. Consider a power bank for extended location shoots where changing batteries isn’t practical.
Power Management Features:
- USB-C charging capability
- Battery grip compatibility
- Power saving modes
- Remaining charge percentage
- In-camera charging
For more information about professional camera accessories and power solutions, visit our Canon accessories guide.
Who Should Choose Which Camera

Let’s break down which camera best suits different photography styles and professional needs.
The R5 Mark II Photographer
Best For:
- Sports photographers needing fast frame rates
- Wildlife photographers requiring quick tracking
- Professional videographers wanting 8K 60p
- Hybrid shooters needing advanced features
- Event photographers working in varied conditions
Key Advantages:
- Fast stacked sensor performance
- Enhanced subject detection
- Improved heat management
- Higher frame rates
- Better low-light AF
The R5 Photographer
Best For:
- Studio photographers
- Landscape photographers
- Commercial photographers
- Portrait photographers
- Value-conscious professionals
Key Advantages:
- Proven professional performance
- Excellent image quality
- More affordable price point
- Reliable autofocus
- Professional build quality
Photography Style Breakdown
Wedding Photography:
- Recommended: Either camera
- Why: Both offer excellent image quality and AF performance
Sports/Wildlife:
- Recommended: R5 Mark II
- Why: Faster frame rate, enhanced subject detection, improved tracking
Landscape:
- Recommended: Either camera
- Why: Both offer identical resolution and dynamic range
Commercial:
- Recommended: Either camera
- Why: Both deliver professional-grade image quality
Video Production:
- Recommended: R5 Mark II
- Why: 8K 60p, better heat management, improved AF tracking
💡 Pro Tip: Consider your complete workflow when choosing. While both cameras offer the same resolution, the R5 Mark II’s improved processing and features may justify the investment for certain professional applications.
Real-World Considerations
Budget Considerations:
- Memory card costs (CFexpress)
- Storage requirements
- Computer processing power
- Backup systems
Workflow Impact:
- File transfer times
- Editing requirements
- Backup storage needs
- Delivery timelines
💬 Professional Insight: Many professional photographers find the original R5 continues to meet their needs perfectly, while others benefit significantly from the R5 Mark II’s enhanced capabilities in specific shooting scenarios.
For more detailed comparisons and recommendations, check out our guides for wedding photography and professional photography.
Final Verdict

Making Your Final Decision
Choose the R5 Mark II if you need:
- Stacked sensor performance
- 30fps electronic shutter
- 8K 60p video capability
- Enhanced AI subject detection
- Advanced action tracking
- Better heat management
Choose the R5 if you want:
- Proven professional performance
- More affordable price point
- Excellent image quality
- Professional-grade features
- Strong all-round capabilities
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just focus on specifications – consider your complete workflow, from shooting to delivery. While the R5 Mark II offers newer technology, the original R5 remains a highly capable professional tool.
Getting Support
Both cameras are supported by:
- Canon Professional Services (CPS)
- Professional firmware updates
- Extensive RF lens lineup
- Third-party accessories
- Professional repair services
At Campkins Cameras, we provide ongoing support and guidance for both cameras, ensuring you get the most from your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the R5 Mark II worth upgrading from the R5?
The upgrade is most valuable for photographers who need faster shooting speeds, enhanced subject detection, or improved video capabilities. For many R5 users, the original camera continues to meet their needs effectively.
Which camera handles heat better for video?
The R5 Mark II features significantly improved heat management, allowing for longer recording times in high-quality video modes, particularly in 8K.
Do both cameras use the same batteries?
Both cameras use the LP-E6NH battery, but the R5 Mark II offers better power efficiency for longer shooting times.
Can I use my existing RF lenses?
Yes, both cameras are fully compatible with all RF and RF-S lenses, as well as EF lenses via an adapter.
Which is better for wildlife photography?
The R5 Mark II has an edge for wildlife photography due to its faster frame rate, improved subject detection, and enhanced tracking capabilities.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider renting both cameras for a weekend to test them in your typical shooting scenarios. This hands-on experience can be invaluable in making your final decision.
Both the Canon R5 and R5 Mark II represent excellent choices in Canon’s professional mirrorless lineup. Your decision should be based on your specific photography needs, workflow requirements, and budget considerations rather than purely technical specifications.