March 21, 2026

Canon R5 mark II

I got my R5 back in March of 2023. It is now 3 years later (March 2026) and the Canon R5 mark II is available. The Mark II apparently came out in July 2024, but I am not the sort of person who closely follows these things.

First of all, the Mark II sticks with 45 megapixels. I am pleased by this -- it indicates that Canon isn't simply trying to use pixel count to sell new models. Early speculation was that the Mark II would jump to 61 megapixels.

The mark II has what they call a "stacked sensor" which somehow allows faster readout speeds. This can give you 30 fps shooting (versus 20 fps with the original) with the electronic shutter. It also allows 8K 60p video. Faster readout speeds mitigate the problem with rolling shutter distortion.

Note that when the R5 gives you 20 fps with the electronic shutter, you get it in 12 bit mode. The R5ii gives you 14 bit with 30 fps via the electronic shutter. With mechanical shutter, either camera gives you 6.3 fps and 14 bit.

To go with this, they also give you an improved AI driven autofocus called "action priority".

All of this is good for the action shooters. Perhaps birds in flight. Certainly sports shooters.

The body is redesigned and sleeker, more like the R3. (The R3 is a 24 mpx full frame camera introduced in 2021). They moved the power switch to the right side, replacing it with a movie/still switch. There are plenty of other minor tweaks and features, none world changing.

Image quality

I am basically a landscape photographer, so these features don't bring a lot to me. I read that the original R5 actually has better low light noise performance. The new model does cost $1000 more! This noise business seems relatively minor and is perhaps controversial.

Conclusion

I am not annoyed by not having the mark II.
Feedback? Questions? Drop me a line!

Tom's Digital Photography Info / tom@mmto.org