“We at Canon, we hear you.” - Brandon Chin

For the last few years, many photography professionals and enthusiasts have griped and yelled at Canon for its position in the camera market. Many feel the DSLR camera of yore is old, dead technology. I disagree, but I do believe that mirrorless camera bodies are the future. As do most pundits. Canon entered the mirrorless game playing a bit of catch up to the competition - Sony in particular. Canon finally released the EOS R* mirrorless. But, that wasn’t enough for most. There were complaints and suggestions from the community about what the mirrorless offering should include. Well, Canon listened. Today the latest full-frame mirrorless camera bodies were officially announced. The EOS R5 and EOS R6.

Two New Camera Bodies, Very Similar Where It Matters

When looking at the R5 versus the R6 and the two price points, one will assume that one body is the “pro” body and the other is the “pro-sumer” body. Based on pricing, I can see why one would think that. Quite frankly, I don’t think you have to feel that way. Both cameras are offering ultra-quality photo capability. Pros will use both. The difference will come on the video side.

Here’s the spec sheet for EOS R5 you will care about the most for your shooting of video or photography:

45-megapixel full-frame image sensor
Digic X image processor (same found in the workhorse 1DX III*)
ISO range of 100-51,200 (expandable up to 102,400)
In-body stabilzation (IBIS)
Dual-card slots 1 for CFexpress and 1 for SD UHS-II cards
5GHz/2.4GHz built-in WiFi for wirelessly transmitting files off of the camera
8K RAW video recording up to 29.97 frames per second and Canon Log uncropped
4K video recording up to 59.94 frames per second uncropped
Autofocus points available across the full image sensor with eye and face tracking
Enhanced dial control, similar to the previous EOS bodies (and joystick)
Articulating vari-screen. (LOVE IT!)
Upper LCD display

From the EOS R6 standpoint, here are some key specs of note:

20.1-megapixel full-frame image sensor
Digic X image processor (again, same as the 1DX III*)
ISO range of 100-102, 400 (expandable up to 204, 800)
Dual SD Card slotsn for SD UHS-II cards
Autofocus points available across the full image sensor with eye and face tracking
In-body stabilzation (IBIS)
2.4GHz built-in WiFi
Enhanced dial control, similar to the previous EOS bodies
4K video recording up to 59.94 frames per second (slight crop, Canon Log or HDR)
1080p video recording up to 119.88 frames per second
Articulating vari-screen

Pricing for the R5 will start at $3899* for the body only and $4999* for the body and a 24-105mm F/4 L IS USM lens kit. The R6 will start at $2499* for the body only and $2899* for a 24-105mm STM kit lens, but I suggest going for the L-series lens option at a total price of $3599*. L-series lenses are beautiful and include great weather sealing. These bodies will be available at the end of August 2020.

Canon also launched more lenses. Makes sense because the mirrorless bodies don’t have the same mounting system as the existing EF-mount and the current crop of RF-mount mirrorless lenses needed to grow. Today the RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L was announced as well as the RF600mm f/11 and 800mm. All are image stabilized and designed for super-telephoto scenarios to get you closer to the action of your shot. The 100-500m is estimated to cost $2699 while the 600mm and 800mm is estimated to cost $699 and $899 respectively. Available in October 2020.

The new RF85mm is looking like an AWESOME lens for portraits and macro. It’s an f/2 prime with macros capability and up to five stops of optical image stabilization. This will have an estimated price of $599* and an October 2020 release.

I want the R5, but the R6 is looking juuuuust fine, too. Sure, I’d like to have better video capability for future-proofing of content creation tools, but it’s really hard to not consider the R6. Especially with its competitive pricing and hardware specifications.

My Thoughts

I’m ready to jump into mirrorless now that the bodies feel better in my hands. Previous mirrorless cameras I’ve played with were just too small for my hands. The EOS R was the first mirrorless to feel right in my hands. The Sony A7R IV* felt great, too. I almost bought the EOS R during the 2019 holiday season, but was told to hold off because of the then rumored R5 announcement. For me, the camera has to feel right in my hands. It can have the best specs ever, but if it doesn’t feel right in my hands, I highly doubt I’ll get the most out of it. Hmmm. I bet the EOS R* is going to have some great pricing in the coming weeks.

What are your thoughts?

So what are you going to do? Are you going with the new mirrorless offerings from Canon? I’m checking my bank account now. Ha! My budget says R6, but I’d love to have the R5. Heck I’m just happy the autofocus points are now covering the FULL image sensor. That’s BIG.

Let me know your thoughts below or over on Twitter. I hope I can get my hands on these cameras for review on Hands On Tech or Hands-On Photography. Make sure you’re subscribed over there.

More information about today’s announcements from Canon can be found on its website here via the press release.

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