The EOS 1 and EOS 5 series cameras are arguably the most important in Canon's entire lineup, representing their flagship and full frame do-it-all options for a huge number of professionals. With countless users awaiting the announcement of the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II, news about their imminent announcements has emerged.
Digicame Info is reporting trusted sources suggest that the EOS R1 will debut prior to the EOS R5 Mark II's unveiling. Described by insiders as "a pinnacle of technology," the EOS R1 is reportedly crafted entirely from new components, eschewing any existing parts. Canon is reportedly preparing an extensive promotional push for the EOS R1 in this quarter, aiming for a Q2 release.
While the specifications for the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II remain under wraps, reports indicate that CFexpress Type C will not be featured. As the EOS R1 and new lens lineup garner attention, an announcement for the EOS R5 Mark II is anticipated around mid to late 2024. Further details are expected soon.
Earlier reports had indicated that the EOS R5 Mark II announcement is expected in February, which may still be the case. However, with cameras like the Sony a9 III making waves for their paradigm-redefining features, Canon may be rethinking how they want to push their two most important professional cameras, particularly with the upcoming Olympics. Hopefully, we'll hear more soon!
Digicam’s information sounds more legitimate than the nonsense coming from CR. Personally I doubt the R1 will have a global shutter though it’s more likely to have a higher MP, fast read out, stacked sensor and high performance video. The R5ii will likely support some incremental gains.
Sounds like using 100% new components is an attempted justification of an insanely high price...
If Canon is pulling out all the stops for the Olympics (they always try) the "R1" will be spectacular, with a matching price tag. But the talk/chatter/rumors about a global shutter are probably fanboy dreams, I would expect a new faster (stacked!) sensor and processor along with an amazingly deep buffer to deliver 40-50 fps without any parlor tricks or goofy file formats, and of course Quad Pixel AF. It is after all a sports camera in spirit. And it has to be significantly better than the R3. Global shutter is awesome (Fuji X-100F owner) but interchangeable lenses with a mechanical global shutter (and IBIS) strike me as a bit too much complexity in a very small space, with huge overheating implications. Probably more likely to get that in the R5 MK2, which would seem to be better for studio/event work. But I don't pretend to know either! Canon is pretty good at keeping secrets.
The Frustrating Firmware Standoff: Canon's Refusal to Address Auto Restart on EOS R5
As a long-time Canon user and advocate for their cameras, it pains me to highlight a persistent issue that has pushed many creatives, including myself, towards alternative options. The Canon EOS R5, marketed as a hybrid camera catering to both photographers and videographers, falls short in a crucial aspect—auto restart for video recording after the 30-minute limit.
Countless moments during events have been marred by my Canon R5 abruptly stopping recording, missing invaluable shots. Despite the community's pleas, Canon has stubbornly refused to address this through firmware updates, leading to a wave of discontent among users.
This frustration has driven me to recommend Sony for the past couple of years. Their commitment to user feedback has provided a reliable solution for videographers tired of grappling with Canon's limitations.
However, I remain hopeful for the future. As we anticipate the release of the R5 Mark 2, there's an opportunity for Canon to rectify these issues and win back the trust of its user base. Canon's camera systems possess various strengths, and addressing this firmware limitation of the current R5 could bring them back to the forefront of hybrid camera recommendations.
While the R5 C and C70 models cater to videographers, their drawbacks, such as the absence of In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) and a non-full-frame sensor in the case of the C70, leave a void that the R5, with its unique blend of features, currently fills for run-and-gun videography.
In the evolving landscape where photographers delve into video and vice versa, addressing the auto restart issue on the current R5 would not only be a nod to user needs but also a strategic move to solidify Canon's position in the competitive market.
Here's hoping that the upcoming iterations will mark a turning point in Canon's attitude towards it's user base, and allow us to wholeheartedly recommend Canon once again.