Will The Canon Eos R5 Make You A Better Photographer
Table of Contents
When the Canon EOS R5 was announced, I couldn't have been more excited. I was live streaming Peter Mckinnon's Canon announcement and trying to place my order simultaneously. I was finally going to get a camera that would allow me to capture spectacular videos and stunning photos. Over 2 years later, did the Canon EOS R5 improve my content, or was I a victim of great marketing?
Key Takeaways
Skill Over Gear: The Canon R5 is a powerful tool, but it won't automatically make you a better photographer. The key lies in mastering the basics and understanding how to use the camera's advanced features to enhance your creativity.
Learning Curve: The R5 offers numerous features that can elevate your photography, but there is a learning curve. Investing time in learning these features is essential to truly benefit from the camera.
Potential for Growth: For photographers ready to push their limits, the Canon R5 offers capabilities that can significantly improve technical quality, making it a great investment for those committed to growth.
Gear Matters
I'm one of the people who laugh when I see other photographers say gear doesn't matter while holding $6000 worth of equipment in their hands. If gear didn't matter, all photographers would be using their cellphones instead of these expensive pieces of equipment. Let's make sure we clear this up right away—gear matters. The real question is how much the gear will matter. Is the gear worth the leap in price? We are all in different situations with different circumstances. Dual card slots will matter to some and not to others. The speed of a mechanical shutter and continuous shooting will mean a lot to wildlife photographers but not landscape photographers. An in-camera image stabilizer will matter to video capturers but not still photographers. You get the point. To answer the question, we must first understand that relevance differs for each person's circumstances; however, gear matters.
Canon Steps Into The Future - Mirrorless Cameras
Going into the rumored announcement from Canon, I was beyond excited for Canon to jump into the full-frame mirrorless market. On the photography side of things, I was super excited about the 45MP CMOS Sensor. Sony, Panasonic, and Nikon had taken significant steps in the mirrorless market. You could easily see mirrorless technology was the future. We knew Canon would jump into the market, but how late would they be, and how much would they invest in this new line? Canon may have been late, but they planned to go ALL IN.
Image Stabilization
Because I did a lot of videography, I struggled to get quality handheld videos from my Canon 80d. Even with lens stabilization, the results were subpar at best. Almost all the other brands were offering camera options with in-body stabilization. If the Canon R5 didn't have in-body stabilization, I'm about 90% sure I was going to switch brands. That's how important it was to me.
Results:
I'm pleased with the stabilization of the EOS R5, but I'll say I was a little bit underwhelmed until the most recent firmware update. The results were ok but not as good as I wanted. Since this was Canon's first real shot at in-body stabilization, I should have known it would take a little time to work out the bugs. The most recent firmware update helped get rid of the waving artifacts and helped the videos captured by the R5 look much better. This helped my content creation results because I could now use one device for both photography and videography. My videography often included a lot of handheld shots, and simple lens stabilization wasn't good enough. Too often, I would come back with footage that even software couldn't fix appropriately without creating too many artifacts.
High Resolution
Another critical factor for me when considering upgrading my gear was the camera's resolution. I wanted a much higher MP camera for stills, but I also wanted 4K resolution with available frame rates up to 60 fps. Canon kicked in the door on this one and announced 8K with a 45MP sensor. They also went much further than expected and offered 4K at 120 fps in 10-bit internal. This mirrorless unit wasn't just Canon's way to enter the market; they wanted to rule it. The Canon EOS R5 was coming to take the lead rather than keep up.
Results:
Shooting video is so much nicer with this camera body. The EOS R5 was a video camera that could also take amazing stills. The 4k video is stunning when you use canon log and do a minor grading; however, it's impressive right out of the camera. The detail and dynamic range ability of this camera's image processor are phenomenal. I am a much better photographer and videographer from owning this Canon camera.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
What good is a video camera's resolution if it's unreliable with its autofocus? I'm a one-man crew. I don't have someone following me around with a camera. I have to ensure my shots are in focus and framed correctly. I think Canon has always had the best autofocus system, and they didn't let us down with the EOS R5.
Results:
The updated Dual Pixel autofocus system features 1053 focusing points for almost 100% coverage. The focus is quick, smooth, and accurate. Movie Servo AF mode offers very intelligent focusing that can change subjects and looks so smooth it looks like it's from a camera and cameramen from the big screen. The tracking systems on the EOS R5 are as reliable, and possibly better than any other camera near this price point. I'm very impressed with AutoFocus, and I'm producing more reliable content with this camera due to the dependability of the AutoFocus system. I will say that this was one area I expected this camera to dominate the competition because it's what Canon has been known for so long. They didn't let us down.
Weight of the EOS R5
This may not be a big issue for some, but it was a tremendous spec for me. Mirrorless systems generally weigh less. I'm constantly carrying my camera on hikes. The weight is why I desperately needed a camera that would take great video and capture stunning stills. I was carrying my Canon 80d for stills photography and the second camera for video. I tried the GH5, GoPros, and many other cameras. Having two cameras was not a good option for a hike of more than 5 miles. I didn't want to be pressured on which gear I could take to save weight.
Results:
While I would have liked the body to be a little lighter, 1.62lbs / 738g (w/ battery and cards) is a great weight. The EOS R5 allows me to condense my gear into one camera for longer hikes and trips. Carrying multiple cameras was no longer a requirement. I wasn't expecting the weight of the RF lens options. In general, the RF lens options are relatively heavy in weight. The RF lenses capture some really fine detail, but it comes at a price of both money and weight. This is one of the very few drawbacks of Canon's RF line. Most of the initial surge of lens releases was geared toward the quality of the image without a whole lot of concern for the weight of the lens. They have started releasing some lower-weight options for the RF line, and I'm excited to see what the future holds.
The Small Stuff That Matters A lot
Many of the minor features on a product, like a camera, aren't advertisement worthy to the average consumer. Little things like an articulating screen, weather sealing, cold weather durability, and the quality of the viewfinder can all be undervalued.
Results:
This is one of the areas Canon dominates its competition, and the EOS R5 was no different. The articulating screen is wonderful with a design that allows you to open and close it even with gloves on. The fact you can take the EOS R5 in any weather condition and not have to worry about water damage is enormous, especially for us landscape photographers. The simple interface on Canon's cameras is also something that's undervalued. If you start working with other camera interfaces, you'll quickly notice how most of them are much more complicated and structured oddly. You don't realize how valuable it is to quickly and reliably connect to the camera's wi-fi or Bluetooth systems until you try to do it with a camera that's not as user-friendly. I think Canon has a reputation for nailing the small things, and I believe they upheld that reputation with the small stuff on the EOS R5.
Is The Canon EOS R5 Worth the Cost of $3900 USD?
The EOS R was Canon's first attempt at a full-frame mirrorless camera. It's an excellent camera with a fantastic price point for its quality at $1800 USD. The Canon EOS R5 elevates the ceiling for results significantly but is it worth it?
Results:
This is a bit tricky for me. $3900 is a lot of money for a camera. I will say it's in line with other brands with cameras with similar capabilities, but that doesn't make spending that kind of money any easier. I would make the purchase again if I had another chance. I wouldn't say I liked spending that kind of money then, and I still don't like it, but I understand that you get what you pay for. You can go with another camera that'll produce similar results at a lower price point, but I don't think it's worth the cost savings, primarily if you're already a Canon shooter. I love the camera, but I'm not happy with the price point, although it's understandable when comparing the features with other available options. However, an idea I never thought about before purchasing the camera was the pressure to get my value out of it. The camera cost so much that it pressures me regularly to get out and shoot. When you spend this kind of money on something, growing pressure makes you want to shoot more. That's a great thing because it makes you a better photographer by pressuring you to shoot more.
Final Thought
Can the Canon EOS R5 transform your photography skills? Breaking from conventional evasion, I assert that, indeed, the Canon EOS R5 marks a pivotal advancement in photography and videography equipment. While no gadget directly boosts your abilities, the right equipment can reignite your passion and drive for skill enhancement. Opting for the Canon EOS R5 signifies a substantial leap forward, reflecting a deep commitment to personal and professional growth in photography. It's important to note, however, that the EOS R5, with its high-end features, may surpass the budget constraints typical of hobbyist photographers.
Despite its acclaim, the Canon EOS R5 is not without its flaws. Initially, users reported overheating issues, particularly when shooting in 8K, due to the large file sizes generated. Canon has addressed these concerns with firmware updates, claiming significant improvements, including enhanced body stabilization. The R5's raw image files are notably high in quality, offering profound depth and detail.
Featuring a CF Express card slot alongside a standard SD card slot, the EOS R5 caters to a demand for versatile storage options among professionals. The camera's optical viewfinder delivers a remarkably true-to-life viewing experience, a feature highly valued by photographers.
It's a misconception that a camera alone can elevate one from an amateur to a professional level. Skill development is paramount, but the choice of equipment can indeed accelerate progress and refine your control over your craft. Investing in a camera like the EOS R5 often motivates photographers to dedicate more time to their art, underlining a serious commitment to improvement. For those considering this camera, I recommend renting the EOS R5 from a local camera shop if possible. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights into whether it's the right tool to support your growth. In my opinion, the Canon EOS R5 is likely to convert many skeptics into believers of Canon's vision and significantly improve their photography prowess, making it a worthwhile investment for those aiming to elevate their work.
FAQ
Q: Will the Canon R5 automatically improve my photography?
A: No, while the Canon R5 is a top-tier camera, improving your photography still depends on your skills, knowledge, and experience.
Q: What features of the Canon R5 can help me become a better photographer?
A: Features like its high-resolution sensor, advanced autofocus system, and 8K video capability can enhance your creative options, but mastering these tools is essential.
Q: Is the Canon R5 suitable for beginners?
A: The Canon R5 may be overwhelming for beginners due to its advanced features. However, for those committed to learning, it can be an excellent long-term investment.
Q: How can I make the most out of the Canon R5?
A: Spend time learning the camera’s features, practice regularly, and experiment with different settings to understand how they impact your photos.
Q: Does the Canon R5 offer significant advantages over other cameras?
A: Yes, the Canon R5's advanced technology, such as its high-resolution sensor and fast autofocus, provides significant advantages, particularly for professional or enthusiast photographers looking to elevate their work.