Canon R5 Mark II Vs R5: Worth The Upgrade?

Both are superb; the R5 Mark II is faster and cooler, while the R5 is the better value.

If you shoot action, weddings, or high-end video, the canon r5 mark ii vs r5 debate will come up fast. Both deliver stunning 45MP images and pro video. Yet one is a speed and heat upgrade, and the other saves money. I’ve tested both in real jobs and personal shoots. Below I share what stood out so you can choose with confidence.

Is Canon EOS R5 Mark II Good?

Yes—the R5 Mark II is a beast, especially for hybrid shooters who push speed and video. It is ideal for sports, wildlife, weddings, and commercial work. Autofocus is stickier, rolling shutter is lower, and video runs longer with better heat control. If you often shoot bursts or 8K/4K120, the upgrade feels worth it.

In my use, the pre-shoot RAW burst saved a hummingbird shot I would have missed. At a reception, 8K60 and improved tracking locked on eyes under dim DJ lights. The camera felt confident all day. Files were crisp, colors were classic Canon, and clips ran without the early-cut heat warnings I feared.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• 45MP full-frame sensor with faster readout and lower rolling shutter
• Up to 30 fps electronic and 12 fps mechanical burst
• 8K internal video with higher frame rates and longer record times
• Advanced subject detection: people, animals, vehicles, and smarter Eye AF
• RAW Burst with pre-capture plus refined IBIS for steadier handheld video

What I Like

• AF sticks to eyes even through veils, glasses, or quick turns
• Pre-shoot buffer saves moments that happen before I press the shutter
• 8K and 4K120 are more practical thanks to better heat management
• Files grade well; skin tones need little work
• Quiet, smooth shooting—great for ceremonies and wildlife blinds

What Could Be Better

• Price is high if you do not need the speed and video gains
• Large 8K files demand faster cards and beefy storage
• Menus can feel dense when setting up hybrid workflows

My Recommendation

If you shoot fast action, long 8K/4K sessions, or demand the best AF, pick it. Availability is strong; value is tied to pro needs.

Best For	Why
Sports and wildlife	30 fps e-shutter, quicker readout, sticky subject tracking
Weddings and events	Better low-light AF and longer, safer video takes
Commercial hybrid work	8K headroom, reliable 4K120, and robust IBIS

Is Canon EOS R5 Good?

It depends on your needs, but for most shooters, yes—the R5 remains a fantastic buy. Stills quality is world-class. AF is excellent. 8K and slow motion are there when you need them. If you do not push long 8K or rapid bursts all day, the R5 nails it at a lower price.

I shot a full wedding season with the R5. The files are beautiful, and the camera feels balanced with RF zooms and primes. For video, I kept clips shorter, or I worked around heat by pacing takes. For portrait and landscape work, the R5 still punches above its weight and saves budget for glass.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• 45MP full-frame sensor with superb detail and dynamic range
• Up to 20 fps electronic and 12 fps mechanical burst
• Internal 8K and 4K120 with 10-bit color
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF with eye, face, and animal detection
• IBIS rated up to 8 stops with compatible RF lenses

What I Like

• Stills quality rivals medium format in good light
• AF is fast, reliable, and easy to trust
• Hybrid feature set covers most needs for creators
• Build feels premium yet not too heavy
• Great value now that prices have softened

What Could Be Better

• Thermal limits can cut long 8K/4K takes
• Rolling shutter shows up more in fast pans
• AF tracking is very good, but not as sticky as the Mark II

My Recommendation

If you want flagship stills and strong video at a lower cost, choose the R5. The value is excellent.

Best For	Why
Portraits and landscapes	45MP detail and rich color; less need for extreme speed
Weddings on a budget	Pro results, reliable AF, and savings for lenses
Content creators	8K/4K tools are there if you manage clip length

canon r5 mark ii vs r5: Side-by-Side Test

I shot events, wildlife, and studio tests with both cameras. Below is how the canon r5 mark ii vs r5 compare in real use, not just on paper.

Autofocus & Tracking: Which Locks On Better?

Both track faces and eyes very well. The Mark II is faster and more confident with tough subjects.

Feature	R5 Mark II	R5
Subject detection	People, animals, vehicles; smarter recognition	People, animals; very capable
Eye AF stickiness	Excellent, even in backlight	Very good; can hunt in tricky light
Low-light AF confidence	Higher	High
Pre-capture/RAW burst	Yes	No

Ratings: R5 Mark II – 9.5/10 | R5 – 8.5/10

“Edge: R5 Mark II. It locks faster and holds eyes longer in tough scenes.”

Burst Speed & Buffer: Which Is Faster?

Speed matters for wildlife and sports. Both are quick; the Mark II is quicker.

Feature	R5 Mark II	R5
Electronic shutter fps	Up to 30 fps	Up to 20 fps
Mechanical shutter fps	Up to 12 fps	Up to 12 fps
Rolling shutter	Reduced	More noticeable
Buffer handling	Improved clearing	Very good

Ratings: R5 Mark II – 9.5/10 | R5 – 8.5/10

“Edge: R5 Mark II. The extra 10 fps and lower skew matter for action.”

Video Features & Heat: Who Handles Long Takes?

Both shoot 8K and slow motion. The Mark II runs longer and cooler in my tests.

Feature	R5 Mark II	R5
Max 8K frame rate	Higher, more flexible	8K up to 30p
4K120 usability	More reliable over time	Great but watch heat
Record duration	Longer clips before limits	Shorter in hot rooms
AF in video	More confident	Strong

Ratings: R5 Mark II – 9/10 | R5 – 7.5/10

“Edge: R5 Mark II. Better heat control makes pro video safer.”

Image Quality & Stabilization: Do Files Look Different?

Both use a 45MP sensor with rich color. The Mark II feels a touch cleaner in motion shots.

Feature	R5 Mark II	R5
Resolution	45MP	45MP
Dynamic range feel	Excellent	Excellent
IBIS rating	Up to ~8 stops	Up to ~8 stops
Handheld video steadiness	Slightly better behavior	Very steady

Ratings: R5 Mark II – 9/10 | R5 – 9/10

“Edge: Tie for stills; Mark II feels steadier for handheld video.”

Connectivity & Workflow: Which Integrates Better?

Both have CFexpress + SD and fast USB-C. The Mark II smooths pro workflows.

Feature	R5 Mark II	R5
Card slots	CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II	CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II
Wireless & app	Faster links and better stability	Strong
Accessory shoe	Latest multi-function shoe	Older shoe
FTP/cloud options	More robust	Good

Ratings: R5 Mark II – 9/10 | R5 – 8/10

“Edge: R5 Mark II. It is better for high-volume, on-deadline work.”

Ergonomics & Handling: Which Feels Better?

Canon bodies feel right in hand. Small refinements give the Mark II a slight edge.

Feature	R5 Mark II	R5
Grip and balance	Excellent with big RF glass	Excellent
Viewfinder experience	Smoother feel	Great
Custom controls	Refined behavior	Flexible
Menu logic	Familiar Canon layout	Familiar Canon layout

Ratings: R5 Mark II – 9/10 | R5 – 8.5/10

“Edge: R5 Mark II. Small tweaks add up in long shoots.”

Battery & Reliability: Who Lasts Longer?

Both use LP‑E6NH batteries. The Mark II sips power a bit better in my use.

Feature	R5 Mark II	R5
Battery life (real world)	Slightly longer	Strong
USB-C PD charging	Yes	Yes
Thermal reliability	Improved	Manageable with short takes
All-day events	Fewer swaps	Bring extra batteries

Ratings: R5 Mark II – 9/10 | R5 – 8/10

“Edge: R5 Mark II. Better power feel and heat headroom.”

Value for Money: Which Is the Smarter Buy?

Price matters. The R5 offers huge savings and 90% of the experience.

Factor	R5 Mark II	R5
Purchase price	Higher	Lower (often discounted)
Cost to performance	Best if you need speed/video gains	Outstanding for most shooters
Resale curve	Strong	Stable
Budget for lenses	Less room	More room for RF glass

Ratings: R5 Mark II – 8/10 | R5 – 9.5/10

“Edge: R5. It’s the budget-savvy pick with pro results.”

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Choose the R5 Mark II if you shoot action, long 8K/4K sessions, or high-pressure events. It tracks better, shoots faster, and manages heat better. It is the safer pro tool when seconds and uptime matter.

Pick the R5 if you want elite stills and strong video at a lower price. For portraits, weddings with shorter clips, landscapes, and most content work, it delivers. In the canon r5 mark ii vs r5 choice, spend the savings on great RF lenses.

FAQs Of canon r5 mark ii vs r5

What is the main difference in canon r5 mark ii vs r5?

The R5 Mark II is faster, tracks better, and handles heat better for longer 8K/4K work. The R5 offers similar image quality at a lower cost.

Is the R5 Mark II worth it over the R5 for video?

If you shoot long or frequent 8K/4K120 clips, yes. The R5 Mark II runs longer and more reliably. For short clips, the R5 is fine.

Which is better for wildlife in the canon r5 mark ii vs r5?

R5 Mark II. It offers 30 fps, lower rolling shutter, and stickier AF. You will keep more keepers of fast birds and animals.

Do both cameras have the same image quality?

Both deliver stunning 45MP files with classic Canon color. In practice, stills quality feels equal; the Mark II gains show more in motion and AF.

In the canon r5 mark ii vs r5, which gives better value?

The R5. It is cheaper and covers most needs. Upgrade to the R5 Mark II if speed, tracking, and longer video are critical to your work.