The R5 platform has always been a natural match for landscape photography and the EOS R5 Mark II is an even better, upgraded fit for this slower paced yet dynamic genre. Mixing a high-resolution sensor with a portable form factor, the R5 Mark II expands on these key assets with upgrades to the sensor, improved noise reduction and image quality, a better, brighter viewfinder, and updated processing that benefits everything from autofocus to video capabilities.
Full-Frame 45MP Sensor Improvements
The original R5 excelled at landscape applications—its full-frame 45MP CMOS sensor is a perfect choice for those looking to maximize detail, dynamic range, and make use of Canon’s renowned color profiling. The R5 Mark II features an upgraded full-frame 45MP sensor, which now has a back-illuminated stacked design. These upgrades largely benefit sports, wildlife, action, and video applications, thanks to faster readout speeds, but for landscape, the new sensor now has better controlled noise thanks to Neural Network Noise Reduction. This improves image quality and allows you to make better use of the full sensitivity range, up to ISO 51200, while maintaining a high degree of image quality.
Another new technology in the R5 Mark II is In-Camera Upscaling, and this is a perfect feature for landscape shooters looking to maximize resolution, especially for situations when you may want to crop into the image for a tighter composition. This setting doubles the number of pixels horizontally and vertically to produce an effective 179MP image and a deep learning algorithm helps maintain the original image integrity. Also, Neural Network Noise Reduction can be used in conjunction with In-Camera Upscaling to both gain resolution and achieve greater clarity with higher ISOs.
One other key feature relating to sharpness is one of the most powerful image stabilization systems around—the R5 Mark II is rated to suppress camera shake by 8.5 stops at the center of the frame and 7.5 stops around the periphery when using Coordinated Control and an IS-enabled lens. For landscape shooters, this essentially reduces the dependence on a tripod so you can hike and photograph more easily.
DIGIC Accelerator Processing, Faster AF, and 8K Video
Tied to the improvements of the sensor, the R5 Mark II also receives a pretty significant upgrade to the processing and the focus performance. Called DIGIC Accelerator, the new processor is what enables the sensor to perform the In-Camera Upscaling and Neural Network Noise Reduction, as well as gives the camera its speed to detect and lock onto moving subjects and record video at high resolutions with high frame rates and bit rates.
For focusing, the improvements will mainly benefit those photographing action; for landscape, many of these upgrades are luxuries. Eye Control AF has been brought to the R5 platform, though, which can certainly make shooting more intuitive and will suit nature photographers who may need to shift focus across the scene quickly when an animal darts.
Another area where upgraded processing is a huge benefit is for video shooting, and many of these upgrades will be perfect for those shooting landscape or nature clips, especially when making use of the high-resolution 8K format or the high-speed FHD 240p setting to slow-down fast-paced wildlife. For sheer quality, internal 8K 60 raw recording is possible, which will be a great option for nature documentaries and scenic B-roll recording.
Portable and Robust Design
Beyond all the image quality assets that benefit landscape photographers, the other main draw to the R5 Mark II is its physical design—it’s relatively small and portable for all its capabilities, making it packable for hikes or everyday shooting. It’s also weather-sealed to the same degree as its predecessor for reliable use in harsh climates.
One of the biggest upgrades for the design is a new electronic viewfinder—the R5 Mark II has inherited the 5.76m-dot, 0.76x-magnification EVF featured in the EOS R3. This finder is brighter, clearer, and has a slightly longer 24mm eyepoint that’s easier to use for people wearing glasses. Also, it has OVF Simulation View Assist, which mimics the look of an optical viewfinder for more realistic scene rendering when working in changing lighting conditions.
And, finally, the R5 Mark II is also coming with a new LP-E6P battery that is higher in capacity, making it a better solution for longer days of shooting. The new camera is also compatible with a few new battery grips, to double battery life, including a unique option with an integrated cooling fan for longer continuous recording times—perfect for nature documentary shoots.
The EOS R5 Mark II is Canon’s ideal platform for landscape and nature photographers. Its small size, high resolution, and capable feature-set, plus weather-sealed design, make it a reliable and inspiring choice for photographing in the great outdoors
4 Comments
In-Camera Upscaling and Neural Network Noise Reduction appear to both create .jpg files with no option for RAW. In my opinion, that makes both of these "features" virtually worthless for my landscape photography work. I just see very little value in the improvements over my two R5's too justify the cost of upgrading.
I agree. I love my R5- definitively the best landscape camera Canon has produced. As a technophile, I like to have the latest gear, but there has to be a clear and substantial benefit to upgrading. It appears that the majority of upgrades to the camera will serve action and studio shooters, with little improvement for landscape photography. Upscaling and noise reduction can be well managed by several software packages with greater control than what's available internally. While higher sensor resolution would be nice, I'd prefer to see greater dynamic range and lower noise. True pixel-shift to a higher resolution RAW file would also be nice. While I might consider eventually upgrading one of my R5 bodies for occasional wildlife shooting, I just don't see tremendous value in doing so for landscape photography.
Jeff sums up my thinking as well. Once production level cameras are out in the wild and being reviewed, if the stacked sensor allows for a measurable improvement in dynamic range and noise performance I will consider it, but for now, my existing R5 is doing a great job for me.
This jpeg info is new info to me! Agree raw needs the lower noise etc. have been grappling w purchasing R5 or the R5 ll….seems like i am back to the R 5