If you’re considering the Canon R5 Mark II, you’re probably wondering how it performs in practice, especially with its new sensor. This review takes a closer look.
Coming to you from Jared PolinThis detailed video delves into the raw performance of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. Polin goes through real-world shooting situations, comparing the R5 Mark II to the original R5, Nikon Z8 CameraAnd Sonya1. One of the key differences with the R5 Mark II is the ability to shoot 14-bit raw images, whether using the electronic or mechanical shutter, which was previously limited to 12-bit on the original R5 when using the electronic shutter. This feature alone makes a noticeable difference in image quality, especially when dealing with high-contrast scenes or extracting detail from shadows and highlights.
The video covers a variety of shooting scenarios, including outdoor portraits, sporting events, and low-light conditions. Polin highlights how the R5 Mark II’s autofocus system can lock onto a subject even in challenging environments, such as a soccer match where there might be a line running across the subject’s face. The camera’s ability to track and maintain focus in these situations shows improved performance over the original R5. Polin also notes differences in color reproduction and sharpness between the two models, with the Mark II delivering slightly better results, especially in skin tones and overall image clarity.
Low-light performance is another area where the R5 Mark II shines. Polin pushed ISO to 6400 in a variety of conditions, noting that noise levels were kept under control. Even when shooting in less than ideal lighting conditions, images maintained a good balance between sharpness and detail. He also discussed the limitations of pushing ISO to extremes like 25,600, where image quality tends to degrade, and recommends staying within a more reasonable ISO range for best results.
In addition to real-world examples, Polin conducted studio tests to compare the R5 Mark II to other high-megapixel cameras. These tests revealed subtle differences in dynamic range, color accuracy, and sharpness, with the Mark II often matching or outperforming the original R5 in these controlled environments. While some reviewers have pointed to the potential loss of half the dynamic range with the Mark II, Polin argues that these differences are negligible in real-world use.
If you’re on the fence about upgrading to the Canon R5 Mark II, this video offers some valuable insight into how the camera performs in real-world conditions. Check out the video above for Polin’s full rundown.
