Canon has implemented RED’s marketing tactics, by teasing us drops of specs every couple of weeks. Let’s overview the latest specs regarding the anticipated EOS R5, or as Canon calls it, “The King”.
Canon EOS R5: “The King”
The EOS R5 is the new “king” in town, as defined by Canon. Currently, this camera is being developed. According to Canon, this full-frame mirrorless will offer professional videographers a “host of game-changing new features”, like full-frame 8K internally and improved IBIS. Furthermore, more specs have revealed so let’s have a look.
Update:
Here is the updated specs chart for the Canon EOS R5. Press the image for a larger view:
Advanced Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
Canon has developed an entirely new CMOS image sensor for the EOS R5. According to Canon, that sensor will allow 8K video capture capability that enables users to extract high-resolution still images from video footage as well as process 8K video into higher-quality 4K video.
8K internal recording: Codecs
The most recent announcement regarding specs shows the codecs utilized by the R5. The camera will be capable of an Internally recording of 8K RAW, uncropped at up to 30p. Besides, in all 8K modes, the EOS R5 supports Canon’s renowned Dual Pixel CMOS AF. Slow things down with 4K uncropped video at up to 120p with Dual Pixel CMOS AF. 4:2:2 10bit Canon Log (H.265), 4:2:2 10bit HDR PQ (H.265).
EOS R5 video highlights
- Internal 8K/30p RAW video recording
- Internal 8K/30p video recording in 4:2:2 10-bit C-Log and HDR PQ
- Internal 4K/120p video recording in 4:2:2 10-bit C-Log and HDR PQ
- External 4K/60p video recording over HDMI
- No-crop 8K and 4K video recording using the full-width of the sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF available in all 8K and 4K recording modes
- C-Log available in 8K and 4K internal recording modes
- 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization works in conjunction with Optical IS in both RF and EF lenses
- Dual-card slots: 1 CFexpress and 1 SD UHS-II
The first Canon’s In-Body Image Stabilization
A Canon first, the EOS R5 contains a 5 axis IBIS (in-camera image stabilization) system which will work in combination with lens stabilization in Canon RF lenses and EF lenses (via an adapter). Additionally, the EOS R5’s IBIS will work in combination with Optical Image Stabilization found in many Canon RF and EF lenses.
Price and availability
There is no info regarding the price and availability. Nevertheless, you can request to be notified when the EOS R5 is ready for preorder via the B&H website.
Thoughts about the battle for 8K
The EOS R5 is very impressive from the specs point of view. However, it’s not a solution nor a product for filmmakers that focus on cinema applications. The EOS R5 would be the ideal mirrorless for photographers who shoot videos, that want the post-flexibility derived from the 8K resolution. Don’t get us wrong. The EOS R5 is a mighty hybridization of photo and video capabilities. However, while we all are getting impressed, don’t forget that RED is innovating in the 8K field since 2016 when a sensor called “Helium” was introduced with the two cameras Red Epic-W and Weapon 8K S35. Taking about RED, it’s important to mention the ability to change the compression of the RAW, especially when shooting 8K in order to reduce bitrate and preserve data, because shooting ultra-high resolution is expensive. Filming 8K RAW without the ability to control the compression rate is a significant limitation. Head over to RED Solitary Series to understand and learn more about 8K compressed RAW and the importance of this feature.
Kinefinity MAVO Edge enters the game
One of the most fascinating cinema cameras was announced two days ago – the Kinefinity MAVO Edge. Read Y.M.Cinema Magazine article to learn more: Kinefinity MAVO Edge 8K Cinema Camera Announced: Large Format and ProRes RAW, Inside a Carbon Fiber Body. That’s a real beast with incredible specs, aiming hard to win the 8K battle. The most significant feature of the MAVO Edge is the ability to shoot 8K ProRes RAW (incase RED will not sue them about patent infringement regarding the utilization of that compressed RAW). However, this camera remains great on paper, until we see real footage and execution of the Edge on real production. Furthermore, the DSMC3 is in development (not confirmed) which we’re pretty sure will present some impressive specs regarding 8K acquisition and beyond. Just for fun, read our article: RED DSMC3 Wish List: Features We’d Like to see.
To sum it up, we can say one thing for sure: These are great times to be a filmmaker.
