The Canon EOS R5 Compared

When Canon officially released the EOS R5, things changed. No longer was the 5D series, or perhaps even the 1D series, what you needed for a "pro" camera body. The R series just about proved it can hold its own against the giants in the industry. How exactly does it compare to these existing Canon offerings and a few of its main competitors? You're about to find out, below.

As for rules, I'll be judging the cameras based on their most likely uses. If a camera is designed for video production, then video specs will hold more weight. If another option is commonly found on the side of a football match, then sports and action features will be more important. The declared winner is going to be the better camera, although it will not be weighted for price. Just because one camera wins over another doesn't mean it's a better camera for you.

The Comparisons:
EOS 5D Mark IV
EOS-1D X Mark III
EOS R6
Sony a7R IV
Nikon Z 7
Panasonic Lumix S1H
FUJIFILM GFX 50S

EOS R5 vs EOS 5D Mark IV

Oh boy. This is the real comparison—even if it is a little unfair. I say unfair because the R5 has technology that is at least four years more advanced than the 5D Mark IV. That doesn't mean it doesn't have value; we do compare current generations to their predecessors upon release and there is a feeling that the R5 is the true successor to the 5D line. Will that hold true? Honestly, I don't have an answer, but right now if you want the current "pro" full-frame camera from Canon, I think the R5 is the one to beat.

- The EOS R5 wins on nearly every level when it comes to specs. It's faster, more sensitive, offers greater resolution, better 8K and 4K video, etc.

- When it comes to lenses, the R5 is more versatile. The RF mount supports newer RF lenses, as well as existing EF glass via optional adapters. The 5D is limited to EF lenses only.

- If you are a die-hard DSLR user, the R5's EVF is the closest yet to an optical viewfinder. It's ultra-high resolution and, perhaps more importantly, it has a high refresh rate option of 120 fps. However, if you need an optical finder, you'll have to stick with the 5D.

- The newer sensor of the R5 provides better resolution and sensitivity compared to the 5D.

- Video is no contest; the R5 offers more for video shooters, including 8K raw up to 30p and 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 up to 120p. All of this can be saved internally to the CFexpress slot. The 5D Mark IV is limited to 4K up to 30p in 8-bit 4:2:2 internally. The R5 also comes with Canon Log, while the 5D requires an optional, paid upgrade.

- Autofocus is interesting, because the 5D Mark IV has two systems: a conventional 61-point phase-detect sensor when using the optical finder, and Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF tech covering 80% of the sensor for live-view shooting. The EOS R5 is a better version of the 5D's AF tech with more selectable points and complete coverage of the image area.

- In-body stabilization is only available on the R5. That's that. It is also rated at up to 8 stops, which is incredible.

- The R5 is significantly faster, as it can reach up to 20 fps with an electronic shutter and 12 fps with the mechanical. The 5D is limited to just 7 fps.

WINNER: EOS R5

Final Thoughts: Don't be afraid to upgrade! The EOS R5 is worthy of the 5 series with its notable upgrades, and it offers the same well-rounded feature set for outstanding versatility.

^ BACK TO TOP ^

EOS R5 vs EOS-1D X Mark III

Surprised? I am, too. I never would have thought that you could ever compare a full-size DSLR like the EOS-1D X Mark III to a mirrorless camera. At least, not this soon. I was expecting this moment to come a few years down the line. The key points to look at here are how well the R5 and 1D compare when it comes to sports, action, and photojournalism.

- The EOS R5 and EOS-1D X Mark III are similar in specs, but very different when it comes to design.

- The EOS-1D X Mark III has a more traditional full-size "pro" body with an integrated grip and advanced connectivity, such as an Ethernet port and GPS.

- A mirrorless design and some trimming of physical features mean that the EOS R5 has a much smaller body.

- Image quality is an even match with pros and cons to each. The 1D has a lower-resolution but more sensitive 20MP sensor, which permits longer bursts with ease and smoother transfers via networking. The R5 has a higher resolution but is less sensitive and fills up card space quickly. Also, the R5 enables more cropping. Pick your poison.

- Again, the EOS R5 has in-body stabilization while the 1D does not.

- For sports and action, the 1D X Mark III squeaks out a win. The faster mechanical shutter guarantees performance in more environments, such as a poorly lit gymnasium, where electronic shutters may suffer.

- Video is interesting. The EOS R5 offers greater video resolution with 8K up to 30p and faster speeds with 4K up to 120p. However, the 1D X Mark III benefits from offering a mid-range 5.5K resolution up to 60p, though it is limited to 4K at 60p. While the 4K is not as fast, I would say the 5.5K raw is much more practical concerning storage. I'd argue the 1D X Mark III's video is more practical, but the R5 offers technically better performance.

WINNER: EOS-1D X Mark III

Final Thoughts: This was a tough one, and I would love to hear your thoughts in the Comments section, but for demanding professionals—especially sports photographers—working on tight deadlines, the edge should go to the 1D X Mark III. It's just a few months old, so the tech is quite close, and it offers numerous advantages to operability and reliability that the R5 isn't yet able to top. In addition to those points, I find the 1D's video specs to be more reasonable, while still being exceptional.

^ BACK TO TOP ^

EOS R5 vs EOS R6

We couldn't continue this conversation without comparing both new R series releases: the R5 and R6. The R5 is meant to stand as the top dog in the lineup, but that doesn't mean everyone needs all that power—at least not all the time. I'm looking into this comparison to help find out if you need an R5 or would be better off with an R6.

- First glance would maybe lead you to believe these cameras are very similar. They are close on the outside, but they vary significantly when it comes to the internals.

- The sensors are the biggest difference, with the R5 using the high-res 45MP and the R6 using the more sensitive 20MP.

- Both have the same in-body stabilization and Dual Pixel CMOS AF II systems.

- The EVF on the R5 will be clearer and sharper with its greater 5.76m-dot resolution.

- The R5 offers a fast CFexpress (Type B) card slot in addition to a single SD (UHS-II). The R6 has two, matching SD slots.

- Continuous shooting specs are the same between the cameras.

- Body design is slightly different: The R5 has a top LCD and extra dials that the R6 does not have.

- For wireless connectivity, the R5 has faster 5GHz Wi-Fi and can work with the optional WFT-R10A Wireless File Transmitter to add wired/wireless LAN options.

WINNER: EOS R5

Final Thoughts: Are you surprised the EOS R5 is a better camera than the R6? You shouldn't be; it is positioned as such. However, the R6 is going to be the right camera for more people. It's more affordable and offers still quite impressive specs. I was tempted to declare the R6 the winner based solely on its great value. If you don't need the higher resolution or the 8K video capabilities of the R5, get the R6, save some cash, and be happy.

^ BACK TO TOP ^

EOS R5 vs Sony Alpha a7R IV

Now we are getting into the real battles by pitting the Canon EOS R5 against one of its competitors—the Sony Alpha a7R IV. First, I must say that this comparison is based on very limited experience with the R5 and too much time spent with the Sony a7R IV. Also, I like to think I'm optimistic, overall.

- Image quality will likely be similar between the cameras, so the extra resolution of the a7RIV puts it a little ahead of the R5, even though the R5 should offer slightly better low-light performance. Also, multi-shot modes on the a7R IV can vastly improve select types of imaging.

- For video, the Canon EOS R5 is the clear champion. If we compare like specs, the 4K options, the Canon beats the Sony in resolutions (DCI and UHD vs just UHD) and frame rates (up to 120p vs 30p) and bit depth (10-bit vs 8-bit). It's no contest, even before we get to the R5's 8K raw recording.

- Autofocus is close, and early tests would put the R5 in the lead—just barely. Although the a7R IV has been around longer, leading to more firmware updates than Canon's latest Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, limited experiences show that the R5 does perform very well, so I'd lean on the side that Canon has made notable improvements. There is more advanced people/face/eye/animal-detection, which puts the total feature set on par with the a7R IV.

- Also, Canon's ability to hit 100% coverage with phase-detection tech is huge.

- Lenses make this comparison a bit more interesting. Sony has been moving full-speed ahead with lens development and offers multiple times the number of native lenses for its E mount compared to Canon's still-fledgling RF mount. However, Canon has had great success with its powerful EF adapter lineup and it has a larger overall library than Sony. Canon has even been a bit more experimental with its RF lenses, releasing unique glass, such as the RF 800mm f/11 and RF 28-70mm f/2L. I'd keep an eye on Canon, going forward.

- For sports and action, if you want the fastest option, the R5 has double the speed at 20 fps. However, the greater resolution of the a7R IV gives it a more viable cropping option when extended reach is required.

- Both cameras offer advanced in-body image stabilization, although the R5 is rated to be better.

- EVFs are similar between the cameras, but the R5 has a better rear screen that fully articulates and has a higher resolution.

WINNER: EOS R5(?)

Final Thoughts: Sorry! I know, I know, everyone wanted a definitive answer here. There isn't a clear winner yet, but based on the specs I would give the edge to the EOS R5. If you are buying your first camera, I'm impressed, these are your two options. If you are already invested (much more likely) I can't advise anyone to jump ship from one to the other. Canon's R lineup is still growing, although it is looking better every day. Sony has a solid setup, and likely has more on the horizon. It's close for reasons beyond specs, because, as I said about specs earlier, the Canon EOS R5 would win.

^ BACK TO TOP ^

EOS R5 vs Nikon Z 7

Why put the R5 up against the Nikon Z 7? Well, I was curious, and I'm sure many of you are, too. We couldn't show how a new Canon camera stacks up without comparing it to a Nikon. The Z 7 is close in resolution and has some solid video options. There is a significant difference when it comes to price, with the Z 7 being much more affordable, which is absolutely something to consider.

- While interesting to see the same resolution from the Nikon Z 7 and Canon EOS R5, the R5's newer tech promises better image quality, especially when it comes to low-light sensitivity.

- Nikon and Canon are in similar positions when it comes to native and adapted lens options.

- While the Z 7 has a capable autofocus system, the R5 and Dual Pixel CMOS AF II promise better focusing performance, as well as faster continuous shooting up to 20 fps.

- Both systems offer in-body image stabilization, although the R5 is rated to be more effective.

- For video, the R5 offers significantly more recording options, including internal 8K raw and 10-bit recording. The R5 also has faster frame rates, including 4K up to 120p. The Z 7 is no slouch, but is limited to 4K up to 30p and requires the use of HDMI output to realize 10-bit recording or raw video via an external recorder.

- Body designs are close, but the R5 offers a bit more to shooters, with dual card slots, a fully articulating touchscreen, and a sharper EVF.

WINNER: EOS R5

Final Thoughts: If money is no object, the EOS R5 is a better camera. However, that's a big "if." For example, if you are an existing Nikon shooter looking to move to mirrorless, then Nikon's adapter solution might make way more sense. I would also hazard a guess that Nikon has some new cameras in the pipeline that might make stronger competitors.

^ BACK TO TOP ^

EOS R5 vs Panasonic Lumix S1H

Calling back to the 5D's legendary legacy as a shockingly powerful video camera, the R5 is looking to reclaim the top spot of hybrid photo/video camera. Its biggest competition comes from the full-frame Panasonic Lumix S1H. Designed specifically to be that killer video-shooting mirrorless, it would make sense as a major competitor to the R5.

- For general imaging, the R5 has a higher-resolution 45MP sensor, while the S1H sticks with a conventional 24MP option.

- Video is going to be close between the R5 and S1H.

- The R5 offers technically better video specs, with 8K raw up to 30p and 4K up to 120p.

- The S1H has more practical video specs, including 6K up to 24p, 5.9K up to 30p, and 4K up to 60p. Panasonic's upcoming raw output will save space compared to Canon's internal-only raw.

- Both cameras have in-body image stabilization.

- The S1H has no recording limit, while the R5 has a 30-minute maximum, and extra restrictions on 8K and 4K recording.

- For advanced video, the R5 has Canon Log and HDR, while the S1H offers V-Log, HDR, Dual Native ISO, and support for timecode input.

- The Panasonic S1H is Netflix certified.

- The R5's Dual Pixel CMOS AF II will perform notably faster and more accurately than the S1H's DFD Autofocus system.

- Screens, viewfinders, and body designs are quite equivalent.

WINNER: Panasonic Lumix S1H

Final Thoughts: If you are looking for a camera to do mostly video, the Panasonic S1H has clear advantages over the R5. With a Netflix certification, timecode, no time limits, and a very practical 5.9K raw output coming soon, among plenty of other video-specific features, the S1H is a clear winner. But, it's also more expensive and does less on the photography side. One critical feature left to consider is autofocus, since the R5's Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system is leaps and bounds above the S1H's AF performance.

^ BACK TO TOP ^

EOS R5 vs FUJIFILM GFX 50S

Interesting. Very interesting. Are we now comparing full-frame to medium format? Yup. There are plenty of real advantages to medium format, which is why we aren't daring to make a comparison with the GFX 100, but sticking with the FUJIFILM GFX 50S here. The biggest pluses for the larger format are generally resolution and dynamic range. However, we have seen the gap close dramatically in recent years, while also watching the price gap between the two formats shrink. If you are looking for a new imaging system, you just might be able to choose between either full-frame or medium format these days.

Surprisingly, the R5's next-generation 45MP sensor comes very close in overall resolution, and still offers benefits such as improved sensitivity and speed. The R5 is a better choice for overall image quality, unless you need the GFX's medium-format look.

- The R5 absolutely dominates when it comes to video performance.

- Canon offers an advanced 8-stop in-body image stabilizer while the FUJIFILM does not.

- Even general handling is better on the EOS R5, with a higher-resolution EVF and fully articulating touchscreen.

- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II on the R5 is going to be faster and more responsive than the GFX 50S's contrast-only system. Add on the superior continuous shooting of the R5 and you have a capable action camera, where the GFX will struggle.

WINNER: EOS R5

Final Thoughts: Unless you absolutely need medium format—and you know who you are—I would vote the Canon R5 over the FUJIFILM GFX 50S for most people. The only place the GFX wins is in sensor size, and just barely in resolution, while the R5 offers a much more versatile shooting experience.

^ BACK TO TOP ^

That was a lot. Keep in mind, much of this is based on limited hands-on experience, and some is based solely on specs. There are many things we can tell about a camera by looking at the technical info, and there's a lot we just won't know until people have the R5 in their hands for months to get a true read on it.

Let us know in the Comments section, below, if there's another camera you'd like us to compare to the R5, or if you want us to do a deeper, hands-on comparison with any of these pairs once we get the cameras in our hands for an extended testing period.

If you need help finding your next camera, please reach out with questions in the Comments section, or talk to our helpful staff via Chat, by phone (800.606.6969 or 212.444.6615), or by visiting the B&H SuperStore in New York.