The Canon EOS R5 Mark II isn’t just an update to the popular R5 mirrorless camera; it’s a continuation of the legacy of the EOS 5D series, known for its ‘affordable’ full-frame digital cameras. This lineage includes the EOS 5D Mark II, the world’s first DSLR capable of recording Full HD video, which revolutionized the market’s expectations for video capabilities in photography cameras. According to several Canon insiders, this innovation spurred Canon to expand more aggressively into the digital cinema market.
While many of the R5 Mark II’s standout features focus on its photo capabilities, it is equally designed for filmmakers. Let’s delve into what this camera offers for video shooting.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II Store Links at B&H, Adorama.
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Video Specifications
The EOS R5 Mark II supports a wide range of resolutions and frame rates to cater to diverse video quality needs. At the highest quality, the camera can record DCI-style 8K Raw video internally at up to 60p. Additionally, it introduces a new 4K ‘SRaw’ recording option, also at up to 60p. Although Canon hasn’t specified if this 4K is downsampled from 8K or subsampled on the sensor, this will be tested in our full review.
When recording compressed video, the camera can capture 8K, 4K, and Full HD resolutions in both DCI (1.89:1) and UHD (16:9) aspect ratios, using either the full width of the sensor or a slight crop (1.05x). This includes 8K up to 30p, subsampled 4K up to 120p, and subsampled Full HD up to 240p. It can also capture 4K and Full HD resolutions using a cropped APS-C region of the sensor.
Moreover, when connected to an external recorder via HDMI, the camera can output 8K Raw at up to 30p or 4K Raw at up to 60p in a 1.89:1 aspect ratio. It is highly anticipated that this can be encoded as ProRes RAW once Atomos supports it.
Codecs
The Canon R5 Mark II supports multiple codecs to accommodate its extensive video options. When recording Raw video, users can choose between Canon’s Raw and Raw Light formats, with the Raw Light format used for frame rates of 50p or higher to manage file sizes. Additionally, the camera offers a 4K SRaw option.
Aligning more closely with Canon’s Cinema EOS product line, the R5 Mark II includes Canon’s XF-HEVC S and XF-AVC S compressed video formats, both capturing 4:2:2 10-bit color. The XF-HEVC S format, based on the H.265 codec, also supports 4:2:0 8- or 10-bit video, while XF-AVC S, based on the older H.264 codec, offers a 4:2:0 8-bit option.
The R5 Mark II also has the capability to capture HDR video by recording normal and underexposed frames simultaneously, combining them to better preserve highlights in high-contrast scenes. This can be paired with the camera’s PQ picture profile for compatibility with HDR displays.
Rolling Shutter
A significant upgrade in the EOS R5 Mark II is the inclusion of a Stacked CMOS sensor, enhancing the camera’s rolling shutter performance, although not as fast as the sensor in Canon’s flagship R1.
We measured the R5 Mark II’s rolling shutter rate at ∼12.6ms when shooting DCI 8K video, which is faster than the 15.4ms of the original R5, reducing rolling shutter artifacts. While most Stacked sensor cameras do not use the fastest multi-line readout modes for video, a sub-15ms rolling shutter rate is still excellent, minimizing distortion.
C-Log2
The EOS R5 Mark II debuts Canon’s C-Log2 gamma profile in its mirrorless lineup. This profile encodes a wider dynamic range than C-Log3, making it more suitable for challenging scenes and better matching footage from Canon’s cinema cameras. C-Log3 remains available for less demanding situations where C-Log2’s extended dynamic range isn’t necessary, preserving more data per light stop.
Overheating
The original R5 faced criticism for overheating, particularly during 8K recording. The R5 Mark II can also encounter thermal issues at high resolutions and frame rates, but Canon has introduced the CF-R20EP accessory grip with a built-in cooling fan to address this. This grip, akin to solutions from Panasonic and Fujifilm, helps extend recording times.
According to Canon, the R5 Mark II can record 8K/30p video for up to 26 minutes or 37 minutes with the auto power-off temperature set to high, in a 23ºC/73ºF environment. With the accessory fan, these times extend to 106 and 120 minutes, respectively. For 4K/60p footage, the fan allows for unrestricted recording.
The CF-R20EP grip, retailing for $400, also features an ethernet port for fast connectivity or remote operation.
Dual Recording
The R5 Mark II introduces a dual recording feature, enabling the capture of high-resolution JPEG images while recording video. This allows for Full HD video recording at up to 30p on one card and UHD 8K (7620 x 4230) JPEG images at up to 7.5fps on the other.
However, this mode has limitations. The shutter speed must be optimized for either photos or video, as the same setting applies to both. Additionally, functions like focus breathing correction, chromatic aberration correction, diffraction correction, and in-camera image upscaling are not available in this mode. Dual recording requires the new LP-E6P battery for sustained power.
Video Tools
The R5 Mark II’s impressive video specs are complemented by helpful tools for a better user experience. Notably, Canon has added a waveform display for accurate exposure judgment across the frame and a false color display for visualizing exposure values or dialing in correct exposure for specific image parts, like skin tones.
On the hardware side, the R5 Mark II features a full-sized HDMI port, replacing the mini-HDMI of its predecessor. It also includes a front tally light, 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks, and the ability to pre-capture three or five seconds of video, aiding in capturing spontaneous action.
Multi-function Hot Shoe and Digital/4-Channel Recording
The EOS R5 Mark II features Canon’s multi-function hot shoe, introduced on the EOS R3. This hot shoe supports digital audio input and 4-channel audio, enhancing its utility for video shooters.
Summary
The original EOS R5 established itself as a capable video camera, delivering stunning quality despite initial overheating concerns. The R5 Mark II builds on this foundation, addressing previous issues with an add-on cooling fan, refining the user experience with tools like waveforms and false color, and enhancing capabilities with features like C-Log2 and dual recording.
The result is a versatile camera for both stills and video, potentially integrating seamlessly as a B-cam alongside Cinema EOS equipment. For serious videographers and enthusiasts alike, the R5 Mark II holds great potential. We look forward to testing its real-world performance, particularly its autofocus capabilities in video mode.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II Store Links at B&H, Adorama.
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