Canon R1 vs Canon R5 Mark II: Which one is BETTER? (Filmmaker’s Deep Dive)
Choosing the right camera is a pivotal decision for any filmmaker. It's an investment, a tool, and a creative partner. If you're eyeing Canon's top-tier mirrorless cameras, the R1 and R5 Mark II, you're likely facing a tough choice. Is the premium price of the R1 justified, or does the R5 Mark II offer the perfect balance of performance and value?
As a full-time commercial filmmaker based in Bend, Oregon, I understand the struggle. I've spent countless hours testing these cameras head-to-head, putting them through real-world scenarios to help you make an informed decision. In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the strengths and weaknesses of each camera, covering everything from video formats and image quality to ergonomics and battery life.
The $2,000 Question: Price Point Breakdown
Let's address the elephant in the room: price. The Canon R1 boasts a hefty $6,300 USD for the body alone, while the Canon R5 Mark II comes in at a more palatable $4,300 USD. That's a $2,000 difference! This price gap sets the stage for our entire comparison. Are the R1's extra features worth the additional investment?
Sensor and Megapixels: The Heart of the Camera
Both the R1 and R5 Mark II are full-frame cameras, sharing the same sensor size. However, they differ in megapixels and sensor technology.
Canon R1: 24 megapixels with a stacked CMOS sensor. (6000 x 3164 Resolution)
Canon R5 Mark II: 45 megapixels with a stacked sensor. (8192 x 4320 Resolution)
The R1's lower megapixel count, coupled with its stacked sensor, promises faster readout speeds, which can be crucial for video performance and low-light capabilities.
Video Formats: 6K RAW vs. 8K RAW
When it comes to video, these cameras offer a wide range of options:
Canon R1: 1080p to 6K RAW, 4K up to 120fps, C-Log 2.
Canon R5 Mark II: 1080p to 8K RAW, 4K up to 120fps, C-Log 2.
The key difference lies in the RAW video resolution and 4K 60 performance. The R1 offers oversampled 4K 60, resulting in sharper footage, while the R5 Mark II's 4K 60 is currently line-skipped, producing softer results.
4K Video Performance: Oversampling Matters
Canon R1: 4K 24-60 oversampled, 4K 120 not oversampled.
Canon R5 Mark II: 4K 24-30 oversampled, 4K 60-120 line-skipped.
In head-to-head comparisons, the R1's oversampled 4K 60 delivers noticeably sharper video. If 4K 60 is essential to your workflow, the R1 has a clear edge.
Key Feature Comparisons:
Rolling Shutter: Minimal on both, R1’s may be slightly better.
Image Stabilization: Identical 5-axis IBIS, they both still have some of the Canon wide-angle wobble.
Low Light Performance: R1's "fake triple base ISO" excels. In my tests it had a Base ISO in 800, 1600, and 12,800. The R5 Mark II only has the base ISO of 800 and a secondary one at 4000.
Dynamic Range: Tied, both perform identically. You are able to recover up to 2 stops underexposed without any weird artifacts appearing. While you can recover up to 3 stops overexposed, but you will have to add contrast back in.
Overheating: R1 significantly outperforms the R5 Mark II. The R1 recorded 4k60 oversampled for 1 hour and 47 minutes before overheating. The Canon R5 Mark II, however, recorded 4k30 oversampled for only 45 minutes before overheating. If overheating is a concern, the R1 is the clear winner.
Photo Specs: R1 wins in burst modes and shutter speed. The R1 can shoot up to 40fps in the electronic shutter mode, and has a top shutter speed of 1/64,000. The R5 Mark II can shoot up to 30fps in the electronic shutter mode, and has a top shutter speed of 1/32000.
Autofocus: Both share Dual Pixel AF, R1 has cross type AF for better obstacle avoidance. This is meant specifically to help with horizontal and vertical lines that may be obstructing you and the subject. So for sports, wildlife, and photojournalists, the Canon R1 reigns supreme.
Build Quality & Ergonomics: R1's integrated grip and customization are superior. The Canon R5 Mark II however is more compact and has a traditional design. You can buy optional grips for the R5 Mark II to improve it’s ergonomics and battery life.
Size and Weight: R5 Mark II is smaller and lighter. While the R1 is bulkier, heavier, and feels much more sturdier.
Viewfinder: R1's EVF is a standout feature. The R5 Mark II’s EVF is great, but Canon invested a lot of upgrade to the R1, giving it’s EVF more resolution. The effect is almost life-like image quality when using the viewfinder.
Memory Cards: R1 uses dual CF Express Type B, R5 Mark II uses a CF Express and SD card combo.
Ports: R1 includes a built-in Ethernet port over the R5 Mark II. However, they share the same full HDMI, USB-C, Microphone port, Headphone Port, and Canon Remote Port.
Battery Life: R1's LP-E19 battery offers significantly longer life. While the Canon R5 Mark II uses the new Canon LPE6P batteries, which are required if you want to take advantage of all the features of the R5 Mark II.
Audio: Both offer 4-channel 24-bit audio.
Actionable Steps:
Assess Your Needs: Determine if 4K 60, low-light performance, or 8K RAW is crucial for your work. That will determine whether you might want the R1 or the R5 Mark II more.
Budget Considerations: Weigh the $2,000 price difference against the features you need. Most often than not you don’t need all the features.
Hands-On Experience: If possible, try both cameras to get a feel for their ergonomics. I rent from Canon all the time (that’s how I was able to get my hands on the R1), and it does wonders to experience a camera firsthand before buying it.
Consider Your Workflow: Think about your shooting environments and the types of projects you undertake.
Final Verdict: Which Camera is for who?
Canon R1: Ideal for documentary, events, and long-form video, excelling in low light and 4K 60.
Canon R5 Mark II: Best for studio work, controlled lighting, and high-resolution photography and video.
Ultimately, the best camera depends on your specific needs and budget.
What are your thoughts? Which camera would you choose? Share your insights in the comments below!
