NEW Canon R5 Mark II | the PERFECT camera for wedding + portrait photographers?!
I just have to share my excitement about the new Canon R5 Mark II. As a wedding and portrait photographer, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can make my work easier and my photos even better. After testing out the Canon R5 Mark II, I’m convinced it’s the perfect camera for us! But first, I have to come clean about a few things I mentioned in my Canon R5 Mark I video.
The Three Lies I Told in the Canon R5 Mark I Video
Let’s start with the lies. Yes, I told you three lies in my Canon R5 Mark I video, and it’s time to set the record straight.
-
Heels at a Wedding? Never!
I said I’d wear heels while photographing a wedding. Big lie. I live in flats. Heels and weddings don’t mix for a photographer who needs to be on her feet all day. -
Extensions and Makeup Overload
I had a ton of extensions and more makeup than usual in that video. Not my everyday look at all. I’m all about comfort and practicality when I’m working. -
Printing Matted Albums
While I have printed smaller albums for years, the 4x6 matted album was a first, just for the video. It looked amazing, though, and I might start offering it more frequently.
First Impressions of the Canon R5 Mark II
Now, let’s talk about the Canon R5 Mark II and my honest thoughts. One of the first things I noticed was the improved electronic viewfinder (EVF). Not only is it bigger than the original R5’s, but it also has anti-fog technology, which is a lifesaver in humid environments like New Jersey.
The eye control autofocus is another standout feature. I’ve been using this since the R3, and the R5 Mark II’s version is faster and more accurate. It’s like having a mini neural network helping me out, especially during dynamic situations like dances at weddings.
A Sound to Love
Interestingly, the mechanical shutter on the R5 Mark II sounds different. It’s deeper and richer, making me feel more confident with each shot. It’s a small detail, but it adds to the overall experience.
Tackling High ISO
I was blown away by how the R5 Mark II handles high ISO. I shot some photos at 32,000 ISO, and the results were incredibly clean. The new neural network noise reduction works wonders, making high ISO images look as if they were shot at much lower settings.
New Features to Explore
There are a few other new features worth mentioning:
-
In-Camera Upscaling
This allows me to upscale images directly in the camera, giving me more flexibility in post-production. It’s like having a higher resolution sensor without the file size penalty. -
Blur Detection
The camera’s AI can now detect blurry images and sort them, which is fantastic for quickly identifying the sharpest shots from a busy wedding day. -
Improved Autofocus
The autofocus system has been refined to avoid locking onto irrelevant subjects, like the officiant’s face during a ceremony. It’s smart enough to prioritize the couple, even if they’re not facing the camera.
Video Capabilities
For hybrid shooters like myself, the R5 Mark II is a dream. It offers 16+ stops of dynamic range in video mode, with both RAW and S-RAW options available. The full-size HDMI port is perfect for external monitors, making video shoots much more versatile.
Final Thoughts
The Canon R5 Mark II has quickly become my go-to camera for both weddings and portraits. Its improvements in autofocus, EVF, and noise reduction, along with its fantastic video capabilities, make it a standout choice for professional photographers. If you’re considering an upgrade or looking for a new camera that can handle anything you throw at it, the R5 Mark II is definitely worth checking out.
Thanks for joining me on this deep dive into the Canon R5 Mark II. Stay tuned for more updates and happy shooting!
