Canon Unveils EOS R5 and EOS R6: 8K Video, 20fps Shooting, 5-Axis In-Body Stabilization in a New Full-Frame Mirrorless Line

Canon has unveiled two new full-frame mirrorless cameras under its EOS R lineup, delivering a bold push toward high-resolution stills, advanced autofocus, and extensive video capabilities. The EOS R5 leads with higher-end specifications designed for professionals and serious enthusiasts, including a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, uncompromising shooting speed, and 8K video recording. The EOS R6, while stepping down in sensor resolution, focuses on speed, image stabilization, and versatile video options, making it a compelling partner for hybrid shooters who demand strong performance across stills and motion. Both models share a modernized autofocus system, robust in-body image stabilization, dual card slots, and sophisticated connectivity features, underscoring Canon’s intent to redefine what a modern full-frame mirrorless system can deliver for photographers and videographers alike. The pre-order window for the EOS R5 runs from now until July 28, with the official sales launch scheduled for July 30, 2020, while the EOS R6 becomes available in the latter part of the third quarter of the year, with pricing details to be announced subsequently. Both bodies carry the promise of a refined shooting experience, bolstered by an upgraded AF system, high-speed continuous shooting, and a more capable in-body stabilization platform that extends its usefulness across a wide range of lenses and shooting scenarios. In this extended briefing, we will explore the nuanced capabilities of the EOS R5 and EOS R6, detailing how their imaging pipelines, autofocus, stabilization, video options, connectivity, and handling come together to serve demanding professionals and ambitious hobbyists alike, while also examining the practical implications for workflow, storage, and on-site shooting. With the launch, Canon aims to raise the bar for videography, still photography, and hybrid use cases by consolidating high-resolution capture, advanced stabilization, and intelligent subject tracking into a single, cohesive system.

Imaging technology and autofocus evolution

The EOS R5 introduces a generation-defining imaging framework anchored by a 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. This sensor places the R5 in a tier approaching medium-format resolution in terms of detail capture, enabling photographers to meet the exacting demands of commercial large-format printing, landscape detail, and aggressive cropping common in wildlife photography. The camera is powered by Canon’s new DIGIC X image processor, a unit that debuted in the flagship EOS-1D X Mark III and now underpins both R5 and R6. One of the standout implications of this pairing is the ability to achieve an electronic shutter speed of up to 20 frames per second with full-resolution capture while maintaining AF and AE tracking, while the mechanical shutter offers 12 fps continuous shooting, positioning both cameras among the fastest full-frame mirrorless options available.

The R5’s sensor and processing blend yields an exceptionally high native ISO capability. Despite housing 45 million pixels, the camera can push its native ISO up to 51,200, with an extended range option up to 102,400. This resilience in low-light performance is a notable advantage for professionals who often shoot in challenging lighting conditions, where noise management can make or break image quality. When comparing to the R6, it is essential to highlight that the R6 incorporates a 20-megapixel sensor, but it shares the same imaging pipeline with the higher-end flagship from Canon’s stable, including the DIGIC X processor, enabling robust performance in both stills and video.

Autofocus on both cameras leverages a refreshed Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system that significantly accelerates image readout and processing. This upgrade improves autofocus performance across the frame, enabling faster subject acquisition and tracking, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios. One foundational advancement is the expansion of AF coverage to the entire sensor area, providing true 100% x 100% coverage for focus. This means that photographers can rely on focusing abilities across the entire frame, including subjects near the edges, which is a meaningful improvement over previous generations and helps minimize the need to reframe or crop after the shot.

Another critical improvement is the enhanced Eye, Face, and Body detection capabilities. The system recognizes not only the body of a subject but also the head and eyes, enabling more precise AF adjustments in tricky situations such as action sports, wildlife, or candid portraits. The R5 and R6 offer AF Priority modes tailored for both people and animals, ensuring that tracking is optimized for the subject type at hand. In low-light environments, the cameras’ autofocus performance holds up impressively, backed by the cameras’ AF sensitivity in extremely dim conditions, with an EV performance that remains strong even when luminance is very limited.

AF point counts show a tangible increase over earlier models. For automatic selection, both cameras offer a large pool of AF points, while manual selection provides 5,940 points on the R5 and 6,072 points on the R6 — figures that represent a substantial expansion over the EOS-1D X Mark III era, and more than enough to deliver precise control in complex compositions. The improved AF system supports rapid and reliable subject acquisition across the entire frame, which is particularly valuable for fast-moving subjects in sports, wildlife, and action photography. The combination of 100% frame coverage, expansive AF point arrays, and advanced detection for eyes and faces translates into more consistent focus accuracy, even when subjects are moving toward or away from the camera or when partial occlusions occur.

Battery and endurance considerations tie into autofocus performance as well. The R5’s optical and electronic systems are built to sustain rapid bursts and extended shooting sessions, with the overall design focusing on reliability and speed under demanding workloads. While autofocus is a central feature, the system’s performance remains consistent across a broad spectrum of lighting and subject types, ensuring that professionals can count on precise, repeatable results during long events, studio sessions, or field shoots. The R6, while positioned as a more accessible option, still borrows the same Silicon and autofocus architecture that gives it capable speed and tracking, enabling reliable performance in a wide array of scenarios with a smaller sensor footprint and body design that emphasizes agility and portability.

In addition to sensor and AF advancements, Canon has improved the image-reading speed of the CMOS sensor through the upgraded AF II logic, which contributes to more fluid subject tracking and improved responsiveness in continuous shooting modes. The net effect is a system that couples rapid frame acquisition with intelligent focus decisions, supporting complex sequences—from high-speed sports to fast-moving wildlife—without compromising track quality or AF stability. This is particularly important in hybrid workflows where the same camera is used for both high-resolution stills and cinematic video, because consistent AF behavior reduces post-processing time and helps deliver reliable results across media.

In-body stabilization, lens coordination, and handling

A major pillar of the EOS R5 and EOS R6 design is the inclusion of a five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system. This IBIS provides correction for rotation and translation across multiple axes, enabling effective stabilization in a wide variety of shooting conditions. When used in combination with optically stabilized RF lenses, or even RF lenses that do not include built-in IS, the system can deliver the equivalent of up to eight stops of stabilization, depending on the lens configuration and shooting scenario. This level of stabilization provides a meaningful boost to handheld shooting capabilities, enabling slower shutter speeds to be used with confidence and delivering smoother handheld footage when recording video or when capturing stills in challenging light.

Canon’s stabilization solution is not simply a push for lens-based stabilization; it’s enhanced by a new stabilization algorithm that leverages the DIGIC X engine to process gyro data with greater fidelity. The result is a more coherent stabilization profile across the zoom range, from wide-angle to telephoto, and across different lens models. When coordinated control is enabled, the camera’s IBIS works in concert with lens-based stabilization to optimize performance across the entire zoom spectrum. This sense of coordination is especially valuable to shooters who frequently switch between focal lengths in dynamic environments, such as weddings, events, wildlife parks, or documentary projects, where a stable handheld result is essential.

The stabilization system also contributes to more reliable performance in longer exposure handheld scenarios. A practical example is the possibility of capturing a two-second handheld exposure with a RF lens at a 100mm focal length, producing a sharp image with fluid water motion in the background. This kind of capability can be transformative for street photography, nature shoots, and travel work where tripod use is impractical or impossible. In addition to elegant stabilization, the design emphasizes ease of use and resilience in the field, with careful attention to minimizing the risk of dust and moisture intrusion during handling and lens changes.

Physical build and durability further reinforce confidence in the system. Both cameras utilize a magnesium alloy chassis, contributing to a sturdy yet lightweight feel, and both bodies feature dust and drip resistance to some degree. The design philosophy extends to practical details that photographers appreciate in challenging environments, such as the ability to configure the shutter curtain to close or remain open when the camera is powered down. This small but meaningful feature can help prevent dust from entering the sensor chamber during lens changes, particularly in dusty or windy conditions, which are common in outdoor assignments.

Ergonomics and handling have been carefully considered to meet professional expectations. The EOS R5 sports a top LCD panel, while the R6 uses a Mode Dial for quick status checks. The cameras share a popular control paradigm that includes a Multi-controller and Quick Control Dial, a feature cherished by photographers for rapid AF point selection and settings adjustments in the midst of a shoot. Both bodies embrace a vari-angle LCD with full touch-screen functionality, enabling intuitive navigation of menus and focus selection from unusual vantage points. The electronic viewfinders (EVFs) have been upgraded as well: the R5 offers a 0.5-inch high-resolution EVF with 5.76 million dots, while the R6 features a 3.69 million-dot EVF, with the display refresh rate reaching up to 119.88 fps or 59.94 fps depending on the mode. This high refresh rate contributes to smoother subject tracking, live view performance, and more natural looking video playback.

Battery life is addressed with a new LP-E6NH battery designed for both bodies, delivering around 15 percent higher capacity than the previous LP-E6N. The shared battery design supports both newer and existing LP-E6 series batteries, providing a degree of compatibility with established workflows while offering improved endurance for extended shoots. The BG-R10 battery grip is offered as an optional accessory that enhances portrait work and vertical shooting, featuring a dust- and drip-resistant design and supporting two battery units. When used in combination with the PD-E1 adapter (sold separately), the grip enables USB-powered recharging or power delivery to the camera, expanding shooting opportunities in mobile or studio contexts.

In terms of display and usability, both cameras employ the same Vari-angle LCD with full touch control for AF and menu navigation. The R5’s higher-resolution EVF is a notable step up from the R’s prior generation, while the R6’s EVF continues to deliver solid performance with a respectable dot count and high refresh rate to support fluid viewing during rapid motion. The new LP-E6NH battery is designed to provide longer life for extended sessions, particularly in professional settings where hours of shooting are common and battery changes are avoidable.

Storage and media options are another critical emphasis for both cameras. The EOS R5 ships with two card slots that accommodate one CFexpress card and one SD memory card, enabling high-speed capture and efficient workflow for 45-megapixel stills and internal 8K RAW video recording without external capture hardware. In contrast, the EOS R6 features two card slots that support SD memory cards, catering to a broader range of budgets and storage plans while still offering robust performance for both stills and video tasks. The choice between CFexpress and SD in the R5 is particularly meaningful for professionals who demand the highest possible sustained data transfer rates to avoid bottlenecks during continuous shooting at high resolution.

The camera’s external monitoring and recording capabilities are equally important for professional videographers. Both the EOS R5 and R6 provide an HDMI output with 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit capability for external monitoring and capture, ensuring that high-quality video feeds can be monitored and recorded off-camera when required. The internal video formats cover a wide range of workflows, including RAW capture options, H.265 HEVC, and H.264 MP4, offering flexibility for later editing and storage. For High Dynamic Range (HDR) work, both cameras support PQ gamma and Canon Log, enabling advanced exposure control and grading for cinematic output.

Video performance: 8K ambition and 4K versatility

One of the most headline-grabbing features of the EOS R5 is its ability to record 8K video using the full-frame sensor. This capability is enabled by the processing might of the DIGIC X engine and the fast memory media system, allowing 8K movies at 30 frames per second with full sensor readout. The 8K capture provides substantial cropping flexibility in post-production, which can be invaluable for producers looking to reframe shots without losing detail in the source capture. In addition to the 8K RAW option, Canon offers internal 8K RAW recording for those who want a streamlined workflow that minimizes the need for external recorders or tandem devices in the field. The internal RAW recording path is designed to maximize image quality and retain as much data as possible for post-processing and color grading.

The EOS R5 is also capable of recording up to 120 frames per second in 4K. This high frame rate appeals to a broad range of users, including those who focus on slow-motion sequences for sports, nature, and cinematic storytelling. The availability of both RAW and compressed options in 8K and 4K gives creators flexibility to choose the balance between image fidelity and file size that best suits their workflow. The camera supports a broad array of file formats, including RAW, H.265 HEVC, and H.264 MP4, with both ALL-I and IPB compression options, enabling different editing pipelines and storage considerations.

For videographers who require additional color and dynamic range control, Canon has included PQ and Canon Log profiles on both cameras. These tools enhance HDR workflows, providing more latitude for grading and color management in post-production. The inclusion of Canon Log is particularly appealing for professionals who require precise color rendition and a wide tonal range that preserves highlight and shadow detail for later finishing in post. External monitoring remains robust through HDMI with 4K 60p output and 4:2:2 10-bit color, ensuring accurate waveform monitoring and grading control when working with external recorders or pro displays.

In practice, the R5’s 8K recording capability requires careful consideration of workflow priorities, storage needs, and heat management, as high-resolution capture can generate considerable data and power usage. The internal 8K RAW pathway is powerful for those who want maximum quality without external rigs, while 8K RAW external options offer additional flexibility for specialized setups. The camera’s ability to output and record high-quality 4K at up to 120fps adds a versatile tool for sports, documentary, and action videographers who rely on slow-motion narratives to emphasize movement and emotion.

The EOS R6, while not featuring an 8K option, emphasizes strong 4K performance and full-resolution capture with robust video features within a more compact package. It can shoot 4K video at up to 60fps without crop, and it supports slow-motion at 120fps in Full HD, similar to the R5. Importantly, both the R5 and R6 ensure that Dual Pixel CMOS AF II remains available in all resolutions and formats, which helps maintain smooth autofocus performance across the full range of video modes. For creators who rely on continuous AF, face and eye detection, and precise tracking during dynamic footage, the R5 and R6 deliver a compelling combination of stabilization, processing power, and autofocus performance that translates into dependable video output in a variety of contexts.

External studio and field workflows benefit from Canon’s attention to connectivity and data transfer. The cameras offer fast, reliable external file transfer and streaming options, with built-in wireless capabilities and optional add-ons for faster networking. The R5’s wireless features are among the most advanced Canon has offered to date, including native support for both 5GHz and 2.4GHz wireless LAN without additional adapters, and FTP/FTPS data transfer support. A companion accessory, the WFT-R10, is available to increase wireless data throughput with 2×2 MIMO and wired LAN, providing higher-speed, more stable connections for on-site transfers or studio setups. In contrast, the R6 is limited to the 2.4GHz band while retaining FTP/FTPS functionality, reflecting its position as a more accessible option that still emphasizes fast, reliable connectivity for everyday professional use. Both bodies integrate with Canon’s image.canon cloud platform through Bluetooth LE, enabling automatic uploads of images and videos to the cloud after a Wi-Fi connection is established. When enabled, original RAW files and 8K videos can be stored for up to 30 days, with no size limit, and uploads can be directed to additional cloud services such as Google Photos, Google Drive, or Adobe Creative Cloud, depending on user configuration and cloud policies. This cloud integration is designed to streamline post-production and collaboration across devices and locations, reducing the friction of moving large media assets between camera, workstation, and portable devices.

The handling experience is further enhanced by a modern set of controls and a stable, weather-resistant body design. Both cameras feature a magnesium alloy body with dust and drip resistance appropriate for pro workloads, ensuring reliability in challenging environments. The shutter durability is robust, with the R5 rated at up to 500,000 cycles, and the R6 at 300,000 cycles. A unique capability across both bodies is the option to configure the shutter curtain to either close or stay open when power is off, a practical feature that helps maintain a cleaner sensor chamber and reduces the risk of dust ingestion during lens changes in dusty environments. The top panel differences—R5 with a dedicated top LCD and R6 with a Mode Dial—offer quick, at-a-glance access to essential shooting information, while both models retain the trusted Multi-controller and Quick Control Dial from Canon’s 5D-series heritage, facilitating swift AF point selection and setting adjustments during demanding shoots.

Both cameras use the same versatile Vari-angle LCD with touch functionality, enabling intuitive navigation for AF selection and menu control from a variety of shooting angles. The expanded EVF resolution on the R5, at 5.76 million dots, provides a crisper, more engaging view for critical focus checks and precise framing, and the R6’s EVF, while having a lower dot count, remains highly usable for daily shooting scenarios. The EVF refresh rates, up to 119.88 fps and 59.94 fps, translate into significantly smoother motion rendering for tracking subjects, aiding in the shooter’s ability to maintain accurate focus. The new LP-E6NH battery is a core component of both bodies, delivering enhanced capacity for longer shooting sessions while maintaining compatibility with existing LP-E6N and LP-E6 batteries. This compatibility ensures that photographers can leverage existing battery ecosystems while benefiting from added endurance.

Accessories designed to extend the system’s capabilities include the BG-R10 battery grip, designed to match the rugged, dust- and drip-resistant construction of both cameras, and capable of accepting two batteries (LP-E6NH, LP-E6N, or LP-E6). The BG-R10 is particularly beneficial for vertical portrait work and extended handheld sessions, and it pairs with the PD-E1 adapter to offer USB-powered charging or direct power to the camera in the field, enabling longer sessions away from reliable power sources. The WFT-R10 Wireless File Transmitter is an optional accessory that expands wireless file transfer capabilities for the R5, enabling even faster uploads, more reliable broadcasting workflows, and better integration into professional production pipelines. These accessories reflect Canon’s intent to provide a flexible, expandable ecosystem that can adapt to a range of professional uses—from studio portraiture to on-location documentary work.

Pricing and availability details are structured to establish a clear purchase path for early adopters and professional buyers. The EOS R5 is positioned as a premium camera with two primary kit options: the body alone, and the body paired with the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens. The anticipated street prices are S$6,199 for the body and S$7,898 for the body with the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM kit. Pre-orders for the R5 open in the evening on July 9 and run through July 28, with the official sales launch set for July 30. The EOS R6 will be available later in the third quarter of the year, with pricing to be confirmed closer to availability. The R6 kit options include two different lens configurations: the RF24-105MM F/4L IS USM, and the RF24-105MM F/4-7.1 IS STM, offering buyers a choice based on focal range and budget. For those who require extended power and reliability, the LP-E6NH battery will be sold separately in August 2020 for $149, and the BG-R10 battery grip is scheduled for release by July 30, 2020, priced at $439. The WFT-R10 wireless transmitter, which enhances wireless file transfer capacity for the R5, will be available by July 30, 2020, at $1,599. These pricing figures reflect Canon’s strategy to deliver a complete ecosystem that supports high-end photography and videography while offering scalable options for different budgets and professional needs.

In addition to pricing, Canon Singapore’s broader product and service framework supports these new bodies with a focus on performance, reliability, and user empowerment. Canon’s overarching philosophy centers on providing gear capable of elevating the creative process, backed by a global network of resources in imaging, service, and support. With a focus on professional-grade features, the EOS R5 and R6 are designed to empower advanced amateurs and professionals to push their limits in both stills and motion. The cameras’ collaboration with cloud services through image.canon is designed to streamline workflows, enabling automatic transfers of original RAW files and 8K video to the cloud, and establishing seamless integration with other cloud-based platforms to facilitate editing and collaboration across devices and teams. The partnerships and cloud integration are part of Canon’s broader strategy to provide a holistic ecosystem for photographers and filmmakers that spans capture, storage, processing, and distribution.

Pricing and availability are complemented by a careful roll-out of accessories and performance improvements for existing and new users. The LP-E6NH battery introduces a longer life for extended shoots, while the BG-R10 grip provides enhanced ergonomics for vertical shooting and longer sessions. The WFT-R10 accessory broadens wireless transfer options for the R5, adding to Canon’s already comprehensive connectivity options. This integrated approach demonstrates Canon’s commitment to addressing the practical needs of professionals who demand reliability, speed, and flexibility from their camera systems in demanding environments such as live events, studios, nature reserves, and on-location shoots.

The EOS R5 and EOS R6 represent Canon’s continued evolution of full-frame mirrorless design, combining high-resolution imaging with rapid autofocus, robust stabilization, and advanced video features to meet the demands of contemporary professionals. By offering a high-resolution model with extensive video capabilities and a complementary high-speed alternative that emphasizes speed, handling, and accessibility, Canon is ensuring that photographers and videographers can choose a system that aligns with their creative goals, workflow preferences, and budget considerations. The two cameras are designed to coexist within a flexible ecosystem, enabling creators to leverage shared features, controls, and accessories for a cohesive shooting experience while still allowing each body to shine in its own right. As Canon continues to refine itsIMAGE pipeline, AF system, stabilization, and cloud integration across its EOS R lineup, the EOS R5 and EOS R6 stand as a bold statement of Canon’s commitment to delivering professional-grade tools that empower users to achieve superior results across genres, from high-fashion studio work to wildlife expeditions and cinematic productions.

Conclusion

Canon’s EOS R5 and EOS R6 introductions mark a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of full-frame mirrorless photography and videography. The R5 stands out with its 45-megapixel sensor, 8K and 4K high-speed video capabilities, and a comprehensive autofocus system that offers 100% sensor coverage, Eye and Face Detection, and a robust 1,053-point AF array for automated precision. The R6, while delivering a lower-resolution sensor, emphasizes speed, stabilization, and practical video performance, ensuring versatility for fast-moving subjects and hybrid shooting. Both cameras fuse in-body image stabilization with lens stabilization to deliver stabilized performance across a wide lens lineup, including EF lenses via adapter, and they share a refined handling and rugged build designed for demanding environments. The cameras’ all-around capabilities extend beyond imaging to robust connectivity, including native wireless support, FTP/FTPS data transfer, cloud uploads via image.canon, and support for optional peripherals that broaden workflow options on location or in studio settings.

The planned pricing and availability reflect Canon’s intent to position these cameras for both professionals and advanced enthusiasts, with a clear pathway to expand into more affordable or targeted configurations through bundled kits and accessories. The inclusion of features such as dual card slots, high-end media support, and high-performance video options position the EOS R5 and EOS R6 as compelling choices for creators who need a single tool capable of delivering professional-grade stills and cinema-grade footage. The ecosystem enhancements—ranging from the BG-R10 grip to the WFT-R10 transmitter and the new LP-E6NH battery—underscore Canon’s ambition to provide a complete, reliable, and upgrade-ready platform that can adapt to evolving workflows and production demands.

In summary, Canon’s two new EOS R-series bodies deliver a balanced blend of resolution, speed, stabilization, and connectivity that can serve a broad spectrum of photographic and videographic applications. They offer a clear upgrade path for existing Canon users while inviting new entrants to experience a mature, well-supported full-frame mirrorless system built to excel in both studio and field environments. Whether capturing high-resolution stills, engaging in slow-motion or high-dynamic-range video work, or coordinating complex cloud-based workflows, the EOS R5 and EOS R6 are poised to become central pillars in modern digital imaging.