Mirrorless Camera News

Canon just announced the much-hyped new Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 mirrorless cameras along with a raft of new photo products including several professional lenses and a printer. We talked to seven photographers who have actually tested this exciting new Canon camera gear to get their impressions of what these products are like to shoot and print with.

The photographers, who are all members of Canon's prestigious Explorers of Light program, share what they think of these new products along with some sample images a bit further down in this post. But first, here's a little background on the just unveiled new Canon camera gear with links to where you can learn more.

The Canon R5 is aimed at professional photographers and uses a full frame 45MP CMOS sensor that can shoot uncropped 8K video at up to 29.97 frames per second. It goes on sale at the end of July 2020 for $3899, body only and $4999 as a kit with the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens. 

The Canon EOS R6 is geared more towards photo enthusiasts and advanced amateurs and features a 20.1MP full frame CMOS sensor that can record 4K video at up to 59.94 fps. It goes on sale at the end of August 2020 for $2499 for the body only, and $2899 as a kit with the RF 24-105 F4-7.1 IS STM lens. You can also buy the Canon R6 as a kit with the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens for $3,599.

Other Canon lenses announced this morning include the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM, Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM, Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM, and RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM lenses. Also unveiled was the 13-inch imagePROGRAF PRO-300 professional printer. The photographers below share their thoughts on working with these new Canon products as well. Read our monthly column with photography tips from Canon's Explorers of Light here.

(DISCLAIMER: Images and videos were shot with pre-production samples of the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 cameras. Not Final.)

Tyler Stableford: Shot with the Canon EOS R5

Q: What's your favorite thing about the new Canon R5?

TS: It’s really hard to pick just one feature, but the one that is completely new is the in-body image stabilization feature. It really is a game changer for video and stills as it adds so much stability to the camera, particularly when paired with an RF lens that also has image stabilization. The camera allows for hand-held shooting of scenes that were wildly impossible prior to now.

Q: What surprised you most about the R5?

TS: The feature that actually surprised me the most, honestly, was the incredibly good autofocus. The autofocus is as good as any camera I’ve worked with, and the face and eye tracking follows your subject as they cross the frame. I did a range of tests with the R5, shooting action sports in heavily backlit scenes, indoors and out, and the autofocus blew me away. I didn’t expect a mirrorless camera of this size to have such amazing autofocus capabilities, and to shoot at 20 frames per second; it is ready for the big leagues as a sports camera.

Q: What sort of projects/assignments could you see yourself using the new products for and why?

TS: In my opinion the R5 is the biggest release since the Canon 5D Mark II changed the game with HD video in a DSLR camera; it brings the mirrorless system to the cutting edge of imaging. The R5 will be with me on every project moving forward. I’ll take this camera into the mountains with me as a fast and light adventure camera. It will be my go-to for documentary filmmaking, and it will come on set for commercial videos as either an A or B camera. I’ll also use it for sports shooting alongside the 1DX Mark III.

Vanessa Joy: Shot with the Canon EOS R6, RF85mm F2 MACRO IS STM lens & used the PRO-300 Printer

Q: What's your favorite thing about the new Canon R6, lenses and the new printer?

VJ: My favorite thing about the Canon EOS R6 is how learning-curve-free it is. Especially for a Canon user, it's simply pick-up and start using. The Canon RF85mm F2 MACRO IS STM is great because of the incredible quality for a consumer-level (and low priced) lens. The new Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 Printer really brings images to life in compact size for the beautifully detailed quality it produces.

Q:  What surprised you most about the R6?

VJ: The price! I couldn't believe how much tech is packed into such a great price. 4k video, the same sensor that's in the Canon 1D X Mark III flagship camera, ridiculously accurate auto focus with head, face and eye detection (and for animals too) - what more could anyone want or need?

Q: What sort of projects/assignments could you see yourself using the new products for and why?

VJ: I've already used the R6 for photographing my kids, capturing street photography, travel photography, portraits, DJ photography and video and even hooked it up for streaming to Twitch. I don't see a place where this camera couldn't be used, even on a professional level. I'd be proud having my second shooters carry this camera on a wedding day.

Roberto Valenzuela: Shot with the Canon R5, R6 and used the Pro-300 printer

Q: What's your favorite thing about the new Canon R5 and R6 and the new printer?

RV: There is so much to say and love about these two cameras, but if I had to choose one main thing, it would be how great both of these cameras are for hybrid use. Many of us depend on both photos and video for our work and social media. These cameras do both better than anything else I’ve ever used.

Q: What surprised you most about the R5 and R6?

RV: The most shocking element of these cameras when I first started to use them was the insanely fast and accurate AF system. I never shoot in Servo AF, but now, I feel like I never want to get out of it. The new Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system is so good, it even keeps up with the radical and unexpected movements of my 2-year-old with ease and very accurate results. When I photographed a fast-moving subject in any direction at 20 frames per second and the camera still managed to follow the subject with such high precision, it was truly mind-blowing!

Q: What sort of projects/assignments could you see yourself using the new products for and why?

RV: In my opinion, the R5 and R6 bring the best of the 5D series ergonomics we all love, with the incredible technological advantages only mirrorless cameras bring to the table. I would feel incredibly comfortable using both of these cameras for any professional assignment, all of my video needs, and now, for the first time, I would choose these cameras to bring with me on personal trips as well. Not only are the cameras small enough and light enough to travel with, but they are powerhouses in their technology and practicality.

Rick Sammon: Shot with the Canon R6 and RF600mm and RF800mm lenses

Q: What's your favorite thing about the new Canon R6 and lenses?

RS: My favorite feature of the Canon EOS R6 is animal tracking. It's rather amazing that the camera can actually set the focus point on the animal’s eye, which is the most important part of a wildlife (and people) photograph. I am sure that with animal tracking, I will get a much higher percentage of super sharp images.

The best feature in my mind of the RF600mm and RF800mm is the compact size and light weight. Until now, I have actually never used a 600mm or 800mm lens, due to the size and weight, which requires using a tripod and a gimbal head, which are heavy, bulky and expensive. What’s more, when I go on safari to places like Africa, where weight restrictions on small planes is a problem, I can now take these longer lenses for more close-up-and-personal shots of the wildlife.

Q: What surprised you most about the R6?

RS: What surprised me most about the R6 was how fast and accurate the camera focuses. Built-in image stabilization is also a big plus, especially when using long lenses and when shooting in low light, which requires using slow shutter speeds. What’s more, in looking at my photographs taken at high ISO settings, I was impressed with how the image sensor handles noise. Very cool.

Q: What sort of projects/assignments could you see yourself using the new products for and why?

RS: This gear will be my go-to gear for wildlife photography. The camera’s frame rate is fast enough to capture even fast paced action. The AF system is awesome. And, with several easy-to-access control wheels for changing settings, I can fine-tune my images quickly and without having to take my eye away from the viewfinder.
 

Lindsay Adler: Shot with the Canon R5

Q: What's your favorite thing about the new Canon EOS R5?

LA: It's hard to choose my favorite thing about the Canon R5 because it’s the entirety of the package that is so impressive. It combines so many things that we photographers and Canon lovers have been asking for; terrific focusing capabilities, megapixels aplenty, dual card slots, in body stabilization, 100% autofocus coverage and more. I'm so excited for other photographers to be able to try this camera out-- they will fall in love. 

Q: What surprised you most about the R5?

LA: I think I was pleasantly surprised by two things; the autofocus and the lack of learning curve. I had the R5 in my hands for about five minutes before I shot an entire day of a professional shoot. It felt so natural and had the user interface that I love from Canon. It took me no time to adapt and for it to feel natural to my shooting. Next, the autofocus surprised me because it is just so fast and so accurate. In the past I have been intimidated by shooting at super wide apertures, and since having this camera the face tracking and eye detection have allowed me to nail the focus on my shots, even when shooting at 1.2. 

Q: What sort of projects/assignments could you see yourself using the new products for and why?

LA: I am a professional fashion and beauty photographer. I absolutely could shoot any of my professional jobs with this camera. I've been shooting with the Canon 5Ds, EOS R and 5D Mark IV for years, and this combines the benefits of all of them plus adds a whole lot extra. I can shoot macro beauty shots, studio portraits, or fashion on location and feel like the camera would meet every demand. 

Sal Cincotta: Shot with the Canon EOS R5

Q: What's your favorite thing about the new Canon R5 and the new printer?

SC: What’s my favorite thing about the new Canon R5? LITERALLY EVERYTHING!
This camera is a complete beast for any wedding and portrait pro out there. They have built the perfect camera. Video needs? Sure thing. 8 stops of IBIS along with 8k and full crop 4k at 120fps. Stills? Of course. 45mp and over 1000 focus points with an eye-tracking system that is top of the line.

The printer is incredibly powerful for such a small footprint. I expect big performance from Canon, but smaller printers tend to produce less than stellar results. In our testing of the PRO-300, it hit the mark. It produced prints that were great for both proofing and for final delivery to our clients.

Q: What surprised you most about the R5?

SC: I mean, we all have a wish list of features in our cameras. And of course, there was a lot of buzz about the R5, lots of rumors, lots of “dreaming” going on. In the end, Canon listened to their customers. This camera is a long time coming, but end of day, it’s a perfect blend of video and photo features.

The surprise for me was how much they loaded into this camera for the price point. I’m truly blown away. These are features that I would gladly pay twice as much for. I think Canon is sending a message that they are serious about the professional market and have no plans to step down any time soon.

Q: What sort of projects/assignments could you see yourself using the new products for and why?

SC: Our studio produces everything from stills for wedding and portrait clients to full blown commercial video. The situational uses are endless! Now, that being said, the R5 will be our go-to production camera. This cuts down on the gear needed at any given moment in time and gives us maximum efficiency. We can now travel with considerably less gear since we will able to consolidate to a single platform.
The possibilities are endless and we are excited for the future of Canon and their mirrorless platform.

Joel Grimes: Used the Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-300 printer

Q: What's your favorite thing about the new Canon Pro-300?

JG: It was very easy to set up, and the print output was surprisingly fast, and it was so quiet that you could hardly hear it printing.

Q: What surprised you most about the Pro-300?

JG: The overall size is relatively small for a 13x19 printer, which allows for a minimal footprint.  It is also lightweight, which is easy on the back when you have to move it around.

Q: What sort of projects/assignments could you see yourself using the Pro-300 for, and why?

JG: The first and most important is that you have the ability to sell prints to your clients. The markup on what it cost to make a print on this printer and what you can sell a print for is a no brainer. Plus, the turn-around time is minutes compared to what it takes to wait for a lab which gives you the ability to service your clients much quicker.

Lastly, as an artist, it is so nice to see my favorite images in print and not just on a smart phone or computer screen. I always say that the greatest expression for an artist is to see their print hanging on a wall.