There’s something uniquely special about the first outing with a new camera. It’s a mix of excitement, curiosity, and a touch of nervousness as you learn its quirks and capabilities. For me, that outing took place on my favourite stomping ground: Watership Down. On a cool, slightly cloudy morning, I set out with my Canon EOS R5, which has replaced my trusty but ageing Canon EOS 5DS R. Armed with my Sigma 150-600mm Sport lens, I was eager to see how this new camera would perform.
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Why Upgrade to the Canon EOS R5?
The Canon EOS 5DS R has been my companion for years, capturing landscapes, wildlife, and everything in between. Its 50.6-megapixel sensor produces stunning detail and has served me well, but technology moves on, and I’ve found myself yearning for better autofocus, faster burst rates, and improved dynamic range. Enter the Canon EOS R5.
Released in 2020, the R5 has been a game-changer in Canon’s mirrorless lineup, boasting impressive specs that cater to both photographers and videographers. Here’s a quick comparison of the two cameras:
Canon EOS R5 vs Canon EOS 5DS R
| Feature | Canon EOS R5 | Canon EOS 5DS R |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 45 megapixels | 50.6 megapixels |
| Sensor Type | DIGIC X | Full-frame CMOS |
| ISO Range | 100-51,200 (expandable) | 100-6,400 (expandable) |
| Autofocus System | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II | 61-point AF |
| Burst Rate | 12 fps (mechanical) | 5 fps |
| Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) | 5.76-million-dot OLED | Optical viewfinder |
| Video Capabilities | 8K @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Media | CFexpress & SD | CFexpress & SD |
| Weight | 738g | 930g |
A Morning on Watership Down
Watership Down has always been my “safe place”—a tranquil escape where I can focus on the beauty of nature. On this particular morning, the air was crisp, and the sky was a patchwork of clouds, creating soft, diffused light perfect for photography. I had a specific plan: test the R5’s animal eye autofocus and burst shooting capabilities.
The Red Kites in Flight
Red Kites have become a common sight around Watership Down, their graceful flight always a joy to capture. With the Sigma 150-600mm Sport lens mounted, I set the R5 to its animal eye autofocus mode and began tracking the birds. The results were nothing short of amazing. The autofocus system locked onto the kites with ease, even as they darted and weaved through the sky. The camera’s burst rate of 12 frames per second (using the first curtain shutter) allowed me to capture a sequence of sharp, dynamic shots.
Post-processing these images revealed the incredible dynamic range of the R5. Shadows and highlights were easily recovered, and the level of detail in the feathers was stunning. Compared to the 5DS R, the R5’s files felt more flexible and forgiving—a significant advantage when photographing in challenging lighting conditions.
A Moment with the Sheep
As I moved on, I couldn’t resist snapping a few shots of the sheep grazing on the hillside. The R5’s resolution brought out the texture of their wool and the subtle tones of the grass. While this scene didn’t test the camera’s autofocus or burst capabilities, it highlighted the camera’s exceptional image quality.
The Robin on the Post
On my way back to the car, I noticed a robin perched on a wooden post. It was a perfect opportunity to test the R5’s precision. The animal eye autofocus locked onto the robin instantly, even in the soft morning light. The resulting image was sharp and full of character, a testament to how far autofocus technology has come since the 5DS R.
Mirrorless System Key Features That Impressed Me
1. Animal Eye Autofocus
The animal eye autofocus was a revelation. Whether I was photographing Red Kites in flight or the robin on the post, the R5’s ability to detect and track eyes was fast and reliable. This feature alone makes it a fantastic tool for wildlife photography.
2. Burst Shooting
The R5’s 12 frames per second burst rate (mechanical shutter) was a game-changer for capturing action. Compared to the 5DS R’s modest 5 fps, the R5 felt like a different beast altogether. For fast-moving subjects like birds, this increased speed made all the difference.
3. Dynamic Range
Shooting in RAW format, I was able to recover a significant amount of detail in both shadows and highlights during post-processing. This was particularly useful for the high-contrast scenes on Watership Down, where the interplay of light and shadow is ever-present.
4. Ergonomics and Handling
Despite being lighter than the 5DS R, the R5 felt solid and well-balanced in my hands, even with the hefty Sigma 150-600mm lens attached. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) was bright and detailed, making it easier to compose shots compared to the optical viewfinder of the 5DS R.
Thoughts on Keeping the 5DS R
While the R5 has proven itself as a worthy successor, I’m not ready to part with the 5DS R just yet. Its 50.6-megapixel sensor still holds its own for landscape photography, where resolution and detail are paramount. I also plan to use it for scanning film negatives, a task it excels at due to its high resolution and lack of an anti-aliasing filter.
Final Reflections
My first outing with the Canon EOS R5 was a resounding success. From the Red Kites soaring above Watership Down to the robin on the post, the camera exceeded my expectations at every turn. Its advanced autofocus system, fast burst rate, and impressive dynamic range have opened up new possibilities for my photography.
If you’re considering upgrading from a DSLR like the 5DS R to a mirrorless system, the R5 is a compelling choice. It combines cutting-edge technology with excellent handling and image quality, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of photographic genres.
Thank you for reading about my first experience with the Canon EOS R5. If you’d like to see the images mentioned in this post, visit my gallery or check out my shop for prints. I’d love to hear about your experiences with the R5 or any other camera upgrades you’ve made recently. Drop a comment below or connect with me through my website.
