Canon EOS R5 will deliver UNCROPPED 8K and advanced animal AF!

Canon EOS R5 will deliver UNCROPPED 8K and advanced animal AF!
(Image credit: Canon)

UPDATE: Check out our hands-on Canon EOS R5 review for our first impressions of the remarkable new 8K, 45MP body. We've also got a Canon EOS R5 vs R6 head to head, which compares the specs between the R5 and the new Canon EOS R6.

ORIGINAL STORY 13 MAR 2020: Canon has confirmed that, despite plenty of contrarian cynicism, the Canon EOS R5 will deliver uncropped 8K video at 30fps, recorded in-camera – and it will also feature the company's renowned Dual Pixel CMOS AF system.

In addition, it was announced that the full-frame mirrorless Canon EOS R5 will feature advanced animal AF, that is able to perform both eye and body recognition to detect and track birds, dogs and cats. 

"We've seen speculation that the EOS R5's specs are 'impossible'," said Richard Shepherd, Canon's Pro Product Marketing senior manager, alluding to the online speculation that the video features would in some way be compromised (namely with a crop, as seen in the 4K of the Canon EOS R and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, or the lack of Dual Pixel seen in the video of other bodies). 

"Today’s announcement confirms once again, we are achieving the 'impossible' in order to support our customers' need for a camera that delivers exceptional image quality and video capture."

Canon claims – and this does seem, on paper, to be very much the case – that the R5's video capabilities "will far exceed that of competing cameras on the market." Its full-width full-frame video will support Dual Pixel CMOS AF in all 8K modes, promising truly formidable footage.

It is not yet clear whether the advanced animal AF (which can recognize animals based on their bodies, when eyes are not visible) is similarly supported in all 8K modes, but the feature alone is a significant step in Canon's autofocus technology. Furthermore you can choose between dogs, cats and birds within the menu settings – and the prospect of being able to track a bird in flight with such an AF system sounds particularly attractive.

(Image credit: Canon)

"As an industry leader, we are challenging the market with this launch and showing what’s possible with our technology," added Shepherd. "The EOS R5 and the RF lens system is proof of our commitment to redefine mirrorless and shows Canon’s unparalleled strength in creating products with true purpose."

Other confirmed features so far for the upcoming Canon EOS R5 include:

• in-body image stabilization (this will be Canon's first camera with IBIS)
• twin memory card slots
• 20fps burst shooting with electronic shutter
• 12fps burst shooting with mechanical shutter
• Fold out LCD screen

Read more
The Canon RF lens roadmap

The best Canon camera in 2020

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.