Canon EOS R5 beats the Sony A1?! (According to this video anyway)

(Image credit: Sony , Canon)

Since the announcement of the Sony A1, many photographers have been wondering how it stacks up against Canon's own flagship mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS R5. However, a recent comparison from Tony and Chelsea Northrup seems to show that, when it comes to the autofocus at least, the Canon EOS R5 has the edge.

The Sony A1 and the Canon EOS R5 both include eye detect autofocus for a range of different subjects. However, Tony and Chelsea's results show that the Canon EOS R5 seems to be more consistent at finding and tracking subjects.

• Read more: Sony A1 vs Canon EOS R5

The Sony A1 comes with a wide array of new features, such as the ability to shoot at 30 frames per second with its high resolution 50MP sensor. The Canon EOS R5 is also no slouch when it comes to its specifications, as it offers 20 frames per second with a 45MP sensor. Both cameras offer plenty of resolution, but the Sony offers a great deal more value when it comes to frame per second.

However, the extra frames per second might not be the advantage it initially seems. A recent comparison from Tony and Chelsea Northrup demonstrates how the Canon consistently outperforms the Sony. The comparison includes capturing various kinds of subjects, such as wildlife, pets, people and vehicles.

Photographing people demonstrated that the Sony A1 seemed to front focus in many instances, whereas the Canon managed to find correct focus on the eye more frequently. This is especially the case when shooting with wide aperture portrait lenses such as the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 and the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM.

This was also the case for pet and wildlife photography. The Sony A1 seemed to require more specific settings in order to operate effectively. Meanwhile, the Canon EOS R5 proved to have a better hit rate, despite having 10 fewer frames per second.

Being able to shoot a greater number of frames per second can be a useful feature. However, the number of useful frames a camera can produce thanks to its autofocus features is also something to consider.

Either way, the Sony A1 has only just been announced, so firmware updates could improve its performance. Ultimately, both cameras offer some fantastic features and can comfortably serve a wide range of professional requirements.

Usman is a commercial and architectural photographer based in West Yorkshire, who has been working professionally for over seven years. He has also spent over four years as a writer for the biggest photography sites in the world, including Staff Writer for Digital Camera World, senior staff writer for FStoppers, and tech writer for Petapixel.

With a particular interest in technology developments, high-resolution imaging and the high-end cameras, Usman has been on the cutting edge of camera news as well as writing features about medium format systems and global shutters, and has reviewed some of the latest Leica cameras as well as a tripod that’s even taller than Andre the Giant!

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