Canon EOS R5 outsells everything in Japan

Canon EOS R5 outsells everything in Japan
(Image credit: James Artaius / Digital Camera World)

Maybe you've heard about a little camera called the Canon EOS R5. Photographers in Japan certainly have, as they have been buying the camera in droves – making it the best selling camera in the country so far this month, topping its rivals from Sony and Nikon

While the furore over the Canon EOS R5's video limitations and overheating issues have continued to cause squabbles in YouTube comments and Reddit threads (including the latest discovery that you can overcome the R5's recording limits using nothing but sticky tape and a toothpick), that hasn't stopped Japanese consumers going crazy for the camera.

Indeed, so popular is Canon's technical marvel that it has toppled full frame rivals like the Sony A7R IV, Sony A7 III and Nikon Z6, along with perennially popular APS-C cameras like the Sony A6400, Nikon Z50 and even the Canon EOS M50

That's according to sales data compiled by Capa Camera (by way of Canon Watch) for the first half of the month (the period from 01-15 August):

01 – Canon EOS R5
02 – Sony A7 III
03 – Sony A6400 (Lens Kit)
04 – Sony A7 III (Lens Kit)
05 – Nikon Z 50 (Double Zoom Kit)
06 – Sony A7R IV
07 – Nikon Z6 (24-70mm Lens)
08 – Nikon D6
09 – Canon EOS M50 (Kit Lens)
10 – Nikon D5600 (Double Kit lens) 

Reports from Japan are that the pre-orders for the Canon EOS R5 remain strong and show no signs of abating, as there is an ongoing appetite for the 45MP 8K camera. The fact that there is no stock at most stores or online retailers (as is the case in the rest of the world) has done nothing to dull interest in the R5 – if anything, its scarcity has only made it even more coveted. 

Of course, with the equally hyped Sony A7S III and the more mass-market Canon EOS R6 both set to release imminently, it will be interesting to see how the R5's two key rivals will affect its sales performance. If the R5 continues to be out of stock, will consumers keep waiting or simply buy an alternative body?

Read more: 

Canon EOS R5 review
Canon EOS R6 review
Canon EOS R5 vs R6: What are the differences and which is right for you? 

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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.