Wuji Equipment Editor | Liang Shuang
Canon officially released the EOS R6 Mark II in early November this year. It has been more than two years since the previous generation EOS R6. What’s interesting is that in 2020, the EOS R6 was launched together with the EOS R5, but the “second generation” was released with only the EOS R6 Mark II. This makes the rumors that the “EOS R5 Mark II” will be released in the second quarter of next year more and more real.
Tell the truth and make photography more than just a fever!
[Wuji’s opinion] Canon EOS R5 Mark II is very worthy of attention
In fact, EOS R6 Mark II belongs to the 3rd or 2.5th generation of the EOS R series. Before discussing EOS R5 Mark II, let’s take a look at EOS Development characteristics of the three generations of R series:
First generation models: EOS R, EOS RP
The two first-generation models both use DIGIC 8 image processors, and the image sensors are based on previous SLR cameras. The kinship between the image sensors of EOS R and EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS RP and EOS 6D Mark II can be seen by anyone with a discerning eye. At this time, we are in the transition period from SLR to mirrorless, and this approach is understandable.
Canon’s first-generation models all use the eighth-generation graphics processor
Second-generation models: EOS R6, EOS R5, EOS R3, etc.
Second-generation models all use the DIGIC X image processor, which comes from the EOS-1D X Mark III. It is worth noting that both EOS R5 and EOS R3 use the newly developed CMOS image sensor, while EOS R6 is developed based on the CMOS of EOS-1D X Mark III.
In addition to the above-mentioned full-frame models, Canon claims that the EOS R7 is equipped with a newly developed APS-C format image sensor with effective pixels of about 32.5 million. However, it may be an improved version of the EOS M6 Mark II/EOS 90D sensor.
The third generation model: EOS R6 Mark II
EOS R6 Mark II is equipped with a newly developed full-frame CMOS image sensor of approximately 24.2 million effective pixels. In addition, this camera also uses a DIGIC X image processor with a new image algorithm. We can see that EOS R6 Mark II uses new CMOS, and the processor still uses DIGIC X. If the processor is strictly dated, taking into account other improvement factors, EOS R6 Mark II is more like "2.5 generation".
In fact, this is easy to understand. Generally, new hardware technologies are promoted from top to bottom, and new flagships are the first to apply them. In the future, EOS R1 will most likely be equipped with a new generation DIGIC processor. So before the birth of EOS R1, other lower-level models will need to be updated, and the probability of being equipped with a new processor is not high. There are two options: one, introducing a new image algorithm like the EOS R6 Mark II, further draining the potential of DIGIC X; second, relying solely on algorithm optimization is still insufficient in computing power, and using dual DIGIC The
dual-processor solution has been often used by Canon before, even in flagship phones. For example, the EOS-1D X Mark II is equipped with dual DIGIC 6+ processors. Among mirrorless cameras, Nikon Z 7II and Z6 II also use dual EXPEED 6 processors.
As for CMOS image sensors, in addition to large flagships, generally including improved versions, they will be applied to at least two models to evenly share the research and development costs.
Based on Canon’s past practices mentioned above, it is easier for us to conceive the prototype of the EOS R5 Mark II in our minds.
adopts the newly developed CMOS image sensor
Considering that the 45 million effective pixel CMOS has been applied in the EOS R5 and EOS R5 C models, its potential has basically been demonstrated. It is not enough to continue to use it simply by improving the processor computing power. It is still necessary to develop new CMOS, and improving the reading speed is the focus.
As for the number of pixels, I think it depends on the positioning and processing pressure. If the positioning of an all-round machine continues, 45 million to 50 million pixels is a more suitable range. 8K only requires point-to-point or a small amount of oversampling, and there will be no obvious clipping due to point-to-point use of too high pixels.In terms of continuous shooting, with 45-50 million pixels, Canon can easily achieve 30 frames per second, and can also implement the "RAW continuous shooting mode" function (30fps).
If the pixels must be greatly increased, it may be more in line with the positioning of the "EOS R5S" high-resolution still camera, and there must be some compromises in the video aspect.
uses dual DIGIC X processors + new image algorithm
. The author believes that without the new DIGIC processor, the dual DIGIC In addition, by introducing a new algorithm like the EOS R6 Mark II, the animal detection algorithm can be further expanded in focus, expanding the range of animals that can be detected, such as adding "horses", and adding vehicles that can detect "trains" and "airplanes". Of course, like the EOS R6 Mark II, there will also be a new "auto" function that can detect three types of subjects at the same time.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II adds detection and recognition of horses, airplanes, helicopters and trains
Adds other more functions
The body shape generally continues the design of EOS R5, and many new functions on EOS R6 Mark II will also be supported, such as the addition of Cinema EOS-style operation interface, 10x digital zoom for video, RAW external recording, support for simultaneous recording, temperature rise suppression measures, pre-shooting and pre-recording function, video focus breathing compensation, etc.
Considering that the pixels of the EOS R5 Mark II are not low, it may become Canon’s first model equipped with a pixel shift function. Nowadays, major manufacturers with body image stabilization include Olympus , Panasonic , Pentax , Sony , and Fujifilm all have models that support this function. Currently, only Canon and Nikon are not equipped with it. The EOS R5 Mark II may be able to break this situation.
Overall, the upgrade from EOS R5 to EOS R5 Mark II may be similar to that of EOS R6 Mark II, taking the positioning of "cross-border flagship" to a new level. Just like EOS R6 Mark II, Canon is trying to set a new standard. EOS R5 was launched two years ago. Other brands have not come up with high-pixel, high-speed, high-video (8K) models priced under 30,000. This has made EOS R5 suffer from initial fever, but its market performance has been good. As the "second generation", the EOS R5 Mark II is obviously a weapon that can further expand its results. If rival manufacturers are still unable to come up with new products that can compete in the past three years, the EOS R5 Mark II will continue Canon's strong momentum in this price range.
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editor | Bi Chao
