The dog days of summer are here, so let's have some fun. Whoever replies with the correct number of movies in the Air Bud franchise (including spin-offs) in the comments below will automatically be entered to receive a code for 4 free months of Apple Music. (We're not kidding. The winner will be announced June 26th). That's said, let's get into the headline topic at hand. Comparing the EOS R body to the upcoming EOS R5

No Film School has hyped the EOS R5 and for good reason. The full-frame mirrorless camera is expected to record uncropped internal 8K RAW and 4K 4:2:2 10-bit video as well as tout Canon's Dual Pixel Autofocus in both 8K and 4K modes. It's also said to support dual card slots and feature in-body image stabilization (IBIS) that combines the optical stabilization of RF and EF lenses, a first for Canon. 


If you have ever shot with a Canon EOS Cinema camera or DSLR that features Dual Pixel Autofocus, you already know how good it is. But will Canon's rollout of IBIS be the same? If they get it right, the EOS R5 could compete with the Panasonic LUMIX DC-S1H. Speaking of Panasonic, it's rumored that the successor to the LUMIX GH5 could be announced this year, which would be big news for Micro Four Thirds shooters. The latest is that Panasonic will introduce 3 different models with one shooting 6K 30p. 

But let's get into it. Early EOS R5 photos suggest a better user experience is coming when comparing it to the EOS R. What's great about the EOS R is that it's completely customizable. Nearly every button on the EOS R could be assigned a different function. Hopefully, Canon continues the philosophy with the EOS R5 and expands upon it. 

Back View

Eosr_r5_back

Starting at the rear, both cameras feature an electronic viewfinder and LCD, though the EOS R5 screen looks to be slightly taller. This could mean the menu overlays could appear slightly different. One obvious change is the switch from the multi-function bar to the multi-function joystick. Cause joysticks are cooler? Canon dropped the multi-function bar with the release of the EOS RP, and this joystick looks to be the same as the EOS-1D X Mark III. So, jumping from one system to the next will be easier. 

The AF-On, AE Lock, and AF Point buttons remain on the back of the EOS R5 but have been shifted to accommodate the larger dual memory card slot. The menu dial has been changed from up, down, left, and right, arrows to the same spin dial as the EOS-1D X Mark III, which will provide faster navigation. 

Canon also added a separate Q menu button and magnifying button. This is a welcomed change as accessing the menu will be easier no matter how you grip the camera. Plus, if the magnifying button is customizable, it's in a prime spot for your most used function. 

Eosr5_back

The newest addition to the EOS R5 is the rate button that has an image of a mic below it. The EOS-1D X Mark III has a similarly designed button with a key on it that allows you to quickly protect images and add a voice memo to images. Purely speculation, but the rate button could function in the same manner. Instead of protecting images, it switches between 8K and 4K modes as well as frame rates. And it could also very well act as a voice memo for images or video. Imagine being able to add a voice memo after a good or bad take on set. Could save you valuable time in post. 

Top View

Eosr_r5_top

As for the top view, nothing seems to have changed. The same mode button and menu dial are featured. The EOS R5 also has the lock, record, M-fn, and light buttons found on the EOS R. The top wheel and shutter button are in the same place as well. However, the overall form factor of the camera has seemed to have changed. The EOS R5 looks to be slightly bigger which may improve the handling experience depending on what side of the fence you are on.

Left/Right Side

Eosr_r5_left

The left side of the EOS R5 sees changes as well. Canon flip-flopped the flash sync with the microphone and headphone jack and raised the position of the USB and HMDI port. This is a good move, especially when it comes to the microphone input. One of the downfalls of the EOS R when using an external cold shoe mic was that the chord would block the LCD screen when it was flipped towards the front. It's an issue all cameras face with similar setups. While placing the input higher won't fully fix the problem, it could clear up some of the clutter. The right side of the camera is virtually unscathed with the exception of a larger memory card door. 

Front View

Eosr_r5_top2

Looking at the front, you can start to see differences in design. The EOS R5 has smoother edges than the EOS R and a slightly different handgrip. Also, news on the EOS R5 is the self-timer lamp (in red), and what appears to be a front shutter button (in blue). What's interesting is what's hiding beneath the yellow enclosure.

It's circular in shape which could make it a second multi-function button. The move would be a similar design to the EOS-1D X Mark III, but would that be overkill on the smaller body? It's very unlikely to be a professional TA3 input for audio as it's in an odd spot because of cabling issues. So it's most likely a second multi-function, but with Canon, you never know. 

So, what do you think of the Canon's EOS R5 body? Let us know in the comments below.