Canon EOS R5 II - Exploring New Zealand
New Zealand - a country full of contrasts, from snow-capped peaks to dense rainforests, from golden beaches to majestic fjords. As a photographer, it is a dream destination, but also a challenge. You need equipment that is versatile, robust and precise. With the new Canon EOS R5 II, I took on this challenge and quickly realized it during my trip: This camera is more than a tool - it is an extension of my creative vision. In this experience report, I would like to highlight the most important new features of the R5 Mark II, but also discuss the proven strengths of the EOS R5, which fortunately have remained.
Photo: Evolumina1. The innovations of the Canon EOS R5 II - A big step forward
1.1 A sensor that brings every moment to life
The R5 Mark II has a new 45 megapixel sensor that offers significantly improved light sensitivity and an extended dynamic range. This was particularly impressive when I photographed the sunrise over the Southern Alps. The camera captured every detail in the snow-covered peaks as the first rays of sunlight bathed the landscape in a golden glow.
Even in the most difficult lighting conditions - such as in the dense fog of Milford Sound - I was impressed by the camera's ability to depict fine transitions between light and shadow. The extended dynamic range makes it possible to capture scenes exactly as the eye perceives them, without losing details in the shadows or highlights.
Photo: Evolumina
Photo: Evolumina1.2 A viewfinder that surpasses reality
The new electronic viewfinder of the R5 Mark II is not only larger, but also more realistic than ever before. While looking through the viewfinder, I often felt like I was looking directly at the scene without a camera in between. Whether tracking a kea in the New Zealand Alps or watching seals on Wharariki Beach, the viewfinder made it easy to stay in the moment and focus on what was important.
1.3 An autofocus that thinks for itself
Canon has further developed the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system and added AI support. The camera not only recognizes people and animals, but even vehicles, planes and insects. I was particularly impressed by the camera's ability to precisely track the eyes of animals, even when they are moving. Anyone traveling in New Zealand hopes to find and photograph keas in the Southern Alps. The curious birds show little timidity and are extremely inquisitive, which makes photographing them somewhat difficult at times. The seals on Wharariki Beach in the north of the South Island are also playful and rarely sit still in one place. Nevertheless, the camera kept the focus precisely on the animals' eyes - and that in difficult lighting conditions just before sunset or in strong backlighting. The camera feels like an assistant that knows exactly what is important and what you want to photograph.
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Canon EOS R5 Mark II Body
- 45 megapixel stacked BSI sensor
- CMOS full-frame sensor
- Continuous shooting up to 30 fps
- Dual Pixel Intelligent AF
- 8K RAW video up to 60p
- DIGIC Accelerator + DIGIC X
- 0.5 inch OLED electronic color viewfinder
Photo: Evolumina1.4 Improved layout for more creativity
Canon has redesigned the layout of the controls and, in particular, improved the switching between photo and video mode. With a simple press of a button, I was able to switch from a photo of a daring surfer to a video. This intuitive operation gave me the freedom to work more spontaneously and tell my stories in different ways.
1.5 videos that captivate
The 8K RAW functionality with up to 60 fps is a highlight for videographers, but also for photographers like me who occasionally record videos and publish them as reels on Instagram, for example. It is now possible to film longer and numerous sequences without the camera overheating. The new C-Log profiles offer the flexibility to perfectly coordinate each shot in post-production.
1.6 Robustness in any weather
New Zealand is known for its changeable weather - rain, storms and sunshine can follow each other in a matter of hours. The weatherproof construction of the R5 Mark II has proven to be indispensable. Even heavy rain in Fiordland was no match for the camera, and it performed reliably in the cold heights of the Southern Alps without any loss of performance.
1.7 Stabilizer for handheld freedom
The R5 Mark II's IBIS is a real highlight. When shooting in difficult lighting conditions, I was able to take significantly longer exposures than before and the results are sharp and blur-free. This stability opens up completely new possibilities, especially for travel photographers who often travel with light luggage or for me personally, who just generally doesn't like taking photos with a tripod and prefers to remain more flexible.
Photo: Evolumina2. Proven strengths of the Canon EOS R5 - What remains and why it's good
2.1 A robust body for every challenge
The body of the R5 Mark II is just as robust as that of the EOS R5. It fits perfectly in the hand, has a high-quality feel and is completely weatherproof. Whether I was out and about in the sandstorms of the West Coast or in the humid rainforests of the North Island, the camera withstood everything. This reliability gives you the confidence to concentrate fully on your photography.
2.2 Image quality that sets standards
The EOS R5 was already known for its outstanding image quality, and the R5 Mark II continues this tradition. Colors are vivid and authentic, sharpness is impressive, and image noise remains minimal even at high ISO values. This was particularly impressive when shooting in the early morning hours, when the light was still low but the colors were captured accurately.
2.3 Dual storage system for flexibility
The ability to use CFexpress and SD cards simultaneously is retained and is a real plus point. RAW files on one card and JPEGs on the other - this function is practical and gives me additional security when I'm out and about in remote locations. At the same time, I also need to be able to access a specific photo quickly.
2.4 A battery that lasts longer
Canon has improved the battery life of the R5 Mark II, and it's clearly noticeable. Even after a long day of shooting, I didn't run the battery down completely!
Photo: Evolumina
Photo: Evolumina3. Who is the Canon EOS R5 Mark II suitable for?
3.1 For nature photographers
The R5 Mark II is the ideal choice for nature photographers who demand maximum precision and robustness. From animal portraits to epic landscapes - the camera is an absolute all-rounder.
3.2 For travelers and adventurers
Thanks to its improved battery life, robust design and impressive video features, the camera is perfect for travelers who want to tell stories in pictures and videos.
3.3 For filmmakers
The 8K video quality and optimized C-Log profiles also make the camera a powerful tool for ambitious videographers.
Photo: Evolumina6. Conclusion: A camera that inspires
The Canon EOS R5 II is not a revolution - and that's a good thing. It builds on the proven strengths of the EOS R5 and improves it in almost every area. The new features in particular, such as the larger viewfinder, improved autofocus and enhanced weather resistance, make it a tool that not only impresses technically, but also encourages creativity.New Zealand was a trip full of discoveries and challenges for me, and the R5 Mark II was a faithful companion. It helped me to capture moments that I will never forget - and that's exactly what a camera should do.
Would you like to find out more about the Canon EOS R5 II?
Take a look at our hands-on video and the livestream of the Canon EOS R5 II and R1 with photographer Silke an Mey.
About Evolumina
"I'm Marcel, a photographer from Bochum, who focuses mainly on the topic of tourism.
So I work on photo projects for and with destinations, tourist offices, tour operators and other players in this field.
I picked up my first camera 13 years ago and have been doing it full-time for 7 years now, which fortunately means I get around the world well." - Marcel Lesch
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