Canon EOS R5
Manufacturer: Canon Type: Mirrorless camera (full-frame) Year introduced: 2020 (announced July 9, 2020) Sensor: 45MP full-frame CMOS Price: $3,899 (body only) Mount: Canon RF
Overview
The Canon EOS R5 was announced on July 9, 2020, and represented a generational leap in mirrorless camera capability. ([1]) At 45 megapixels with 8K/30p RAW internal video — the first camera to offer this capability — 4K/120p, and 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), it was immediately recognized as a landmark product for both stills and video photographers.
For underwater photographers, the R5’s combination of resolution, video capability, and Canon’s established lens ecosystem made it among the most eagerly anticipated mirrorless cameras since the Sony a7R II in 2015. It triggered what became the largest housing race of the mirrorless era.
Housing race (2020–2021)
The EOS R5 drove simultaneous housing development across every major manufacturer:
| Manufacturer | Housing | Shipped |
|---|---|---|
| Seacam | Seacam EOS R5 | July 2020 |
| Nauticam | NA-R5 ($3,965) | September 2020 |
| Ikelite | Ikelite EOS R5 | 2020 |
| Sea & Sea | MDX-EOS R5 | December 2020 |
| Isotta | Isotta EOS R5 | June 2021 |
| Inon | Inon EOS R5 | October 2021 ([2]) |
The Nauticam NA-R5 shipped in September 2020 at $3,965. ([3])
Key specifications
- Sensor: 45MP full-frame CMOS
- Video: 8K/30p RAW internal (first camera with this capability), 4K/120p, 4K/60p HQ
- Image stabilization: 5-axis IBIS (up to 8 stops combined with IS lenses)
- Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with subject tracking (human, animal, vehicle)
- Burst rate: 12fps mechanical, 20fps electronic
- Price: $3,899
Significance
The R5’s 8K internal RAW video was unprecedented at its price point and made it the first mainstream camera capable of cinema-grade internal recording. Its housing race was notable for the speed with which manufacturers responded — Seacam shipped within weeks of the camera’s availability — reflecting the mature housing infrastructure of the mirrorless era compared to earlier DSLR housing races.
Announced alongside the Canon EOS R6 and a new RF 85mm macro lens. ([4])
Reviews & Discussion
- [5] — announcement coverage. Article (editorial source).
- [6] — housing availability announcement. Article (editorial source).
References
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Jul 9, 2020: Canon Announces Eos R5 And R6 Cameras Along With R Mount 85mm Macro Lens ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 28, 2021: Inon Announces Housing For Canon Eos R5 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2020: Nauticam Ships Na R5 Housing For Eos R5 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 9, 2020: Canon Announces Eos R5 And R6 Cameras Along With R Mount 85mm Macro Lens ↩
- Canon announces EOS R5 and R6 cameras along with R-mount 85mm macro lens (article) ↩
- Nauticam ships NA-R5 housing for EOS R5 (article) ↩
- Canon announces EOS R5 and R6 cameras along with R-mount 85mm macro lens (article) ↩
- Nauticam ships NA-R5 housing for EOS R5 (article) ↩