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The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is 2024’s prime underwater digicam for underwater images. It represents a big improve over the unique Canon EOS R5 which has reigned because the world’s hottest underwater digicam for the final 4 years. The R5 Mark II encompasses a 45 megapixel full-frame sensor with extraordinarily quick readout speeds permitting for minimal rolling shutter and a quick burst charge of 30 fps in digital shutter mode. The digicam’s digital shutter is appropriate with underwater strobes making it an underwater motion powerhouse. And the Digic X processor has additionally been mixed with Digic accelerator co-processor utilized by a brand new, state-of-the-art autofocus system able to ignoring pesky photobombers that may trick the autofocus monitoring mode. However maybe most significantly, there have been important upgrades to the Canon R5 Mark II’s video options together with the potential of filming 8K, 60 frames per second RAW video. As quickly as this digicam was introduced, we knew we needed to get within the water instantly and we did! This full evaluate of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II was filmed and photographed in one of the best chilly water diving vacation spot on the planet — Port Hardy, British Columbia, Canada. We spent a incredible week with UB Diving and witnessing pure wonders starting from a number of pods of Orcas to hooded nudibranchs and playful stellar sea lions. Every underwater photographic scenario introduced its personal distinctive challenges. After dozens of dives with the digicam – there’s little question about it — the Canon EOS R5 is supplied for any underwater capturing scenario. A hooded nudibranch photographed with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II in an Ikelite Housing with the Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens and twin Ikelite DS 230 strobes. This picture exhibits the unimaginable dynamic vary and element that the 45-megapixel sensor is able to. | f/22, 1/160, ISO 100 Is It Time to Take the Plunge? For DSLR holdouts nonetheless clutching their Canon 5D Mark IV’s, the swap to the R5 Mark II is a no brainer. It’s like buying and selling your trusty snorkel for state-of-the-art scuba gear. Nonetheless, present Canon R5 customers would possibly have to weigh their choices rigorously. The choice largely hinges on the autofocus enhancements and 8K/60p video recording. If you happen to’re continuously chasing swift pelagics or elusive macro topics, the upgraded monitoring system could possibly be your ticket to capturing that good shot. Sooner video recording body charges can help you stabilize even the biggest 8K file.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II Specs Reducing-edge 45 megapixel full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor RF lens mount appropriate with RF and EF lenses (with the EF-EOS R adapter) Superior DIGIC X processor with DIGIC Accelerator co-processor for lightning-fast efficiency Blazing 30fps RAW burst capturing in digital shutter mode 1/250 mechanical flash sync pace with strobes, 1/160 digital flash sync pace with strobes Revolutionary Twin Pixel Clever AF and AF modes: Motion Precedence, enhanced Canon Eye Management AF Upgraded In-Physique Picture Stabilization for sharper photographs — as much as 8.5 stops of correction Gorgeous 8K/60p and 4K/120p video recording capabilities Skilled-grade RAW and C-Log2 Recording functionality Twin card slots: CFexpress Kind B and UHS-II for ample storage Crystal-clear 5.76 million dot OLED digital viewfinder Lengthy-lasting LP-E6P battery with improved energy output Compact dimensions: 138.5mm x 101.2 mm x 93.5mm Light-weight construct: 746 grams This chilly water reef scene was captured utilizing the Canon EOS R5 Mark II in very low mild. Canon EOS R5 Mark II vs Canon EOS R5: What’s New Below the Floor? The Canon R5 Mark II shares DNA with its predecessor, nevertheless it’s advanced to fulfill the calls for of underwater imaging. Each cameras boast a forty five megapixel sensor with comparable dimensions and controls, making certain a well-recognized really feel for R5 customers. Nonetheless, the refined physique variations require a model new underwater housing for the Canon R5 Mark II for many manufacturers. Ikelite, being the exception, provides an improve package for the unique Canon EOS R5 housing. The Canon R5 Mark II and the brand new Ikelite R5 Mark II housing within the area. So, what’s actually new? The R5 Mark II has a brand new stacked sensor with quicker readout speeds, enhanced burst capturing, a revolutionary autofocus system, eye motion management AF, quicker 8K video body charges, and professional-grade C-Log2 recording. Whereas the unique R5’s autofocus is already spectacular, the R5 Mark II goals to set a brand new customary. For videographers not already utilizing the Canon EOS R5 C, the R5 Mark II’s specs are actually attractive. Nonetheless, the R5 C would possibly nonetheless maintain attraction for some, relying on whether or not new R5 Mark II underwater housings will likely be appropriate with the cooling battery grip — a compatibility we suspect is unlikely.
Diving into the Canon EOS R5 Mark II’s Key Options Stacked Sensor: Sooner Readout Speeds for Sooner Burst Capturing and Lowered Rolling Shutter The brand new buzzword in underwater images is “quicker readout speeds”, particularly after Sony’s groundbreaking announcement of the primary world shutter within the Sony a9 III. However what does a “quicker readout pace” truly imply? Basically, it signifies that the engineers at Canon have re-engineered the sensor to course of picture information from every pixel nearly instantaneously. This considerably reduces rolling shutter results leading to crisper pictures of quick-moving marine life and smoother video footage with out the “jello impact.” A stacked sensor additionally permits a powerful 30 fps RAW burst capturing with the digital shutter. An digital shutter means the R5 Mark II’s sensor data picture information for a given size of time quite than mechanically poducing the impact with a bodily shutter. Whereas many underwater photographers utilizing strobes could not want such excessive burst speeds, the R5 Mark II can sync with strobes in digital shutter mode (albeit at a 1/160s sync pace). Paired with fast-recycling strobes just like the Ikelite DS230s, Sea & Sea YS-D3 Duos, or Marelux Apollo IIIs, you’ll be able to seize split-second underwater moments in difficult low-light situations that require lowered strobe powers and better burst speeds. That mentioned, throughout most of our dives we determined to not use the digital shutter because of the 1/160s sync pace limitation. With the mechanical shutter, you possibly can captured higher sunballs with extra particulars with the next sync pace of 1/250s. 12 frames per second with the mechanical shutter is greater than sufficient pace even with the quickest underwater strobes. It’s value noting that, like different stacked sensor cameras (e.g., Nikon Z8 or Z6 III), there’s a slight trade-off in dynamic vary. Preliminary assessments by PetaPixel confirmed some elevated noise in comparison with the unique R5. For underwater shooters ceaselessly capturing excessive dynamic vary scenes (like wide-angle sunburst photographs), this may be a consideration. Nonetheless, for many underwater functions, the advantages outweigh this minor disadvantage. As you possibly can see from our underwater pictures there’s loads of dynamic vary to go round. We’ve got loads of particulars in our pictures with straightforward spotlight and shadow restoration in submit processing. A quick shutter pace was important for capturing pictures of sea lions throughout our dives, so we opted to make use of the mechanical shutter more often than not. | 1/160, f/13, ISO 640 Revolutionizing Underwater Autofocus Canon has doubtlessly created the world’s most superior autofocus system with the R5 Mark II. Constructing on their already glorious Twin Pixel Autofocus, Canon has launched game-changing capabilities. Most notably, the R5 Mark II can keep focus in your chosen topic even when one other object briefly passes in entrance of it – a typical incidence in bustling underwater environments. Throughout our underwater assessments, we did discover it was simpler to maintain give attention to a single topic. Particularly once we had a number of sea lions passing in entrance of the digicam. That is an particularly helpful function when photographing massive colleges of fish or in turbulent water with a variety of particulates. Is it value an improve from the Canon EOS R5? It’s laborious to inform. If autofocus is the crux of why you think about a digicam, then there isn’t any higher digicam than the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. When specializing in static topics utilizing autofocus monitoring the Canon R5 Mark II was not “distracted” by dive bombing sea lions. | f/16, 1/13, ISO 1000
8K Video Enhancements and New Recording Choices Constructing on the groundbreaking 8K video capabilities of its predecessor, the R5 Mark II takes issues up a notch. It now provides 8K video recording at as much as 60 frames per second, matching the efficiency of the Nikon Z8 and Z9. Extra notably, the Canon R5 Mark II offers higher handbook white stability at depth than the Nikon Z8 and Z9 — however with a extra irritating workflow than the Sony a1. This could possibly be a significant consideration for a lot of underwater video shooters with Sony cameras nonetheless reigning supreme for videographers that primarily use handbook white stability. With improved in-body picture stabilization and better body charges, capturing easy handheld underwater footage is breeze. Simply check out our footage – all of it was hand-held! Whereas 8K shows are nonetheless comparatively uncommon, this decision permits macro videographers to crop considerably to 4K, offering extra attain and extra b-roll choices. Now that the R5 II provides 60 fps filming at 8K, cropped footage can be slowed down significantly for added stabilization. For these looking for to seize ultra-slow-motion footage of quick-moving marine life, the digicam additionally boasts 4K recording at as much as 120 frames per second – a body charge and determination that’s more and more turning into important in trendy cameras. The R5 II expands its video capabilities with RAW video recording and a brand new C-Log2 profile. Logarithmic profiles seize extra element in highlights and shadows, providing higher dynamic vary and suppleness in post-production. Whereas RAW video may be overkill for many customers exterior {of professional} productions, the C-Log2 profile is an thrilling addition that many fanatic underwater videographers will admire. Check out our pattern underwater video footage beneath. Total we had been fairly impressed with the Canon R5 Mark II. It has glorious built-in colour rendering, and the brand new autofocus system is spectacular. We didn’t use handbook focus as soon as throughout our assessments and as an alternative selected to maintain our autofocus on. You possibly can see in a single clip of browning wall that the digicam did lose focus for a second in turbid water which was maybe the one time the digicam didn’t reside as much as our expectations. Addressing Overheating Considerations The unique Canon EOS R5 confronted criticism for restricted recording occasions at excessive body charges and resolutions resulting from overheating. Our preliminary assessments confirmed the digicam lasting about 20 minutes at 8K and 4K/120p earlier than shutting down. Subsequent firmware updates considerably improved this efficiency, and the Canon R5C design eradicated these points completely. The R5 Mark II introduces a cooling accent grip, nevertheless it’s unclear if any underwater housings will likely be appropriate with this add-on. At the moment, it appears as if the cooling grip is just not appropriate. Some housing producers, like Marelux are creating bigger digicam trays to assist with warmth dissipation. However we’ll have to do further assessments as extra housings come out to see simply how unhealthy the overheating difficulty is. For our chilly water dives, we by no means obtained a warmth warning. However many of the filming we did was 4K/60p. Canon EOS R5 Mark II Underwater Housings Given the recognition of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, we count on all main housing producers to finally launch appropriate choices. Marelux, Seacam, and Nauticam all have began transport anodized aluminum Canon EOS R5 Mark II housings. Ikelite and Aquatech provide extra reasonably priced polycarbonate choices. We do hope to see Isotta and Aquatica housing choices obtainable quickly! For our evaluate of the R5 Mark II, we determined to make use of an Ikelite EOS R5 Mark II housing. Learn on to see our ideas on every housing that’s at present obtainable for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II.
Nauticam Canon EOS R5 Mark II Underwater Housing — $5,008 The Nauticam Canon EOS R5 Mark II housing is a excessive finish anodized aluminum housing able to full management of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. We advocate this housing for underwater shooters that wish to make use of Nauticam’s specialty underwater optics just like the Fisheye Conversion Port, or the EMWL. Ikelite Canon EOS R5 Mark II Underwater Housing — $1,995 The Ikelite Canon R5 Mark II underwater housing is ideal for these trying to put money into excessive finish Ikelite DS 230 strobes and use it with Ikelite’s state-of-the-art TTL. In spite of everything, underwater lighting and lenses is what actually impacts picture high quality — not the housing. We used the DS 230 strobes for our evaluate and it introduced out unimaginable underwater colours and particulars from our topics. Mixed with an Ikelite TTL converter, you’ll get correct exposures on the vast majority of the photographs you’re taking. It undoubtedly improved our “hit charge” than adjusting the strobes manually. The Ikelite Canon R5 Mark II housing provides full management of the R5 Mark II with mild underwater trim. Marelux Canon EOS R5 Mark II Underwater Housing — $3,398 Marelux is thought for being on the forefront of innovation in underwater images. They persistently make prime quality housings with glorious ergonomics and compatibility with a variety of lenses. Lots of Marelux’s devices are distinctive within the underwater digicam world, together with a “sensible” magnified viewfinder, and a wi-fi strobe controller for the Apollo III strobes. Seacam Canon R5 Mark II Underwater Housing — $5,999
Seacam housings are the “Rolls Royce” of underwater digicam housings. If you happen to want good trim and a velvet inside, this housing is the one for you. Aquatech Canon EOS R5 Mark II Edge Professional Water Housing — $1,895 That is our housing of selection for snorkelers and surfers! Aquatech is the main model for underwater surf images. The housing is rated to 10m (30 ft) and is an reasonably priced technique to get your R5 Mark II within the water to {photograph} watersports, waves, and snorkeling. Canon EOS R5 Mark II Underwater Lenses Macro Macro lenses are important for capturing detailed pictures of small underwater topics, usually these golf ball-sized or smaller. These are our favourite Canon lenses for macro images. Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM: This lens is right for photographing small, shy topics resulting from its longer working distance. It’s additionally an important instrument for supermacro images when paired with a macro diopter. The RF model outperforms its EF counterpart, providing further magnification with a supermacro 1.4:1 ratio. Whereas it encompasses a spherical aberration management ring, we don’t advocate utilizing this underwater because it creates a smooth impact. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS (with EF-EOS R Adapter): This versatile macro lens is great for small, elusive topics due to its longer working distance. When mixed with a macro diopter, it’s good for supermacro images. Canon RF 85mm f/2.8 Macro Lens: Whereas this lens appears promising on paper and comes at a pretty worth level, its autofocus efficiency underwater is severely restricted resulting from its extraordinarily slow-moving focusing barrel.
Seastar pores and skin photographed with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and the Canon RF100mm Macro Lens Beneficial Moist Diopters Nauticam Tremendous Macro Converter: The Nauticam SMC-1 is a top-tier moist diopter for capturing razor-sharp macro and tremendous macro pictures. Its energy and readability make it a favourite amongst tremendous macro lovers, particularly when used with the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. Kraken +13 Diopter and Weefine +13 Diopter: These diopters provide high quality similar to the Nauticam SMC at a extra budget-friendly worth. They supply glorious supermacro capabilities with out being overly difficult to make use of. For the final word in magnification, think about the Kraken +23 or Weefine +23, although these could be extra demanding to grasp. Bluewater +7 Diopter: For underwater photographers simply beginning out, we extremely advocate the Bluewater +7 diopter. Whereas it doesn’t provide as a lot magnification as different choices on this record, it pairs excellently with mid-range “package” lenses and the Canon 100mm macro lens for enhanced close-up capabilities. For a complete overview of underwater macro moist lenses, try our detailed information. Large-Angle Fisheye Fisheye lenses for wide-angle photographs present an extremely broad area of view. Not like their rectilinear counterparts, these lenses can focus a lot nearer to topics however could introduce barrel distortion on the picture edges. Curiously, this distortion is much less noticeable underwater resulting from mild refraction. Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L round fisheye (with EF-EOS R Adapter): This lens is the best choice for full-frame fisheye images. At 8mm, it creates a singular round fisheye impact with self-vignetting. For conventional fisheye pictures with out vignetting, merely zoom to 15mm to seize beautiful ultra-wide angle photographs.
Rectilinear Large-Angle Rectilinear wide-angle lenses keep a broad area of view with out the distortion typical of fisheye lenses. They’re ultimate for photographing massive marine life like sharks and capturing expansive reef landscapes, typically permitting nearer zooming to topics. Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM: That is our prime choose for rectilinear wide-angle images with EOS R sequence mirrorless cameras. Because of the RF mount’s lowered flange distance, this lens delivers distinctive nook sharpness for a rectilinear lens. Be aware that it does produce some vignetting at 14mm, so it’s greatest used as a “16-35mm” equal. Underwater photographers usually use rectilinear wide-angle lenses for topics which are too distant to fill the body with a fisheye lens, equivalent to sharks, whales, sea lions, and dolphins. Canon EF 16-35 f/2.8 III Extremely-Large Zoom lens (with EF-EOS R Adapter): This lens is a superb selection for these new to wide-angle images with out strict finances constraints. It’s significantly helpful for capturing pictures of bigger marine life that may’t be approached carefully sufficient for fisheye lenses, together with sharks, whales, sea lions, and dolphins. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II Large-Angle Lens (with EF-EOS R Adapter): This lens has been the go-to rectilinear wide-angle choice for Canon full-frame cameras. It has led the pack in recent times for nook sharpness, pace, and worth, although this will change as extra photographers go for the model III. Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L Extremely Large-Angle Lens (with EF-EOS R Adapter): If you happen to’re after the widest doable lens, the Canon 11-24mm provides an extremely broad area of view. It’s good for expansive reef scenes, massive shipwrecks, and ultra-wide photographs the place fisheye distortion isn’t desired. Nonetheless, it’s bigger, heavier, and pricier than different wide-angle choices. A detailed focus huge angle reef scene photographed with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and the Canon 8-15mm EF Fisheye lens with the Canon EF-EOS R adapter. Who Ought to Contemplate the Canon R5 Mark II? If you happen to’re simply beginning out and need one of the best digicam in the marketplace for underwater picture and video, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is our prime suggestion. It’s a digicam that’s ultimate for photographers looking for probably the most superior autofocus monitoring system obtainable. Throughout our underwater assessments, we discovered that these new enhancements permit the digicam to disregard potential distractions, focusing solely in your supposed topic. We personally suppose the R5 Mark II has a greater autofocus system than even the Sony a7R V and Nikon Z8. However there’s a slender margin between Sony and Canon. The margin is wider when in comparison with Nikon.
For videographers demanding distinctive decision at excessive body charges, the R5 Mark II delivers. Whereas 4K at 120 fps satisfies many, the addition of 8K video as much as 60 fps is especially useful for underwater shooters, placing this digicam on par with the Nikon Z8 and Z9. Furthermore, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II provides one of the best mixture of handbook white stability capabilities, decision, and body charges in the marketplace. In the end, the Canon R5 Mark II is for individuals who demand one of the best that Canon has to supply. Whereas Canon could have supposed the EOS R1 to be their flagship mannequin, the R5 Mark II actually takes that crown. At $4,299, it provides flagship-level options at a aggressive worth level. A juvenile wolf eel captured with the Canon EOS r5 Mark II. f/25, 1/160, ISO 200 Remaining Ideas The Canon EOS R5 Mark II continues the pattern of lightning-fast sensor readouts from business leaders Sony, Nikon, and Canon. The brand new stacked sensor and fast readout speeds allow capturing as much as 30 frames per second in RAW format with strobes utilizing the digital shutter. The dynamic vary trade-off for the R5 Mark II proved to be minimal throughout our underwater assessments. Maybe probably the most thrilling function of the Canon R5 Mark II is its cutting-edge autofocus monitoring system. It stands out with its skill to disregard potential distractions, sustaining focus in your supposed topic. For underwater images, this function alone may be sufficient to persuade hesitant photographers to make the swap to the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. Stunning dynamic vary and particulars captured with the Canon R5 Mark II. | 1/250, f.22, ISO 100 As a video powerhouse, the Canon R5 Mark II boasts spectacular options, together with a brand new C-Log2 profile and 8K video as much as 60fps. Whereas present Canon R5C customers won’t rush to change, it’s a big improve from the unique R5. The potential disadvantage of the R5 Mark II for underwater video is the propensity to overheat. We’ve got not but totally examined what these limitations are. Nonetheless, in our underwater video capturing, we by no means ran right into a warmth warning on chilly water dives.
Total, we expect that the Canon EOS R5 Mark II reigns supreme as 2024’s prime underwater digicam for picture and video. Whereas Sony will possible are available in with a formidable competitor quickly, the R5 Mark II will stay in style amongst underwater photographers for years to return. Picture credit: All pictures by Nirupam Nigam. This evaluate, written by Nirupan Nigam, was initially printed on Bluewater Photograph. In regards to the creator: Nirupam Nigam is a passionate underwater photographer and the world’s main professional in underwater picture and video gear. Nirupam carries the distinctive distinction of getting shot extra trendy digicam fashions underwater than anybody else on Earth: 47 and counting! As president of Bluewater Photograph, his deep technical information varieties the idea of our underwater digicam critiques and proposals to our prospects. Whereas rising up in Southern California, Nirupam went snorkeling for the primary time and was captivated by the cathedral of sunshine discovered on the kelp forest cover. He started his journey as an underwater photographer on the age of 15 whereas testing underwater picture gear as an intern at Bluewater Photograph and as a deckhand on the Spectre Dive Boat. Nirupam obtained levels in Aquatic and Fisheries Science, Normal Biology, and Arctic research from the College of Washington. After faculty he spent just a few years as a fisheries observer on fishing vessels within the Bering Sea and North Pacific, gathering information for NOAA. This supplied him the chance to journey to and dive in dozens of nations between contracts. After getting married, he determined it was time to choose land and in 2017 took over because the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Pictures Information — the world’s largest on-line useful resource for underwater photographers. On the Underwater Pictures Information, Nirupam critiques dozens of cameras, underwater strobes, digicam equipment, housings, and every other gadget and gizmo conceivable. Nirupam additionally organizes Ocean Artwork, the world’s most prestigious underwater picture contest. In 2020, whereas the pandemic was in full swing, Nirupam developed Bluewater College to assist budding photographers take on-line lessons in underwater images and video. You will get in contact with him at [email protected] and thru his web site www.photosfromthesea.com. Remember to be a part of him on considered one of underwater photoworkshops he leads with Bluewater Journey.
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