Canon’s long-awaited EOS R1 and R5 Mark II have eye-controlled autofocus

Canon’s new EOS R5 Mark II and EOS R1 cameras both have better autofocus performance than their predecessors, with computations powered by a new Digic X processor. That includes a Digic Accelerator that is behind a new Dual Pixel Intelligent AF autofocus system capable of body, joint, and head area estimation, as well as focusing on people other than the subject.

Both cameras share much-needed upgrades, like backside illuminated sensors with faster readouts and Canon’s unique eye-controlled autofocus, which was only available in the R3. Also, one of the most requested features for filmmakers, support for Canon Log 2 color profile, is now included.

The R5 Mark II is Canon’s sweet spot for people shooting both photos and video, upgrading the full-frame mirrorless and 8K video-shooting R5 that launched in 2020. The Mark II includes a new stacked sensor (still 45 megapixels) and a faster Digic X processor, all helping it achieve a quicker 30fps capturing speed compared to 20fps in the previous model.

In its first impressions of the new camera, PetaPixel said the R5 II “promises a more compelling blend of image quality and speed” than Sony’s A7R V, despite the latter having more megapixels. The publication also praised the R5 II’s video abilities with “a waveform monitor, zebra display, four-channel audio, and HDR video.”

Canon’s other new release is the all-new R1, which is intended as the new go-to camera for photojournalists who prioritize performance. It includes a stacked 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, along with the Digic X processor, helping it achieve 40fps image shooting speeds and giving it better resistance to rolling shutter distortions. Despite the focus on still images, it can still record 4K footage and even 6K RAW video.