SBDaryl Loc: Santa Barbara, CA, USA

I take adoption photos for a local no-kill cat and kitten rescue. The shoots take place indoors, usually in the felines’ enclosures where they feel the most comfortable. These pens are about 3-1/2 feet wide, 8 feet deep, and 8 feet high, with a variety of cat trees, ramps, and sleeping shelves at different heights. Lighting can vary from bright, diffuse sunlight near the windows and doors to shadowy in places.

For the last two years, I’ve been using a Canon 5D Mark IV for these sessions, and it has performed admirably. It’s a great indoor camera, and it has felt like an extension of my hand and eye from the start. (I’d previously used a 7D and a 90D.) I always said that I would probably never own anything better, and I was quite happy to believe that. Then came the R5.

I debated long and hard over that R5, lured by its animal eye AF capability, in-body image stabilization (since I’m not getting younger or steadier), and its articulating rear screen. But would it really be worth buying the R5 when I was so happy with my 5D? I didn’t really need the extra megapixels since I don’t do any large format printing. Most of my photos are shared in social media.

I decided to give it a try anyway.

I had my first cat/kitten shoot with it yesterday, and – wow! Yeah, it was worth it.

The animal eye AF was magical. It left me much freer to concentrate on composition and, coupled with AI Servo mode, took the worry out of tracking the sometimes fast-moving kittens in action while keeping their eyes sharply in focus. When a kitten turned its head and the AF-captured eye disappeared, the camera instantly locked onto the eye that was still in view. It’s not perfect, and I did miss some shots, but not many. My “keeper” ratio was definitely higher with the R5.

The in-body image stabilization, coupled with the IS in the lens, allowed me to shoot at slower shutter speeds, reducing ISO and image noise.

Just as helpful as the animal eye AF was the articulated rear screen. That was a feature I had missed on the 5D and, while I’d compensated as well as I could, having it on the R5 made a big difference. I could shoot kittens at or near floor level without risking my back, and I could photograph the mother cats, who usually prefer to sleep on the highest shelf at arm’s length above my head, without trying to climb on anything.

Would the R5 have been worth the price if I wasn’t doing this kind of photography? In my case, probably not. My other shooting takes place outdoors in daylight – birds, wildlife, and nature photography in general. For that, I have a Sony RX10-IV that does just as good a job with far less weight penalty. (On the 5D and R5, I have to carry a heavy Tamron 150-600 mm lens to get the same reach, at the sacrifice of wide-angle capability).

But for shooting indoors at the cat rescue? Yes, the R5 is better. I’m afraid my beloved 5D is probably facing early retirement.

This image was taken with a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L at 1/250 sec, f/10, 35mm, ISO 4000.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Congratulations!

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Since you didn't have a need for the extra pixels, what was your deciding factor between the R6 and R5? The R6 would do everything you're doing with the R5 but for a lot less $$. Had you considered the R6 at all?

SBDaryl Loc: Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Thank you! And thank you for your input when I asked about the R5 earlier.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Fine shot of a cutie that reminds me of a cat friend of my childhood. No offense, I don't detect anything magical that most high end cameras couldn't do.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The EOS R5 will change how we think about mirrorless, how we think about photography, how we think about life.

Quixdraw Loc: x

SBDaryl Loc: Santa Barbara, CA, USA

That's a fair question.

Before I bought the 5D, I did look at the 6D as well and, even though I have a friend who is very happy with her 6D, I chose the 5D instead. I don't remember the exact reasons now, I'm afraid, except that (not to insult the 6D) I kept thinking of the 6D as a "crippled 5D." If I was going to spend that much money, I wanted the best I could afford.

I took a quick glance at the R6 while considering the R5, but that earlier impression of the 6D had stuck with me. If I was going to replace my 5D, I wanted it to be with the better of the two options, something I would be the happiest with for many years.

Not a totally rational decision, I admit, and definitely not one based upon economics. I'd saved up and could afford the R5 without taking food from the table, so I did.

SBDaryl Loc: Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Not in the image itself, true, but there was definitely a difference in the process of taking it (and others that I did not share).

Quixdraw Loc: x

It is all in what one likes and requires. Have fun with your new toy.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Congratulations, Sweet camera and that DPAF/Eye AF has no peer in the camera world.
Perhaps someday...I will get one.
Amazing shot.

SBDaryl Loc: Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Exactly. Thanks!

SBDaryl Loc: Santa Barbara, CA, USA

The DPAF/Eye AF is amazing. I have to say, though, that it was a little more problematic shooting things like birds outdoors. It was fine when there was a clear view, but was more easily confused than my usual spot AF when there was any background clutter.

trigger finger Loc: Beautiful Polk Co. Fl.

Beautiful shot and I really like the way you're helping those people out! Good job

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Great shot! Few things are as exciting as a new camera.