Basil Loc: New Mexico

I recently upgraded from the 5D Mark IV. While I loved the 5DIV (just sold), I decided that I want to move to mirrorless for a few reasons. First, it was clear that the R6/R5 cameras have a much more advanced and accurate AF system. Also, as I do a lot of hand held shooting, I liked the idea of a camera with IBIS. There are some other capabilities of the mirrorless that were attractive too, like the faster shutter speed, electronic shutter, etc.

But I was torn (agonizing is more accurate) between going for the Canon R6 or spending another $1400+ (plus more $$ for CFe cards and a CFe reader) for the R5. Then they came out with the R6 ii (for the same price as the R6) and the calculation got even more interesting.

My biggest concern with the original R6 was having 10MP less compared to the 5D4 and whether the additional MP of the R5 is worth the rather hefty additional expense. But the R6ii, at 24MP, had closer to the MP of the 5D4, while providing even more AF functionality. I felt I could give up a little bit of MP for lot of extra AF capabilities (and IBIS).

I knew that more pixels on the R5 meant I could crop in more and retain IQ, but the price difference is what made me originally decide on the R6ii. I had seen enough reviews of the R6ii and comparisons with the R5 that I was convinced that I'd be more than happy with the R6ii "most of the time."

I actually had a new R6ii with the RF24-105L in my cart at BH and was about to pull the trigger when something made me go back to the R5 page one more time and ponder my decision a bit more. That's when I noticed they had just added a "used" (9+) R5 with the same lens to their R5 page as "other buying options." I don't recall having seen that used R5 there the previous time I was on the R5 page, so I assumed that it had just been added. The price was still more that for the R6ii I had in my cart, but it wasn't as much more (about $450 I think). At that point, I decided I could suck it up and pay another $450, so I deleted the R6ii from my cart and added this used R5. (I knew if I hesitated on the decision that R5 wasn't going to last long at that price)

I am obviously very happy with my R5 (it was in outstanding like-new condition) but I also think I would have been very happy with the "new" R6ii. I don't think I would have regretted that decision had I gone that route. The R6ii actually had a bit more AF functionality compared to the R5, and I really think that 24MP would have been more than enough in all but the most aggressive cropping scenarios. The money I would have saved would have gone a long way towards good glass.

If you think that aggressive cropping is something you would need to do a lot, and if that ability is worth the added cost, then by all means, go for the R5. But the R6ii, by all accounts, is an amazing camera with a tone of features for a lot less money that you could use on good glass.

Good luck on your decision.

MountainDave

I went from a 5D4 to a R5 18 months ago. The biggest benefit by far is the greatly improved AF, eye detect and tracking. The additional megapixels are really a small benefit. I shoot a lot of birds and, yes, I can crop a little more as long as the image is really sharp to begin with. However, image sharpness is often limited by the lens, atmospheric conditions or both. Don't expect miracles. All of your EF lenses will perform better on a R5, some more than others. As far as IQ goes, don't expect a lot. I think the color is better and overall images have a better ambiance, but it is subtle. The 5D4 is already really good. Noise control is a lot better. Often overlooked, however, is the greatly improved dynamic range which will allow you to get better images in challenging lighting conditions. Sony had a big lead in this dept. but the R5 closed the gap. After I used the R5 for a bit, the 5D4 seemed like an outdated lump. The R5 is not just incrementally better, it is a major leap. BTW, there is a rumor that there will soon be a major firmware update that will give the R5 all the latest tracking technology available on the R6 II and others.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some comparisons -

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/canon-eos-r6-ii-vs-eos-r5
https://www.campkinscameras.com/canon/canon-r6ii-vs-r5/
https://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-R6-Mark-II-vs-Canon-EOS-R5
https://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/canon/r5/vs/canon/r6-mark-ii/

MJPerini

I am in a similar situation shooting a 5D4 & 1DS III with lots of lenses. I love all of them but will go to mirrorless probably when the R5 II is released. Just as the R6 II improved on an already Good R6, I suspect the same will be true of the R5 / R5 II and don't mind waiting because I am happy with what I have. I might also wait for the R 1 as I really like the 1 series bodies. But either way, I'll get there.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Update: How about the Amazing Canon EOS R8, 40 Frames/sec, World's Lightest FF Camera, $1499?
New, Good, Bad, Missing: https://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r8.htm#new
Ken Rockwell: https://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r8.htm
J. Polin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt7Z_WjyqyE
Polin's review is amazing.

josquin1 Loc: Massachusetts

I use the R6 and I have had no problem whatsoever printing and cropping my images to 13x19 on my Prograf 300. I think that the R6 II would be even better with its 24mp sensor. Try not to become fixated over the megapixel count. Amazing photos have been taken with just 12 megapixels and printed to large sizes. Good luck.

Bruce T Loc: Michigan

Hi. What are the differences that you use the 5D4 over the R5?

bedwar2626 Loc: Sequim, WA

I'm looking at the exact upgrade. I've been shooting with the 5dMkIV for about 6 years and am ready to move to wireless. I shoot wildlife, especially birds, and like the in-body stabilization, eye focus features, additional ISO and auto-focus zones. Being a mirrorless, it helps with the noise factor while tracking and shooting birds and large predators. The pixels are a bonus. Good luck with the decision!

MountainDave

If you shoot anything that moves, you should be ordering a R5 right now.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

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copladocus

you have waited this long, hold out for the release of the R5 MkII later this year. All you have an much more.

Maik723

Upgraded from 5dm4 to r5 last June. Blown away. Shot me first event last week with the r5 and 24-105mm. The double stabilization was incredible. All shots were dead-on. Focus was fantastic. I had the same question and solicited opinions on this site. But, in the end I decided upgrade and keep the 5dmiv as backup. However, you must remember to still use the 5dmiv every once in awhile or it will get jealous. 🤔

Robdur

Thank you for all the great insights and opinions. I just noticed that the R5 is on sale with a $500.00 savings here in Canada. I am going to go and try it this week . Just wondering if the R5 sale is for a pending R5ii announcement.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

What's that saying??? Sh8t or get off the pot. LOL