Canon EOS R1 and R5 Mark II: Leaked high-res renders reveal design details ahead of July 17 launch

Canon’s highly anticipated EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II mirrorless cameras are set to officially launch on July 17, 2024. Reliable leaks have been fairly scarce so far, but recent high-resolution images offer the clearest look at the cameras’ design yet.

The leaked images show both cameras, with the EOS R5 Mark II notably featuring a removable active cooling grip. While specifications remain unconfirmed by Canon, previous rumors suggest the EOS R5 Mark II will feature a 45-megapixel stacked sensor, an improved electronic viewfinder, and upgrades in the autofocus and video departments, including 8K video recording at 60fps (up from 8K at 30fps on the R5).

While the leaked image of the EOS R1 only reveals the back of the camera, it gives us one crucial piece of information: Canon’s flagship model won’t look like the R5 Mark II. Concrete details about the R1 aren’t available at the moment, but it’s expected to be significantly better than the R5 Mark II in terms of performance. Past leaks have suggested that the EOS R1 could feature a fast 30MP sensor with a rolling electronic shutter. The company posted the EOS R1 trailer on YouTube 2 months ago.

If you’re currently using the Canon EOS R5 (currently on sale for $2,899 at Amazon), the leaked specs for the Mark II suggest some interesting upgrades. The 45-megapixel stacked sensor could offer improved image quality, especially in low-light situations. The faster burst speeds and better autofocus would benefit professional photographers and videographers who need high-speed capture. However, for more casual users, the current R5 would still be a capable camera.

With the official announcement imminent, those interested won’t have to wait too long. Canon will host a livestream presentation on July 17 at 12:00 CEST/6:00 EDT to unveil the new cameras and possibly confirm pricing and shipping information.