Deciding whether to buy a Canon EOS R5 in 2025 means weighing a five-year-old body against newer releases while still needing high-end image quality and strong video performance. Can it still compete?
Coming to you from Gareth Evans with Park Cameras, this clear-cut video looks at how the original Canon EOS R5 performs in day-to-day use rather than treating it as a past-era flagship. Evans starts with the 45-megapixel full frame sensor and shows how its detail gives you flexible cropping without visible drop-off in quality. You see how the fast-reacting autofocus still tracks eyes and subjects in motion with a modern feel. The in-body stabilization stands out in handheld, low-vibration work where you want steadier frames without extra gear. Evans keeps the focus on practical shooting instead of spec-driven arguments.
The video also breaks down the R5 as a video-first tool, which is where your hesitation may sit. Evans demonstrates the 8K raw mode and the 4K 120 fps option to show how they expand slow-motion and editing-room choices. You get a grounded look at when overheating might appear in long-duration or high-demand settings and what that means for continuous recording. Firmware changes that lift thermal limits help, yet Evans stresses that long-form 8K recording still requires planning. The point is to help you judge whether your workflow ever pushes these stress points.
Evans also tackles the real-world friction points that show up after purchase. High-bit-rate footage creates storage-heavy projects, and cards fill up faster than you expect. The R5 uses both a CFexpress Type B card and an SDXC UHS-II card, but unlocking the top-tier video modes requires the CFexpress option, which adds upfront expense. Battery life lands in the workable-but-not-great category, so carrying a spare battery becomes a normal part of any long shoot. Evans also highlights the firmware-added 400-megapixel high-resolution mode and how niche, detail-critical scenarios might benefit from that ultra-dense output.
Evans addresses alternatives such as the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Canon EOS R6 Mark II without pushing a single, one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, he frames the original R5 as a high-resolution, hybrid-friendly body that has dropped to a more reachable price level, especially in the used market. The expanding Canon RF lens lineup adds system-level value, since you now have a wider-range lens catalog than when the R5 launched. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Evans.
No comments yet