By James DeRuvo

There’s been talk of a new professional grade mirrorless camera on the horizon from Canon, and it promises to shoot stills at up to 20fps in burst mode, plus 8K 30p video. But is the EOS R-5 the latest in Canon’s new initiative, or just another rumor based on a prototype sighting?

The report comes from Canon Rumors, who has had a pretty good track record of late when leaking information on Canon’s mirrorless line. The EOS R5 is said to have a 45 MP full frame CMOS sensor and in body image stabilization (IBIS) which will fire off up to 20 fps second in burst mode (12fps mechanical, 20fps electronic), and offer up to 8K video at 30 fps. I’m guessing that will translate to 60fps, and even 120 fps in 4K and 1080p HD.

The body also looks to be based on the EOS 5D Mk. IV, as it uses the same batteries. This leads me to wonder if the basic platform is just an upgraded 5D with the mirror taken out in favor of mirrorless circuitry.  Other rumored specs include:

• 45mp full-frame CMOS sensor
• IBIS
  • 5 stops with IBIS alone
  • 7-8 stops of correction when used in concert with Canon’s lens stabilization
• 12fps mechanical, 20fps electronic
• Rear mounted Scroll wheel
• Liveview/Movie toggle like previous EOS DSLRs
• Larger capacityLP-E6 battery
• 8K @ 30fps RAW
• 4K @ 120fps
• 4K @ 60fps
• Built-in 5GHz WiFi
• New battery, but the same shape and compatibility as the EOS 5D Mark IV

No word on pricing, but the EOS R5 is believed to be scheduled for a February announcement, then shipping in July 2020. That could be pretty close as Canon would certainly want to field test the camera at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo and use that as the launching board to hype it. What could shot off the R5 more than rabid sports photographers showing gold medal winning performances as they happen?

Now of course, this is still a rumor, and it was originally rated by CR at low confidence. But after a few back and forth emails with their contacts, they managed to update their specs and list it as “bang on” for accuracy. It could also track with the 8K DSLR that Canon has been testing since last Spring.

Still, rumors are rumors, so let’s wait and see where this one goes. But if Canon’s going to show off an 8K capable mirrorless camera this year, the Olympics is the ideal place to do it.