Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Designing Intrinsic Excellence
What is the "5"? Designing the EOS R5 Mark II began with this question. The "5" series has continually evolved by condensing cutting-edge features into a compact body, a model beloved by a wide range of users, from dedicated hobbyists to professionals. The "5" has been a pioneer in bringing the world of videography to single-lens cameras, an all-purpose camera that meets expectations of excellence in a wide range of situations, seamlessly switching between still images and video. It is truly a "face" of Canon. For many years, the "5" series has incorporated these true values to meet the wishes of all photographers who strive to faithfully capture the energy given off by their subjects.
Beyond Heritage
With the EOS R5 Mark II, updated from the original EOS R5, we needed to embody the evolution of its functions in its design, while retaining the R5's usability, and further improving its handleability. We therefore kept the R5's easy-to-handle size, while refining the button layout and the shape of the buttons, levers, and grip. The exterior design underwent a process of repeated trial and error to suitably combine the solid impression of the "5" series with a gentle impression that makes people comfortable.
Beyond heritage, to new innovations. We tell the development story behind the meticulous and assertive design choices of the "5".
An Approachable User Interface
The area around the front Canon logo features the same V-shaped folds as the flagship EOS R1 model, reflecting a continuity with the R1. However, as the R5 is a different size than the R1, a separate design was necessary. By making the most of the limited space and accentuating edges throughout, we create a sense of durability and refined firmness suitable for a top model.
In contrast to the front, the back is composed of gentle curved surfaces, stemming from a philosophy of "making every part the user encounters as welcoming as possible." We created a gentle flow, starting with the line of the V-shaped ridges, and culminating at user interface points, such as the grip and viewfinder.
A "Solution" at Your Fingertips
A significant difference in the controls from the R5 is the relocation of the power switch from the left shoulder to the right shoulder. This change allows the user to switch between "standby" and "shooting" modes with one hand, improving operability. Rather than only a simple 2-position "on/off" power switch, there's also a middle-position multi-function "lock" setting, to prevent unintended operations. We repeatedly prototyped every detail, including the shape and height of the lever, creating a satisfying touch response for the fingertips, and ensuring accurate and comfortable execution of the intended operations.
Also, the thumb-operated multi-controller, used for selected operations, has been reshaped and slightly tilted to better align with the thumb, allowing easier pressing of its center, up, down, left, and right sections. This reduces thumb travel, making it possible to operate the camera with more natural movements.
On the bottom of the camera body, there is an air intake for the newly added cooling fan system. Although the air intake port makes the camera body broader than that of the R5, the button layout has been minutely adjusted to ensure that the operability and feel of the buttons remain unchanged.
The shape of the grip has also been improved through repeated sub-millimeter corrections to further enhance the excellent grip feeling of the R5. At first glance, it looks the same as the Mark I. But when you pick up and use the Mark II, you notice your fingers land in a subtly smoother way, allowing for a comfortable grip without your fingertips touching unintended areas. We precisely refined the surfaces and contours with these changes to the user experience in mind.
New Symbolism
The R5 Mark II meets Cinema EOS specifications for videography, and is designed for use with professional video production equipment. At the suggestion of the designer, the R5 Mark II includes a tally lamp (also featured on the EOS R1) which indicates when the camera is recording video and also serves as an iconic representation of the presence of a videography device. The practical benefits are significant. The red light, spanning from the front to the top of the camera, clearly and constantly indicates the camera's status for not only the operator, but performers and crew at a distance as well.
What to Change, What not to Change
Unapparent yet distinct advances, and innovations that retain what should be kept. From the outset, this was our design approach and our design challenge. While embodying an essence of the "5" that demonstrates its true worth in any situation, the R5 Mark II reflects new technologies and improves operability without compromising its sense of familiarity. This required a thorough consideration of “what to change and what not to change." The product design of the R5 Mark II is built on countless incremental efforts that embody such thinking.
With the EOS series, which has always emphasized "comfort," any changes to the form or layout must be made with the utmost care. Considerations such as where and how to incorporate bold improvements like relocating the power switch, and subtle refinements like making the button shape slightly rounder. We hope that our uncompromising precision and meticulous craftsmanship will bring “changes” to the minds of photographers, inspiring their creativity.
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A Design That Creates "Change"
"Since joining Canon, I've been in charge of product design for video cameras, including digital cinema cameras and professional video cameras. When designing a camera that's used as one of the tools of the trade, I'm always conscious of features that emphasize usability and bring "positive changes" to the user's mind."
Takashi Mori, Canon Design Center
Art Direction: Hiroshi Goto / Photo: Kei Hayakawa
Canon Design Center
List of Frontline Content
EOS R5 Mark II
EOS R1
