Canon raises the bar in videography with EOS R5 and EOS R6

Canon today announced the launch of two brand new full-frame mirrorless cameras under the EOS R lineup: the EOS R5 and EOS R6. Aimed at advanced amateurs and professionals, both cameras are designed to provide a high-quality, high-speed shooting experience. Equipped with a new and improved AF system, fast continuous shooting speed of up to 20 fps and in-body IS, the EOS R5 and EOS R6 also come with dual card slots. 

“We believe that the EOS R5 and EOS R6 will deliver above and beyond video performance for our advanced and professional users with its breakthrough technologies and features. In particular, the EOS R5 is our first full-frame interchangeable-lens camera with the ability to record 8K videos, which is a remarkable achievement within the camera industry,” said Benny Yu, Head of Consumer Imaging and Information Division, Canon Marketing (Philippines).

New Generation Image Sensor – Unparalleled Imaging Performance

With a 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that is approaching medium-format resolution territory, the EOS R5 is able to meet the exacting demands of professionals.  From large-format commercial printing, capturing intricate details in landscape photography, and even intensive cropping frequently required in wildlife photography, the EOS R5 is able to do them all.

Powered by the new DIGIC X image processor, which debuted in the flagship EOS-1DX Mark III, the electronic shutter in both the EOS R5 and EOS R6 is capable of a continuous shooting speed of up to 20fps at full resolution, even with AF and AE tracking. The mechanical shutter is able to shoot at continuous shooting speed of 12fps as well, placing both cameras among the fastest full-frame mirrorless cameras in the market.

The new DIGIC X imaging processor also has vastly improved noise handling capabilities. Despite having 45 million pixels, the EOS R5’s native ISO can go up to an incredible 51,200, with the option to expand to 102,400. Despite having 50% more pixels compared to the EOS R, the EOS R5 performs better in the ISO department. 

The EOS R6 is equipped with a 20-megapixel full-frame sensor, which is inherited from the flagship EOS-1DX Mark III. Sharing the same image sensor and image processor as the EOS-1DX Mark III, the EOS R6 is capable of achieving a native ISO of up to 102,400 (expandable to 204,800). 

Enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF – Face and Animal Detection AF

For years, the high-speed, high-precision Dual Pixel CMOS AF has been the core Auto Focus (AF) technology behind Canon’s best cameras. Designed to provide smooth, high-performance focus tracking in movies and fast autofocus acquisition when shooting still photos, the technology makes capturing a moving subject and retaining sharp focus easily.

With the EOS R5 and EOS R6, this proprietary technology has been upgraded to the next generation by enhancing the image-reading speed of the CMOS sensor. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II coupled with the blazingly fast processing speed of the new DIGIC X imaging processor has brought about several major improvements in auto-focusing capability.

For the first time ever in the EOS lineup, AF coverage area has been expanded to cover the entire sensor (100% x 100%). This means focusing is available on any part of the frame, making focusing on subjects at the far edges a breeze.

Compared to the EOS R, the number of AF points for both cameras during automatic selection has increased sevenfold, to an impressive 1,053 points. Manually selectable AF positions on the EOS R5 is 5,940 while EOS R6 has 6,072, which is 1.5 times more than the EOS-1DX Mark III. With this significant increase, accuracy in AF tracking has improved dramatically.

Face Tracking with Eye Detection AF was first made available in the EOS R and EOS RP. With the new Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, the EOS R5 and EOS R6 can enable AF Priority mode for either people or animals. In addition, the camera is able to recognize not just the body, but the head and eyes of the subjects as well. With these advancements in AF, photographers in demanding fields such as sports and bird photography will benefit tremendously.

Not missing a moment even in the dimly lit situation with EOS R5’s low luminance Auto Focus sensitivity of EV -6 and EOS R6 at EV -6.5—a condition so dark that the human eye would find difficult to see. 

In-body Image Stabilizer & Dual Card Slots

Another first for Canon’s EOS series cameras, both camera bodies of the EOS R5 and EOS R6 incorporate a 5-axis camera-shake blur correction In-Body Image Stabilizer (In-Body IS) function. When used in tandem with an Optical Image Stabilizer (Optical IS)-equipped RF lens, or even with RF lenses that do not have IS, the camera-shake blur reduction is as effective as up to 8-stops decrease in shutter speed.  Users would also gain image stabilization when using EF lenses that do not have Optical IS.  

Both cameras use a new algorithm, made possible by the new imaging engine DIGIC X, to process gyro signal data and achieve higher image stabilization effects. Coordinated control utilizes the image stabilization mechanisms of both the camera and lens, simultaneously. This coordinated control results in an optimized stabilization across the entire zoom range, from wide-angle to telephoto, depending on the lens in use. A key benefit of this feature is that both cameras can handle a wider range of shooting conditions. For example, photographers can now take a handheld shot of 2 seconds exposure using an RF lens with 100mm focal length, and get a sharp image with fluid water motion, without using a tripod.

Despite its compact size, the EOS R5 has two card slots that can accommodate one CFexpress card and one SD memory card. The CFexpress card supports high-speed transfer, allowing the camera to perform continuous shooting of 45-megapixel still images, at up to 20 fps, as well as internal recording of 8K RAW movies (without additional recording equipment). The EOS R6 has two card slots that accommodate both SD memory cards.  

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In-camera 8K video recording – Sharper and more color-accurate videos

The incredible processing power of DIGIC X, coupled with the ultra-fast CFexpress media, enables the EOS R5 to record 8K movies at a smooth 30fps with full sensor readout. Shooting in 8K allows flexibility in cropping during post-production even for 4K delivery, allowing more creative expression through zooming or panning.

In addition, there is an option to record 8K RAW movies internally without any external accessories. The EOS R5 is also capable of recording up to 120fps in 4K as well, a feature that is highly sought after in the industry. A variety of file formats are available, including RAW, H.265 HEVC, and H.264 MP4 in either ALL-I or IPB compression.

The EOS R6 is able to shoot 4K videos at up to 60fps, and slow-motion at 120fps in Full HD, all without crop similar to EOS R5. The beauty is that Dual Pixel CMOS AF will be available in all resolutions and formats for both EOS R5 and EOS R6. All these video features make the cameras great tools for video makers and hybrid shooters.

External monitoring and recording are available via HDMI port at up to 4K 60fps with 10 bit, 4:2:2 for both cameras. For HDR shooting, both cameras have PQ and Canon log features that allow users flexibility in recording and grading for HDR content.

Advanced Wireless Features – Seamless Connectivity 


The EOS R5 houses the most advanced wireless features in any Canon cameras to date. It has native support for both 5GHz and 2.4GHz wireless LAN without the need for any additional accessory, which is a first for a Canon camera. FTP and FTPS data transfer are supported as well. With these connectivity features, photographers can easily transfer image data from the camera to a smart device, PC or even FTP server. If the user requires even faster speeds or SFTP with secured LAN, the optional WFT-R10 is available. It comes with 2×2 MIMO and wired LAN for faster and more stable connections. The EOS R6 supports only the 2.4GHz band but retains the FTP & FTPS functionality.

Both cameras support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and are the first to work fully with the new image.canon cloud platform. Once configured, and with a Wi-Fi connection established, the camera can automatically upload image and video files and store them in the image.canon cloud for up to 30 days with no limit in size. This includes original RAW files and 8K movies as well. Users can even configure image.canon to automatically transfer original image data to various cloud platforms such as Google Photos, Google Drive, or Adobe Creative Cloud.

Intuitive to Handle, Built to Last

Both the EOS R5 and EOS R6 have a magnesium alloy body, as well as dust and drip-proof construction. The camera bodies that are not only lightweight but also prevent dust and water droplets from entering the camera body as well. 

In terms of shutter durability, the EOS R5 has the same 500,000 cycles shutter durability as the EOS-1DX Mark III while the EOS R6 has a 300,000 cycles shutter durability. Additionally, the shutter curtain of both cameras can be configured to either close or remain open when power is off. This is extremely useful as it can prevent dust from entering the sensor chamber during a lens change.

The EOS R5 sports a top LCD panel while EOS R6 has a Mode Dial. The popular Multi-controller and Quick Control Dial, which were available on the EOS 5D series, can be found on both models. This allows quicker selection of AF points and changing of settings on both the EOS R5 and EOS R6.

Both cameras are designed with the Vari-angle LCD with full touch screen convenience during AF and menu selections. The EOS R5 sports a 0.5-inch hi-res Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) with 5.76m dots, which is 1.5 times more than the resolution of EOS R’s EVF. The EOS R6 has a 3.69m dot EVF. 

The display refresh rate of the EVF is now at 119.88 / 59.94fps for both cameras, which is twice the EOS R. The smooth display makes tracking of moving subjects much easier. A new LP-E6NH battery has been created for both cameras, which has a 15% higher capacity than LP-E6N, which lets users shoot for longer. Both cameras are compatible with existing LP-E6N and LP-E6 batteries.

The BG-R10 battery grip (sold separately) is an optional accessory equipped with Multi-controller, designed for shooting in a vertical orientation. The BG-R10 makes portrait photography easier and has a dust and drip-resistant design that matches both cameras. It accommodates two battery units (LP-E6NH, LP-E6N, or LP-E6 batteries), allowing users to continue shooting for even longer periods with less concern about the remaining battery power. When combined with the PD-E1 adapter (sold separately), it is also possible to recharge batteries or supply power to the camera via USB cable.

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Suzuki S-Presso AGS Review: The little car with lots to offer

07/22/2023

The Suzuki S-Presso has been around for quite some time now. It is arguably one of the most affordable yet highly reliable cars in the market today.

A lot of people have desired it. However, it had a major drawback that was a deal-breaker for many: not everyone could easily drive it due to the fact that it only came with a manual transmission.

Well, that changes with the latest model.

Same compact body

Looking at the exterior, there are no noticeable changes from the previous model. You still have that familiar facia with halogen headlights and that sort of angry-looking grille. Looking at the side profile, this car still looks as cute as ever. With its petite 14-inch wheels and compact size, this adorable hatchback is sure to catch people’s attention and elicit admiration as it glides through the streets.

Moving over to the rear, you’ll find that not much has changed in terms of design with the inclusion of backup sensors, which enhance parking and maneuvering convenience. Although a reverse camera is still absent, considering the car’s affordable price point, it remains a minor drawback that we can easily overlook.

Surprisingly spacious interior

Stepping into the tiny hatchback, you are welcomed with fairly comfortable seats furnished in cloth. The cockpit retains its quirky dashboard design and adds a touch of personality and uniqueness to the overall ambiance. It showcases an unconventional layout with the instrument cluster in the center and air vents positioned high — all of which sets it apart from more traditional designs. I just wished it had a pop of color, though.

Additionally, the car boasts several cubbies and storage compartments, allowing for convenient organization and easy access to personal belongings during the journey. Overall, the car’s interior with its cloth seats, quirky dashboard design, and numerous cubbies creates a pleasant and functional environment for both driver and passengers.

What I really appreciate about this vehicle is its clever utilization of space. At first glance, it may appear compact, narrow, and short from the outside. However, it more than compensates for its size in terms of height. Once you step inside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the generous leg and headroom it offers.

The seats are positioned higher, eliminating the need to stretch out your legs, and they are even tall enough to provide storage space for luggage underneath. Remarkably, even with the seats pushed all the way back, there is still ample legroom for rear passengers. The trunk space in the vehicle provides ample room to accommodate a large suitcase, and it comes equipped with a convenient hard top lid that can also be utilized as an additional storage shelf.

It’s a testament to the thoughtful design and efficient use of space in this vehicle. 

Additional tech and safety features

So, what’s new in the interior, you might ask? Well, apart from the obvious addition of a brand-new 7-inch infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 2023 S-Presso has received a lavish array of new technological advancements and driving assist features.

Notably, the car now boasts power-adjusting side mirrors, stability control (ESP), engine auto start-stop (EASS), hill hold control, steering wheel audio controls, and reverse sensors — all contributing to elevating both convenience and safety. The level of technology packed into this car is impressive, considering its price point.

Addressing a significant concern surrounding the previous model, Suzuki has taken heed and implemented substantial improvements. The 2023 S-presso includes dual airbags, stability control, and seat belt tensioners. Additionally, it features ISOFIX attachments for added security and protection. These safety upgrades give drivers and passengers greater peace of mind on the road and effectively rectify its past lackluster zero-star crash test rating.

By diligently addressing these safety aspects, Suzuki has successfully reinstated the appeal of the S-Presso to a wider range of prospective buyers.

A satisfying driving experience

Upon ignition, the engine runs smoothly and quietly, while the steering feels light and responsive. However, due to its small wheels, the ride quality can be quite bouncy, especially when encountering minor road imperfections. This characteristic gives the S-Presso a sensation of speed, making you feel like you’re going faster than you actually are, especially when driving over uneven roads.

Given its relatively tall stature, body roll is noticeable when navigating corners so it’s advisable to approach them with caution. 

As the AGS system is not a conventional automatic transmission, gear shifts can be distinctly felt, and there is also a slight delay in shifting. Nonetheless, one standout aspect of this car is the impressive air conditioning. Even without rear vents, the system proves strong enough to effectively cool the entire cabin, especially on scorching hot days.

Powering the S-Presso is an enhanced 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine, delivering 66HP and generating 89Nm of torque. At first glance, it may not sound like a powerhouse, but it’s important to consider that this car is lighter than its larger counterpart, the Celerio. While it may not be a suitable track car, under normal driving conditions, the power feels ample and not lacking, even when tackling inclines. 

The fuel consumption of the S-Presso is remarkably impressive, surpassing expectations. It achieved a highest average of 18.7 kilometers per liter in city driving during my time with it, while on the highway it is claimed that it can reach an impressive 25-28 kilometers per liter. These numbers position the S-Presso in hybrid car territory when it comes to fuel efficiency making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the market today. 

Now, onto the most significant update: Suzuki has finally introduced the S-presso with AGS (Auto Gear Shift). This innovative feature functions as an automatic transmission while preserving the essence and mechanics of traditional manual transmission. The AGS system seamlessly shifts gears and engages the clutch for you, eliminating the need for the third pedal and making driving a breeze.

If you still yearn for that manual driving experience, you can always take control and manually shift gears, catering to drivers who prefer that tactile engagement with the transmission.

I must admit that the driving experience of this car is not the smoothest. Apart from its slightly bouncy ride, you can distinctly feel every gear shift, causing a jolt. This is because, despite the auto gear shift feature, it still operates as a conventional manual transmission, engaging and disengaging the clutch during shifts.

Although, I recently learned a valuable tip from a friend at Suzuki: and that is to drive it like a regular manual, by simply releasing your foot off the throttle when you sense the need for a gear change. Surprisingly, this technique resolved the issue, providing a smoother driving experience. Problem solved!

Additionally, I did notice that a slightly more assertive throttle input is required. If you have light feet like mine, the S-Presso may become unsure of your intentions. It needs to determine whether you intend to accelerate, slow down, or come to a complete stop, so it can adjust the clutch accordingly.

Price in the Philippines and final thoughts

The Suzuki S-presso delivers an affordable and reliable driving experience with its unique charm. From its adorable exterior to the comfortable interior, it combines style and functionality. With a price tag of just PhP 660,000, it presents an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly and reliable hatchback.

The improved engine performance and introduction of AGS add a touch of excitement to the ride. While there are minor quirks like the bouncy ride and noticeable gear shifts, the S-Presso makes up for it with its affordability, reliability, and above all, fuel efficiency. If you’re looking for a compact and playful hatchback that stands out on the road, the Suzuki S-presso is definitely worth considering. 

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