Canon EOS R5 Discontinued

In the world of digital photography, few cameras have made as great an impact as the Canon EOS R5. While it was first announced in 2020, it was far more than just another mirrorless camera. It was a statement from Canon, demonstrating its ability to dominate the high-end mirrorless market, just as it had dominated the DSLR world. However, as all legends must pass, it seems the original Canon EOS R5 is now making way for the new model. Recent reports from the Japanese retail tracking website Asobinet indicate that the original Canon EOS R5 has now officially been marked as "production discontinued" by major Japanese retailers.

For now, you can still purchase the Canon EOS R5 from our preferred retailer, B&H Photo Video.  

Purchase the Canon EOS R5 and save $500

The Writing on the Wall

While the Canon EOS R5 is still available from many retailers, major Japanese retailers such as Map Camera, Bic Camera, and Yodobashi Camera have updated their listings to reflect that the Canon EOS R5 is no longer in production. While stocks may remain available across regions, it is now clear that Canon has stopped production of the first-generation body.

While this is hardly unexpected, given the recent announcement of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, it does seem to be a poignant moment for the world of digital photography. After all, in the world of professional electronics, it seems the only way for "the new flagship" to shine is for the original to make way for it.

A Legacy of Innovation

The EOS R5 was a "disruptor" in every sense of the word. It was the first consumer-grade mirrorless camera on the market to offer 8K video recording, which inspired awe but also a fair share of controversy over heat dissipation. Beyond this, however, is a 45-megapixel sensor that still sets the standard for image quality today.

For many photographers, the EOS R5 is a camera that they couldn't get enough of. It is fast enough for sports and wildlife photography thanks to a 20fps electronic shutter, detailed enough for high-end landscape and portraiture, and boasts a revolutionary Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system that sets a new standard for animal and eye AF. It is arguably the camera that finally convinced many professionals to leave their trusty 5D series DSLRs behind in favor of the RF mount.

Looking Ahead: The EOS R5 Mark II and Used Cameras

In many ways, the discontinuation of the original EOS R5 is a strategic move by Canon to focus on its new EOS R5 Mark II. This camera takes everything good about the original and adds a stacked sensor, "accelerated capture" processing, and a more advanced AI autofocus system. However, for those in the market for a new camera on a budget, this is good news. With many retailers clearing out their "new-old stock" in favor of the new EOS R5 Mark II, the secondhand market for the original EOS R5 will get very competitive indeed. And yet, despite being "discontinued," this is still one of the most capable cameras on the market, far beyond the needs of most professionals in 2024 and beyond.

Purchase the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and save $500

Closing Thoughts

The Canon EOS R5 will be remembered as the camera that brought Canon back to the top of the mountain. Although it is no longer rolling off the production line, its influence within the world of photography will continue to be felt for many years to come. Whether you are an existing owner holding onto a piece of history or an existing owner seeking a bargain within the used market, the Canon EOS R5 is a powerhouse that changed the world forever.

Richard @ CanonNewsRichard @ CanonNews

Richard has been using Canon cameras since the 1990s, with his first being the now legendary EOS-3. Since then, Richard has continued to use Canon cameras and now focuses mostly on infrared photography. Richard is the founder and editor of CanonNews since 2017, and has worked as a writer on CanonRumors and other websites in the past.

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