Canon R1 has been announced

[Kayaker72]

Taking a step back, the R5 is really Canon's comparable "Flagship" and the R1 is really a unique offering aimed at a specific audience. The R5/A1/Z8 have similar MP (45-50) and fps (10-12 mechanical and up to 30 electronic). A simplistic comparison, sure, but two key features that are almost identical.

Going back 12 years, the 5D3 was 6 fps and the 1Dx was 12 fps. At the time, that was a significant and meaningful differentiation.

I am sure they are coming, but it will be interesting to see the comparisons of the R5 II to the A1 and Z8. But I might adjust my thinking a bit and start considering the R5 II as a co-Flagship camera.

[neuroanatomist]

Taking a step back, the R5 is really Canon's comparable "Flagship" and the R1 is really a unique offering aimed at a specific audience.

I suppose it's semantics. The best or most important thing owned or produced by a particular organization." Canon says the R1 is their flagship, so it is." The R5 II will probably sell 6-7 times as many units as the R1.

The Toyota Century is their flagship SUV, it costs $170,000. They'll sell many more Land Cruisers, though...and even more RAV4s.

Going back 12 years, the 5D3 was 6 fps and the 1Dx was 12 fps. At the time, that was a significant and meaningful differentiation.

I am sure they are coming, but it will be interesting to see the comparisons of the R5 II to the A1 and Z8. But I might adjust my thinking a bit and start considering the R5 II as a co-Flagship camera.

I think that's when Canon really started pushing the 5-series into the professional realm with the 5DIII. Same AF as the 1D X, which for Canon was a big differentiator for the older 1-series bodies.

For someone who wants more MP, the R5 II is almost a no-brainer. As I've said before, while I'm not opposed to more, the 18-24 MP range is enough for my needs. For me, the 1-series (and R3) is more about ergonomics.

[Kayaker72]

It seems that a few people have had their hands on a pre-production R1.

Jan Wegener is one. Solid review. Long story short, he mentioned making the R1 his primary camera with the R5 II secondary when he needs more resolution. Cited better AF, apparent better DR, great colors, great EVF and being able to use the AF-On button to go from 20 fps (half press) to 40 fps (full press). Calls it the best overall camera he has ever used. Cons were the 24 MP and buffer size. But those were minor-ish cons for special situations.

I also have seen this video from Fabian Fopp. I had never seen a video of his before, but apparently a wildlife photographer noteworthy enough for Canon to give a pre-production model too. He was also a fan.

As for me, I actually pre-ordered an R5 II and R1 at the time they were announced. The R1 pre-order was more of a "why not." As I have mentioned in the thread of the R5 II, I canceled that pre-order as I was simply not excited enough about the R5 II over the R5.

But....I have never canceled the R1 pre-order and the excitement over owning a R1 has grown. I am definitely going to keep the pre-order and give it a go. I have anticipated going to a 2 body kit and had been thinking of having 2 of the same or very similar bodies. But, at this time, I am thinking I may end up 50/50 ish split between my R5 and R1. We'll see.