This episode is overdue, but due to technical difficulties, the Beyond the Wild crew was unable to reach a consensus on the performance of Canon's new R5 Mark II camera bodies. Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus discuss their initial experiences with the latest cameras, and their observations landed at opposite ends of the spectrum. After Canon Professional Services determined that Ron's R5 MKII body had a motherboard issue, Ron could finally experience the latest Canon tech with new internals installed. The crew discussed the Mark II autofocus system, colour performance, and overall improvements compared to the original R5. They share personal anecdotes about their photography experiences, the challenges they faced with the camera, and the support they received from Canon Professional Services and Pictureline. The discussion highlights the significance of customer service in the photography equipment industry and the importance of reliable gear for wildlife photography. The hosts discuss various aspects of photography, including the challenges and wonders of camera technology, battery life, colour quality, and the evolution of photography tools. They share personal experiences in the field, emphasizing the importance of reliable equipment and the excitement surrounding new camera models. The conversation also touches on the growth of their podcast and the joy of connecting with their audience and fellow photographers.

Takeaways

The Canon R5 Mark II has significant improvements over the original R5.
Autofocus performance is a standout feature of the R5 Mark II.
Customer service from Pictureline and Canon Professional Services is crucial.
The pre-record feature is beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Color performance has improved, but some users may need to adjust saturation in post-processing.
The camera's new sensor offers richer colors and better performance.
The R5 Mark II's autofocus system is reliable for wildlife photography.
User experiences can vary significantly based on equipment and settings.
Firmware updates can resolve initial issues with camera performance.
Investing in reputable retailers ensures better customer support. Camera technology can sometimes fail unexpectedly.
Battery life improvements are noticeable in newer models.
Color quality is a significant factor in photography.
The evolution of camera technology is rapid and exciting.
Field experiences can be unpredictable and challenging.
Trust in your equipment is crucial for photographers.
Feedback on new camera models is essential for the community.
Podcast growth reflects the support of the photography community.
Meeting listeners in the field enhances the podcast experience.
It's important to enjoy the journey and not sweat the small stuff.

Sound Bites

"It's good to be back."

"This has been overdue."

"I was not having the same experience."

"It's a good testimonial though."

"Everybody was loving the camera."

"It's a completely new system."

"It was focusing on birds in flight."

"It's worth it, you know."

"Battery life seems to be just fine."

"It's always a joy to meet people."

Chapters

01:00 Introduction and Camera Release Discussion
07:04 Experiences with the Canon R5 Mark II
13:09 Autofocus System and Performance Improvements
18:58 Color and Sensor Enhancements
30:42 Camera Technology Challenges
31:30 Battery Life Insights
33:06 Color Quality Comparisons
34:24 The Evolution of Photography Technology
37:40 Field Experiences and Challenges
40:16 Trust and Reliability in Equipment
41:20 Feedback on New Camera Models
44:07 Podcast Growth and Community Engagement
52:31 Memorable Encounters in the Field

LINKS

Links Canon USA R5 Mark II Page
https://bit.ly/3DdC0pq

SNL Close Encounter Skit
https://bit.ly/3OT9TON

Thanks to SNL for creating the ideal scenario to describe our experiences with the all-new Canon R5 Mark II.