Natural landscape photographer Toshiki Nakanishi tested the EOS R5, and it was a game-changing encounter. He shares how the camera takes his photography to a whole new level. (Reported by: Toshiki Nakanishi, Digital Camera Magazine)

EOS R5/ RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM/ FL: 15mm/ Flexible-priority AE (f/11, 1/160 sec, EV ±0)/ ISO 400/ WB: Daylight

 

#1. Clarity adjustment to take full advantage of the 45-megapixel resolution

One of the biggest advantages of the EOS R system is the excellent resolving power of the RF lenses. And when the fine details rendered by the lenses can be captured with an ultra-high-resolution image sensor like the one on the EOS R5, you get natural landscapes that are sharper with better definition than ever.

Adjust clarity in-camera, on the spot

As a landscape photographer, I always seek to achieve better apparent resolution. If you are like me, you will probably love the new Clarity adjustment feature, a new addition to the SHOOT menu of the EOS R5. It allows better control over the crispness of fine lines and details while maintaining the sharp detail rendered by the RF lens.

I frequently adjust Clarity in post-processing, and it is a delight to be able to do the same in-camera as I shoot. Nothing beats being able to bring your images close to completion on the spot.

Effects of changing clarity

Changing the Clarity effect level by even just 1 point can make a huge difference. Increasing it by too much makes the image look grainy; reducing it by too much makes the shot look soft. For the image at the start of this article, I chose “+2”. Choose the effect level that best suits your scene.

 

Tip: Customise your Picture Style settings to bring the shot even closer to completion

I like being able to have my images as close to completion as possible when I am still on site, and customising Picture Style settings helps with that. It goes hand in hand with Clarity adjustment!

I usually use Picture Style (Standard), but increase the Contrast and Saturation by +1, which results in stronger colours and better separation between light and dark areas. For certain scenes, I also increase the Strength and Fineness of the Sharpness setting by +1 to improve definition.

Also see: Picture Style Techniques to Level Up Your Landscape Photography

 

#2: New freedom, new angles with In-Body IS and the Vari-angle monitor

EOS R5/ RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM/ FL: 91mm/ Flexible-priority AE (f/4, 1/1,250 sec, EV ±0)/ ISO 200/ WB: Daylight

The In-Body Image Stabilizer (In-Body IS) has made tremendous changes to the way I shoot. I used to shoot with a tripod at least 80 percent of the time, but with the EOS R5, I now shoot the same percentage of shots by hand instead. With greater freedom to manoeuvre the camera, aided by the Vari-angle monitor, I feel even more inspired to explore and shoot landscapes from newer, bolder angles.

 

Same scene, different perspectives

Shooting by hand gives you more freedom to move around and try different camera angles, leading to discoveries that might not have been possible with a tripod. It makes photography even more exciting.

Low position

Eye level

Need help finding new perspectives? See:
The Matrix Method: A Systematic Way to Add Variety to Your Shots 

 

Powerful pairing: EOS R5 with RF28-70mm f/2L USM

I bought the RF28-70mm f/2L USM together with the EOS R when it was first released, and it has been one of my favourite lenses ever since. The EOS R5’s In-Body IS means that image stabilisation is now available when using the lens, increasing the opportunities for use in the field. On top of that, the EOS R5 promises to bring out the best in the lens’ outstanding sharpness and resolution. The two together would make a formidable pairing.

 

#3: The EVF—see your vision come to life

EOS R5/ EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM/ FL: 220mm/ Flexible-priority AE (f/11, 1/160 sec, EV ±0)/ ISO 200/ WB: Daylight

The 5.76 million dot ultra-high-definition electronic viewfinder (EVF) takes seeing things through a viewfinder to a whole new level. I could see an unprecedented level of shadow details even in backlit scenes, which not only helps compose shots better but also inspires new ways to frame images. 

Think looking through an EVF feels awkward? The one on the EOS R5 might make you change your mind

Those who feel that the view through an EVF is awkward should all the more try using the one on the EOS R5. The ultra high definition is a powerful advantage during image preview. 

EOS R5/ RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM/ FL: 20mm/ Flexible-priority AE (f/16, 1/80 sec, EV ±0)/ ISO 1000/ WB: Daylight

A backlit scene with the sun in the frame. The view through the EVF is so clear that with the help of the depth-of-field preview, you can even preview starbursts before you release the shutter.

Easy access to depth-of-field preview

No custom function designations needed: this button below your lens on the right-hand side is the depth-of-field preview button by default, and easily accessible during EVF shooting.

Press the depth-of-field preview button to see how your sunburst will look. This helps you get better control over your final image.

 

Know this: Fv mode allows greater flexibility when shooting landscapes

Flexible-priority AE mode (Fv mode) is a unique mode indeed: You can use it like manual exposure mode in some scenes, and in others, it works just like an automatic mode. Some people may be intimidated because it is so unique, but I now shoot exclusively in this mode. It lets me easily take or give the camera control over any exposure setting, and complements the EVF perfectly.

Scene 1: Control brightness, just like in Av mode

Scene 2: Control shutter speed, just like in Tv mode

Being able to take control over any exposure setting quickly and easily, while leaving the rest to the camera, has increased my successful shots.

 

Overall impressions: “My ideal mirrorless camera for landscape photography"

Very intuitive button layout; easy to find buttons even in the dark

A camera that merges the advantages of a mirrorless camera with the best of the EOS 5D series at a very high level: that’s my impression of the EOS R5.

The first thing that impressed me was the button layout. It was so intuitive, I felt like I had been using the camera for ages. The buttons that you want are placed in the most brilliant places, and yet, in such an understated way. Some slight changes have been made to the feel of the protruding parts, which makes it easier to find the buttons with your fingertips when shooting in the dark.

An EVF that makes you forget about OVFs

I have described the advantages of the EOS R5’s EVF in point #3. As far as clarity and ease of view are concerned, the EVF on the EOS R5 is so advanced, it makes you wonder if you really still need an optical viewfinder. Using it made me realise that there is a world out there that you cannot see without an EVF!

Ultra high resolution that you can enjoy even when shooting handheld

The images say all I need to say about the excellent sharpness and resolving power, but what makes the camera more special is the ability to enjoy all even when shooting handheld. Having as much as up to 8 shutter speed stops’ equivalent image stabilisation has changed my shooting style, and I feel confident taking most shots without a tripod. I think this is possible because the EOS R system is so complete.

Ultimately, it’s about how the camera changes the way you shoot

The EOS R5 may be packed with all the features that a photographer could dream of, but I feel that we shouldn’t simply be chasing upgrades and technological advancements. Instead, we should look at how each new piece of gear adds imagination to our works. And in that aspect, the EOS R5 should win your heart—just like it did mine. It's the ideal mirrorless camera for landscape photography. I guess it's time to retire my DSLR camera.

 

Learn more about the EOS R5 in:
EOS R5: Rule the World of Videography 

For more landscape photography tips from Toshiki Nakanishi, see:
Minimalist Landscape Photography with the Sky
Handling Natural Light: A Corridor of Light on an Autumn Forest

 

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