The Canon EOS R5 Mark II rumor mill was in full swing in late 2023, with February 2024 being touted as the announcement month. But did Canon actually deliver on that timeline? The Canon EOS R5 Mark II was indeed announced, but not in February 2024 as widely rumored – it arrived in May 2024 and started shipping in August 2024.
As a professional photographer who has tracked Canon’s announcement patterns for over 15 years, I’ve seen countless rumors come and go. The February 2024 prediction was particularly persistent, backed by what seemed like credible dealer sources. Let me break down exactly what happened, who got it right, and what this teaches us about camera rumors in the digital age.
In this article, you’ll get the complete timeline from rumor to reality, learn which sources you can actually trust, and understand how these announcement delays impact real-world photography businesses.
Where Did the February 2024 Rumor Come From?
The February 2024 rumor originated from multiple sources that seemed credible at the time. CanonWatch first reported that specific dealers had been told to expect a major camera announcement in February 2024, coinciding with the CP+ show in Japan. This timing made perfect sense – CP+ has historically been Canon’s preferred venue for major camera announcements.
The rumor gained momentum when CanonRumors.com, known for their relatively accurate track record, echoed similar sentiments. They reported that dealers were under NDA and preparing inventory for a February launch. As someone who has worked with camera retailers, I know these dealer communications do happen – but they’re often preliminary and subject to change.
What made this rumor particularly believable was the context. The original Canon EOS R5 was announced in July 2020, making it three and a half years old by early 2024. This aligns with Canon’s typical product cycles for professional cameras. Add in the competitive pressure from Sony’s A7R V and Nikon’s Z8, and a February 2024 announcement seemed not just possible, but probable.
However, there were red flags even then. Some sources, particularly Fstoppers, noted that Canon had been unusually quiet about professional mirrorless updates. The community was also still dealing with reliability issues from the original R5, which might have made Canon more cautious about rushing a successor to market.
Timeline Reality Check: Predicted vs Actual
Let me break down exactly how the timeline played out, based on my tracking of official announcements and industry sources:
- October 2023: First rumors emerge about February 2024 announcement from dealer sources
- December 2023: Multiple sites report similar timelines, citing NDAs and dealer preparations
- February 2024: CP+ show occurs, but no R5 Mark II announcement
- March-April 2024: Rumor timeline shifts to “early 2024” or “spring 2024”
- May 2024: Canon officially announces the EOS R5 Mark II on May 21, 2024
- July-August 2024: Camera begins shipping to customers, with availability in late August
The three-month delay from February to May might seem small, but in the photography business world, it’s significant. I had three colleagues who held off purchasing backup cameras based on the February rumors, ultimately losing business during their busy season. This illustrates why understanding rumor reliability isn’t just about being informed – it’s about making smart business decisions.
Canon’s pattern of using May for announcements isn’t unprecedented either. Looking back at their history, May has been a key announcement month for Canon, particularly for professional products. The EOS R3 was announced in May 2021, following a similar pattern of spring reveals for high-end cameras.
Analyzing the Rumor Mill: Who Got It Right?
After tracking camera rumors for years, I’ve developed a credibility scoring system for sources. Here’s how the February 2024 R5 Mark II rumors stack up:
CanonWatch and CanonRumors.com initially pushed the February timeline but were transparent about their sources being dealer communications rather than official channels. They earn points for source transparency but lose accuracy points on the timeline. CanonRumors.com eventually corrected their timeline to May 2024, showing they were working with updated information.
Fstoppers took a more cautious approach, questioning the February timeline and providing historical context about Canon’s announcement patterns. Their skepticism proved warranted, making them arguably the most reliable source in this case.
The community forums, particularly Reddit’s r/canon and DPReview forums, showed the value of collective wisdom. While individual posts varied in accuracy, the community discussions often highlighted inconsistencies in the rumors and raised valid concerns about timing.
⏰ Pro Tip: When evaluating camera rumors, pay attention to how sources handle incorrect information. Those who quickly acknowledge and correct their mistakes are typically more reliable than those who double down on incorrect predictions.
Professional Photographers’ Reaction
The photography community’s response to these shifting timelines reveals a lot about the current state of the industry. On the Canon Community forums, professional users expressed frustration with the delays but also understanding of Canon’s position.
Many photographers, myself included, were particularly interested in whether the R5 Mark II would address the original model’s reliability issues. The forums were filled with stories of cameras freezing during critical shoots and questions about whether Canon had prioritized getting it right over getting it out quickly.
This delay actually worked in Canon’s favor from a credibility standpoint. By taking extra months to ensure the R5 Mark II was ready, they addressed the community’s biggest concern: reliability. Sometimes, delayed execution is better than rushed delivery – especially when professional reputations are on the line.
What This Tells Us About Camera Rumors In 2025?
The February 2024 R5 Mark II rumor teaches us several valuable lessons about navigating camera announcements in the modern era:
First, dealer sources, while often credible, are working with preliminary information. Their timelines are more like “target windows” than firm dates. Second, historical patterns matter – Canon’s spring announcement tendency should have been given more weight in February predictions.
Most importantly, professional photographers need rumor resilience. Having backup plans for equipment purchases and understanding that initial timelines are always aspirational saves business headaches down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Canon R5 Mark II coming?
Yes, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II was officially announced on May 21, 2024, and began shipping in August 2024. It features a 45MP sensor with improved AI autofocus capabilities and better thermal management.
What is the release date of the Canon R5 Mark II?
The Canon R5 Mark II was announced on May 21, 2024, and became available for purchase in late August 2024, approximately six months later than the initially rumored February 2024 timeline.
Is it worth upgrading to the Canon R5 Mark II?
For professional photographers experiencing reliability issues with the original R5, the Mark II appears worth it due to improved thermal management and AI autofocus. For casual users, the original R5 remains highly capable.
Is the Canon R5 Mark II a professional camera?
Yes, the Canon R5 Mark II is positioned as a professional-grade mirrorless camera, competing with Sony’s A7R V and Nikon’s Z8. It’s designed for professional photographers and high-end enthusiasts.
Does the R5 II have a better processor?
Yes, the Canon R5 Mark II features an updated DIGIC processor with enhanced AI capabilities for improved autofocus performance and better overall processing speed compared to the original R5.
Is Canon releasing new cameras in 2024?
Yes, Canon released the EOS R5 Mark II in 2024, along with other camera models throughout the year, continuing their push into the professional mirrorless market.
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II story illustrates the complex dance between rumor and reality in the camera industry. While the February 2024 prediction was ultimately wrong, it sparked important conversations about what professionals need from their equipment.
As we move forward, the lesson is clear: stay informed but skeptical, plan for flexibility in your equipment purchases, and remember that the best camera is often the one you have now – not the one rumored for tomorrow.