Want a Canon R5 Mark II but On a Budget? Here Are 5 Affordable Alternatives
- Jcrews
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 7
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is a beast — a flagship mirrorless camera boasting a 45MP sensor, blazing-fast autofocus, and jaw-dropping 8K video. It’s no surprise it’s beloved by pros worldwide. But that premium quality means a premium price tag, which isn’t doable for everyone.
If you want top-tier performance without maxing out your credit card, you’re in luck! While you will lose a little in image quality and some advanced features compared to the R5 Mark II, we’ve rounded up five affordable alternatives that deliver incredible image quality, solid video capabilities, and reliable autofocus — all at friendlier prices. These are the best Canon R5 Mark II alternatives for photographers on a budget, that will get you the best quality possible for your budget.
These are the best Canon R5 Mark II alternatives for photographers on a budget.
1. Sony A7 IV — The Versatile Full-Frame Powerhouse
Why You’ll Love It:Sony’s A7 IV strikes a perfect balance between resolution, speed, and video quality. Its 33MP full-frame sensor captures sharp, detailed photos with excellent dynamic range, while its autofocus system features real-time Eye AF and subject tracking that rivals Canon’s best. The 4K 60fps video output, although not 8K, is crisp and professional-grade.
What You Give Up vs. R5 Mark II:No 8K video and slightly less megapixels, but arguably better video stabilization and superb autofocus.
Ideal For:Hybrid shooters who want great photo and video performance without breaking the bank.
RRP: £2,200
Often on Sale For: £1,600 – £1,900 (Body Only)
2. Nikon Z6 II — Reliable Low-Light Performer
Why You’ll Love It:The Nikon Z6 II is a solid, well-built full-frame camera that excels in low light thanks to its 24.5MP sensor and impressive ISO range. Its eye-detection autofocus is fast and dependable, and it can shoot 4K UHD video at 60fps, perfect for most video projects. Nikon’s intuitive controls and ergonomic grip make it a joy to handle.
What You Give Up vs. R5 Mark II:Lower resolution and no 8K video, but better affordability and excellent handling.
Ideal For:Photographers who want great stills and smooth 4K video in a robust body.
RRP: £1800
Often on Sale For: £1,250 - £1,550 (Body Only)
3. Panasonic Lumix S5 II — The Video-Centric Full-Frame Option
Why You’ll Love It:Panasonic’s Lumix S5 II is built for creators focused on video. It offers 6K video recording, which is close to the R5 Mark II’s 8K, and excellent in-body image stabilization. Its compact and lightweight design is great for handheld shooting. While autofocus isn’t as speedy as Canon or Sony, it’s still very usable.
What You Give Up vs. R5 Mark II:Lower resolution and slower autofocus, but strong video specs at a lower price.
Ideal For:Filmmakers and hybrid shooters prioritizing video quality on a budget.
RRP: £1,800
Often on Sale For: £1,400 – £1,600 (Body Only)
4. Fujifilm X-H2S — APS-C, but Packs a Punch
Why You’ll Love It:Though not full-frame, the Fujifilm X-H2S’s 26.1MP APS-C sensor delivers stunning image quality with beautiful color science. It boasts impressive 6.2K video and fast, reliable autofocus. The retro-inspired body is weather-sealed and comfortable to hold.
What You Give Up vs. R5 Mark II:Smaller APS-C sensor means less shallow depth of field and slightly lower low-light performance, but it’s a fraction of the cost.
Ideal For:Photographers who want top-tier speed and video but can live with a crop sensor.
RRP: £2,200
Often on Sale For: £1,650 – £1,950 (Body Only)
5. Canon EOS R6 Mark II — The Canon Alternative
Why You’ll Love It:If you love Canon’s color science and autofocus but want to save some cash, the EOS R6 Mark II is a fantastic choice. It shares the R5 Mark II’s stellar Dual Pixel autofocus and ergonomics but sports a 24.2MP sensor and maxes out at 4K60 video.
What You Give Up vs. R5 Mark II:Lower resolution and no 8K video, but Canon’s reliable autofocus and color rendering are intact.
Ideal For: Canon fans wanting a professional camera with a more reasonable price tag.
RRP: £2,200
Often on Sale For: £1,750 – £1,950 (Body Only)
Camera | Sensor | Resolution | Max Video | Price Range (GBP) |
Sony A7 IV | Full-Frame | 33 MP | 4K 60fps | £1,600 – £1,900 |
Nikon Z6 II | Full-Frame | 24.5 MP | 4K 60fps | £1,250 – £1,550 |
Panasonic S5 II | Full-Frame | 24.2 MP | 6K / 4K 60fps | £1,400 – £1,600 |
Fujifilm X-H2S | APS-C | 26.1 MP | 6.2K 30fps | £1,650 – £1,950 |
Canon EOS R6 II | Full-Frame | 24.2 MP | 4K 60fps | £1,750 – £1,950 |
Final Thoughts
The Canon R5 Mark II is a dream camera — but it’s not the only path to amazing photos and videos. Each of these alternatives brings something special to the table, whether it’s better video at a lower price, exceptional autofocus, or simply excellent value.
Which one fits your style and budget?
Drop a comment below and let’s chat!
Still a Bit Out of Your Budget?
If even these options feel a little more than you want to spend, don’t worry — there are plenty of great cameras under these that still deliver solid performance for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Check out this curated list of budget-friendly cameras that punch above their weight:
These cameras are perfect for learning the ropes, traveling light, or as excellent backups to your main gear.
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