As a camera built for speed, the R1 features a newly designed 24.2 MP full-frame sensor, which offers impressively fast readout speeds and a top continuous shooting rate of 40 fps with an electronic shutter, along with blackout-free viewing and significantly reduced rolling shutter distortion. The back-illuminated design and new DIGIC accelerator processing also help produce high clarity and sharpness, native sensitivity up to ISO 102400, and use neural network noise reduction for especially clean files when working in low-light conditions.

For continuous shooting applications, the 40 frames per second shooting rate can be used in conjunction with Continuous Shooting, which allows the camera to continuously store 20 frames over a 0.5-second period while half-pressing the shutter, before fully pressing the shutter—helping to ensure you never miss the critical moment of action. The EOS R1 also features a mechanical shutter, which supports a top continuous shooting rate of 12 fps.

For situations where 24MP is not enough, the DIGIC accelerator processing now allows for in-camera upscaling, which uses deep learning to double the number of pixels both horizontally and vertically, in order to produce a distinct 96 MP image in about 10 seconds. This upscaling can be done after capturing the original image and can also be performed at the time of cropping images in the camera, saving time compared to creating a 96MP image and then cropping it.

One of the critical components that allows the EOS R1 to do what it can do is the newly developed DIGIC Accelerator front engine processor, which complements a proven DIGIC X processor. The DIGIC Accelerator is responsible for many of the continuous shooting, subject detection and tracking, and autofocus capabilities, allowing the DIGIC X to fully function as an image processor. The combination of these two different processors enables the camera to better handle massive volumes of data, perform simultaneous tasks at high speeds, and contributes to the quality and accuracy of deep learning features such as in-camera upscaling and neural network noise reduction.

Automatic exposure and automatic white balance functions use deep learning

6144-zone exposure metering for high accuracy in various lighting conditions

Coordinated image stabilization combines IBIS with lens-based IS

Supports Anti-Flicker and High-Frequency Anti-Flicker shooting

Contributing to keeping both photos and videos sharp and stable, the EOS R1 uses a well-rounded image stabilization system that employs three different methods: in-body sensor shift, optical, and an independent Movie Digital IS system specifically designed for video.

The camera body's 5-axis sensor shift system is compatible with all lenses and helps reduce the effects of camera shake in general, for sharper handheld shots at slower shutter speeds.

When combined with an RF lens with image stabilization, Coordinated Control IS can provide even more powerful stabilization, up to 8.5 stops of correction in the center of the frame and 7.5 stops of correction at the periphery.

For video recording devices, Movie Digital IS is an electronic stabilization system that helps suppress blurriness in peripheral areas for the best possible handheld video recording.

Beyond speed, autofocus performance is the main calling card of a flagship camera. The AF capabilities of the R1 have been optimized for detecting, tracking, and maintaining critical focus on moving subjects, even when they are briefly dark during shooting. This Dual Pixel system has been optimized with numerous tracking capabilities and usability features to make it the smartest and most intuitive focusing system in an EOS.

The sensor integrates cross-type Dual Pixel AF for more responsive and accurate focusing performance, especially in scenes with an abundance of linear details, such as window blinds, brick walls, or wooden planks, or other patterned backgrounds.

Focusing is possible down to -7.5 EV for photography and -5.5 EV for video for working in truly low-light conditions.

The 4897-point phase-detection system can automatically recognize people, animals (dogs, cats, birds, and horses), and vehicles. This system also features Eye Detection, with the ability to prioritize the left or right eye.

One of the main advantages of the DIGIC accelerator is a new focusing mode specifically designed for sports and action photography: Action Priority. This smart AF mode recognizes the movements of specific subjects and automatically moves the AF area to the player performing a detected movement, such as shooting, passing, jumping, and more.

It currently recognizes soccer, basketball, and volleyball activities and can analyze ball, joint, torso, action, and head information for tracking. The mode can recognize specific subjects and uses this information in combination with recognized movements to determine where to focus in the scene as the action unfolds.

Action Priority can be assigned to a custom function button for quick on/off switching.

Pre-Registered Face Priority allows you to register up to 10 different people in the camera before shooting an event. This information is stored and used to prioritize who to focus on while the game or match is being played.

Smart subject recognition also helps maintain sharp focus on the desired subject, even when it is dark or crossed by a secondary subject in the frame.

It can be used in combination with the Pre-Continuous Shooting mode.

Derived from the EOS R3, the R1 also inherits the unique Eye Control AF method, which allows you to simply look where you want to focus and then automatically move the AF area there when you press the AF activation button. The R1 improves this tool, however, with 2 times faster detection and a revised eye contact detection algorithm, as well as greater tolerances for different eyelid thicknesses, eyelash lengths, how you hold the camera, and even if you wear glasses.

Considered the best viewfinder yet in an EOS R series camera, the R1 features an impressive 9.44 m-dot OLED EVF with a massive 0.9x magnification for comfortable, clear, and bright eye-level viewing. The resolution and magnification suit a wide range of viewing conditions and are ideal for users who wear glasses, while the viewfinder's optical design has also been upgraded for improved clarity. Additionally, some of the EVF optics are sealed within an airtight structure, helping to prevent fogging when working in extreme temperature or humidity conditions.

The OVF Simulation View Assist function mimics the performance and brightness of an optical viewfinder, helping to better assess scene brightness in mixed lighting conditions.

In addition to the viewfinder, there is also a 3.0" 2.1 m-dot rear touchscreen that features a vari-angle design for better support when working from high and low angles.

The external magnesium alloy is dust and water-resistant with full protective sealing on all seams and behind every button.

It measures 0.7" shorter than the EOS-1D X Mark III and weighs 2.1 pounds—over half a kilogram less than its predecessor SLR.

The built-in vertical grip improves ergonomics and makes the EOS R1 easier to hold for a full day of shooting. The grip also includes updated rubber that is more comfortable and provides greater grip when holding.

Like the EOS R3 and the EOS-1D X Mark III, the EOS R1 accepts the high-capacity lithium-ion battery LP-E19 as a reliable, long-lasting power source.

The dual CFexpress Type B memory card slots support high-speed, high bit-rate recording functions, as well as proxy recording and file type separation for easier post-production workflows.

The Dual Shooting setting (photo & movie) allows simultaneous capture of 17MP JPEG still images on one card while recording FHD 30p video on the other card without interrupting the video.

As a professional worker, the R1 can easily integrate into an existing workflow: connection to optional recording devices, ethernet connection, external strobe connection, or file offloading for FTP.

The USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port supports connection, data transfer, and in-camera battery charging

The Ethernet port supports wired LAN 2.5GBASE-T connection for file transfer via FTP

Multi-function shoe, featuring a series of pins at the front for greater accessory functionality and providing power for select types of accessories that traditionally rely on separate batteries

Supports Wi-Fi 6E/Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth Low Energy for wireless transfer and control, as well as support for image.canon and Frame.io

Video capabilities and Cinema EOS integration

Despite its prowess as a photo camera, the EOS R1 boasts strong video capabilities and supports a comprehensive workflow with Cinema EOS shooting. The R1 supports raw recording up to 6K 60p or MP4 4K 60p recording using a 6K oversampling area with 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling. Proxy recording is also possible and helps expedite post-production by splitting two separate recording formats onto two separate memory cards; for example, record a 6K 60p raw version on one card and a DCI 2K 60p MP4 version on another, so you can edit and grade the video at a lower bit rate and then apply your edits to the higher bit rate version when finished.