As the editor-in-chief of the most popular website for photography and videography in Greece, pttl.gr, I often find myself in the fortunate position of testing cameras and lenses from leading photographic companies, witnessing first-hand the incredible imaging tools we now have at our disposal.

Naturally, when Canon Greece invited me to Austria and the Red Bull Ring race track for three days to experience the latest Canon EOS R system cameras, which were announced a few months ago, I couldn’t resist.

After all, Canon EOS R1, the first flagship camera of the system, marking Canon’s journey into the mirrorless world, made a massive impact and sparked more discussions than any other camera in recent years.

Alongside the flagship, Canon also announced the Canon EOS R5 II, a camera that continues the legendary legacy of the EOS 5D series—a line that has become one of the most iconic camera series in Canon’s history, cherished by professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The “Race to the Top 2024” event was a perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Canon’s remarkable telephoto lenses, ranging from 400mm to an astounding 1200mm. Shooting high-speed cars on the track with these lenses was an exhilarating experience.

The autofocus of the Canon EOS R1 was lightning fast, and the image stabilization was flawless, allowing me to capture every detail of the action even from great distances. The precision and clarity, especially at 400mm and 600mm, were breathtaking, making these lenses indispensable for motorsports and wildlife photography.

One of the standout features of the Canon EOS R1 is its AI-driven autofocus system, which elevates action photography to a new level. The camera’s advanced AI intelligently tracks subjects with remarkable precision, particularly excelling in fast-paced environments like motorsports. The vehicle recognition feature is a game-changer, automatically identifying and locking onto cars and drivers helmets as they speed through the track. Combined with the rapid autofocus performance, it ensures that every frame is sharp, even in the most dynamic scenes. This AI-driven technology simplifies the shooting process, allowing photographers to focus on creativity while the camera handles the technical demands with ease.

The Canon EOS R1 truly excels with its remarkable frame-per-second (fps) capabilities. With an impressive burst rate of up to 30 fps, the R1 captures every split-second detail, making it ideal for fast-paced action scenes. This rapid shooting capability ensures that even the most fleeting moments are preserved with crystal clarity, allowing photographers to freeze dynamic movements with unprecedented precision. Whether you’re photographing high-speed sports or fast-moving wildlife, the R1’s high fps performance provides the flexibility and speed needed to capture the perfect shot in any action-packed scenario.

I’m genuinely impressed by the Canon EOS R1’s remarkably low weight, which is a testament to Canon’s innovation in achieving high performance without compromising on portability. This lightweight design makes it incredibly versatile and comfortable for extended use, which is a significant advantage for both professional photographers and videographers. Coupled with Canon’s premium telephoto lenses, including the 400mm, 600mm, and 800mm options, the R1 offers exceptional optical performance without the usual heft associated with such powerful glass. These telephoto lenses are not only lightweight but also deliver outstanding image quality, making them ideal for capturing distant subjects with clarity and precision. It’s clear that Canon has successfully combined advanced engineering with cutting-edge optics to enhance the shooting experience

Continuing from the Canon EOS R1, the Canon EOS R5 II offers a similarly advanced feature set with a focus on exceptional autofocus, high resolution, and rapid shooting capabilities. Equipped with the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, the R5 II delivers fast and accurate autofocus performance, even in challenging low-light conditions, with precise subject tracking for both stills and video. Its high-resolution full-frame sensor produces stunning image quality with remarkable detail and vibrant colors, perfect for large-scale prints or intensive post-processing work. Additionally, the R5 II supports continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects with unparalleled sharpness and clarity.

Here’s a brief selection of the images I captured:

Canon’s organization of the event was flawless. It was truly memorable, thanks in large part to the exceptional staff who played a key role in its success. Veronika (Giannoglou, ITCG Channel and Trade Marketing Canon Greece) and Fotis ( Rellias, Country Director & Area Manager B2C Canon Greece) from Canon Greece, along with Catherine (De Monteiro, Marketing Manager, Canon CEE GmbH) and Malvina (Matei, Corporate Communications Specialist) from the Canon Office in Austria, went above and beyond in engaging with attendees. They showcased their deep expertise and enthusiasm for Canon’s products, while also assisting with navigating the event’s activities. Their professionalism and commitment were evident throughout, making the event a rich experience for everyone.

Enhancing the occasion, Canon Greece ambassador Alexandros Grymanis added a layer of prestige and insight with his presentation, further elevating the event’s impact. He provided invaluable assistance in the field, helping me make the most of the new Canon cameras. Sébastien Devaud, Filmmaker and Canon Ambassador, also delivered an excellent presentation on the Canon system for filmmaking, including the latest EOS C400.

Beyond the opportunity to test this cutting-edge gear, there was ample time to network and socialize with photographers of all kinds. Naturally, I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with fellow photographers and filmmakers who focus on conservation and wildlife photography. It was an enriching experience, exchanging insights and planning future collaborations with these passionate professionals.

Furthermore, I had the exhilarating opportunity to drive the Porsche 718 Cayman S around the legendary Red Bull Ring. The car’s blend of agility and power made navigating the sharp corners and long straights an exciting challenge, combining precision with speed. The thrill didn’t end there—copiloting the insanely fast KTM X-Bow took the experience to a whole new level. With its open cockpit and raw power, the X-Bow offered a visceral racing experience, where the rush of wind and sheer acceleration heightened the intensity.

Capturing the action on track while immersed in the excitement made it an unforgettable setting for both driving and motorsport photography. The Canon EOS R system cameras and telephoto lenses truly shone during the event, showcasing their strengths in action-packed, fast-paced environments like the racetrack. Their speed, precision, and outstanding image quality make them an ideal choice for photographers looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Canon Greece has promised to provide me with private access to their cameras, which is essential for gaining a deeper understanding of their capabilities. So stay tuned!