Looking back at my photos from the Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibit in November 2024, I’m reminded of two things. The flowers were not at their best, but my new camera was. While the blooms themselves were a bit underwhelming compared to previous years, the situation created the perfect real-world test for my Canon EOS R5. I came away impressed, with many tack-sharp images that required little post-processing.
Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibit 2025
So, what happened to the flowers? Anyone living in Tokyo will remember that 2024 was one of the hottest years on record, with unusual warmth stretching deep into October. This undoubtedly took its toll on the chrysanthemums. Even in the second week of the exhibit, many blooms looked stressed, with wilted edges and a reluctance to fully open. It was a good reminder that nature doesn’t always perform on schedule, and as photographers, we have to work with what we’re given.
Canon EOS R5 performance & field test
This is where the day turned from a disappointment into a fantastic gear-testing session.
Autofocus & auto white balance
Flawless. The R5’s autofocus was decisive, locking onto delicate petals and intricate stamen without any hunting. I didn’t get a single blurry shot due to a missed focus. The Auto White Balance (AWB) was just as impressive. Every photo came out of the camera with clean, accurate colors, saving me a significant amount of time in Lightroom.
Handling & ergonomics (Canon vs. Fujifilm)
This is where I’m still adjusting. Making quick changes to ISO and shutter speed feels buried in menus compared to the dedicated dials I loved on my old Fujifilm system. It’s a different workflow, and while I’m getting used to it, I do miss that tactile control. More practice is needed! I’m sure I’ll get used to it effectively.
My visit was on a Saturday, and as you can imagine, the park was buzzing with people enjoying the long-awaited cooler weather. Navigating the crowds was a challenge, but the R5’s responsiveness allowed me to grab clean shots in those moments between passersby.
Is the Canon R5 good for flower photography?
While the 2024 Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemums didn’t have their usual dazzling impact, the trip was far from wasted. It proved to be an invaluable outing with the Canon EOS R5. The camera’s ability to pull crisp, beautifully-colored images from a less-than-perfect scene is exactly what I had hoped for. And you have so many 45 megapixels for cropping, which is a huge bonus. I had the tools to turn a potentially frustrating shoot into an enjoyable and successful one.
Maybe next year, the weather will cooperate and the flowers will return to their former glory. But for now, I’ll take the win: a great camera that proves its worth when conditions aren’t ideal. Please remember to check out [Shinjuku Gyoen: A Photographer’s Guide to Tokyo’s Urban Oasis] to get full information about the park (including cherry blossoms).
Have you ever had a piece of gear save a shoot for you? Or have you photographed the Shinjuku Gyoen chrysanthemums (official website)? Share your experience in the comments below!
