Canon EOS R5 and R6 Overheating Thread
This is a consolidated thread relating to Canon EOS R5 and R6 Overheating issues, causes, updates, firmware, remediation, etc.
I decided to post this thread in the Video forum simply because most of these issues will occur in Video mode of operation, or some mix of Still and Video operation. I don't see mention of Canon EOS R5 and R6 Overheating in normal circumstances and Still acquisition alone.
0
Comments
First, my thoughts about the cameras, mostly the R5, and their design and intent.
The Canon EOS R5 in particular is a professional, Stills and Video acquisition device, but not intended to be a general purpose or long-format video device.
This is not a first recommendation for wedding or performance art videography, and Canon has never indicated it as such. Canon did not fully explain the intent of the camera during either the "teaser" advertisements or the official initial introduction of the camera, and that lead to speculation and misunderstanding of the qualities and capabilities of the camera.
To be clear, the only mainstream, 8k long-format, Full-Frame, studio and production camera I am aware of is the RED DSMC2 BRAIN, MONSTRO 8K VV. At $80,000USD the RED DSMC2 BRAIN, MONSTRO 8K VV is obviously only "mainstream" in the Studio and Production sense, but rental could make it possible for individual projects if budget allows.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
The Canon EOS R5 is an extremely competent professional Stills camera, and also the first Canon outside the Canon Cinema line, and under the $4,000USD price-point, to have more than 4k video capabilities. It's not a cheap camera, but considering it's total capabilities it could be one of the true "bargains" available to "indie", sports, news and other short-format ENG/EFP individuals and smaller production companies.
While I would like to eventually have my own EOS R5, I'm fully retired and, to be honest, I just don't need it. I'm very happy with my pair of 5D Mark IV bodies, a Magic Lantern enhanced 5D Mark III (allowing RAW video acquisition), an EOS M50 crop mirrorless, and a couple of action cameras that do 4k video. Along with a couple old Full-HD Canon Vixia camcorders I feel very nicely empowered. (Proper post-processing is another valuable component for successful video production.)
If 'You' need the qualities of, and can work with the limits of operation, the EOS R5 (and the EOS R6) can be an asset in video production, for sure!
I do recommend leaving the LCD moved out from the camera back, to prevent trapping dead air back there, and it looks like there are some CFexpress memory cards which run cooler than others. Both Canon and third-party manufacturers also seem to have patents and plans to produce cooling devices for the R5 and R6. Also watch for evolving and improving firmware, starting with the Canon "EOS R5 Firmware Update, Version 1.1.0".
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
EOS R5 Firmware Update, Version 1.1.0
https://usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/mirrorless/eos-r5?subtab=downloads-firmware
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Canon EOS R5 OVERHEATING improvements with firmware 1.1.0
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Did CANON FIX the EOS R5 OVERHEATING?! (Firmware 1.1.0 REVIEW) - Jared Polin
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
There are forums and sites discussing how to circumvent the overheating messages and subsequent shutdown of the EOS R5. The justification is because, "... the normal operating temperature of a modern socket on chip is up to 90 degrees Celsius." - and - " ... testing finds Canon EOS R5 overheating to be fake, with artificial timers deployed to lock out video mode ... "
Trying to equate Canon/Nikon/Sony imager chips to CPU/GPU chips is like when a few people thought, "Gasoline and diesel (and later, E85) are both fuels, therefore I should be able to put diesel/E85 in my gasoline tank and expect my gasoline motor to run."
Just as it's a really bad idea to put diesel/E85 into a gasoline powered car, it's a really bad idea to think that a Canon EOS R5 should be forced to run for longer than originally designed, which will cause protracted temperatures for the imager.
The predictable result of such abuse is some combination of dead and/or hot or stuck pixels on the imager, and ultimately you may cause other undue stress to the power supply, main board and image processor(s).
In short, just don't subject anything you own beyond it's manufacturer designs, but especially not a Canon EOS R5. Abusing a camera from any manufacturer and then experiencing damage or failure is not a manufacturer's responsibility, and any repair or replacement is the owner's responsibility, regardless of warranty. (That used to be common sense, but for some reason some people want to feel entitled rather than responsible, and I just don't understand ...?)
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Sony A7SIII VS Canon R5 - Ultimate Video Camera Showdown
Sony A7SIII vs Canon R5 Overheating Test Revisited
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
From PetaPixel site (emphasis mine):
Link to full article https://petapixel.com/2021/01/20/canon-exec-suggests-the-eos-r5-only-has-8k-for-marketing-reasons/
Canon Exec Suggests the EOS R5 Only Has 8K for Marketing Reasons
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Kolari Vision introduces:
Canon R5 Heatsink Overheating Mod Service
https://kolarivision.com/product/canon-r5-cooling-mod-service/
With the following reported results:
(20 Degrees Celsius = 68 Degrees Fahrenheit, 15 Degrees Celsius = 59 Degrees Fahrenheit)
... as well as converted bodies with remediated overheating capabilities.
Canon EOS R5 Unlimited – Heat Sink Cooling Modified Camera
https://kolarivision.com/product/canon-eos-r5-heatsink-cooling-mod-mirrorless-camera/
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
It’s good that another company is offering these modifications, and I’m glad for the people who bought into Canon’s 8k hype.
At the same time, I cannot imagine supporting a company that takes my money and delivers a product that only kinda does what it’s advertised to do. I mean, every camera manufacturer delivers a few ‘gotcha’ features now and then, but damn, promising a huge advancement in video resolution then valuing competitors’ timelines over customers’ actual needs is hella shady.
With that said, knowing friends who own an R5, it’s a great little photo camera, pretty decent at video, but certainly not worth the asking price, especially considering you have to mod it straight out of the box to actually use it how it’s advertised.
The only advertising statement I can find from Canon which might have tripped people up was the "... a camera that features high-speed continuous shooting and 8K video recording.", in Canon's R5 home page. However, Canon never said those features were connected to the same video mode of operation.
If they had said, "... continuous shooting when recording 8K video.", that would have been wrong of Canon, but they didn't say that. It was obvious to me that, "... high-speed continuous shooting and 8K video recording ...", indicated two, different video modes.
I'm afraid that too many people got caught up wishing the EOS R5 could do long format 8k acquisition, but no, Canon never said it could do that; at least not that I can find in their advertising.
Can anyone point to Canon EOS R5 advertising which says it is capable of long format 8k acquisition without overheating?
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
I think there's an amount of implied meaning in their advertising that must be owned. If you say a camera can record 8K video, then you'd expect it to do that effectively, at least on the same level as its predecessors are able to record 4K video. It's not a natural thought progression to assume that whatever max recording rate they're advertising surely isn't intended for real world use.
First, a disclaimer (of sorts), the following is not an indictment against user "JonaBeth Russell". Speaking directly about team "JonaBeth Russell" I recognize quality video work when I see it and he and his wife produce fantastic quality work. If you haven't seen any of their work you should take a look.
From my perspective, we are having a spirited discussion in this thread. My comments are directed at everyone and very much IMO.
The only real 8k video competition for the Canon EOS R5 is the Sony Alpha 1.
Yes, Canon did a lousy job describing the 8k capabilities and limitations of the R5, and yes, whoever wrote the initial Firmware for the R5 either dropped the ball or misunderstood some internal workings (Canon did not previously write their own firmware code; it was done by a third-party contractor, but I haven't heard if that changed.)
For sure, things have improved with the latest firmware. Is Canon still being overly cautious with the firmware settings related to overheating?
The Sony Alpha 1 has to be user set to optionally allow higher internal heat, and recommended to use an external power source for it to operate reliably for long periods, especially when environmental conditions get warm and hot. Does the higher internal camera heat create an opportunity for shorter sensor life or hot pixels at high ISOs? No reports of serious problems so far, but the camera hasn't been out that long yet.
Should people be wary of buying the Alpha 1 because maybe a $6500 camera shouldn't need to be compromised to capture 8k and 4k120p video?
Both the R5 and the Alpha 1 mirrorless cameras are selling in good numbers, and overall users are finding uses for each. I could be happy owning either, although I don't need either, nor do I anticipate the need.
Both Canon and Sony are guilty of "fallacy by omission" and could do better to explain capabilities and limitations to prospective buyers. Unfortunately, they are not alone. I see a lot of this stuff in marketing these days. Caveat emptor!
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Ziggy, you're the best! I never take our discussions as anything more than grown ups having discussions
I agree with everything you pointed out here, and yes, the R5 is definitely a fantastic camera, and it's 4K footage looks great as well, without any overheating issues.
And yep...Sony definitely hits me with the 'gotcha' every time I upgrade. This last time, with the a7Siii, it was the 240fps recording feature....turned out it's only available in S&Q mode (pre-bundled, lower bit rate, meh quality) and ONLY if you buy their expensive ass type A CFE cards (which I did).
I think the Canon rep in the interview summed it all up well when he said they just wanted to beat the competition in releasing an 8K video quality mirrorless camera. Rushing for the ratings, so to speak.
So far, the A1 has shown no overheating issues from field tests I've seen. Gerald Undone did a pretty solid review, and never could get the overheat alarm to trigger while recording 8K video, continuously, until he filled all the memory cards. He tried through a number of batteries, as I recall. I would love to report on how mine is doing, but it's still backordered....along with my new iPhone, iPad and iMac. Gahhh!!!!
I'll say this about Canon and I've always said this...no one gives you out of the box color like Canon. If you want to snap a pic, and skin looks like skin, sky looks like sky...then Canon is the go-to in my opinion. I only wish they had done a better job at getting into the mirrorless game back when I jumped over to Sony.
Another possible tool for the R5 set of tools:
CANON R5: UNLIMITED 4KHQ & 8K RECORDING - NO MODS NEEDED - Deaf Director
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
In order to solve the EOS R5 overheating, as well as providing ProRes RAW recording format and long-format recordings, you need the following:
1) The EOS R5’s firmware needs to be updated to 1.4.0 to enable RAW Output via HDMI.
2) An Atomos Ninja V+ external recorder (yes, it needs to be the latest "V+" version; an older "Ninja V" will not suffice)
3) The Atomos Ninja V+ needs firmware version AtomOS 10.68 or later. providing both 8K & 5K ProRes RAW, long-format recordings.
4) The ProRes codecs need to be activated at the my.atomos.com portal. (The exact process is outlined at the Atomos site.)
Specifically, the new recording formats are:
• ProRes RAW Recording:
o 8K (8224 x 4336) at 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p
o 5K (5088 x 2680) at 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 50p, 59.94p
• WB and ISO Controls for FCP Settings slider adjustments
Atomos cautions that the Ninja V+ "will" get hot when recording in ProRes RAW, and that is normal behavior.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
8K Raw with no overheating | Canon R5 & Ninja V+ - ProAV TV
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
In case you just need an improvement in recording time before overheating, Tilta Inc. is starting to sell their Tiltaing Cooling System – Black for $165.00USD.
Currently on backorder.,
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
The first [short] video production in EOS R5 ProRes RAW, thanks to the Atomos Ninja V+ (about 6 mins):
'An Invitation - A Colour the Trails Story’ | Ninja V+ & Canon EOS R5 | 8K ProRes RAW
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
The 'Behind the Scenes' video for the above video from Atomos (about 40 mins):
8K Apple ProRes RAW Online event | Ninja V+ & Canon EOS R5
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
CANON R5 TORTURE TEST: Pushing firmware 1.6 in 96°F heat to see if it breaks - Deaf Director
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums