FIRMWARE UPGRADE FOR EOS R5 PROVIDES BETTER OVERHEAT MESSAGING

CANON HAS RELEASED a firmware upgrade for the EOS R5 mirrorless camera designed to help users better manage temperature build-ups when shooting video. Firmware upgrade Version 1.1.0 obviously doesn’t make any physical changes to the camera, but monitoring the camera’s operating temperature – and the related information display – have been improved. Essentially, the EOS R5 has been found to overheat when recording video at its highest resolutions and frame rates, thus limiting maximum recording duration achievable. Better monitoring of the camera’s internal and external temperature sensors will enable users to more closely manage heat buildups, which are most problematic with the 8K/25p and 4K/50p or 100p configurations. In particular, the capacity to shoot many shorter-duration clips (typically with durations of two to three minutes) in succession is improved, with reduced recovery periods when the camera is actively cooled. Our UK sister magazine, Digital Camera World, found that up to four times more footage could be shot under these circumstances (which, in practice, is a more realistic way of shooting than taking very long clips).

Furthermore, the new firmware allows for the R5’s Overheat Control (which Canon recommends should be enabled) to be accessed when shooting to an external recorder via HDMI. Among the other adjustments, or rectifications, include improved connectivity during FTP transmission and faster card access times with certain CFexpress devices. When using the new RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM telezoom, the amount of image stabilisation correction for camera shake is increased to six stops.

Additionally, Canon says a future upgrade for the EOS R5 will provide a lower bit rate option for 8K video and when using IPB compression with any resolution or frame rate, 120/100p recording with Full HD (for slow-mo) and a Canon Log 3 gamma profile.

In the meantime, Version 1.1.0 is available for free download from https:// www.canon.com.au/cameras/eos-r5/ support?option=drivers

This is for cameras with firmware versions up to Version 1.0.0. EOS R5s purchased very recently may already have Version 1.1.0 firmware.