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    Canon releases an official statement about the EOS R5 and EOS R6 heat concerns

    By Updated:571 Comments3 Mins Read Canon EOS R
    eosr5r6fire - Canon releases an official statement about the EOS R5 and EOS R6 heat concerns

    There has been a lot of concern recently about how the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 handle heat when recording 8K and 4K video. Canon has released an official statement on the issue.

    From Canon:

    Details Regarding Canon EOS R5/EOS R6 Overheating During Video Recording

    The EOS R5, one of the latest additions to Canon’s full-frame mirrorless camera line, offers class-leading autofocus with high-resolution and high frame rate video recording options using the maximum width of the full-frame sensor at high bit rates. Inevitably, this combination of features has the potential to generate some significant heat, which will limit recording time.

    Canon has taken several steps to manage the potential for overheating, including:

    • Magnesium alloy was used in the body to dissipate heat away from internal components
    • An “overheat control” function to reduce heat generation when the camera is in standby

    In regard to the installation of a fan: The decision not to install a fan within the body was made in order to maintain the EOS R5’s compact size, lightweight construction, and weather resistance.

    Before recording starts, the EOS R5 and EOS R6 display an estimate of the recordable time based on the current camera temperature and the set recording mode.

    Canon has published and included below the approximate recording and estimated recovery times for 23°C / 73°F environments and ensure that the camera will warn users when it is getting too hot. Additionally, tips to reduce overheating as well as recovering time are listed below.

    Timing:

    recordtimesheat - Canon releases an official statement about the EOS R5 and EOS R6 heat concerns

    How can you reduce heat buildup in the EOS R5?

    • Set Overheat Control function to “ON” (default). When the overheat control function is enabled, the movie size and frame rate are automatically changed while the camera is in standby mode to suppress the rise of the internal temperature
    • Between recordings, it is recommended to turn off the camera
    • Position the camera out of direct sunlight
    • Use an external fan to dissipate heat

    How long will it take for the camera to recover?

    Estimated camera recovery times are indicated below. The time until full record time is available will vary with ambient temperature, continued camera operation, and the selected shooting resolution.

     

    recoverytimeheat - Canon releases an official statement about the EOS R5 and EOS R6 heat concerns
    Source: Canon

    What about the EOS R6?

    Like the EOS R5, the EOS R6 offers powerful movie recording and stills capabilities within a compact body design. At the highest frame rates and resolutions, heat is inevitably generated. We believe the EOS R6 offers the best in class performance, especially for enthusiast photographers and video content creators.

    The EOS R6 can record up to the 29 minutes 59-second recording limit in the 5.1K oversampled 4K 60p mode at (23°C / 73°F) before encountering any heat-related issues within the camera and up to 40 minutes of 4K at 30p.

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    571 comments

    1. Still unaddressed: Can you mitigate some of these heat concerns, at least at 4K60 and below, by using an external recorder? That way at least you're offloading the h.265 compression to an external unit.
    2. Well that didn't actually say anything we didn't already know???

      Canon need to manufactures an EF lens adapter with a fan to suck heat directly from the sensor for the long take video shooters.
    3. I've been using video capable DSLRs for a decade now and shot maybe a total of 20 minutes of video on them so naturally that's the most uninteresting news I could think of. However, it's gonna be fun seeing everyone go mad about it and construct an issue where there really is none (if you need proper heat managaement get a cinema camera ffs).
    4. I am primarily a stills shooter, but I can see how overheating can be disappointing. I think these numbers are from a cold start.

      I wonder how it would work if I had the camera on and taking photos here and there, and then switched to shot a short video
    5. I've been using video capable DSLRs for a decade now and shot maybe a total of 20 minutes of video on them so naturally that's the most uninteresting news I could think of. However, it's gonna be fun seeing everyone go mad about it and construct an issue where there really is none (if you need proper heat managaement get a cinema camera ffs).
      But you've got to factor in the cumulative effect of heat build up over a period of time, not just one take.

      I've pre-ordered however, I find the heat issues a very dissapointing with all these limittions.
    6. I am primarily a stills shooter, but I can see how overheating can be disappointing. I think these numbers are from a cold start.

      I wonder how it would work if I had the camera on and taking photos here and there, and then switched to shot a short video

      i second this as well as what happens if the ambient temp is warmer
    7. I am primarily a stills shooter, but I can see how overheating can be disappointing. I think these numbers are from a cold start.

      I wonder how it would work if I had the camera on and taking photos here and there, and then switched to shot a short video
      Oh, you mean to actually use it as a photo camera, not as a dedicated video camera?
      Come on, that's crazy talk! We really want those long, boring YouTube videos to get longer and higher resolution...:)
    8. 4K 30p sounds good enough for me and a great option for normal people. I can understand some people want the 4k 120p option for slow motion but i'm not really sure why the limit would be an issue as how much slow motion would you want to film at once? As far as 8K, I genuinely think its an amazing achievement to have that in a mirrorless body this size and whilst I feel for those that want this feature and be able to have unlimited recording time, realistically unless the laws of physics can be changed, it's not going to happen any time soon. Sorry folks.
    9. As a still shooters who hopes to use the 8K RAW at 30 fps to grab frames of fast moving subjects I am not too concerned with the recording limits. I would likely only use the function for 20-30 seconds at a time and can work within the limitations.
    12. Canon need to manufactures an EF lens adapter with a fan to suck heat directly from the sensor for the long take video shooters.

      Probably any vortex created between lens and sensor may degrade the image quality, because of different densities. The handheld photocamera form factor + weather sealing makes really difficult to dissipate heath efficiently.
    13. Well that didn't actually say anything we didn't already know???

      Canon need to manufactures an EF lens adapter with a fan to suck heat directly from the sensor for the long take video shooters.

      But that means using only EF lens, right? I wonder, if they could solve it somehow from within the grip? There would have to be some metal part connection, to dissipate the heat though. There seems to be some strange part close to the hinge of the LCD screen. If it would be metal and not plastic, could serve the purpose with some additional tools. But what about an external recorder for such situations?
    14. questions unanswered:

      How is over heating effected with different ambient temps? from switching from stills mode to video?

      How is over heating affected with battery grip?

      How is heat affected when recording to external monitor? and whats the maximum external frame rate / resolution to external? is it oversampled?
    16. So, for stills only, doesn't look like anyone can find any flaws? I know, still early.
      I heard about some overheating issues with animal eye detection when used on spiders ;)
    18. I find the heat issue very disturbing. There is a need to have this small sized camera for video work on a gimbal. Few years back I used 7DII to shoot TEDx conference. It was one time job in a life. But I did it. I'll still wait for a full frame camera with interchangeable lens that can shoot 4K/60, unlimited recording time and a decent codec. The R mount and drop in filter adapters could solve even the ND issue on DSLRs. With little money we could add that feature found in cinema cameras. But, I guess, Cannon won't offer this for a low price. 1DXIII has no issues regarding overheating. R6, instead, for less money, with the same sensor, has this problem. Finally everything is about marketing, about money. I'm happy that Canon somehow answered. It's a shame.
      EDIT: overheating is real:
    19. Perhaps I'm just a crazy fanboy, but this seems... entirely reasonable and not at all out of step with what I expected? Not only that, but I actually think Canon's transparency on the matter is enormously refreshing? Am I the insane one here?

      I am usually very quick to criticize large companies who fail to meet expectations or pull some pseudo bait-and-switch nonsense, but I genuinely don't believe the outsized criticism of these heat "issues" is warranted. The R5 is not -- and was never advertised as -- a C500 replacement. The spec sheet, even including these high end recording limitations, is more than I possibly could have asked for 6 months ago. What were others who are more critical honestly expecting? (This is not a pejorative statement by the way, I'm genuinely curious -- if you're disappointed by this, what were your expectations?)

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