Canon may have finally fixed a lot of the freezing that has been occurring when shooting with the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6. I'm not sure that “rare instances” is suitable, as it appeared to be a widespread problem.
Let us know in the forums if you run into any freezes after updating to the latest firmware.
Canon also plans to release new firmware in late March to further optimize AF operations.
Canon always appreciates user feedback on our products and services. Following the release of Firmware Version 1.5.0, we are in the process of developing an update to further optimize AF operations. We plan to publish details of the revised firmware in late March and will make an announcement on the Web site.
Canon EOS R5
Firmware Version 1.5.1 incorporates the following fix:
- Fixes an issue that in rare instances, the camera may become inoperable when shooting in the Servo AF setting while operating the button.
Download firmware v1.5.1 for the Canon EOS R5
Canon EOS R6
Firmware Version 1.5.1 incorporates the following fix:
- Fixes an issue that in rare instances, the camera may become inoperable when shooting in the Servo AF setting while operating the button.
“Following the release of Firmware Version 1.5.0, we are in the process of developing an update to further optimize AF operations. We plan to publish details of the revised firmware in late March and will make an announcement on the Web site.”
This release seems to tackle one very specific instance where the AF toggle causes an issue. Will download and check later this evening.
[EDIT] ... and stick to 1.4, especially if you never experienced any freeze.
I've downloaded v1.5.1, but I've got a major project to shoot in a couple of weeks time, so I don't intend to update the camera immediately - I'll wait until mid-March when I get home and have a clear window available for experimentation and testing. By then there should be plenty of feedback about whether the freezing has been fixed, and whether the AF issues that some have experienced with v1.5.0 have been eliminated.
Kudos to Canon for acting so quickly to get the updates launched though.
Ok, who am I fooling. That's what I'd do if I were rational. I'm going to inevitably break down and upgrade one of the bodies to the new firmware to do some AF split tests. Damn you, Canon.
Both of mine consistently freeze if:
They're connected to my phone via Bluetooth,
location data is enabled through Camera Connect,
and I take a picture about 5 seconds after waking the camera up from sleep (AFAICT, at the moment that location data finally starts making it from the phone to the camera).
Sounds like this update doesn't address that one.
Maybe because I've never used BBF, I haven't had enough freeze-ups to fret over. (Maybe three or four in a year.) I have 1.5 on my R5 and R6.
HOWEVER, I can't help but get annoyed that after almost two years, Canon has continued to ignore adding certain features to the R5 and R6 that make them immensely better.
1) Why doesn't the R6 still not have custom shooting modes in video but the EOS R does?
2) IBIS. No need to say more.
3) The 30-minute limit. It's not a law anymore so it is clearly a crippling mechanism. It's hilarious because it's not like we can shoot in 4k or higher for extended periods of time on the R5 and R6 internally anyways but it will help for simple 1080p recording.
It's so frustrating because I appreciate adding cLog3 and advanced AF updates but the issues I stated above are so glaring and feel like we're purposely being ignored. That's all :)
But I think the issue is more complex than that - it's quite possible that freezes are occurring even when people are using all the buttons and dials on default settings. It's even possible that intermittent freezes could be related to activating certain power-hungry settings such as Digital Lens Optimiser.
Canon have rushed out v1.5.1 in response to the avalanche of complaints, but it could take several more updates before all the potential causes are eliminated. Canon will undoubtedly be continuing their investigations and further fixes to "improve stability" will probably come in the March update.