We’re Still Waiting for New Firmware for the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II

[Del Paso]

I have never used the brand, but it is sold by the big retailers. Not a personal endorsement, but worth a look. I don't recall any major stories of third-party batteries from the known brands causing issues.

Wasabi Power LP-E6P (Not an affiliate link)

Wasabi Power (silly name...) don't sell in Europe. I think I'll buy some Neewer batteries. They won't hold charge less than the OEMs.
I was never a friend of non-OEM batteries but: "Il n'y a que les imbeciles qui ne changent pas d'avis". (Only fools don't change their mind).
Edit: I just saw on Bezos' Amazon (sorry, The Washington Post...) that Neewer and Blumax are the same product as Wasabi Power.

 

[Aldherrian]

Wasabi Power (silly name...) don't sell in Europe. I think I'll buy some Neewer batteries. They won't hold charge less than the OEMs.
I was never a friend of non-OEM batteries but: "Il n'y a que les imbeciles qui ne changent pas d'avis". (Only fools don't change their mind).
Edit: I just saw on Bezos' Amazon (sorry, The Washington Post...) that Neewer and Blumax are the same product as Wasabi Power.

For what it's worth, when looking for 3rd party batteries for my R7, I came across several tests demonstrating that not all 3rd party batteries, even compatible, would deliver the right power supply for specific usage like burst shots. The one that was recommended as delivering the same power as the oem-ones were the Neewer. They work perfectly fine for me, only con is that they only charge through the supplied charger, it will not charge through the Canon one

 

[CharlesB]

Could you please tell me which 3rd. party batteries you'd recommend?
As you may have read my post, I had similar discharging issues.
PS: Mine went through several cycles without any improvement.

Also interested in recommendations for third party battery brands for backup

I wasn't sure if it was OK for me to post but the batteries I bought were from Amazon "

NEEWER 2 Pack 2400mAh LP-E6P/LP-E6NH/LP-E6N/LP-E6 Replacement Battery & USB Dual Charger"​

I ended up buying 6 total batteries from them because I liked them so much. They are 2 packs and included a charger. I also noticed these batteries actually charge to 100%, while my Canon batteries would only charge to 96-98%.

I know Neewer is kind of known as a cheap brand but I really love the batteries. You can actually see a review from me on Amazon (Under the name CB) because I felt others may have had the same issue with the Canon batteries and I just wanted to help out.

Worse case, if they don't work for you, as well as they have for me, you can just return them. I don't think that'll be necessary though.

If you need a link, I can always send it but I just copied/pasted the first part of the listing, so it should be easy to find. I think there's only like 4-5 reviews, mine was the first one, no one left a review before me, so it was a gamble but definitely worth it, in my opinion!

Hope this helps.

 

[Del Paso]

I wasn't sure if it was OK for me to post but the batteries I bought were from Amazon "

NEEWER 2 Pack 2400mAh LP-E6P/LP-E6NH/LP-E6N/LP-E6 Replacement Battery & USB Dual Charger"​

I ended up buying 6 total batteries from them because I liked them so much. They are 2 packs and included a charger. I also noticed these batteries actually charge to 100%, while my Canon batteries would only charge to 96-98%.

I know Neewer is kind of known as a cheap brand but I really love the batteries. You can actually see a review from me on Amazon (Under the name CB) because I felt others may have had the same issue with the Canon batteries and I just wanted to help out.

Worse case, if they don't work for you, as well as they have for me, you can just return them. I don't think that'll be necessary though.

If you need a link, I can always send it but I just copied/pasted the first part of the listing, so it should be easy to find. I think there's only like 4-5 reviews, mine was the first one, no one left a review before me, so it was a gamble but definitely worth it, in my opinion!

Hope this helps.

Thanks!
Coincidentally I had just ordered the Neewer batteries!
I'll keep them anyway as a backup.

 

[CharlesB]

Thanks!
Coincidentally I had just ordered the Neewer batteries!
ll keep them anyway as a backup.

You're very welcome!

I hope they work well for you, I believe they will! I did testing to ensure all features still worked on the camera, the ones Canon says won't unless you get theirs and I came across no issues.

I mentioned in my review, my only worry about the batteries would be that Canon might try something to ensure only their batteries work, like in a firmware update. I don't think that's likely but with how Canon has been lately, who knows.

 

[Del Paso]

You're very welcome!

I hope they work well for you, I believe they will! I did testing to ensure all features still worked on the camera, the ones Canon says won't unless you get theirs and I came across no issues.

I mentioned in my review, my only worry about the batteries would be that Canon might try something to ensure only their batteries work, like in a firmware update. I don't think that's likely but with how Canon has been lately, who knows.

As I shoot only stills, I don't even care if I lose some OEM battery advantages.
I am just looking forward to getting my 4 Neewers.
And, of course, hoping for a firmware that will settle matters...

 

[CharlesB]

As I shoot only stills, I don't even care if I lose some OEM battery advantages.
I am just looking forward to getting my 4 Neewers.
And, of course, hoping for a firmware that will settle matters...

I think you're going to be very happy with them! I bought two, did tests and then immediately bought 4 more! I think they even have a little sale right now, really can't best it.

I think the 30fps was something people were worried about working but EVERYTHING still works.

I'd love to hear your experience with them and I'm sure others that are on the fence and think 3rd party batteries are not reliable would want to know.

I'm always happy to help out, especially when I've had a bad experience with a particular product and find something better.

 

[mmmm]

Was hopeing to find an r1 version but I can’t seem to see them on their list, shame!

 

[CharlesB]

Was hopeing to find an r1 version but I can’t seem to see them on their list, shame!

Sorry, I don't know anything about the R1 batteries! I came very close to getting the R1 and probably would have if it had a higher MP count. I know it's not all about mega pixels but my primary shooting is macro, nature and animals. Something I believe a higher MP count is good for.

If I see anything for the R1, I'll be sure to let you know. I personally think it's the batteries that are the issue and not the cameras themselves. There may be a firmware update that can help but since I used different batteries, without issue, I figure it's the Canon batteries and not the camera or grip. Which is sad, given the cost of the batteries.

 

[mmmm]

Sorry, I don't know anything about the R1 batteries! I came very close to getting the R1 and probably would have if it had a higher MP count. I know it's not all about mega pixels but my primary shooting is macro, nature and animals. Something I believe a higher MP count is good for.

If I see anything for the R1, I'll be sure to let you know. I personally think it's the batteries that are the issue and not the cameras themselves. There may be a firmware update that can help but since I used different batteries, without issue, I figure it's the Canon batteries and not the camera or grip. Which is sad, given the cost of the batteries.

Thanks! Appreciate that. I’m actually not having battery issues with my r1. I also don’t really need them with any urgency. I have spares. But at 150 quid a pop I don’t have as many as I would normally like to have for the ‘just in case moment’. 3rd party options are good for this but aside being new to the r1, I’m also new to the 1 series in general, so it’s good to know my options.

 

[SpecInspector]

I'd like to see R3's pan assist mode in both R1 and R5ii, 6k 120p video in R1, thermostatic fan speed control in R5ii, and new spot metering mode with metering spot coinciding with focus point in both. Even slower focus speeds during video would be good too.

 

[CharlesB]

Thanks! Appreciate that. I’m actually not having battery issues with my r1. I also don’t really need them with any urgency. I have spares. But at 150 quid a pop I don’t have as many as I would normally like to have for the ‘just in case moment’. 3rd party options are good for this but aside being new to the r1, I’m also new to the 1 series in general, so it’s good to know my options.

My last camera (which my wife will be using now) is a Canon 5D Mark iii. It's an amazing camera, so I waited a LONG time for a new camera. Honestly, the learning curve between the dslr and mirrorless is much more than I expected! I almost got the R5 when it came out but didn't like some of the issues being reported. So I wanted to wait for the Mark ii or R1. Both which are amazing cameras. I still have a lot to learn about the R5 Mark ii but it'll be a pleasure. Keeps things fun! The only reason why I started following Canon Rumors was to see what was said about the new R5M2 and R1. I still love it for looking for deals and new releases of lenses, etc.

So right after my last post to you, I went on Amazon to see if Neewer had a version of the R1 battery and I couldn't find one. I seen Wasabi had one but it was lowly rated. Then I ended up on the Neewer site and....of course they had a deal on my batteries, 3 packs for 30% off. They had only 3 left and I bought all 3, I couldn't help it! It was $168 for the 3-3packs ($180 something with tax). So I got 9 batteries for the cost of two Canon equivalents! Now I have 18 batteries (3 which are Canon OEM). I think I have plenty for the "just in case now" lol. I do want to learn video, so I assume I'm going to need quite a bit.

So I started off trying to help you find batteries and ended up buying more for myself! Haha. I'm sorry I couldn't find you any back-ups. I really hope they come out for you soon, especially at the cost of yours. I was hopeful once I seen Wasabi had a version of yours but when I checked the release date, it was 2021. I know someone above said Wasabi and Neewer (so I thought if Wasabi has a version, maybe Neewer is shortly behind) may be the same batteries but rebranded but I couldn't find yours on the Neewer website or Amazon.

Sorry for my long posts! I'll try to shorten them.

 

[mmmm]

My last camera (which my wife will be using now) is a Canon 5D Mark iii. It's an amazing camera, so I waited a LONG time for a new camera. Honestly, the learning curve between the dslr and mirrorless is much more than I expected! I almost got the R5 when it came out but didn't like some of the issues being reported. So I wanted to wait for the Mark ii or R1. Both which are amazing cameras. I still have a lot to learn about the R5 Mark ii but it'll be a pleasure. Keeps things fun! The only reason why I started following Canon Rumors was to see what was said about the new R5M2 and R1. I still love it for looking for deals and new releases of lenses, etc.

So right after my last post to you, I went on Amazon to see if Neewer had a version of the R1 battery and I couldn't find one. I seen Wasabi had one but it was lowly rated. Then I ended up on the Neewer site and....of course they had a deal on my batteries, 3 packs for 30% off. They had only 3 left and I bought all 3, I couldn't help it! It was $168 for the 3-3packs ($180 something with tax). So I got 9 batteries for the cost of two Canon equivalents! Now I have 18 batteries (3 which are Canon OEM). I think I have plenty for the "just in case now" lol. I do want to learn video, so I assume I'm going to need quite a bit.

So I started off trying to help you find batteries and ended up buying more for myself! Haha. I'm sorry I couldn't find you any back-ups. I really hope they come out for you soon, especially at the cost of yours. I was hopeful once I seen Wasabi had a version of yours but when I checked the release date, it was 2021. I know someone above said Wasabi and Neewer (so I thought if Wasabi has a version, maybe Neewer is shortly behind) may be the same batteries but rebranded but I couldn't find yours on the Neewer website or Amazon.

Sorry for my long posts! I'll try to shorten them.

Yeah I’m coming from 5divs myself. I was waiting for the switch to mirrorless to calm down a bit before I moved over too. I shoot professionally so I wanted to wait, but I also don’t want to be left behind so now was the right time. The difference between a 5div and an r1 is insane.

 

[CharlesB]

Yeah I’m coming from 5divs myself. I was waiting for the switch to mirrorless to calm down a bit before I moved over too. I shoot professionally so I wanted to wait, but I also don’t want to be left behind so now was the right time. The difference between a 5div and an r1 is insane.

I'm sure it is! The focusing has to be almost worth it alone. That was one of my main reasons for wanting an upgrade from dslr to mirrorless but there's so many reasons.

There's nothing better than going from a great camera, to a new camera and thinking the new camera is insane over the great camera. Says so much!

 

[mmmm]

I'm sure it is! The focusing has to be almost worth it alone. That was one of my main reasons for wanting an upgrade from dslr to mirrorless but there's so many reasons.

There's nothing better than going from a great camera, to a new camera and thinking the new camera is insane over the great camera. Says so much!

Yep it’s the focussing that’s life changing. All the buttons and the ergonomics are a massive boost for me too. Weird getting use to the evf but the r1 evf is absolutely amazing so it’s not that much a learning curve and the ability to see exposure, have a histogram and other real time info in the view finder is incredible. Have used other mirrorless systems from time to time and the evf was the major thing holding me back. Just found it so weird. Not so with the r1, but never used any other pro series canon mirrorless to judge.

 

[David - Sydney]

If the Canon OEM battery is the source of the issue then a recall will be difficult for Canon to move lithium batteries around and could mean straight replacement. Given the supply limitations of the current battery, it could mean a protracted logistics as everyone will want replacement as soon as possible even if they don't see the issues today.

Does anyone know if the batteries have their own firmware on board? I seem to remember in the past that an update was needed and you had to put each battery in the body for the firmware to be installed but perhaps my memory is hazy. I think that I needed to update battery firmware in my DJI drone for instance.

 

[CharlesB]

If the Canon OEM battery is the source of the issue then a recall will be difficult for Canon to move lithium batteries around and could mean straight replacement. Given the supply limitations of the current battery, it could mean a protracted logistics as everyone will want replacement as soon as possible even if they don't see the issues today.

Does anyone know if the batteries have their own firmware on board? I seem to remember in the past that an update was needed and you had to put each battery in the body for the firmware to be installed but perhaps my memory is hazy

I really have no clue, my theory was just based off of my experiences with the batteries and I'm certainly not an expert.

However, my one worry with the 3rd party batteries was that Canon would try preventing them from working right, through some sort of firmware update. They've been a little selfish lately. I really hope they allow third party lenses again, with auto focus, of course. I'm going to read the new article from this forum now but the title didn't seem very promising.

Hopefully a battery expert answers your question because I'm curious too!

 

[Maurus Streit]

I am really dissapointed with the battery life on the R5 II. I got a great deal on a refurbished one from the biggest online Retailer in Switzerland, and i was so excited. The camera literally is in perfect condition. I haven't really had time to test it out thoroughly, but i took 8 minutes of 4k fine, 24fps video Yesterday, with the camera turned on for about 15-20 minutes, and the battery literally drained down to 70%.
Mind you this was with all power saving options turned on, and a brand new, fully charged, Canon Battery.

I believe the reason the former buyer returned the camera was exactly this. However i do not want to return it, cause i can't afford full price for a new one and already sold my R6. I wrote the local Canon branch yesterday, hopefully they can fix it.
In case they can't, i ordered 4 of the recommended Neewer batterys, huge Shoutout to CB!

 

[Del Paso]

I am really dissapointed with the battery life on the R5 II. I got a great deal on a refurbished one from the biggest online Retailer in Switzerland, and i was so excited. The camera literally is in perfect condition. I haven't really had time to test it out thoroughly, but i took 8 minutes of 4k fine, 24fps video Yesterday, with the camera turned on for about 15-20 minutes, and the battery literally drained down to 70%.
Mind you this was with all power saving options turned on, and a brand new, fully charged, Canon Battery.

I believe the reason the former buyer returned the camera was exactly this. However i do not want to return it, cause i can't afford full price for a new one and already sold my R6. I wrote the local Canon branch yesterday, hopefully they can fix it.
In case they can't, i ordered 4 of the recommended Neewer batterys, huge Shoutout to CB!

Please read my former post (page 1, post number 2) about my experience with Canon support. I have exactly the same problem with OEM batteries draining at Shinkansen -sorry, I'm French- TGV speed.
"Everything is normal" was their answer after 3 weeks. Since, I guess, your's will also be sent to Hamburg, I wish you better luck!

 

[Maurus Streit]

Please read my former post (page 1, post number 2) about my experience with Canon support. I have exactly the same problem with OEM batteries draining at Shinkansen -sorry, I'm French- TGV speed.
"Everything is normal" was their answer after 3 weeks. Since, I guess, your's will also be sent to Hamburg, I wish you better luck!

Hi, yes I saw that post too, that's really unfortunate. Thank you! Might I ask if you contacted Canon first or the retailer you bought the camera from? I do not have any experience with Canon Products and Warranty.