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

[Del Paso]

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.

I brought the camera back to the retailer, with a very long letter to Canon explaining in the tiniest details what happened, (temperature, camera settings, duration, battery type and charge etc...). I even wrote that I had used at the same time another EOS R (original), and that the EOS R had a minimal discharge despite being used in exactly the same way, while the R5 II was almost discharged.
The retailer understood, Canon didn't .
"Everything's fine". Next camera: From a grey market internet seller (Panamoz). I'm just fed up with the way many well-known companies react when faced with a real complain. What's the use of an "International Warranty" if supports often systematically reject warranty claims?
Edit: I forgot to write that I had a lengthy email and phone exchange with Canon Support in Hamburg BEFORE sending the camera. They agreed with me that this wasn't acceptable, that I should send them the R5 II. But see what happened then...

 

[mmmm]

I brought the camera back to the retailer, with a very long letter to Canon explaining in the tiniest details what happened, (temperature, camera settings, duration, battery type and charge etc...). I even wrote that I had used at the same time another EOS R (original), and that the EOS R had a minimal discharge despite being used in exactly the same way, while the R5 II was almost discharged.
The retailer understood, Canon didn't .
"Everything's fine". Next camera: From a grey market internet seller (Panamoz). I'm just fed up with the way many well-known companies react when faced with a real complain. What's the use of an "International Warranty" if supports often systematically reject warranty claims?

I purchased from panamoz. It’s the first time - I used E-Infinity in the past. I have never used any of their warranties yet, but both assured me ahead of time that anything (outside of damaged caused by me etc) will be immediately replaced no questions asked. Never tested it but it’s refreshing to hear nonetheless. There are many ‘internet stories’ backing up these claims and rarely any horror stories from using reputable grey import shops. As I said before - maybe it’s frowned upon, but the day the unofficial channel is better both in price and in after care is the day the official retailers lose out.

 

[Maurus Streit]

I brought the camera back to the retailer, with a very long letter to Canon explaining in the tiniest details what happened, (temperature, camera settings, duration, battery type and charge etc...). I even wrote that I had used at the same time another EOS R (original), and that the EOS R had a minimal discharge despite being used in exactly the same way, while the R5 II was almost discharged.
The retailer understood, Canon didn't .
"Everything's fine". Next camera: From a grey market internet seller (Panamoz). I'm just fed up with the way many well-known companies react when faced with a real complain. What's the use of an "International Warranty" if supports often systematically reject warranty claims?
Edit: I forgot to write that I had a lengthy email and phone exchange with Canon Support in Hamburg BEFORE sending the camera. They agreed with me that this wasn't acceptable, that I should send them the R5 II. But see what happened then...

Thanks so much for your reply!
I am afraid if i bring the camera back to the retailer, they will just keep it and give me my money back. It was refurbished in new condition but 1200 less than a new one, and i can't really afford a new one. That's why i contacted Canon and hope they will do something about it, even if it doesn't work out.

I find it really sad that this is something Canon has allowed to ship their cameras out with. Even 3000 is a looot of Money and it should be expected that at least the battery works.

 

[CharlesB]

Just a little update.

Last night I was checking the batteries that have been sitting for about a month. My Canon battery was around 83%. Now this was a battery not in anything, aside from the protective case. It was fully charged and was down to 83%, when just sitting there.

All of my Neewer batteries were still at 100%, that just sat too.

It's just unbelievable that a Canon battery costs around $80 USD and it can't hold a charge and a battery that is a fraction of the price works perfectly. I thought the issue may have gone away with the Canon batteries but obviously not. I'm very happy that Neewer is making a good battery for a great price. I only looked at the batteries again because of all of us talking about it and my plans to go out today and see if I can capture the photos.

For those with R1s, I really hope they put out some cheaper and reliable batteries for you. Those with R5 Mark ii systems, please let us know how you like the Neewer batteries after testing them. I don't want to be one of the only ones staying they're great! I feel like I might come off as someone that works for these companies when I like something, just because I really love helping people out and sharing, if something is good or bad.

 

[Del Paso]

Just a little update.

Last night I was checking the batteries that have been sitting for about a month. My Canon battery was around 83%. Now this was a battery not in anything, aside from the protective case. It was fully charged and was down to 83%, when just sitting there.

All of my Neewer batteries were still at 100%, that just sat too.

It's just unbelievable that a Canon battery costs around $80 USD and it can't hold a charge and a battery that is a fraction of the price works perfectly. I thought the issue may have gone away with the Canon batteries but obviously not. I'm very happy that Neewer is making a good battery for a great price. I only looked at the batteries again because of all of us talking about it and my plans to go out today and see if I can capture the photos.

For those with R1s, I really hope they put out some cheaper and reliable batteries for you. Those with R5 Mark ii systems, please let us know how you like the Neewer batteries after testing them. I don't want to be one of the only ones staying they're great! I feel like I might come off as someone that works for these companies when I like something, just because I really love helping people out and sharing, if something is good or bad.

In Europe the LP-E6P cost about $125 a piece.
You don't get this high-quality product for less...

 

[CharlesB]

In Europe the LP-E6P cost about $125 a piece.
You don't get this high-quality product for less...

That's crazy! I sometimes forget about the different costs in different regions! I really hope you're able to get the cheaper ones.

I'm getting ready to go out and test a bit. It's not a very nice day here but I don't only do photography to take nice pictures, often I just bring my gear and enjoy nature. If I see something really interesting, I'll be ready - if not, I get some fresh air.

Not to go way off topic but that's one of the main reasons I love macro photography in the field, it forces you to slow down and appreciate the small things in life. Capturing a beautiful image of them is just a bonus!

 

[Baywoof]

Sorry to say, but not all "bug" or feature enhancements can be accomplished with a firmware update. Good luck to those with issues.

 

[definedphotography]

All of my Neewer batteries were still at 100%, that just sat too.

IME, those 3rd party batteries can look like they're at/near 100%, but your camera could turn off at any moment. Whereas the Canon batteries will drain at a more controlled rate.
I've not had enough time with the R5ii to see if there is any issues compared to the R5i

 

[neuroanatomist]

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.

There was an issue with the LP-EL battery draining too fast (while not in use) in the Speedlite EL-5. That issue was with the flash, not the batteries. Canon issued a recall for them. Worth noting that the recall applies to a specific serial number range and to 'units exhibiting the issue'...and I know that not all units in the serial number range are affected because I have one and the battery holds its charge just fine.

 

[jam05]

My R5 II came back from Canon Service, I complained about it gobbling battery juice at high speed. Fully loaded battery, despite extreme energy economy settings and use: 200 shots maximum at approximately + 8° celsius. Under identical conditions, the EOS R battery shows more than 75% left.
Canon's answer: Everything's ok...
If the coming firmware doesn't help, I will sell the R5 II and possibly replace it with an R5.

What are you shooting? What are your settings? With or without battery grip and or fan? What "extreme energy economy settings? It could be that you have faulty batteries. I have not had any similar issues with my R5ii

 

[David - Sydney]

For those with R1s, I really hope they put out some cheaper and reliable batteries for you.

As far as I know, the LP-E19 hasn't changed for a very long time.... which seems a little strange as the LP-E6 version has undergone a number of "improvements".

 

[mmmm]

Sorry to say, but not all "bug" or feature enhancements can be accomplished with a firmware update. Good luck to those with issues.

Bugs can definitely be addressed with a firmware update. The firmware is the software operating system and the bug is in the lines of code that make it. That’s very much part of the point of a firmware update.

You’re right about features though, depending on the feature.

 

[Del Paso]

What are you shooting? What are your settings? With or without battery grip and or fan? What "extreme energy economy settings? It could be that you have faulty batteries. I have not had any similar issues with my R5ii

It would take me too long to give you all the details. wrote Canon a full page and a half.
No fan, of course!
And the same LP-E6P batteries last like usual in the 5D IV, in the R, and in a friend's R5.

 

[CharlesB]

As far as I know, the LP-E19 hasn't changed for a very long time.... which seems a little strange as the LP-E6 version has undergone a number of "improvements".

I was more just hoping people with the R1 would have a cheaper alternative. The person that mentioned that battery said it works with no issues but is expensive.

I had no clue that battery had been out a long time. If that's the case, I guess there's not a great chance of a good third party option, sadly. I seen Wasabi had one but it was not rated very well - I didn't read the reviews on why it wasn't rated well though.

 

[CharlesB]

IME, those 3rd party batteries can look like they're at/near 100%, but your camera could turn off at any moment. Whereas the Canon batteries will drain at a more controlled rate.
I've not had enough time with the R5ii to see if there is any issues compared to the R5i

So far I haven't had any issues with the 3rd party ones, just the Canon ones.

It doesn't seem like an issue everyone is having but a few. I would be interested in if you experience any. If so, please let me know - I'm just curious.

I just was out shooting for a while with the third party ones and nothing seemed weird about it. To be completely fair, I'm still learning the R5 Mark ii and I'm probably no where near experienced as many people on here. This year my plan is to get much more shooting in, so if anything changes on my end, I'll definitely share it. Right now, it's winter and I live near Chicago, outdoor macro (which is my preference) is not exactly the most fun. I can't find insects!

 

[CharlesB]

There was an issue with the LP-EL battery draining too fast (while not in use) in the Speedlite EL-5. That issue was with the flash, not the batteries. Canon issued a recall for them. Worth noting that the recall applies to a specific serial number range and to 'units exhibiting the issue'...and I know that not all units in the serial number range are affected because I have one and the battery holds its charge just fine.

The only Canon flash I have left is the 600ex-rt, which my wife dropped and broke a part off. Lol. It actually still works but it's used on my old 5D Mark iii.

I have a ton of Flashpoint strobes, which I really love.

I'm really not sure what the battery issue is. I know most people don't have it but some do. I technically don't have it anymore because I use the third party ones.

Maybe it was just a bad batch. Only thing I can think of. When I was talking to the guy from Midwest Photo, he said he never heard of the issue. That being said, there's a couple or few people in this forum that have experienced it and when I Googled the issue, it was hard to find more than a few with similar issues, so it definitely doesn't seem widespread. Which is a great thing!

 

[janmaly]

My R5 II came back from Canon Service, I complained about it gobbling battery juice at high speed. Fully loaded battery, despite extreme energy economy settings and use: 200 shots maximum at approximately + 8° celsius. Under identical conditions, the EOS R battery shows more than 75% left.
Canon's answer: Everything's ok...
If the coming firmware doesn't help, I will sell the R5 II and possibly replace it with an R5.

All the information about battery performance in cold weather are really new to me. Been rocking my R5 Mark II in cold weather ever since November (temp. from -8C to 5C here in Europe and have no complains at all. I would even say R5 Mark II battery performemnce is much better than on Mark I overall.

Using only ES and works perfectly well. Two weeks ago shooting a football match in -7C, at least +2,5hours outside with at least 3500 photos on a battery, flying colours. Using LP-E6P of course.

Old batteries are rubbish on the new R5II. For instance even in room temp. I can not shoot more than 600 photos on my "old" LP-E6NH from R5 Mark I. The same battery that can do at least 2000 photos on Mark I. Not even talking about the E6. These are empty in 10-15min.

 

[Del Paso]

All the information about battery performance in cold weather are really new to me. Been rocking my R5 Mark II in cold weather ever since November (temp. from -8C to 5C here in Europe and have no complains at all. I would even say R5 Mark II battery performemnce is much better than on Mark I overall.

Using only ES and works perfectly well. Two weeks ago shooting a football match in -7C, at least +2,5hours outside with at least 3500 photos on a battery, flying colours. Using LP-E6P of course.

Old batteries are rubbish on the new R5II. For instance even in room temp. I can not shoot more than 600 photos on my "old" LP-E6NH from R5 Mark I. The same battery that can do at least 2000 photos on Mark I. Not even talking about the E6. These are empty in 10-15min.

I do believe what you wrote.
But just like, in the beginning, we heard of many R5 cameras suddenly freezing, we also heard of customers who did experience no freezing at all.
The so-called battery issues seem to concern a small percentage of R5 II cameras, including mine.
And I didn't knowingly buy a Euro 4600 camera with such a miserable battery output. But, before I say I regret my decision, I'll wait for the next firmware.
What is a shame is Canon Support's denying there's something wrong with being unable to get more than 200-250 shots out of a new camera.
And yes, all settings were on maximal energy efficiency...

 

[SnowMiku]

For those who are using third-party batteries on the R1 and R5 II, I thought using any third-party batteries would void the warranty?

I hope the battery issues in the R5 II get sorted out soon. The first batch of anything technology always seems to be the beta testers these days.

 

[Del Paso]

For those who are using third-party batteries on the R1 and R5 II, I thought using any third-party batteries would void the warranty?

I hope the battery issues in the R5 II get sorted out soon. The first batch of anything technology always seems to be the beta testers these days.

Ironically, in my case, I believe the use of original batteries could void warranty!