I'm curious, what is the current consensus on the R5 Mark II in sub zero Fahrenheit weather. I'm planning to go to Yellowstone this winter and have had prior experiences there at -20F. There was a lot of discussion about this several months ago. It seemed at that time the problem was the camera itself. Maybe firmware.
I can't speak to the R5 II directly, not surprised if people are having trouble at -20 F and 20-30 fps though on any camera. Probably high drain, and cold doesn't help batteries
Old li ion don't seem to do well in the cold, new seem relatively unfazed. So my recommendation is a couple brand new Canon batteries.
I've followed that thread as it has developed over last winter. I was hoping for new news like firmware update fixes the problem. I hate to have to keep the r5 as a backup in case the r5II dies. I was hoping Canon would address the problem before this coming winter.
Looking at the other thread, I mean, they left cameras on a tripod in a mild arctic storm. Betteries must have gotten really stinking cold in the wind, not surprised they had issues, not sure how you'd fix it with firmware. Just really cold
I think the old solution (can debate safety of putting li ion in pocket, but everyone has a phone) is to keep one battery in your pocket, and change batteries regularly. I'd prefer not to have GPS in a camera
Seems like i've seen similar cold complaints on the a1 series on the Sony board. Just a lot of power required to get 20-30fps , EVF, etc
Hardware GPS, ie the one that plugs into the hot shoe, has been discontinued. As to having it in the camera, on the 5D4, you could turn it off if you didn't like having your location embedded in the files.
Have the grip
Have 4-8 battery for a full day of shooting
Wrapping it in heat packs helped a ton
Firmware should also be updated - older firmware are way worse
AmbientMike wrote:
I can't speak to the R5 II directly, not surprised if people are having trouble at -20 F and 20-30 fps though on any camera. Probably high drain, and cold doesn't help batteries
Old li ion don't seem to do well in the cold, new seem relatively unfazed. So my recommendation is a couple brand new Canon batteries.
My 7 years old li ion batteries can handle the cold like a breeze it's a mirrorless thing to deplete that fast.
Have the grip
Have 4-8 battery for a full day of shooting
Wrapping it in heat packs helped a ton
Firmware should also be updated - older firmware are way worse
Some of the responders need to read the entire thread. This is being reported, although not as bad, at temperatures above 0F as well starting I believe around 20F. I have not used a grip in a long time but that may be the way to go. Never had to have 4-8 batteries before but that is another solution. Never had to have heat packs although I tried them earlier in my career. Did the external battery with a T-90 until I found it was not needed.
To me it is going to be the grip and a bunch of batteries, a PD brick and cord, or take my old R5v1. The old R is the easiest solution but I hate to hang on to an old camera simply for winter use.
I'll update the firmware after it has been in use for a while. Canon does not allow roll back so I need the early adopters to gain enough experience to know the new firmware is bug free.
Flowernut wrote:
Some of the responders need to read the entire thread. This is being reported, although not as bad, at temperatures above 0F as well starting I believe around 20F. I have not used a grip in a long time but that may be the way to go. Never had to have 4-8 batteries before but that is another solution. Never had to have heat packs although I tried them earlier in my career. Did the external battery with a T-90 until I found it was not needed.
To me it is going to be the grip and a bunch of batteries, a PD brick and cord, or take my old R5v1. The old R is the easiest solution but I hate to hang on to an old camera simply for winter use.
I'll update the firmware after it has been in use for a while. Canon does not allow roll back so I need the early adopters to gain enough experience to know the new firmware is bug free.
If I were to shoot in extreme cold (that's anything below -7C for me ) for extended periods, I think I'd use a PD brick and keep it inside my jacket near my chest. I never walk away from my camera even when mounted on a tripod anyhow so being tethered to the camera is of no concern. It's easy enough to just unplug if needed.
Uarctos wrote:
My 7 years old li ion batteries can handle the cold like a breeze it's a mirrorless thing to deplete that fast.
My old worn BP-511's are having trouble by 45°F or so, I'll use single shot etc even, they're better >60° F, also had trouble at freezing using old li.ion in another device. A rebel having a new battery fine at a bit over 20° F, left in the car. So I'd get newer batteries, Wyoming can be really cold
But yeah, 5DsR, for instance, you're at about 5fps max, no EVF to power. Although its still surprising these batteries can supply enough power at -40° but you wonder how cold the battery actually is
EB-1 wrote:
The 5DsR drops from 5FPS to 3FPS when the battery is below 50%, regardless of temperature.
The camera temperature ratings are usually made from an equilibrated state. I don't know what protocol Canon uses, but one would expect the camera with battery and lens would be in a -40°C chamber overnight or however long that takes. In frequent use the battery and camera will warm and perform better, but the product should function with a partly discharged battery from a cold state. For example a person might deplete the battery 50% and then take a break, meanwhile the camera cools down. From what I have been told the cold time photographers store the battery between underwares and the clothing layers to keep it warmer.
Seems like people used to do that more, i.e. 2 batteries, and change them regularly, storing one in a coat pocket or something. Might be pretty easy to keep the battery 30°+ F warmer, helping performance
Just surprised reading the other thread, leaving a camera out in the cold and wind for more heat transfer, the batteries themselves may have been -10° F, what did they expect, really?
Does Canon test -40°, the manual usually says 32° F/0° C, of course everyone shoots <32°F. Even holding the camera could help keep it a little warmer. Yes I could see running the battery down and then cooling it off not being a good combo
I'm going on prior experience with Canon starting with the Ftb going through several different FD bodies ending with the T-90, then with various EF bodies ending with the 5D4. Started with the RP, R and R5. I doubt any of these cameras were rated at sub zero F temperature ranges but I never had problems with them in the cold. I admit I've not had personal problems wtih the R5II but it is being reported by others. We had a mild winter in Colorado this year.
December/January in Idaho and Wyoming is really scaring me. I've never been in cold weather like that with my human body, not to mention a camera body. Will the R5 II crap out on me? I have very low confidence at this point.
EB-1 wrote:
December/January in Idaho and Wyoming is really scaring me. I've never been in cold weather like that with my human body, not to mention a camera body. Will the R5 II crap out on me? I have very low confidence at this point.
EBH
I haven't shot in super cold since film, but a couple fleece under a good parka and a couple pairs of pants, or maybe a ski bib, plus gloves and good hat, ought to be in pretty good shape, hopefully be OK maybe even enjoy the scenery and stuff
Of course the really cold often at night and you'll probably be indoors. Just depends on the weather, might be cold might not be
Yeah it looks like Scott replied to the other thread, he used 5DsR in -40. I dont see using it in the recommended 32°-104° F range, some recent summers its been over 104°unfortunately, heat index forecast more than 104 tomorrow of course temperature affects the camera not heat index
-10°C is as low as I've used a digital camera and it was fine. I suppose we will all find out soon enough this winter, but if Canon has not improved the R5 II's low temp performance by now I doubt they ever will.
it's a mirrorless thing to deplete that fast.
) for extended periods, I think I'd use a PD brick and keep it inside my jacket near my chest. I never walk away from my camera even when mounted on a tripod anyhow so being tethered to the camera is of no concern. It's easy enough to just unplug if needed.