The Canon R5 is considered to be Canon’s best stills camera. It is a go-to for professionals as it boasts functional features that makes it a favourite. However, the Canon R5 is also known for some peculiar problems with its aperture.
Some of the major aperture problems associated with the Canon R5 include “L Error”; whitish photos, overexposed images, among others.
This article addresses most of these problems, and proffers solutions to each one. However, to fully appreciate all of these, there is a need to understand what the Canon R5 is and what makes it such a much talked about camera.
Canon R5 Camera Overview (How Does It Works?)
The Canon EOS R5 is a perfect camera if you are a stills or hybrid shooter, who needs a camera that is suitable for both photography and videography. It is however not recommended for pure video, not because its video quality is not awesome but because of its overheating restrictions.
This awesome camera is full frame mirrorless, with a 45 MP CMO sensor and an amazing in-body image stabilisation that can reduce shake to up to 8 steps. Fitted with a wonderful autofocus that uses deep learning to track both animals and humans, it can shoot bursts at 20 fps and 12 fps with its electronic and mechanical sutter respectively.
Armed with a Canon R5, you can shoot 8k videos, and save them as either Raw or H.265 footage. You can also shoot 4k video at up to 120p. It has a weather resistant body and it features an OLED electronic viewfinder. You get a dual memory card slot and a dual band wifi with support for ftp transfer.
Common Aperture Problems in Canon R5
With these canon R5 features, it is easy to see why this camera is so popular. However as stated earlier, the biggest complaint about it is its aperture. The aperture of a camera is the opening of a lens diaphragm through which light is captured. It is measured in f/stops and written as numbers.
The aperture determines the depth of field and the brightness of images and videos captured by a camera. It works in sync with the camera’s ISO and shutter speed, and all three are either manually or automatically adjusted based on the light condition to produce the best possible images or videos.
A faulty aperture therefore would affect the quality of the image and video. The Canon R5 has a few unique problems associated with its aperture despite its numerous qualities. Some of these problems include:
- Inability to read aperture level
- Aperture “L” Error
- Under-exposed images
- Over-exposed images
- Large apertures produces whitish videos
- Soft Images on small exposure
01. Inability to read aperture level
There are several ways this specific problem manifests itself. The aperture might shut itself randomly to a specific value. The aperture value might also remain at 00 not showing the change in the aperture or how much change has been made to it. Unfortunately, this is the most common problem with the Canon R5.
Cause Of Problem
The major cause of the aperture being locked to a number or the camera not being able to read aperture level is because an incompatible Sigma lens is being used with it. Sigma lens with the old firmware are not compatible with the Canon R5
Solution
Simply update the firmware of your sigma lenses before using it with the camera. So far, there has been no complaint of the camera being unable to read aperture level or being stuck to a number among users who use lenses with updated firmware.
02. Aperture ‘L’ Error
In a bid to manually control the aperture value of the camera, or other settings like the shutter speed, you might receive an “L” message. With the “L” message, you realise you are unable to change settings on the camera. Apparently, this is more of a function tha an error as would be explained below.
Cause Of Problem
The aperture control of the Canon R5 is assigned to the back of the camera dial while the shutter speed is controlled by the main dial. The camera also comes with a ‘Quick Control Dial’
If an ‘L’ error is being displayed when you try to to manually control the aperture of the camera, then most likely, the quick dial has been locked. This feature is fitted to aid photographers who would love to keep constant a particular manual setting.
Solution
To remove your camera from this mode, unlock the quick control dial of the camera. Upon doing this, you would have full control over the manual settings of the camera, from aperture, to shutter speed and others.
03. Under-Exposed Images
A notable problem that has been noticed among the Canon R5 users is that it tends to produce under-exposed images under flat light. This problem is heightened when you shoot with low-light/high ISO.
Cause Of Problem
This problem is unique to the R5. No product is entirely without a con, and from site-wide reviews, this is one of the cons of the camera’s aperture.
Solution
The best way to manage this problem is to shoot in average lighting conditions at the least. A second option is to manually set your camera ISO and shutter speed to get the best pictures when you are shooting in low light.
04. Over-Exposed Images
The Canon r5 has enough dynamic range to produce high quality images under very bright lights. However, it is possible to end up with over-exposed images. This problem is not one common to the Canon R5, however might be specific to yours.
Cause Of Problem
Over exposed image can be as a result of your aperture not appropriately dialling down, something the R5 is perfect at. The cause of this include:
- Sticky blades in old lens
- Faulty aperture ring
- Broken spring
All of these can be a result of poor maintenance of the camera and lens. A sticky aperture ring can be as a result of exposure of your camera to high temperature for a longtime (like in your car)
Solution
The only solution to sticky blades, faulty aperture ring or a broken spring or sticky blades to to take your device to a service centre.
Large apertures produces whitish videos
When shooting with in with the lowest aperture figure, a lot of light will be allowed into the camera which might lead to producing whitish videos. Although not so common, it can happen with your videos.
Cause Of Problem
This occurs when the camera is unable to reduce the ISO or shutter speed to balance the amount of light being received by the camera.
Solution
There are several ways to manage this problem. First you can reduce the amount of light where you are shooting, making it a bit darker. A second and preferred solution is to manually set your ISO and shutter speed to balance out the aperture.
People Also Ask
Where do I manually set the aperture value of Canon R5?
The R5 is equipped with controls for manually setting its features.The aperture control of the Canon RS is assigned to the back of the camera
How do I unlock the Canon R5 aperture manual settings?
Unlock the Canon R5(and basically the shutter speed, ISO and other settings) by unlock the ‘Quick’ control dial of the camera
What is the aperture range of Canon R5?
The aperture range of the R5 is f/4-f/22 with 9 blades. This range allows you to shoot in both low and high light conditions to get varying degrees of image quality.
My Final Words
The Canon R5 is an awesome device, and considered the best still camera from Canon.A fair understanding of how aperture works in a camera would go a long way in helping you solve most of the problems that are associated with the camera’s aperture.