topic Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

fatihakboru — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 21:54:46 GMT

Subject: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

Dear Canon Global Support Team,

I am a professional photographer using the Canon R3 and Canon R5C camera bodies along with the Canon EL-1 Speedlite flash. While I am generally satisfied with the system's performance, there are two recurring software limitations that significantly hinder my workflow:

1. High-Speed Sync (HSS) must be manually re-enabled each time the flash is attached or the camera is turned on.
This is disruptive in fast-paced environments. Competing systems retain the HSS setting automatically. It would be very beneficial if Canon firmware allowed this setting to persist.

2. Exposure Simulation is disabled when the flash is connected.
In many creative lighting situations, I still need to evaluate the ambient exposure before firing the flash. Disabling Exposure Simulation by default when a flash is attached restricts this ability. Other brands like Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony allow users to override this.

Both issues appear to be software-related and should be adjustable via firmware updates. I sincerely hope Canon considers offering users more flexibility with these functions in future releases.

I remain committed to the Canon ecosystem, but improvements like these would greatly enhance usability for working professionals like myself.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Kind regards,

Fatih Akbörü

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

deebatman316 — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 22:24:21 GMT

Usually HSS stays enabled even if the flash were powered off then back on again. You can enable it in the Speedlite Control Menu. I’ve never had HSS turn off for me without turning it off. Also the camera should show you the ambient light when a flash is being used. Even if Exposure Simulation is disabled there is a reason it’s disabled. The camera cannot predict how the picture will come out before the flash fires. This is because it doesn’t know how the flash is positioned or any other flash scenarios. You can simply turn off the flash and see what the ambient lighting is like. Then turn the flash back on. In the DSLR days Exposure Simulation was also disabled. This isn’t anything new.

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

fatihakboru — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 05:30:42 GMT

Dear Demetrius,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my concerns.

Regarding High-Speed Sync (HSS), I understand that it typically remains enabled, but in my daily professional use with the Canon R3 and EL-1, I consistently find that HSS needs to be re-enabled manually after either powering the camera off or detaching/re-attaching the flash. This behavior may not be universal, but it certainly affects some setups or firmware combinations. If this is not the intended behavior, perhaps it’s worth Canon investigating under what conditions this occurs.

As for Exposure Simulation, I completely understand that the camera cannot preview the final exposure with flash—this is technically obvious. However, many mirrorless systems (such as Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony) allow the user to choose whether to simulate only the ambient exposure even with a flash attached. This flexibility is highly useful in mixed lighting situations where assessing ambient contribution is critical. While toggling the flash off/on manually is an option, it’s not always practical during fast-paced shoots, and introduces additional wear and potential connection issues.

I bring up these points not as criticisms, but as suggestions from a working professional hoping to see the Canon ecosystem evolve with more user-driven flexibility. Small firmware enhancements like these can have a big impact on real-world usability.

Thank you again for your engagement and your insights.

Best regards,
Fatih Akbörü

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

p4pictures — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 07:50:52 GMT

Hi Faith,

I'll admit the combination of Speedlite EL-1 and the EOS R3 / EOS R5C is not so common, and therefore maybe not so many users have experienced this issue with HSS being switched off. Certainly if the problem is repeatable then it is worth feeding back to Canon, as that is quite different from my own experience with other combinations of Canon cameras and Canon Speedlites.

To send feedback directly there is a link right in the footer of the Canon USA homepage https://www.usa.canon.com/

I am also in agreement that having the choice to use exposure simulation with flash. It would be valuable for photographers using fill-in flash in daylight conditions. I've experienced the issue with backlit subjects where the background is very bright that the cameras find it hard to focus on the face / eyes as the lack of exposure simulation renders the face so dark that the camera cannot detect eyes / face. Yet if you switch of the flash and use exposure simulation in the same conditions then focus on the eyes is consistently accurate.

Thanks for pointing out that other camera systems do allow the choice to simulate or not with flash, I was not aware of that detail.

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

fatihakboru — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 22:09:16 GMT

Subject: Canon EOS R3 Firmware 1.9.0 – Exposure Simulation Feature Not Available

Dear Canon Support,

I have successfully updated my Canon EOS R3 camera to firmware version 1.9.0. According to the official release notes, the update includes the following feature:

“Adds the ability to enable [Exposure Simulation] when a flash unit is attached.”

However, despite installing the update, I am unable to locate this new setting in any of the camera menus. I have tested this with both Canon’s own flash units and fully compatible third-party TTL flashes, but the [Exposure Simulation] option remains unavailable when a flash is attached.

Additionally, I could not find any official documentation or instructions explaining how to activate this function or under what conditions it should appear. This leads to the impression that, although the feature is listed as part of the update, it may not have been fully implemented or activated in practice.

Could you please clarify whether this is a technical issue, a compatibility limitation, or if there are specific steps or conditions required for this feature to appear?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Kind regards,
Fatih Akbörü

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

deebatman316 — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 22:22:59 GMT

You need to press the depth of field preview button for it to work.

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

p4pictures — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 22:36:48 GMT

In the Display simulation setting, you need to select Display only while pressing the DOF button. Then while the depth of field button is pressed the camera will simulate the exposure even if the flash is used.

See this section of the manual, and make sure to expand the caution section

https://cam.start.canon/en/C010/manual/html/UG-03_Shooting-1_0390.html

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

fatihakboru — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 22:51:12 GMT

Thanks for your reply, but pressing the depth of field preview button is not the correct solution in this case.

The issue is related to the firmware version 1.9.0 for the Canon EOS R3, which claims to allow the [Exposure Simulation] feature to work even when a flash unit is attached. However, after updating to version 1.9.0, there is no menu option or setting that enables this feature — [Exposure Simulation] still automatically turns off as soon as a flash is connected.

So the problem is not about using the DOF preview button; it’s about Canon announcing a feature that either doesn’t work as expected or is undocumented in terms of how to activate it.

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

fatihakboru — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 22:51:45 GMT

Thanks for your reply, but pressing the depth of field preview button is not the correct solution in this case.

So the problem is not about using the DOF preview button; it’s about Canon announcing a feature that either doesn’t work as expected or is undocumented in terms of how to activate it.

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

p4pictures — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 09:17:04 GMT

I have just tested the new capability in my EOS R6 Mark II using the latest firmware 1.6.0, and can confirm I see the simulation working with a flash. Here is how it works.

From the display simulation menu select the third option, Exposure only during DOF. All other options do not support exposure simulation with flash.
I set my camera to manual exposure 1/160th, f/2.8 ISO 160, I put a Speedlite ST-E10 transmitter on the hotshoe that was linked to a Speedlite 430EX III-RT off-camera.
I'm indoors aimed at a dark subject that would be several stops underexposed with my chosen manual settings. Without any buttons pressed the camera shows a brighter version of the scene, and is clearly not simulating the exposure.
Press and hold the DOF preview button and the LCD / EVF changes to show a simulation of the manual exposure settings I selected and my scene is underexposed. It is clear that the camera is now simulating the ambient exposure while the flash is active, and ready to fire.

So proving that it works on the EOS R6 Mark II I see no reason why the same will not follow for your EOS R3.

I have also tried some variations. I have used both EF lenses on the adapter and RF lenses - all work. I have use the ST-E10 on the camera and the Speedlite 430EX III-RT on the camera - both work. I have used the custom controls to assign the DOF function to the normal AE-lock button, it still simulates the exposure while I press the AE-lock button.

For your camera, please check you set the display simulation setting correctly. Also please check that you have not reconfigured the DOF button with custom controls to have some other function assigned.

With this new function:

You must set display simulation to Exposure only during DOF
Exposure simulation is only active while the button assigned with the DOF function is pressed

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

fatihakboru — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 15:01:01 GMT

Thank you for taking the time to explain how it works on your EOS R6 Mark II — your detailed steps are appreciated.

However, in the case of the EOS R3, although firmware version 1.9.0 officially states that it adds the ability to enable [Exposure Simulation] when a flash unit is attached, this option does not appear anywhere in the menu after the update. There is no additional item or setting under the "Display Simulation" section when a flash is mounted.

While your workaround using "Exposure only during DOF" and holding the DOF button is valid and indeed useful, this method has been available even before the update. What the firmware notes imply is a new ability to enable exposure simulation without having to press any button — meaning a visible toggle or setting should be present to activate it while the flash is attached. Unfortunately, on the EOS R3, this promised function simply doesn’t show up as a selectable option in the interface.

So, while I’m glad the R6 Mark II implementation works for you, I believe Canon may not have fully delivered or exposed the feature yet on the R3 — or it may require additional steps that haven’t been documented clearly.

Thanks again for your input, and I’ll keep investigating in case a solution or update appears.

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

deebatman316 — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 15:24:39 GMT

Is Exposure Simulation working with flash when the depth of field preview button is pressed? If it is its working per Canon's stated information then its working correctly. There isn't a separate menu option for any these cameras that allow Exposure Simulation with Flash. So you must use the depth of field preview button as stated in the manual.

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

fatihakboru — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 15:37:36 GMT

In the official firmware update notes for the EOS R3 (version 1.9.0), Canon clearly states the following:

“8. Adds the ability to enable [Exposure Simulation] when a flash unit is attached.”

Therefore, it should now be possible to activate exposure simulation even when a flash is attached.

I kindly ask that only those who have definitive knowledge on the subject respond. Please avoid speculative or uninformed replies to prevent confusion.

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

deebatman316 — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 15:54:33 GMT

Yes the ability was added but you must press the depth of field preview button first to activate Exposure Simulation with flash. Just like HSS isn't automatically enabled even if the flash supports it. It must be manually turned on the flash itself or through the camera menu.

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

fatihakboru — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 16:19:33 GMT

This is not a solution and it doesn’t work. Therefore, please avoid replying unless you have clear and accurate information, as these back-and-forth messages are unnecessary. Even if I press the depth of field preview button, nothing happens. Technically, there should be an option in the menu to activate this feature. But there’s nothing like that in the menu

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

deebatman316 — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 16:37:00 GMT

Are you sure your settings are configured correctly before saying it doesn't work. The manual says "Exposure only during Normally, the image is displayed at standard brightness, so it is easy to see. Only when you press and hold the depth-of-field preview button will image brightness resemble actual brightness (exposure) of your shot, and you can check depth of field." You need to use that setting for Exposure Simulation with flash to work. As my colleague @p4pictures pointed out and even linked the manual. So please double check your settings and confirm that they're correct.

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

p4pictures — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 17:04:40 GMT

@fatihakboru wrote:

In the official firmware update notes for the EOS R3 (version 1.9.0), Canon clearly states the following:

“8. Adds the ability to enable [Exposure Simulation] when a flash unit is attached.”

Therefore, it should now be possible to activate exposure simulation even when a flash is attached.

I kindly ask that only those who have definitive knowledge on the subject respond. Please avoid speculative or uninformed replies to prevent confusion.

I have now been able to check the EOS R3 also. There is a change in the text of the caution note in the manual between version 1.9.0 and previous versions. The text change is the same as I found in the EOS R6 Mark II. While you interpret the text in the release notes one way, the manual text explains it differently and in line with my earlier reply.

Here is the EOS R3 manual section as a screenshot from the EOS R3 manual for version 1.7.0

EOS R3 manual for firmware 1.7.0

Here is the screenshot of the latest EOS R3 manual for firmware version 1.9.0.

EOS R3 manual for firmware 1.9.0

I'm also disappointed that Canon didn't add a menu item to enable ambient exposure simulation when using flash, but at this time that is not what has been done.

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

fatihakboru — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 21:25:17 GMT

Unfortunately, none of the solutions work—not even in any of the possible scenarios. Moreover, the current R3 manual doesn’t include the statement shown in the image you shared. Canon has completely messed this up. This issue has made me hate a flagship camera that I once admired.

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

p4pictures — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 08:19:35 GMT

You should check the current EOS R3 manual that is on the Canon Inc website. The URL is shown on your camera menu in the SETUP 5 menu, look for Manual/software URL

It shows the following link https://cam.start.canon/en/C010/ and that is where you will find the current manual. On the front page of the manual it shows which firmware version the manual is designed for.

If you download the Advanced User Guide PDF file that is available you should skip straight to page 309.

Re: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

fatihakboru — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 10:28:17 GMT

Unfortunately, I still haven’t received a clear answer. If someone who owns both a Canon R3 and an EL-1 flash could share a short video demonstrating this issue, I’d greatly appreciate it.

The official manual doesn’t provide a clear solution either.

No offense, but theoretical explanations or general guidance don’t help with the specific issue I’m facing.

Replies that don’t offer a concrete solution only make things more confusing, so I kindly ask that only those who are sure about the solution respond.