topic Re: EOS R5 C autofocus problem in Professional Video

EOS R5 C won't focus on talking head

waller540 — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:42:28 GMT

I was hoping someone might be able to help with an autofocus problem on the r5c. I'm sure it used to be fine, and is only happening more recently. But I can shoot several minutes of talking head video and it not focus. In this I'm using a canon rf 15 35mm f2.8 lens. But it happens with others. Settings attached. Many thanks

Re: EOS R5 C autofocus problem

shadowsports — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:09:34 GMT

Greetings,

I have this body and the same lens.

What firmware version are you running?

Your video looks to be underexposed.

What shooting mode are you in?

Re: EOS R5 C autofocus problem

waller540 — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:28:54 GMT

Thanks for your reply. Should being underexposed by a small amount effect the autofocus that much? Especially with me moving around a bit over the course of 5 minutes and it not focusing at all?

Firmware: 1.0.5.1
Recording mode: normal recording, 25fps

I am updating the firmware now - should that matter for autofocus?

thanks

Re: EOS R5 C autofocus problem

shadowsports — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:22:37 GMT

Autofocus enhancements were made available in 1.0.4.1 and again in 1.0.1.1 (latest ss of this posting).

You already have these if you're running. 1.0.5.1. Not at home at the moment. I'll look at your settings when I get home shortly.

Re: EOS R5 C autofocus problem

shadowsports — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:27:29 GMT

Try changing your AF Frame to small.

Are you tapping or using the joystick to select your subject?

Re: EOS R5 C autofocus problem

shadowsports — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:24:07 GMT

Any progress here?

Re: EOS R5 C autofocus problem

waller540 — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:22:43 GMT

Thanks, I'll try. I use neither as I'm filming myself talk. So I set up, hit record, sit and go.

Re: EOS R5 C won't focus on talking head

shadowsports — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:48:03 GMT

Based on your description, it doesn't look like the camera is tracking properly. I'm sure there's nothing wrong with it. It's just going to be a matter of you getting it dialed in.

I'll provide detailed settings later today.

Here's what's missing

Since you are filming yourself, the camera has to be set so that it will track subjects as they exit and re-enter the frame (You).

Re: EOS R5 C won't focus on talking head

IamintheUK — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:55:15 GMT

I'm not surprised it won't focus on you .Like the location you are in you are severely under-exposed so the autofocus is focusing on the brightly lit trees in the background. This is the sort of thing that happens in low light with contrast based autofocus.

Re: EOS R5 C won't focus on talking head

shadowsports — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:14:30 GMT

My bad, I've been busy with house projects and haven't gotten around to providing him with suggested settings.

Agree with you about the underexposure I mentioned that in my first reply 😉