Canon 5D Mark IV error lost confidence in product

[AMCLARSSON]

Hi all, This is my first post!

I got a new 5D Mark IV which I began using today.

1.) On the top LCD screen it displayed an error code 'err cr2d..' it flashed very quickly before disappearing and the main LCD screen was blank. The retailer is collecting the camera for a refund as they only have them available on a 5-7 day delivery now. Are there widespread issues with this model?

2.) I am opting for a 5D Mark III instead, simply because I have always thought the longer a model has been out the more likely it is to be fault free'. This episode kind of proved that to be true. What are your thoughts on that?

3.) I have one more question - the menu is dramatically different from what I came from (6D, upgrading for several reasons - build quality for one) and I began noticing things like 'Electronic lens MF' which isn't mentioned in the manual. I began thinking whether this error may have been to do with this feature and I may not have set up the camera to lens correctly. Or is there something else I am not considering?

I have never experienced an error with Canon cameras so this made me lose confidence in this product.

(FYI - I switched between a Canon EF 24-70mm 2.8 L II to a Canon EF 50mm 1.4 during shoot)

Thanks in advance.

[TTMartin]

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@AMCLARSSON wrote:

I performed a standard format - there was no need to perform a low level format. I have also been told that if using fast cards there is no need. I have never condiered doing one and thus, never looked into what it does. Please can you enlightened me?

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The 5D Mk IV uses standard CF cards, NOT CFast cards like the 1DX Mk II

[AMCLARSSON]

Thanks Tim,

Much appreciated for your reply. So to clarify, perform a low level format upon initial entry to the camera and then a general format after that? Cards I have used already (as I have not performed a low level format whatsoever), should be formatted (to wipe files) then low level formatted to 'organise' them?

The memory cards i am buying are from San Disk on Amazon, and inpsired by this thread I contacted San Disk who confirmed they are an approved seller on there. I will not buy from a third party unless approved.

The subject  of this thread spilled into memory cards and we don't even know if it is a bad memory card that caused it. The error does not match that of any Canon lists on their site or in the manual. So I am assuming it was just a bad camera. I have never had an issue with any Canon camera, I still judge the 5D2 to be the best I have had so far.

Thanks for your time, truly appreciated. 

[AMCLARSSON]

Yes, but I was using an SD card.

[TTMartin]

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@AMCLARSSON wrote:

Yes, but I was using an SD card.

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Was the camera set to record to the SD card slot?

[AMCLARSSON]

Yes. In fact it was the only card in there and the only option automatically available. I don't think this error occurred because of an SD card.

[ebiggs1]

Basically a standard format just deletes the file allocation table and the images on the card might be recoverable using a recovery software. 

Low level format fills all the space on the card with zeros no matter what is there. Partitions or folders or files everything is gone. If a partition gets screwed up low level format can fix it for instance.

I am one, along with Tim Campbell, that doesn't trust Amazon.  Buy your cards from B&H, Adorama, Roberts, Best Buy, etc.  Big know good retailers that will sell you the card in the Sandisk or Lexar packaging.  If something was wrong with your SD card that was it.  Not the failure to low level format it.

[ebiggs1]

As to what camera to get, the 5D Mk IV is the choice.  Why would you even consider buying a discontinued Mk III ?  That is the reason they have been discounted so much.  Canon wants to get rid of them.  If you are committed and you can drop the dime on a new camera go for the best you can.  The 5D Mk IV is it in a Canon brand.

[AMCLARSSON]

Ok thanks.

Yes I see what you mean - as previously mentioned, I've always thought the longer it's been out the less bugs and faults it will have as the company has had time to eradicate such issues. I used to work for an electronics co and know how they work.

It may be old but Canon still services the original 5D1. Production is ceasing not service support for it.

I will probably end up with the 5D4 if I am honest. I just don't need video etc and 20MP is prefect for press work.

[ebiggs1]

" Production is ceasing not service support for it."

Not "ceasing" but ceased!  Also the last 5D Mk III has already been made, you can bet on that.

[TCampbell]

We don't know if it was a bad card per se.  It could be the wrong type of card.  It could be a camera issue as well (but that's exceedingly rare - it's far more often that these sorts of issues turn out to be the card.)

One area where people get into trouble is by using cards that were previously used in other cameras without re-formatting the card (generally all camera makers warn that you should not share cards between different cameras without re-formatting them first.)

Also, check the specs for your card.  Sometimes people run into issues by buying cards where the specs of the card go beyond what the camera supports.  For example... the 5D IV specifically specifies that the SD cards can be SD, SDHC, or SDXC (those all relate to maximum storage capacity), and they also specify that they do support UHS-I (a technology that allows for high-speed transfer with both device and card support it) but that UHS-II specifically is _not_ supported (they warn that the card may "work" but may have very slow transfer speeds.).   Also... MMC (multi-media card) spec is specifically _not_ supported and attempting to use an SD card that is an "MMC" card will result in errors.

You can see how using a card that doesn't match the specs could result in errors or poor performance even though the card itself isn't defective (it's just not the correct type) and the camera isn't defective.

As for Amazon... just make sure that when you look at a product, you check the "Ships and sold by... " tag in the product listing.  Amazon is a dealer, but they also allow market-place sellers to list products on their site and they even offer a deal where marketplace sellers can store the seller's inventory in an Amazon warehouse so that Amazon's fulfillment staff will pick, pack, & ship the seller's product (but the seller sources the product on their own and the seller may not be an authorized dealer obtaining genuine goods.). If the product listing on Amazon says "Ships and sold by Amazon.com" then you're not dealing with a marketplace seller - that's Amazon direct.  I do wish they'd do something to make it easier for us consumers.