EOS R3 autofocus issues after upgrade to firmware 1.8

[czbrat3962]

I updated the my Canon R3 to 1.8 firmware because I had an issue with my camera freezing during a football game.  What a mistake that was.  Now my camera won’t lock on focus.  I have all of my settings set to where I had it before.  Now when I try to lock on a player it’s floating all over the place. Before I was locking a player, then eye detection would take over for nearly two years. Worked flawlessly. Now my camera is a POS. I know a few other photographers having similar issues with the update.  I have did a factory reset and reinstalled the update same issues. Last night during the football game I disabled everything and shot the old fashioned way.  Now going to try and downgrade my update. So frustrated.

[NatalyaP]

Greetings czbrat3962,

I'm sorry to hear that the autofocus system is not working as well as it used to on your EOS R3 camera. We recommend on checking to see if this issue occurs with multiple lenses and in different type of shooting environments.

In case the camera continues to experience this issue, then we would suggest on sending the EOS R3 camera to our facility.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. has created a new online repair portal that allows you to set up service in a few simple steps. The repair portal gives you the ability to set up service for multiple pieces of equipment at once, and to receive a repair estimate in the majority of cases, depending on your model and issue. The portal also allows you to upload images or videos that will assist us in repairing your product. You can also select how you wish to be notified of the progress of your repair. The portal's service history section allows you to view all services that have been performed on any of your camera or video products since January 7, 2020.

Please follow the link below to access our online repair portal to arrange for service:

https://mycanon.usa.canon.com/signin

Instructions for Accessing and Using the Online Repair Portal.

You will need to access or create your My Canon Account.

If you already have a My Canon Account and your product is already registered, simply click on the “Get Repair Services” link on the left menu and follow the onscreen instructions to arrange for service for your product.

If you have a My Canon Account and your product is not registered, you must register your product first. Click on the “Get Repair Services” link on the left menu, then click on the “Register Product” link on the right. After your product is registered, click on the “Get Repair Service” link on the left menu and follow the onscreen instructions to arrange for service for your product.

If you do not have a My Canon Account, you will need to create one. After you create your account, click on the “Add Product” link to register your first product. After your product is registered, click on the “Get Repair Service” link on the left menu and follow the onscreen instructions to arrange for service for your product.

Once you have completed the repair request, you will have an opportunity to print a copy of the request for your records. This request form will also contain shipping instructions and an address label that you will attach to the outside of your shipping box when mailing your equipment for repair.

[czbrat3962]

Yes I used multiple lenses as I thought that was my first thought. I tested the 400f 2.8 , 300f2.8, and 70-200f2.8. Had more issues with the 400 and 300 at a distance. I shot basketball last night.  While the camera performed better.  It wasn’t 100%.  Like before. 

[Evgeny1973]

Greetings, 

What firmware did you have before update to 1.8?

[czbrat3962]

1.71

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Just some general observations.  Unrelated to the problem(s) you are facing, I'd like to mention that updating firmware is NEVER the correct action or indicated to resolve unexpected or undesired behavior.  Firmware is applicable (indicated) to add features, add support for lenses or accessories and to enhance functionality.  In some cases security issues might also be addressed.  Unless specifically stated, updating firmware does not fix "freezing".  Reapplying firmware is another action that doesn't do anything.  Either is loads and updates or it doesn't.  If its not successful, the camera should be sent to Canon for inspection and repair.  

You took correct troubleshooting steps.  Removing accessories, testing with different lenses, resetting the camera, etc.  I might try different storage media and batteries as well.  If unsuccessful, the camera should go to Canon for inspection, as recommended by NatalyaP.  If its possible to consistently reproduce the behavior, this is helpful for support and should be provided in the problem description.

"Freezing" is not something that was addressed in v1.8.0

1. Adds [Protect Images] and [Rating] during FTP Transfer.
2. Adds the ability to select [Wired] as a connection option when [Airplane mode] is set to [On].
3. The following issues have been fixed:
a. Fixes an issue, in which when Wi-Fi is disconnected, Err70 occurs.
b. Fixes an issue, in which when shooting subjects that are smaller in the frame, the card access indicator blinks and operations can no longer be performed.
c. Fixes an issue, in which while operating both the touch function on the LCD monitor and a customized button, and then performing shooting, operations can no longer be performed.
d. Fixes an issue, in which when performing shooting in high-speed continuous shooting + mode with the [Highlight Tone Priority] option set to [ON], focus may not be achieved when certain ISO speed settings are used.

If you have concerns about the way your camera is focusing / performing, again I would send the body and lens to canon for inspection. 

[Evgeny1973]

I have the same problem with 1.8.

Before, focus was more reliable. 

AF point shows the eye, but jumping backwards and forwards.

The message is clear: save money to R1:)

But thanks Canon, they didn't delete previous 1.7.1 from site, for the people who don't want R1 🙂

So, I downgraded back to previous firmware. 

[czbrat3962]

How do you downgrade to previous firmware.  I tried to do it on a video I found on YouTube.  But it didn’t work.  It wouldn’t recognize the older version. 

[Evgeny1973]

I used this method.

https://petapixel.com/how-to-downgrade-canon-camera-firmware/

[czbrat3962]

This is what I used.  I could not get the 1.71 to come up after closing door.